Toro Lawn Mower Model 21485 Manual

The Toro Model 21485 is a high-performance, self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 22-inch cutting deck, 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1-4 inches), electric start, rear-wheel drive, and a durable steel deck. Designed for residential use, it includes safety features like blade control system, operator presence control, and a durable washout port. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22-inch Steel Cutting Deck, 190cc Briggs & Stratton Engine, Rear Bag, Mulching Plug, Side Discharge Chute, Height Adjustment Lever, Electric Start Key, Drive Control Lever, Blade Control System.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	22-inch steel, 3-in-1 capability (mulch/bag/side discharge)
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton, 4-cycle, gas-powered
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Starting System	Electric start with key (battery included) + recoil backup
Height Adjustment	Single lever adjusts all four wheels (1" to 4" cutting height)
Blade Control	Operator presence control system for safety
Bag Capacity	2.6 bushel rear bag with easy-empty handle
Washout Port	Built-in port for easy deck cleaning
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front with ball bearings
Fuel Tank	0.95-gallon capacity

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach Handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wrench.
Install Upper Handle: Connect upper handle to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach Bag: Hang rear bag onto bag support brackets; ensure it clicks into place.
Install Side Discharge Chute: If using side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add Engine Oil: Fill crankcase with SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz.) – check dipstick.
Add Gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher). Do not overfill.
Install Battery: For electric start, connect red (+) then black (-) terminals to battery.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting deck during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup

Before first mow, complete pre-operation checks.

Check Oil Level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check Tire Pressure: Inflate all tires to 15 PSI (recommended).
Adjust Cutting Height: Set lever to desired height (start at 3 inches for first mow).
Select Discharge Mode: Install mulching plug, bag, or side discharge chute as needed.
Test Controls: Practice engaging blade control and drive lever in a safe area.
Start Engine: Use electric start key or pull recoil starter.

CAUTION! Operate only in clear, dry conditions. Clear lawn of debris before mowing.

Specifications

Model: Toro 21485
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 190cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height: 1 to 4 inches (7 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive, variable speed
Starting: Electric key start (12V battery) + recoil backup
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Bag Capacity: 2.6 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (SAE 30 detergent)
Weight: 85 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 3-year limited (residential use)

Controls and Operation

Main Controls: Blade Control Lever, Drive Control Lever, Height Adjustment Lever, Electric Start Key, Recoil Starter, Speed Control Dial.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Engage blade control. 4. Turn key or pull recoil starter.

Stopping: Release blade control lever; engine and blade will stop. Turn key to OFF.

Self-Propelled Drive: Squeeze drive control lever to engage; adjust speed with dial. Release to stop drive.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to one of 7 positions (1" to 4").

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 System: Mulch, Bag, or Side Discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug. Cuts clippings finely and returns to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Attach rear bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side (for tall/wet grass).

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and not too tall. Overlap passes slightly.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, blade condition, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually), check air filter, clean spark plug
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, sharpen or replace blade, check drive belt
Season end	Winterize: drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean deck, store properly

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug. Remove blade; sharpen at 22-degree angle; balance before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean: Wash deck with water via washout port; dry thoroughly.
Fuel: Either drain tank completely OR add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Oil: Change oil if due.
Battery: Remove battery; store in cool, dry place; charge every 60 days.
Store: In dry, covered area. Cover mower to keep dust-free.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades and can damage engine.

Safety Information

Read all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects.
Do not mow wet grass or in rain.
Never remove grass bag or unclog chute with engine running.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade.
Use extra caution on slopes; mow across slope, not up and down.
Disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.

DANGER! Blade rotates at high speed and can cause severe injury. Always ensure blade control is released and engine is off before approaching deck.

Warranty & Support

Toro Model 21485 includes a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance are not covered. For warranty service, contact an authorized Toro service dealer. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

For support, visit www.toro.com or call 1-888-384-9939. Have your model number (21485) and serial number ready.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, dead battery	Check fuel level; use fresh gas; clean/replace air filter; charge battery.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, spark plug issue	Replace air filter; drain old gas; clean/replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade; inflate tires evenly; clean deck underside.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt loose or worn, control cable issue	Check/adjust drive belt; inspect control cable for damage.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris in deck	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug. Tighten blade bolt; replace bent blade; clear debris.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed too low	Mow when grass is dry; clean deck; run engine at FAST throttle.

Reset: For electric start issues, check battery connection and charge.

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