Lawn Striping - DIY Striping Kit Build and Demonstration

I've been thinking about adding a striping kit to my Toro Timemaster mower but before I spent a decent amount of cash on a premade version, I decided to try out a DIY build and see if I could make that work. I'm certainly open to any suggestions you might have to improve this build so leave a comment below.
DIY Striping Kit
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[@MrSrt4dodgeneon]

I just made one for my cub cadet and it’s mind blowing how well it works, and only cost me 22$. I did hook a 3rd loop to run a rope lift while backing. I used knock out caps so there is no cap to have more pressure on grass than rest of pipe. Wish we could post pics

[@DeanoKelley]

Would like to see yours to better understand that lift feature.

[@jamesgray5560]

Hey Ryan just seen your DIY STRIPE Kit this was right on time for me. Every where I look Are sold out. Thank you for making this video!

[@amandas7124]

You just made this so simple. I've been considering buying a kit since I bought my house but couldn't see spending that kind of money. Thank you. 2 years and your video is still being found 😉

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SteveYoung359]

You have literally made me a lawn nut. Why did I find you?!?! Keep up the great vids! Much appreciated :) Going to be making a DIY lawn roller similar to the handheld one you made.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

It becomes a complete addiction so be prepared! :)

[@chadhaase1773]

When I built my striping kit for my 22 inch Toro, I used 4 inch PVC, and I cut it so it was as wide as my wheels outside to outside. Instead of using PVC caps I used 4 inch Gripper Mechanical Plastic Test Plugs (model 33403D at Home Depot) so I have a completely even surface on the striper. They come with a bolt and wing nut in the center to tighten it into the pipe. I replaced the wing nuts with regular nuts, installed the mounting bracket and then lock nuts. Filled with sand the whole assembly weighs just under 18 pounds.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for the info!

[@FylerTarlow]

Take a 4' chunk of leftover rebar, cut rebar to deck width to get 3 pcs, bind the 3pcs together with 3 zip ties and zip tie the bundle to the deck flap, works pretty good and only costs free.50

[@incith]

@@FylerTarlow only costs free 😂 I think this could work tho!

[@aidanconnolly8148]

Just came across this, good job. Gonna try diy one myself and thinking of using a used treadmill roller. I used to repair them and think they would be perfect for this application

[@jadebrown9191]

This looks great! Motivation for me to try a diy instead of purchasing one.

[@WeatherNut27]

Very cool idea! I'm going to try this. THANKS!

[@vapegod6995]

I use a solid axel from an old trailer cut down to the size of my mower drill 4 holes through the axel and the back flap and zip tie on

[@davidpearn2484]

Good job, you can try with a semi hard yard brush attached to the back of the mower works really well 👍.

[@jackwinters6216]

Just made a roller very similar to yours for my John Deere zero turn mower. It works great and was only like $55. Way cheaper solution than the Checkmate one which was over $350 for my lawn mower. Since the distance from the blade and the roller are farther apart on a zero turn rather than your push mower, I am able to back up.

[@GrassDaddy]

that reminds me I havent edited my setup yet. similar idea but uses L brackets which seems to give it more strength

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I would love to see a detailed video on your setup.

[@Fencearmor]

Very smart thinking Ryan. Great job!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thank you!

[@Fencearmor]

Very welcome!

[@arendschrikbarend]

I built it with practically this system. To solve the back-up problem, I made a steel pipe above the roll, between the metal arms. In the middle of the pipe I attached a steel cable with a knop, and in the middle of my 'steer' i put a small hook. This way, I can lift my roll with 2 fingers (like the way you start the engine), and still hold on to your mower. Thanks for the vid!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Very good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@0Myles0]

Nice one Ryan, good luck! I attempted building a PVC striper. An ongoing project that I also haven't been able to reverse with. Maybe someday I'll perfect it.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yeah it was worth it to at least give it a try. I was hoping to gather even more ideas from those watching the video so that should help too.

[@stevezitneymurfreesboroten8599]

Outstanding! Thanks

[@galenledbetter8014]

I like the direction you took on this! I have wondered for years why the lawn mowing industry hasn’t satisfied this consumer demand. I choose black PVC that was slightly more expensive, but helps to blend end with the rear of my mower. I also choose to use a fixed mount set up to ensure my back up feature is operational. This way no extra weight is added to the machines drivetrain. I had to buy a new mower this season and posted my install of you want to view.

[@paulelledge6155]

Thank you for your ideas and video. I had already purchased the PVC and end caps. However, was not sure how to attach it to the mower. I had also considered the issue of backing up with my zero turn. Perhaps there is a way to raise the PVC pipe up when backing up?

[@tattooedreviewer6051]

If you can find stand up forklift rollers or power jack rollers used with out cuts and what not you can use those and they provide ample weight to mat down some good looking stripes

[@Turtle574]

Maybe add some para cord so you can lift it when backing up

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Good idea. A cord of some kind seems like the best solution to the backing up issue.

[@JR-iu2mf]

Exactly what I was thinking. With another lever or something to engage it

[@Rob_A13]

Do you think a bungee cord on the ends would work?

[@kevindowe]

Great idea!

[@gale212]

I zip tied a heavy metal rod to the rear rubber flap of my push mower. It's heavier than rebar but not much thicker, allowing me to reverse. It goes under the mower deck and doesn't hit the blade.

[@freethinker3161]

The Toro Striper just makes it easy. Nice job on your diy one.

[@seventiesandbeyond]

Good Job!

[@gssnsj]

I think the sollution is that you just make the arms longer so that the roller can't flip. I recently bought a timemaster, maybe i will also make a DIY striping kit! Nice videos, keep up the good work, greets from Belgium!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for the idea. I will see what I can do!

[@codysquier2394]

Attach a small rope to the side and secure it up by the push bar so you can lift the rope/Roller and maneuver then let the rope/Roller back down to continue.

[@kellyboy813]

I put a hook and string in middle so I can lift it if I need to back up

[@dsgtjordan]

Try lowering the pin to the bottom of the mower just below where the bottom of the bag touches the mower. This worked for my timemaster. I can make a quick vid if you would like.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I would like to see that if you don't mind making a quick video!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Looks great! Thanks so much for the response video.

[@euartista]

Joshua Jordan is correct. On my old toro, it happened that I had the holes closer to the bottom and that enables better leverage on the pull back of the mower.

[@hillview7248]

Hey battle please make a video so I can see how you constructed yours. His video is great as well. I just like to see how ppl make their striper..thanks battle and stay blessed..

[@dsgtjordan]

@@hillview7248 sorry. I don’t have that mower anymore.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I wonder if the same concept would work on a riding mower ? Longer of course. Good build.

[@dandennis8465]

My DIY striping kit goes the entire width of the wheel base so it eliminates the tire tracks. I have it filled to the max with sand similar to yours. I do mow a little higher so the blades can be better defined laying over which emphasizes the stripes.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yep definitely a higher cut will leave better stripes.

[@ggee6688]

I started creating a kit like yours. I way overbought. In the end, wound up with two 5" and two 6" L brackets, 1" square bar cut to lenghth. 24" x 3" pvc with ends. Bolted it all together and filled with sand. 30 bucks and I have a nice striping kit. It's a hybrid of yours. And I can backup too.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Nice!

[@54Mechanic1]

Hey George Gee, are there any pics of your setup posted anywhere on line?

[@troy5292]

I know this is an old video, but they make inserts that got inside the PVC pipe so the PVC is level all the way across, without the thickness of the PVC end cap. It gives a little better performance for striping. I forget the exact name. For backing up, you could tie a small rope around the weighted PVC pipe to the handle and maybe give it a lift when backing up?

[@robertsneed7689]

Wow, your stripping kit came out very well and your lawn looks great. WTG, good job. I'm going to use the same materials that you did and build me one. I will go to Lowe's or Home Depot to pick up the materials which will be much cheaper then ordering them thru Amazon. Thanks for sharing.

[@wadehustad9447]

Awesome work! I added a shop broom in front of the PVC to amplify the striping but yours looks perfect. Any starting issues with the new larger Briggs motor on the mower?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I had my pull cord lock up on me but the dealer took it apart and restrung and it has been fine since then. So other than that, no issues.

[@DKDrawings]

thank you alot

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

No problem!

[@misaelvelasquez6689]

Question do I make the PVC pipe the same length as the tires or the same length as the blades? You think it will work for a zero turn mower?

[@hankydeee]

great job, and thank you

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for watching!

[@hankydeee]

ryanknorr thanx for bringing it!

[@joshthomas4225]

Hey Ryan for backing up I was thinking what if you attached a cord system to it to raise it almost like a pull switch so you could raise it temporarily for backing up. Just an idea, great vid man and keep the good work! Your lawn looks great btw, love that color!

[@jeremiahclarin]

that's a good idea.

[@ekhatchboosted]

josh thomas I did that on mine I made all I used was a peice of 3/4 filled with sand zip tied to rubber flap. and tied a strong wire around it and tied other end by pull cord. it works amazing. best part is was free

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I was thinking of doing this as well but since mine rolls I didn't know how to accomplish it being attached to the pipe but also roll as it goes along?

[@ericraifsnider840]

Do you have any issues with the metal bracket rubbing on the hex bolt? Wondering if you get that metal squeak or scream when it is rolling.

[@chosen1one930]

If you want the roller to be better at turning and backing up use two fixed points on the mower, so 4 brackets not 2, 2 where you have them than 2 more on the lower part of the mower

[@joshthomas4225]

Almost like a cord lifting system, you could even accomplish this with thick string. You could run a string to both sides of the pvc pipe(the bolts on each end). You could start the string on your handles on each side and make a pull switch and latch it to your push bar for easy access.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Definitely a good idea. I will see what I can come up with.

[@ynotbloom]

Hey Ryan; did you ever figure out the “backing up” thing?

[@Dherzog07]

Can you add small anti scalping wheels from a riding mower to each end of the pvc pipe. That may help you go backwards with out lifting pipe up

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

That might be a possibility.

[@scottjosephbrandt6175]

I use a 25 pound bag’a beans. It leaves no wheel or foot markings. $12.99...Cheap stripes, great tasting beans!

[@franklingranados8361]

Buenos días 🙋‍♂️ Ryan,, a lo mejor no sepas español pero agradecería recibir ayuda. Yo plante Grama San Agustín recientemente, mi inquietud es: para hacer lineas en el cesped primero tengo que podar la grama o ambas cosas a la vez? O después de podar dibujo las lineas?

[@craftman5632]

Just add a string or bungee cord to the striper roller to lift it up when you're backing up the lawn mower.

[@azazel4903]

Thanx a lot

[@jellyboy123]

would you say more weight gives a thicker stripe.

[@DIYDad1]

Hey Ryan, are you still using a striping kit like this? I just got a cheap used Honda on craigslist over the weekend and it has a plastic frame, I'm looking into doing something like this for a striping kit on the Honda mower I have now. I'm almost thinking about mounting low down on the handle bars instead of the deck frame. Do you use a striper on your honda?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I don't use one on my Honda but I use the Toro Striping Kit for the Timemaster from time to time.

[@Sal-75-2]

When done mowing turn off the blade, drop down the deck all the way to the lowest setting and run it. Don’t know how push mowers work but it shows stripes with ride on mowers. IDK. just an idea. I’m ultra cheap 😂

[@CKBowling1]

Would chain work better than the brackets? Just curious, looking to make one of these this week hopefully.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I'm not sure on that. I feel like a more rigid structure like the bracket helps to keep it more in place.

[@1ButterflyHunter]

Hey, I'm in central California not too many vids in our area using lawn stripers. I'm upgrading my mower. What make & model do you use with your styper? Any updates on use, longevity or any other observations using this Stryper? Thanks so much bro in advance.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I'm using the Toro Timemaster. This still works fine but backing up with it was always a little challenge so I tend to just use the mower stock which still stripes really well.

[@freethinker3161]

Your pretty crafty bro. Nice work. With that said i give you permission to spend the 94bucks plus shipping for the Toro Striping System. Its so easy.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks! Unfortunately the 30 inch version is $200 so that's why I didn't pull the trigger on it but I still might...hmmm

[@jeremiahclarin]

i bought one for my 22 in. mower and it works awesome.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Are you able to back up with yours?

[@jeremiahclarin]

ryanknorr i got the toro striper kit. i can back up no problem at all.

[@jeredhall7038]

Hey Ryan, great video. What are those plants on the side of your house called?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I believe we had strawberries there

[@Axtion615]

Small wheels on the outside of stripping kit. (Backing up)

[@shako_04]

I have that same mower so I would like to see how it works out because were looking into a stripper also.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

So far it works but as I mentioned I would like to find a solution on backing up.

[@easterlake]

Joey St. George i dont think my wife would go for me pulling a "stripper" behind my mower! I'll stick to a "striper".

[@johndushane2375]

Put caps inside the pipe. That way its not leaving those little marks from the caps and all the pipe will be on grass.

[@TerpsNtacos]

Instead of backing up, trying two clockwise passes around and then finding your line down the middle to complete both sides. Voila! You’ll never need to back up

[@alexschmitt6526]

I have the 30 stripe kit and backing up straight is very easy but backing up and turning it is a little more difficult. It still very manageable. What letter are u using when you cut?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Alex Schmitt interesting. I wish I could see one in action before I decide to buy for sure. I do a lot of y type turns and my grass is super thick so moving backwards is when things tend to get caught up.

[@alexschmitt6526]

ryanknorr I'll see if I can make a few videos for ya next time I cut and send to u! Shoot me your email at [e-mail] also what length u using on ur toro for this cut? Looks good!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Alex Schmitt awesome! I would appreciate it. send to [e-mail] and I'm cutting on C so should be 3.25"

[@alexsanchez3503]

Does this actually roll? Or drag along the grass?

[@DJDillyGent]

Nice and a vikings fan

[@gixxerrydder]

I just run a bigleague behind my TM30. Sadly the engine mounting bolts sheared off so beaware. I'm now going to a 48 inch commercial mower for personal use.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

That definitely doesn't sound good. I'll keep an eye on things and cross my fingers.

[@Velle227]

I got the Toro striper kit on my timesmaster and the neighborhood loves my yard lol 😁

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Awesome! Are you able to back up with the toro system?

[@Velle227]

Yes. but it's a method to it

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Can you explain at all? I haven't seen any videos showing it backing up at all so I have been curious.

[@fangoriously1]

ryanknorr I have the toro time master striping kit as well. I haven't mastered the "3point" turn around method yet. It works more like a trailer with a single point of pivot. When backing up to line up your next run, the striper just jack knifes.

[@crumbsnatcher74]

Have you considered the $169 Checkmate striping kit?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Actually I had one of those for my original timemaster and I didn't end up keeping it. I felt it took away from the maneuverability of the mower which to me is the point of having a push mower in the first place instead of a riding mower. With this design I wanted it to be easily removable so that I could use it when I want but also take it off to do the "trimming" part where I'm doing a lot of back and forth stuff. Good idea though!

[@angelsworld1733]

Why not bagging?

[@kschadha]

Forget about striping - make a video about how your grass is so good!!!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I've got tons of them on my channel! Hope you take a look.

[@ogrodmoimokiem]

🎉🎉🎉

[@dreisech]

It would be pretty cool if you made these and sold them.

[@Prtygrl44]

what # are you cutting on?????????

[@sethfisher6267]

GO VIKINGS!!!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Skol!

[@thespig13]

Does it have to roll? Or can it just push the grass down

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

It's just much easier if it rolls because of the friction

[@hunger4more80]

Ryan Knorr Lawn Care did you find a work-around for when you have to back up?

[@cammilashoski9151]

Fill the striper with concrete

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

That would be an option but I wanted it to be heavy and yet still manageable pulling behind the mower without putting too much strain on it.

[@GrassandGardenTV]

Hey Ryan, I built one on my channel if you want to check it out. Yours looks great!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Nice work! I checked out your video.

[@Kingdrama2012]

You could totally sell those

[@IamMugs]

Please don't chop my head open Syler

[@ricramirez110788]

What mower is that

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Toro Timemaster

[@timmo5443]

But you dont collect any grass whilst cutting.

[@LawnPusher]

PITTL

[@therealtrainman5630]

by the toro kid

[@dunkindooley4928]

i think what i would do is run a metal rod through the pvc pipe with metal bearings to the pipe can spin so it will go with the mower and not be dragged

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Good idea.

[@MrSubielove]

put a rope on your brackets so you can pull it up.

[@ashzole]

dude just tie yarn to the bottom and tie it to your handle bars, when u back up, just use your pinky to lift the yarn that lifts up your thingy.

[@clinger6671]

Since you're not an engineer I'm 100% sure your idea will work... No that's not sarcasm nothing at engineer does works 😂😂

[@chloesminis8833]

A tiktok video led me here🤦‍♀️ I've been doing it wrong 😒

[@hankydeee]

people, is there such a thing as too much (lawn) domination? :o) you're often told not to upscale your home too much above you're neighbors, in the same regards, if your lawn is already greener, thicker and healthier than your neighbors, do you ad insult to injury with some wicked striping??? Lol

[@dandennis8465]

You most certainly do. Lawn striping adds little extra time to cutting the grass.

[@easterlake]

hankydeee yep