Toro Wheel Horse 266H Manual

The Toro Wheel Horse 266H is a 26-horsepower riding lawn tractor with hydrostatic transmission, 60-inch cutting deck, electric PTO, power steering, and dual hydraulic lift. Designed for residential and light commercial use, it features a Kohler Command Pro engine, cruise control, adjustable seat, headlights, and a 12-volt electrical system. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Assembly 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Attachments & Implements 7. Mowing Operation 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler Command Pro engine, Hydrostatic transmission, 60-inch fabricated mower deck, Electric PTO clutch, Power steering, Dual hydraulic lift system, Cruise control, Adjustable high-back seat, Headlights, 12V battery.

FeatureDescription
Engine26 HP Kohler Command Pro, OHV, air-cooled
TransmissionHydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Cutting Deck60-inch fabricated, 3-blade, anti-scalp rollers
PTOElectric clutch engagement
SteeringPower-assisted
Lift SystemDual hydraulic for deck and attachments
SeatAdjustable high-back with armrests
ControlsCruise control, hour meter, fuel gauge
Electrical12V system with alternator
HeadlightsDual halogen for night operation

Installation & Assembly

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on level surface.

  1. Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
  2. Attach seat: Mount to frame with provided hardware.
  3. Install battery: Connect positive then negative terminals.
  4. Attach mower deck: Lower lift arms, align pins, secure with retainers.
  5. Check tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, rear 10 PSI.

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are torqued to specification.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

  1. Check engine oil: Level between marks on dipstick.
  2. Check fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline.
  3. Check hydraulic fluid: Reservoir at full mark.
  4. Adjust seat: Position for full control reach.
  5. Start engine: Set parking brake, PTO off, turn key.
  6. Test controls: Forward/reverse, steering, PTO engagement.

CAUTION! Operate only in clear, dry conditions. Keep bystanders away.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO switch, throttle, cruise control, hour meter, fuel gauge. Floor: Hydrostatic pedal (forward/reverse), brake pedal, parking brake lever.

Steering: Power-assisted wheel. Lift: Dual hydraulic levers for deck and front attachments.

Adjustments: Seat forward/back, cutting height via lift lever, tire pressure. Settings: Engine RPM (throttle), cruise speed (set/resume), headlights on/off.

Attachments & Implements

Compatible with Toro Wheel Horse attachments: bagger, snow blower, tiller, aerator.

  1. Turn off engine and engage parking brake.
  2. Align attachment with hitch or mounting points.
  3. Secure with pins or bolts as specified.
  4. Connect drive shafts or hydraulic lines if required.
  5. Test attachment operation at low speed first.

Tip: Refer to attachment manual for specific installation instructions.

Mowing Operation

Designed for efficient cutting on slopes up to 15 degrees.

  1. Inspect area: Remove debris, rocks, toys.
  2. Set cutting height: Adjust lever to desired position.
  3. Start mower: Engage PTO at low throttle, increase to full.
  4. Mow patterns: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches.
  5. Slope mowing: Mow up and down, not across.
  6. Discharge: Keep chute away from people and property.
  7. After mowing: Let engine cool, clean deck, check for damage.

WARNING! Do not mow on slopes exceeding 15 degrees. Watch for hidden obstacles.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with PTO engaged. Parking Brake: Must be engaged to start. PTO Shield: Covers rotating driveline. Rollover Protection: Reinforced frame design.

Maintenance & Storage

Perform regular maintenance as per schedule.

Daily: Check oil, fuel, tires. Clean deck. 50 hours: Change oil, check belts. 100 hours: Replace air filter, spark plug. Seasonal: Lubricate fittings, sharpen blades, check battery.

Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer. Disconnect battery. Store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug before servicing blades. Use only recommended fluids.

Regulatory Information

EPA Tier 4 compliant engine. Meets ANSI/OPEI B71.1 safety standards for ride-on mowers. Copyright © 2025 Toro Company. Toro and Wheel Horse are registered trademarks. For support, visit www.toro.com or contact 1-800-348-2424.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery, fuel, safety switchCheck battery charge; ensure parking brake engaged; verify PTO off; check fuel.
Loss of powerClogged filter, old fuelReplace air filter; drain old fuel; check spark plug.
Uneven cuttingDeck level, dull bladesLevel deck; sharpen or replace blades; check tire pressure.
Hydrostatic sluggishLow fluid, linkageCheck hydraulic fluid level; inspect control linkage.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade, debrisTighten blade bolts; clean deck interior; check spindle bearings.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset electrical system.

Service: 1-800-348-2424; www.toro.com

Toro Wheel Horse 266H Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025