Toro Lawn Mower Model 21462 Manual

The Toro Model 21462 is a high-performance, self-propelled, gas-powered walk-behind lawn mower featuring a 22-inch cutting deck, a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), electric start with backup recoil, Personal Pace® self-propel system for variable speed control, and a 2.5-bushel rear bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22-inch steel cutting deck, 190cc engine, rear collection bag, Personal Pace® drive system, electric start with key, height adjustment lever, and mulching plug.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	22 inches
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, OHV
Starting System	Electric start (battery included) with backup recoil
Drive System	Personal Pace® variable speed self-propelled
Cutting Height	Single-lever adjustment, 6 positions (1.5" to 4")
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushels (rear bag)
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 quarts (0.9 liters)
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Weight	Approximately 85 lbs (38.6 kg)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box. Verify contents against the parts list in the manual.

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with mounting brackets on the mower deck. Secure with provided bolts, washers, and wing nuts. Do not fully tighten yet.
Install the upper handle: Connect the upper handle section to the lower handle. Secure with bolts and wing nuts. Tighten all handle fasteners securely.
Install the battery (for electric start): Locate the battery compartment. Connect the red wire to the positive (+) terminal and the black wire to the negative (-) terminal. Secure the battery.
Attach the rear bag: Hang the bag support frame onto the hooks at the rear of the mower. Ensure the bag is fully seated and the retaining rod is engaged.
Check tire pressure: Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure (printed on tire sidewall, typically 12-15 PSI).

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly to protect against sharp edges. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup & Operation

Before first use, perform pre-operation checks.

Add oil: Place mower on a level surface. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick. Add SAE 30 detergent motor oil (approx. 20 oz / 0.6 L) until the level reaches the "Full" mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
Add fuel: Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Fill the fuel tank. Do not overfill; leave space for expansion.
Check the blade: Ensure the blade is sharp, balanced, and securely fastened.
Select cutting mode: Install the mulching plug for mulching, attach the bag for collection, or leave the chute open for side discharge.
Adjust cutting height: Move the single lever to the desired position (1-6).
Starting the engine: For electric start, insert the key, turn to the "ON" position, and pull the starter handle. For recoil start, ensure the key is in, set the throttle to "FAST," and pull the recoil cord briskly.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Always operate outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

Specifications

Model: 21462
Type: Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, 190cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive System: Personal Pace® variable speed front-wheel drive
Starting: Electric Key Start (12V battery) with Recoil Backup
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 Detergent Motor Oil (API service classification SJ or higher)
Warranty: Limited 3-year consumer warranty

Controls and Settings

Main controls are located on the handle.

Handle Controls: Personal Pace® control bar (squeeze to go, release to stop), Electric Start Key Switch, Recoil Starter Handle, Throttle Control (FAST/CHOKE/SLOW), Blade Control Bail (must be held to keep engine and blade running), Height Adjustment Lever.

Deck Controls: Mulching Plug Insert/Removal, Discharge Chute, Bag Attachment Hooks.

Settings: Cutting Height (Lever positions 1-6), Throttle (use CHOKE for cold starts only, then move to FAST), Drive Speed (controlled by pressure on Personal Pace® bar).

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 functionality allows you to choose the best method for your lawn.

Mulching: Install the mulching plug fully into the discharge chute. Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to the lawn as nutrient-rich mulch.
Bagging: Remove the mulching plug. Attach the rear bag assembly. Clippings are collected for disposal or composting.
Side Discharge: Remove the mulching plug and do not attach the bag. Clippings are discharged to the side. Use for tall or wet grass.

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when the grass is dry and never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Check for loose fasteners	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use (when cool)
Inspect/replace air filter	Every 25 hours or season
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or season
Sharpen or replace blade	Every 25 hours or as needed
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or season
Check tire pressure	Monthly
Charge battery (electric start)	As needed; before seasonal storage

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Add fuel stabilizer: Run the engine for 5 minutes after adding stabilizer to treated fuel to circulate it through the carburetor.
Drain or run dry: Either drain the fuel tank and carburetor completely, or run the engine until it stops from fuel starvation.
Change the oil: Change the engine oil while it is warm at the end of the season.
Remove the spark plug: Add 1 tablespoon of oil into the cylinder, pull the starter cord slowly to distribute, then reinstall the plug.
Clean the mower: Thoroughly clean the deck, undercarriage, and exterior. Let it dry completely.
Store the battery: For electric start models, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place on a trickle charger.
Store in a dry place: Cover the mower and store it in a clean, dry location.

CAUTION! Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in an enclosed space due to fire and fume hazards.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Always wear substantial footwear and long pants. Do not mow barefoot or in sandals.
Clear the mowing area of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects that could be thrown by the blade.
Do not operate the mower if the blade control bail does not stop the engine and blade within 3 seconds.
Never remove the grass bag or unclog the chute while the engine is running. Always turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Do not pull the mower backward while mowing. If you must back up, first look behind you.
Use extra caution when mowing on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.

DANGER! The rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting deck at all times.

Warranty & Support

Toro Model 21462 is covered by a limited 3-year consumer warranty (2-year commercial). Proof of purchase is required.

Warranty Coverage: Covers defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. Does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or normal wear items like blades, belts, or batteries.

For Support: Contact Toro Customer Service at 1-888-384-9939 or visit the Toro website at www.toro.com. Have your model (21462) and serial number ready. The serial number is located on a decal on the mower deck.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	Empty fuel tank, old fuel, spark plug wire disconnected, throttle not in CHOKE/FAST, dead battery (electric start).	Add fresh fuel. Check spark plug connection. Set throttle to CHOKE for cold start. Charge or replace battery.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel line, water in fuel.	Replace air filter. Drain and replace with fresh fuel. Clean fuel line and carburetor.
Mower does not self-propel	Drive cable disconnected or broken, drive belt worn or broken.	Check drive cable adjustment at the handle and transmission. Inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.
Uneven cutting	Dull or bent blade, uneven tire pressure, mower deck not level.	Sharpen or replace blade. Inflate all tires to equal pressure. Level the mower deck (adjust linkage).
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade or deck.	Stop engine immediately. Disconnect spark plug. Tighten or replace blade. Clean underside of deck.
Bag does not fill properly	Wet grass, cutting height too low, deck clogged, engine speed too low.	Mow when grass is dry. Raise cutting height. Clean deck. Operate at FULL throttle.

Reset: For electric start models, if the system is dead, check battery connections and charge the battery.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Toro service dealer.