Toro Model 21472 Owners Manual

The Toro Model 21472 is a high-performance walk-behind lawn mower featuring a powerful engine, adjustable cutting heights, a durable steel deck, rear-wheel drive, and a versatile mulching/bagging/side-discharge system. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting System 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, cutting deck, height adjustment lever, drive control, grass bag, and mulching plug.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful 4-cycle gasoline engine for reliable starting and performance
Cutting Deck	21-inch steel deck with reinforced design for durability
Cutting Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjustment for 6 cutting positions (1.5" to 4")
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, or side-discharge capability
Handle	Foldable design with ergonomic grips for easy storage
Safety Features	Blade control system (deadman switch), operator presence control
Wheels	Large rear wheels for better traction and maneuverability
Fuel Tank	Easy-access fuel tank with clear fuel level indicator
Air Filter	Washable foam air filter for engine protection

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the mower.

Clear mowing area of debris, stones, and toys before starting.
Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection during operation.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance or clearing blockages.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades. Never operate without proper guards in place.

Assembly & Setup

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

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and knobs.
Install grass bag: Attach bag support frame to rear discharge chute, hang bag on frame.
Add oil: Check oil level; add SAE 30 detergent oil (API service classification SJ or higher) as specified.
Add fuel: Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane). Do not overfill.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position before starting.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Keep assembly area clear of obstacles.

Specifications

Model: 21472
Engine Type: 4-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled
Engine Power: 160cc
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5" to 4"
Drive System: Rear-wheel drive, variable speed
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (0.6 liters)
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: Limited 2-year residential warranty

Controls and Operation

Main controls located on handle: Drive control, blade control, and primer bulb.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine only).
Stand behind mower, pull blade control handle to handlebar.
Pull recoil starter cord briskly.

Stopping: Release blade control handle; engine and blade will stop. Move throttle to STOP position.

Driving: Squeeze drive control against handle to engage drive; release to stop. Adjust speed by varying pressure.

Cutting System

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge opening. Cuts clippings finely and returns them to lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag to rear chute. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag; attach optional side discharge chute (sold separately).

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to one of 6 positions. Ensure all wheels are at same height.

Blade Care: Keep blade sharp for clean cuts. Inspect regularly for damage or wear.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (more frequently in dusty conditions)
Every season	Replace air filter, spark plug
As needed	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure
Every 100 hours	Clean under deck, inspect drive system

Oil Change Procedure: Run engine briefly to warm oil. Disconnect spark plug. Drain oil via drain plug or tip mower (carburetor side up). Refill with recommended oil.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (especially over winter).

Run engine to burn fuel from carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline and run for 5 minutes.
Change oil and replace air filter.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Store in clean, dry place. Cover to protect from dust.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, stale fuel, spark plug disconnected	Add fresh gasoline, check spark plug connection, prime engine
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line	Clean/replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen blade, inflate tires evenly, clean deck
Loss of power	Clogged deck, low oil level, dirty air filter	Clean underside, check oil, service air filter
Drive system not engaging	Drive cable loose or damaged	Adjust or replace drive control cable
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade	Tighten blade bolt, replace bent blade, remove debris

Reset: For safety system issues, ensure blade control handle is fully engaged and drive control is functioning.

Warranty Information

Toro Model 21472 is covered by a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.

For warranty claims or service, contact an authorized Toro service dealer or call Toro Customer Support at 1-888-384-9939. Visit www.toro.com for more information and to locate dealers.

Note: Keep your receipt and record the model and serial numbers (located on deck near rear wheel) for reference.