Toro Scarifier Operator's Manual

Introduction

This scarifier is intended for use by residential homeowners to loosen soil and remove moss and weeds from lawns. Using this product for unintended purposes can be dangerous. Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product safely.

Visit www.Toro.com for more information, including safety tips, training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

For service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service. Have your model and serial numbers ready. Figure 1 shows the location of the model and serial numbers.

Model No.

Serial No.

Important: With your mobile device, scan the QR code on the serial number decal (if equipped) to access warranty, parts, and other product information.

This manual uses Important to highlight special mechanical information and Note for general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with relevant European directives. Refer to the separate product-specific Declaration of Conformity (DOC) sheet for details.

Do not tamper with or disable safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Do not attempt to adjust or tamper with the engine speed control, as this may create an unsafe operating condition and result in personal injury.

Safety

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury or death.

• Read, understand, and follow the instructions and warnings in this Operator's Manual and on the machine and attachments before starting the engine.
• Do not put your hands or feet near moving parts or under the machine. Keep clear of any discharge opening.
• Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and functioning properly.
• Keep bystanders and children out of the operating area. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Allow only responsible, trained, and familiar individuals to operate the machine.
• Stop the machine, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop before servicing, fueling, or unclogging the machine.

Improper use or maintenance can result in injury. Comply with these safety instructions and pay attention to the safety-alert symbol ▲, which indicates a potential hazard. Failure to comply may result in personal injury or death.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Safety decals and instructions are visible to the operator and located near areas of potential danger. Replace any damaged or missing decals.

• Decal 134-7583: Blade depth (mm) below ground, Blade depth (mm) above ground, Tine depth at ground level, Tine depth (mm) above ground.
• Decal 134-5696: Warning—read the Operator's Manual; wear eye protection and hearing protection. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, blade—disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the Operator's Manual before performing maintenance. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away.
• Decal 134-5698: Transport position—engaged, Transport position—disengaged.
• Decal 134-6097: Release the bail to shut off the engine.

Setup

1. Assembling the Handle

Important: Remove and discard protective plastic covering the engine and any other plastic or wrapping on the machine.

Procedure:

WARNING: Assembling and unfolding the handle improperly can damage cables, causing an unsafe operating condition. Do not damage cables when unfolding the handle. If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

1. Install the lower handle over the post on the lower handle bracket and position for desired handle height (Figure 3).
2. Secure each side of the lower handle to the machine using a carriage bolt and a lock knob. Tighten the lower handlebar knobs.
3. Install each side of the upper handle to the lower handle using a curved washer, curved head bolt, and a lock knob (Figure 4).
4. Secure the cables extending from the upper handle to the lower handle using the cable clamps.

2. Adding Oil to the Engine

Important: If the oil level is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

Follow the procedure illustrated in Figure 5 (Steps A-N) for adding oil.

3. Assembling the Grass Bag

Follow the procedure illustrated in Figure 6 for assembling the grass bag.

Product Overview

Figure 7 shows the main components of the scarifier:

1. Blade-control bar
2. Upper handle
3. Transport lever
4. Handle-lock knob
5. Air filter
6. Spark plug (not shown)
7. Exhaust guard
8. Fuel-tank cap
9. Oil fill/dipstick
10. Oil drain plug
11. Depth-of-cut lever
12. Recoil-start handle
13. Engine controls
14. Grass bag

Specifications

Attachments/Accessories

Toro-approved attachments and accessories are available to enhance capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or Toro distributor, or visit www.Toro.com for a list. Use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories for optimum performance and safety. Parts and accessories from other manufacturers could be dangerous and void the product warranty.

Operation

Before Operation

Before Operation Safety

General Safety

• Always shut off the machine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• Check that all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning properly.
• Always inspect the machine for worn or damaged blades and roller assembly parts.
• Inspect the operating area and remove any objects that could interfere with operation or be thrown by the machine, including underground objects like sprinkler heads, irrigation piping, or shallow electrical cords. Contact with moving blades can cause serious injury; do not put fingers under the housing.

Fuel Safety

• Fuel is flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion can cause injury and property damage.
• To prevent static charge ignition, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors in an open area when the engine is cold. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
• Do not handle fuel while smoking or near open flames or sparks.
• Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel while the engine is running or hot.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine. Avoid ignition sources until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Store fuel in an approved container out of children's reach.
• Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause injury and illness. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Keep face and hands away from the nozzle and fuel-tank opening. Keep fuel away from eyes and skin.

Filling the Fuel Tank

Fuel Specifications:

• Type: Unleaded gasoline
• Minimum octane rating: 87 (US) or 91 (research octane outside the US)
• Ethanol: No more than 10% by volume
• Methanol: None
• MTBE: Less than 15% by volume
• Oil: Do not add to the fuel

Use only clean, fresh fuel (no more than 30 days old) from a reputable source.

Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer/conditioner to fresh fuel as directed by the manufacturer.

1. Clean around the fuel-tank cap and remove the cap.
2. Install the fuel-tank cap and tighten securely by hand.

Note: Do not fill the fuel tank above the bottom of the fuel-tank neck (Figure 4).

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

Service Interval: Before each use or daily

Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

Follow the procedure illustrated in Figure 9 (Steps A-N) for checking the oil level.

Adjusting the Handle Height

You can raise or lower the handle for a comfortable position. Remove the lock knobs and carriage bolts from the lower handle, move the handle to one of 3 positions, and install the lock knob and carriage bolts in the new position (Figure 3).

Adjusting the Maximum Depth of Cut

DANGER: Adjusting depth-of-cut levers can cause contact with a moving blade, resulting in serious injury. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting. Do not put fingers under the housing when adjusting depth of cut.

CAUTION: If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

1. Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Push downwards on the main handlebars to lift the front wheels off the ground.
3. Move the transport lever all the way back toward you into the transport position (Figure 10).
4. Adjust the depth-of-cut lever by pushing it in and moving it to a different slot (Figure 11).
• To raise the max depth of cut, move the depth-of-cut lever forward.
• To lower the max depth of cut, move the depth-of-cut lever rearward.
• Depth of cut varies by shaft assembly; refer to Figure 11 and the table below.

Note: Move the depth-of-cut lever all the way forward when transporting the machine.

Operating Tips

• Select the correct shaft assembly for your lawn type (steel blade for heavy thatch/moss, spring tine for regularly scarified lawns with low thatch/moss).
• Begin by cutting the lawn to the lowest height of cut (HOC) to reduce load. Select a HOC that produces an even amount of material/thatch.
• Important: Set tine blades so tips just touch the ground. Excessive penetration will overload the machine and reduce its lifetime.
• On heavy or unmaintained lawns, start with a higher HOC to reduce load and increase machine lifetime.
• At the end of each run, lift tines away from the ground to reduce surface wear.
• Make a second pass at a diagonal angle (approx. 30°).
• Mow to clean up debris.

During Operation

During Operation Safety

General Safety

• Wear appropriate clothing: eye protection, long pants, slip-resistant footwear, and hearing protection. Tie back long hair; do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
• Use full attention while operating. Avoid distractions that could cause injury or property damage.
• Do not operate while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The blade is sharp; contacting it can result in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
• Keep bystanders out of the operating area. Keep small children under the watchful care of a responsible adult not operating the machine. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Always look down and behind before moving the machine in reverse.
• Operate only in good visibility and appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate during lightning risk.
• Wet grass or leaves can cause injury if you slip and contact the blades. Avoid operating in wet conditions.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.
• Do not operate without the rear deflector lowered or the grass bag installed. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain can cause loss of balance or footing.
• If the machine strikes an object or vibrates unusually, immediately shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before examining for damage. Make necessary repairs before resuming operation.
• Before leaving the operating position, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop.
• The engine will be hot after running and can cause severe burns. Keep away from the hot engine.
• Operate the engine only in well-ventilated areas. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
• Check grass catcher components and discharge chute frequently for wear or deterioration and replace with genuine Toro parts.

Slope Safety

• Operate the machine across the face of slopes, not up and down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Do not operate on excessively steep slopes. Poor footing can cause slip-and-fall accidents.
• Operate with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

Starting the Engine

1. Push the engine On/Off switch to the ON position.
2. Move the fuel-valve lever to the OPEN position.
3. Move the choke lever to the ON position. (A warm or hot engine may not require choking.)
4. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.
5. Move the transport lever all the way back toward you into the transport position (Figure 10).
6. Hold the blade-control bar against the handle (A of Figure 13).
7. Pull the recoil-start handle (B of Figure 13). Pull lightly until resistance is felt, then pull sharply. Allow the rope to return slowly.
8. After the engine starts, gradually move the choke lever back to the OFF position. If the engine stalls or hesitates, move the choke back to ON until the engine warms up, then move to OFF.

Note: If the machine does not start after several attempts, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Engaging the Scarifier

When the scarifier engine is on, the roller begins to rotate. Slowly move the transport lever forward to lower the roller into the ground (Figure 14).

Note: If the blade reel shaft is installed and the scarifier does not penetrate the ground at the desired depth, adjust the max depth of cut (refer to Adjusting the Maximum Depth of Cut, page 10).

When finished scarifying, push down on the handlebars to lift the front wheels off the ground, move the transport lever back toward you into the transport position, and release the blade-control bar to shut off the machine.

Shutting Off the Engine

To shut off the engine, release the blade-control bar and move the transport lever all the way back toward you into the transport position (Figure 10).

Bagging the Clippings

Note: Install and remove the grass bag from the right side of the machine.

Installing the Grass Bag

1. Raise and hold up the rear deflector (A of Figure 15).
2. Install the grass bag, ensuring the pins on the bag rest in the notches on the handle (B of Figure 15).
3. Lower the rear deflector.

Removing the Grass Bag

Reverse the steps in Installing the Grass Bag to remove the bag.

After Operation

After Operation Safety

General Safety

• Always shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, allow the machine to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing.
• Clean grass and debris from the machine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water heater or other appliances.

Hauling Safety

• Before hauling, move the transport lever to the transport position.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine.
• Secure the machine from rolling.

Cleaning under the Machine

Service Interval: After each use

For best results, clean under the machine soon after operating.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.
2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (refer to Preparing for Maintenance, page 18).
3. Raise the machine to its highest depth-of-cut setting.
4. Move the machine onto a paved level surface.
5. Holding the handle, tilt the machine up so the bottom of the deck is accessible (Figure 16).
6. Spray a stream of water under the deck (Figure 16).

Important: Do not spray the engine with water; water can damage the engine or contaminate the fuel system.

7. When no more debris come out, lower the machine, stop the water, and move the machine to a dry area.
8. Connect the spark plug wire and run the engine for a few minutes to dry the underside of the machine.

Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Important: Refer to your engine owner's manual for additional maintenance procedures.

Maintenance Safety

• Always shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, allow the machine to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.
• Blades are sharp; contacting a blade can result in serious personal injury. Wear gloves when servicing blades. Do not repair or alter blades.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Tipping the machine may cause fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable and explosive and can cause personal injury. Run the engine dry or remove fuel with a hand pump; never siphon fuel.
• For optimum performance, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous and void the product warranty.

Preparing for Maintenance

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool.
2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 17).
3. Using the hex wrench, remove the 2 screws securing the bearing housing and the reel shaft from the right side of the machine (Figure 19). Retain all removed parts for later installation.

Note: After performing maintenance, connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

Replacing the Shaft Assembly

The scarifier includes a blade shaft assembly for scarifying and a separate tine shaft assembly for aeration.

1. Prepare the machine for maintenance (refer to Preparing for Maintenance, page 18).
2. Remove the hex wrench from the transport lever assembly (Figure 18).
3. Slide the other end of the shaft assembly out of the drive and replace with the desired shaft assembly (Figure 20).
4. Install the bearing housing to secure the newly installed shaft assembly using the 2 hex-head screws removed in step 3 and store the hex wrench in the transport lever assembly (Figure 19).

Servicing the Air Filter

Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Check the air filter and clean or replace it, if necessary.

Every 50 hours—Clean the air filter; clean more frequently in dusty conditions.

Yearly—Service the air filter; service more frequently in dusty conditions.

Every 200 hours—Replace the air filter; replace more frequently in dusty conditions.

Important: Do not operate the engine without the air-filter assembly; extreme engine damage will occur.

1. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance (page 18).
2. Remove the nut securing the cover (Figure 21).
3. Remove the air-filter cover.

Important: Ensure no dirt or debris falls into the base.

4. Remove the foam and paper elements from the base.
5. Remove the foam element from the paper element.
6. Inspect the foam and paper elements and replace them if damaged or excessively dirty.
• If the filter is damaged or wet with oil or fuel, replace it.
• If the filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow debris outward from the interior using compressed air at less than 207 kPa (30 psi).

Note: Do not brush or blow dirt from the outside of the filter; this forces dirt into the fibers.

7. Clean the air-filter body and cover with a damp rag. Keep dirt away from the air opening.
8. Clean the foam element in warm, soapy water or a nonflammable solvent.

Note: Do not use fuel to clean the foam element, as it could create a fire or explosion risk.

9. Rinse and dry the foam element thoroughly.
10. Dip the foam element in clean engine oil, then squeeze out excess oil.

Note: Excess oil in the foam element restricts airflow and may reach the paper filter and clog it.

11. Wipe dirt from the base and cover with a moist rag.

Important: Ensure no dirt or debris falls into the base.

12. Install the air-cleaner elements and ensure they are properly positioned.
13. Install the cover and screw the fastener down securely.

Changing the Engine Oil

Service Interval: After the first 5 hours, Every 50 hours, Yearly

Note: Run the engine a few minutes before changing oil to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

Engine Oil Specifications

*There is residual oil in the crankcase after draining. Do not pour the entire capacity into the crankcase. Fill with oil as directed.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance (page 18).
3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 22).
4. Tip the machine forward, remove the oil-drain plug, and drain the used oil from the oil-drain plug hole (Figure 7).

Important: Before tipping the machine to change oil, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal use. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove the fuel.

WARNING: Tipping the machine may cause fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable, explosive, and can cause personal injury. Run the engine dry or remove fuel with a hand pump; never siphon.

5. After draining used oil, return the machine to the operating position and install the oil-drain plug.
6. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.
7. Wait 3 minutes for oil to settle in the engine.
8. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
9. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, then remove the dipstick.
10. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 22).
• If the oil level is too low, pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 8-10 until the oil level is correct.
• If the oil level is too high, drain excess oil until the oil level is correct.
11. Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely.
12. Recycle used oil properly.

Inspecting the Blades

Service Interval: Before each use or daily, Yearly

Replace blades when the machine hits a solid object or if blades are damaged or bent. Use only genuine Toro replacement blades.

WARNING: Blades and tines are sharp; contacting them can result in serious personal injury. Wear padded gloves when working with the shaft assembly.

WARNING: A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece could be thrown toward you or bystanders, resulting in serious personal injury. Inspect blades periodically for wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged blades.

Note: Maintain sharp blades for smooth operation and clean cutting without excessive tearing or shredding of turf.

1. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance (page 18).
2. Tip the machine onto its left side until the upper handle rests on the ground.

Important: Before tipping to inspect or replace blades, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal use. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove fuel. Tip the machine onto its left side (exhaust guard down, oil filter up) so oil does not leak into the air filter.

3. Inspect the scarifier roller shaft for bent or damaged blades. If replacement is needed, contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
4. Remove any grass or debris wrapped around the ends of the shaft assembly.

Storage

Store the machine in a cool, clean, dry place.

Storage Safety

Always shut off the machine, wait for all moving parts to stop, allow the machine to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing.

Preparing the Machine for Storage

1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer as directed by the engine manufacturer.

Important: Old fuel is the leading cause of hard starting. Do not store fuel without stabilizer for more than 30 days, and do not store stabilized fuel beyond the duration recommended by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer.

2. Dispose of any unused fuel properly. Recycle according to local codes or use in your automobile.
3. Run the machine until the engine shuts off from running out of fuel.
4. Start the engine again and allow it to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
5. Disconnect the spark plug wire and connect it to the retaining post (if equipped).
6. Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 fl oz) of engine oil through the spark-plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.
7. Loosely install the spark plug.
8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

Remove the Machine from Storage

1. Check and tighten all fasteners.
2. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly by pulling the recoil-start handle to blow excess oil from the cylinder.
3. Install the spark plug and tighten with a torque wrench to 20 N·m (15 ft-lb).
4. Perform any maintenance procedures (refer to Maintenance, page 17).
5. Check the engine-oil level (refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level, page 9).
6. Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel (refer to Filling the Fuel Tank, page 8).
7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Troubleshooting