Fixing the self propel on the Toro mower

[@robstone5333]

While mowing after sunset, nearly dark, I stupidly hit a freshly cut stump about three inches in diameter. Crank shaft bent, mower ruined. I was about 14 years old, cutting lawns for pocket money. It was my Dad’s only mower and he was not happy. Dad tossed it, got another mower and I kept mowing lawns for pocket money. (Dad’s pocket for quite some time.) Lesson learned, about 45 years ago. RIP Dad. I miss you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing your experience I appreciate it

[@Handd4u]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bobmcl2406]

I am endlessly amazed at how many mowers get discarded due to minor problems. Most that have come my way have been fixed for under $10, and many for free. The biggest score was a Cub Cadet riding mower that my son was given. Engine seized, starter jammed, and no drive. I had it running in under two hours, and driving again the next day. My total cost of repair was $1.50, for a lug connector and a self-tapping screw, to repair the electric clutch that had a wire torn out of it (probably due to not reinstalling a bracket after a belt change). But I have to say, that Toro of yours was a gem. I would love to find a "dead" one like that. Cheers from Canada.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice work. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.

[@jimcasso407]

Thank you!!! The self-propel function stopped working on my Toro mower recently, and now I know how to fix it! Great video, extremely well explained, A+!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it helped!

[@N1ck3648]

I found a Honda HRX 217 on the side of the road for free. The pervious owner said it was well maintained and it seemed to have been, until he couldn’t get it running. I got it home, changed the air filter and it fired right up and everything worked perfectly. This is now the main push mower for my small lawn care company as it starts first pull every time! It even has the blade-stop feature!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's a great mower. Congratulations on your find

[@docducttape9270]

Lucky dog 😆

[@ShiningSakura]

straightforward, simple, and visual. Best kind of fix help video out there!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Shining Sakura

[@watermanone7567]

Nice fix: I got a Craftsman 23hp riding mower from someone down the street for free. I installed a new mower deck spindle, new belt, complete tune up, and a new tie rod on the right side of the tractor. Runs great, and don't know if I will sell it, give it to my daughter or use it myself. I have about $ 100 dollars in it. Thanks for the video's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice rider. It should be good for awhile. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@larrycroft470]

You have such a great channel. I enjoy the content especially the mowers. Up until I started watching you tube videos I had no clue how to work on mowers. Over the years my ignorance cost me 2 or 3 mowers due to poor maintenance. Not any more. I will take my mower into my local dealer if the repair is above my pay grade. Otherwise I do simple maintenance myself. Thank you for taking time to make these videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the comment I sharing your experience.

[@bobsquires4521]

Terrific - there is enough complexity to find this fantastic video of your Home Garage - it's a problem that doesn't get better with time - just the opposite! Self propel feature is a life-saver too on the hot humid summer days so it's worth it to make sure it's working as it should! Thanks for the video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem Bob Squires.

[@ReedEmbry]

You just saved me $350! Thank you so much for the concise , Straight forward information!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you for your time.

[@turtle522]

I use to put old mowers by the curb because I figured the cost to fix would be to much. Now I would give it a try to fix them. Thank you KZbin fixit channels. Found KZbin videos to fix our dryer also.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck with it!

[@butler386]

I think I did give away a couple of old mowers when we moved from one state to another. Mowers not worth the shipping charge. That mower looks like it will be a good one once you get it all fixed up. Good find. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes i will. The next video will tidy everything up with the mower

[@shaoshen]

I have watched several demos, this is the best, clear, that I can follow the procedure on my mower! thanks master!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Irwhodunit]

Thank you. The old belt went out a year ago. "New" wasn't exactly new. Recent would have been a better word. I fiddled with it again today and think my cable is too long. Actually, I think my local dealer sent me out with the wrong cable because they had one "almost" the same. RE: The square bit: Me too. One time only, on my Toro.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information Robert Blake. Hopefully you'll get it squared away.

[@JOEZEP54]

I have given a lawn tractor after changing drive & deck belts, repacking deck bearings, painting the deck & carb cleaning. It looked great. I did not even try to recover for my time & some minor parts. My pay was how happy the new owner was when he received it. Oh plus I got a few videos out of it LOL. Just about anything can be repaired but like you said cost of parts & time does not justify the repair. When I get a mower or rider in that state I keep them for parts or some project build. Stay well, Joe Z

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you JOE Z.

[@JOEZEP54]

@@HomeGaragechannel you're welcome

[@mjg263]

Great that you got ‘er going again! You don’t need to order a new spring, you can unwind it one turn, cut off the excess and re-bend the dogleg on the end of that spring so it will fit into the hole in the handle (done it plenty of times but you can only do it once per mower). Only time I part out a decent mower is if the deck is rotted or cracked.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct that would have saved me some money.

[@donaldbower4097]

You can actually weld the deck, it won't be pretty, but it will work, I do this with a mig welder all of the time

[@FalconFXR]

Thank you for this video! My Toro self propel just quit and I was thinking I dont need to spend another $450 right now. I found my model and serial number and am going to head to the local small engine Toro dealer this morning to get some parts and get it back up and running.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good, you'r doing all the things I would do, to get it back up and running.

[@damageinc2]

Great video and info .......... i pick up every mower i see on the side of the road and most of the time i can get them running in about 45 min and those are the mowers i lend out when someone want's to borrow my mower lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's pretty cool of you to do

[@TomTom-by5sx]

Yes, buy a new spring, it's worth it. That's always a "FUN" job. I've sold a few mowers I didn't have any interest in fixing because of time mostly. Having parts with a shipping time of ten days or more, clears out my shop. You know, happy wife happy life...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Very true words.

[@waltr6241]

Thank you for the video. It was just what I was looking for. I always attempt to fix any of my tools when possible myself. At least give it an honest effort. The issues I have found that spare parts are hard to find for older equipment. Now people just trash the equipment and buy a new one

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct and it's understandable, if not a shame.

[@Handd4u]

Impressive. A bit much for me to dive into. You tube has opened up immediate & easy to use knowledge for D.I.Y.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely understand. Thank you Blindmanfinger

[@felixvalle1268]

Thank you for your information, I like the step by step is very helpful thanks again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You're welcome and thank you Felix Valle

[@terrellstewart1532]

Doing your own work you can save a chunk of change keep up the good work nice machine😎

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Terrell Stewart for the comment and yes money is most certainly saved doing the work yourself

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Absolutely classic. Idiots shouldn’t be allowed to own equipment. Treating a battery pack like that should be a crime. Takes 30 seconds to blow a machine down after each use.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct. In the next videl I discuss more on the grass clippings in the battery compartment.

[@marchettijames]

I have not put anything curbside. I normally curb side shop since various people do what you said. Not worth the effort to fix them, Don't know how, and easier to just park them curbside due to costs of parts and repairs with time as an issue also. So I take them fix them and use them. Thanks for this video it helps me revisit some things that go wrong with the Toro personal pace mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you for your time.

[@ressaytube3225]

Thank you boss you just saved me $100 in changing my belt .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thanks for the comment

[@kens.3729]

Excellent Communication on this Video. Very Impressive! Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Ken S for the comment

[@kevincameron845]

Good video. Helped me to understand how to disasemble my Toro. I wouldn't recommend doing work like this on grass though. Too easy to lose small parts!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you wouldn't believe how many times I've had to use a magnet to find stuff I've dropped.

[@marshallborder9089]

I've never given one away, simply because I've worked on them for over thirty years . I can see since I've never worked on one of theses Toro's that they are time consuming too work on . I know why people give them or just throw them away , the labor cost here is or was $60.00 an hour . I usually charge $20.00 to $25.00 an hour . So usually people are happy with my labor cost since I'm retired , thanks for the video ..

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Marshall Border for sharing your experience I really appreciate it

[@theodoreholdt9420]

You must loose a lot of screws in the grass… 😂. great vid. Helped me a lot.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! yes I'm sure I have a few screws, springs, and washers in the grass.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

It depends, sometimes they go out as a pusher. I've only had one electric start, I fixed it up and kept it. Like I said, just depends. Great video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are absolutely correct. Thank you Jim S for the comment I appreciate it

[@andrewflewelling4294]

This is very helpful. I have a personal pace self-propelled Toro very much like this. Over the past two years, self-propel has degraded. I imagine it's the belt.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and yes I agree the belt might be the issue.

[@jeffcox2446]

Yes I’ve been there a few times I’ve done work for people and had too tell them it just not worth putting the money into them sometimes your videos are great enjoy watching them

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jeff Cox for the comment I appreciate it

[@jeffreykostecki6814]

This was really helpful as I have almost the identical Toro mower (Model 20372) that you found and repaired. I’m not handy,however, so all the steps that you have shown are possible but I don’t have the tools or savvy to repair it. if I take it to my local hardware store where they can repair it, I’m sure I will spend half the cost of a new mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it makes money sense to just buy a new mower, but there other option would be to find a "wrench" like me to work on it. an ad on FB marketplace might be a good idea.

[@acwrite32]

Yes, I learned how to clean the carburetor on a lawn mower i bought for 35.00. Got tired of doing that so put it out on the curb for free and it was gone within the day! lol Now, I have Toro that its self-propeller does not work anymore and it smokes up. My daughter said she fixed their mower replacing the self-propeller cable. I'm almost 70, love to tinker ... but getting a little tired of it now. This is my last resort to try and fix my mower before taking it to a service place.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck to you.

[@JSW793]

I haven't pushed a mower to the curb in about 12 years, and that was before I learned how to work on them. After that point, any mower I got is either still running to this day with a few inexpensive repairs here and there or was stripped down and thrown into the scrap pile.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Very well said. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@davidjames2723]

Thanks for the video I have the same mower, needs the cable and that return spring

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@nickpierce8450]

Thanks for taking apart. Very good,

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@PeekPapa642]

Yes I have. I gave away a $200 Tecumseh piece of crap after it got left outside. The cables wouldn't work and it wouldn't run. I couldn't figure out how to fix it so I just let a friend have it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Was he able to get it running?

[@robertmailhos8159]

The battery is in wrong spot but you got that mower back in too shape I nevt gave a mower because it was so expensive to fix later young man glad you are doing well on fixing the yard equipment people are tried of broke down

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Robert Mailhos for the comment. I've already shot the next installment and theres a battery tray that's missing that also blocks the compartment from getting filled with grass. I'll have that video out soon.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel okay glad you be able to keep the battery compartment cleân moh by the way happy forth of July

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@robertmailhos8159 happy 4th of July as well.

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you

[@db130]

Just today, I took in an AYP-made 2011 Craftsman 22" self-propelled mower in trade (the previous owner pretty much asked me to dispose of it for him) that had a ventilated block and 4 very worn wheels. A spare engine/blade/blade adapter/4 wheels later, it's ready for sale.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Good work. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@marvleier5327]

Great video. You just saved me a lot of headache.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad I could help

[@Trump985]

Unfortunately I scraped a mower a few years ago because parts were unavailable and the local machine shop wanted thousands to make a couple gears. A lathe, mill, od grinder, id grinder, surface grinder, and some tooling is becoming a necessity for everyone to own as parts seem to disappear almost immediately after a product is sold! I can’t even get parts for a newer washing machine anymore it was built in 2005! Parts are all discontinued for it already! I’m definitely looking for a good deal on some machine tools without them one just can’t function these days.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right, they don't want you to fix them, just buy new ones,

[@virgilproductions]

Exactly what I needed. That you for a very informative video!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@nwj2468]

This is our second Toro Personal Pace mower that we found on the curb in a very rich neighboring town. The first one just needed the cable adjusted.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

They must have a lot of money to just push it to the carb

[@snapperkc9317]

I had an old Snapper rider that the real axle snapped while mowing and the city came by after I emptied the fluids and took it away!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm sure that would have been an expensive repair

[@SavageDem]

Nice detail, great video quality and overdub. The only question - and perhaps I'll figure this out when I try on my mower - is why do you need to remove the wheels?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it thought it was obvious so I'm going to let you find out.

[@skaterman3847]

If I have enough of a problem with any machine I would just buy a new one, But that was before watching your videos I might try to fix more items now

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks skater man, it's worth a shot.

[@stuartcandis1874]

GREAT VIDEO period!!!!!!!!!! 2 the point and less talk. keep more comeing THANK U.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Stuart Candis.

[@markstafford3227]

Great video I’m replacing the belt now 👍🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks and Good luck!

[@markstafford3227]

@@HomeGaragechannel well that was interesting the store sold me the same belts on two different occasions but I did not figure that one out until an hour later it was the front belts so not long enough for the rear . What should have taken 40 mins ended up being 2.5 hours with 2 trips to the mower suppliers but got it done in the end 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

mistakes unfortunately happen

[@hcic9860]

U covered all the bases in this Vid! Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem!

[@runamuckretreatmccarthy1554]

I have an old 22" Toro Recycler and although the self propel works, It just doesn't seem to have the "get up and go" that it had when new. I've replaced the belt, the wheels and cable a number of times over the years and found that if I adjust the cable any more tighter than I have it, for the propel, it will snap at the handle. So I'm always careful not to over tighten it. That said though, I can't figure out why it just doesn't work as well as when it was new.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

have you considered replacing the drive pulley?

[@runamuckretreatmccarthy1554]

@@HomeGaragechannel , no I have not.. Do you mean the pully/wheel above the blade that the belt wraps around?

[@sxewhodey]

Those Toro made engines are not too bad. Mine needs a carb, but at $45, I will settle for the leaks. I have cleaned it several times and tried to seal it, nothing works. Yours is a lot prettier than mine though

[@sxewhodey]

Isn't the blade on upside down too? :)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you for the comment I appreciate it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes it is on upside-down down for testing purposes till the new blade comes in which is on now and I'm working on the video for it.

[@docwarner6]

Great info, thanks! Swapped the cable out no problem but it doesnt engage when I push the pace bar forward…however, if I pull the pace bar all the way back it does engage forward! Any ideas?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

are you saying the the self propel doesn't work when pushing on the bar? But it works in the "up" position? Sounds like the someone installed the self propel cable incorrect

[@wjendrzejewski]

Thank you for your video. Our torro has a problem with the self propel making a bring sound and the right wheel adjust lever slips out of place dragging on the ground. Any suggestions?

[@wjendrzejewski]

Oops...grinding sound

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately the gears in the transmission are worn to a point that they are not meshing like they should and are grinding. I would tie a wire or a rope between both front adjusters to keep them from jumping out of their locations.

[@KLR-650]

I just picked up a free Toro, no start. Cleaned the carb, fresh gas, runs great. Personal pace does not engage the wheels. It appears the gears on the wheels are worn. The tires are almost bald, so this mower has had some use. .Have you seen where the gear on the wheels is worn so much that the axel cannot spin the wheel? Feels like it just skips.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No I haven't, aren't the gears on the wheels metal?

[@barndogschwartz8370]

Nice fix and great score

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes its a pretty decent mower

[@Jim-ie6uf]

I sold a bunch of stuff in March . After 47 years of messing with it, I’m getting kinda tired of it. But I do have my moments.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely understand the feeling.

[@whatthefox4274]

Yes, I have… I just got rid of a riding mower because I didn’t know quite what to do with it or how much it was gonna cost

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes agree and I would have done the same

[@dfields9511]

yah I have given away a mower before, but not after I stripped it for parts, and took it to the metal scrapper and sold it for worth in metal.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've have done that just onece myself. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

Gave away an old Ariens commercial unit that had a failing transmission. The parts were going to be crazy high. I just went and got a new used mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense. thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@AverageJoeHotRodShow]

Home Garage you’re welcome man. Keep up the good work! You have a great informative channel here.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@AverageJoeHotRodShow thanks man

[@computernostalgia6293]

Yep. I gave away a yardman because it burned oil so bad and had a broken muffler.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would probably be enough for me to give it away too. thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@themowerman]

Yo yo good video mate I don't give any mower away if need be I strip them out for spares.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hello Mick its great to hear from you. I completely understand your feelings.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

I'm with Mick on this one. I just strip em and keep the parts for spares. It's like having your own Amazon when you work on another mower and need a part that you salvaged. Great video bro.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@ZombieDaveAZ thank you Dave I appreciate your time.

[@michaelhirsch6675]

I have the exact same mower, a curb find. The bushing on the drive wheel is shot. How do I go about getting a owners manual with part number and diagram of assembly

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Easy. Go to ereplacementparts dot com and enter the model number.

[@999thenewman]

Great job! The back wheel adjusters are one notch too high in comparison to the front.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for the spot

[@999thenewman]

@@HomeGaragechannel It's breezy and birdsongy in your yard.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@999thenewman well its getting buzzy and stingy now. Gotta start wearing some bug spray

[@999thenewman]

@@HomeGaragechannel New video up now.

[@dirtyburger7528]

Awesome thanks for the overview of repair. Wish me luck my friend lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Good luck!

[@jackhuddleston6830]

I just did the same thing you are doing with a mower I bought for my daughter. I used the mower for about 2 hrs. Then the self propelled quit mowing. I noticed there was no key in the shaft after I took the guard off. I didn’t see one in this video either. Should there be one on the shaft? I’m thinking so. It was making a growling sound from the left wheel before it quit. I will check that next. It looks the belt is ok but I don’t have the belt cover off completely. Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

the key is built into the blade adaptor

[@jackhuddleston6830]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you. I did see it when I put it all back together.

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Wrong blade up side down. Needs alignment wheel gear woren deck cracked by discharge. You don't have to take wheeles off rotate adjuster 90°

[@Maven1999]

Very well put and easy to follow!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hdhanshaw1371]

I just bought this from a friend that guaranteed the self propelled worked, well 3 mows later it is a push mower. The rear wheels attempt to move but it’s like pushing a standard push mower. Any tips would be cool thx man. It engages, it starts nicely, everything appears to be in good condition.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, I would first check the drive belts condition and make sure its not worn out.

[@hdhanshaw1371]

@@HomeGaragechannel I’m gonna make a 1 over on the mower today. I’ll check that first,

[@Irwhodunit]

I have this mower and the rear wheels spin like crazy when I lift up the rear end. However, with only a slight power (cutting) load on the mower blade, the drive or propel assistance just seems to go away. The drive belt is nearly new. Is it possible it's just not tight enough?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@Irwhodunit do you have the old belt to compare the new one to? It maybe new, but I need to confirm that it's the right size.

[@Irwhodunit]

@@HomeGaragechannel Model: 20373, SN# 312007228. The old belt is long gone. I've maxed out on the available cable adjustment, so I'm guessing either my cable is too long, or my belt is too large. Thanks for taking an interest!

[@user-yg4br9ji1n]

Have same mower, but without battery. Engine cuts out when self propell is engaged. Cannot figure out why.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

If I had to guess, there might be a problem with the self propel gearbox.

[@littleeagle7563]

Thats a good find=money in the bank.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

i totally agree with you

[@leekumiega9268]

I have a 28 year old Lawnboy Gold series made by Toro where the entire belt is on the top of the deck . The belt and the 3 speed transmission have never failed in all that time and I cut a 1/4 acre once a week. Why can't they make them like that anymore? Planed obsolescence ? Except for cleaning and greasing the small drive gears so they will slip when going backwards and replacing the wheels when they wore out and split the drive train has been trouble free. What recently failed the blower housing from metal fatigue where it bolted to the engine from so many pull starts and I replaced the pull cord itself once.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I think it's an issue of profit, and yes planned obsolescence.

[@itsnot1673]

i bought one of these mowers only recently being told that it needed a new gear box and wheels Turns out it only needs wheels :) replaced gear oil with new as was in there anyway now just need the wheels ideally the older style with the metal gear not the newer plastic ones parts are hard to come by here in Aus though

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good luck with it, hopefully you'll get it running like it should.

[@Pingz2009]

This is a great video. I just replaced the belt on my mower, but now it will not diesngage the self propel. When fidgeting with it, it looks like the transmission doesnt have enough room to guve the belt slack. Any tips on fixing this?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sounds like it, but without know the model and serial number of your mower and the which belt you installed, I'm only guessing

[@tonezone99]

Toro best hands down

[@ken4334]

I replaced my gears on the self propelled on my toro.Running straight is fine but turning to the left has a grinding noise.Can you help my please. Thank you for sharing your video's and tips.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is it a RWD model? If you did you install the gears in the right direction? If yes, it could you mean you need to lubricate the ratchet gear.

[@ken4334]

Yes to RWD ,which way do you put the gears ,with the righting facing you or the other way ? Thank you . You have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

when looking at the gear, pretend it's a sharks fin, from like a kids book, the tip of the fin should be facing towards the rear of the mower.

[@josecl7]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelhdzdev]

First time I followed this tut, replaced belt and worked. 2nd day it was just stuck grass, cleaned it and got it working. Today nothing worked. Took wheels apart, the teeth are ok. Belt is running, but mower is not self propelling.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

is the self propel working if you lift up the drive wheel?

[@angelhdzdev]

@@HomeGaragechannel thank you for replying. That's what I'm going to try now.

[@joestrong5498]

Great video, thanks! I do have one question for you tho. I have a Toro self propelled, and after a couple seasons of use, either the self propelled drive or the wheels themselves are squeeking. Is there regular lubrication I should be doing? The user manual doesn't discuss that for maintenance. Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Yes there some minor maintenance that you can do. Is its a personal pace where the top part of the handle bar moves or is it just the lower bar that you pull up on? You can remove and clean the bolts that hold the wheel on and it its the personal pace you can remove the drive gear and lube the ratcheting key.

[@joestrong5498]

@@HomeGaragechannel I did the latter. Whatever grease they applied at install had pretty much dried up, so for now I removed the rear wheels, cleaned out all of the gears and teeth, and hit the wheel gears, the bolt and other areas with WD40. Squeek is gone, if it comes back I'll get some real grease and redo. Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@joestrong5498 no problem and thanks for the update

[@FallenLeafOutdoors]

Just found the same mower on the curb in my neighborhood and brought it home was hard to start but got it runs flawlessly.Only issue is belt for self propel is stretched and needed a new filter as it was completely clogged

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work. these are actually good engines, just watch the oil levels.

[@MNKid83]

Picked up a Lawnboy from a junk pile, got laughed at but had a great mower after messing with it for less than 1/2 hour.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if it works for you, and it last, I think it's a great mower then

[@johnames6430]

I bought this mower 2 years ago. The first year the belt broke. The 2nd year the cable broke and now still in the 2nd year it won't move forward again. Belt is intact. Cable was just replaced. So either the cable is too loose and not creating enough tension, the wheels are worn, or the transmission is not working

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hate to say it but these transmission are not very strong. Hopefully you can fix yours

[@johnames6430]

@@HomeGaragechannel when I turned the mower blade by hand (with the spark plug disconnected so it won't accidentally start) the wheels were moving slowly

[@wrenchand9814]

I have a rear self propelled Toro that the self propelled isn't working at times. It will work when you start it and hold up the rear wheels, but when you put it down on the ground the self propelled won't move the mower. It does sound like the gears are having a rough times. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

since you didn't give me a model number I'll have to make a guess. There should be a bolt that holds the self propel cable to the left side of the handle bar. Loosen the nut and move the self propel cable down 2 or 3 notches and then tighten the nut. This will put more tension on the drive belt

[@monkyshine5543]

You run that mower by the original owner to see a reaction or share your video with them?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would be an idea

[@markjohn6489]

I usually get hand me down self propel mowers and do the carb. work and use it as a push mower. Figure by pushing it I can burn a few extra pounds.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

depending on the weight of the mower yeah you'll loose a few pounds definitely. Thanks for the comment I appreciate it.

[@drgriffin1972]

I have not given away any mowers but I have sold for parts at a very low cost. We have received mowers and weed eaters and such from others for free for my son and I to work on. He is 11 and has the small engine itch. We make some videos for youtube but not how to videos. We are not that advanced at this time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to check out your channel. thanks for the comment I appreciate it

[@nathangould2856]

I had a Sears Craftsman push mower last about 18 years then I disposed of it about 7 years ago but I don't really recall what was wrong with it nor how I disposed of it. Separate topic, I have a Toro Recycler, I believe the mower can be tipped on its side with air filter up with no issues for maintenance. In your video you pinch the gas line with vice grips and state that allows the mower to be turned on its side with air filter down, is that correct? I thought there was some other risks of the engine or carburetor fouling from tipping the mower with the air filter down, can you comment on that?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks Nathan Gould. Yes you can pinch the Fuel line, But I don't remember if I mentioned that engine had to be restarted, so that the fuel that's still in the carb, will be then be used by the engine. The other problem is that the fuel might leak from the Cap unless you put a ziplock bag between the cap and the tank first. It's always safer to just drain the tank , and then let the machine run till it dies.

[@RussellBooth1977]

No,I've never had to throw a lawnmower out before !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great answer i wish could say the same

[@weeverob]

my self propelled Toro never fully disengages making pulling the mower backward very difficult. It's as if the drive wheels are locked when in fact the wheels want to push the mower forward. Is there an adjustment for that? The return spring next to the the belt transmission, has it weakened, needs replacing? tx

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'd need to know more about your mower. Do you have the model number on the white sticker on the side of the mowing deck?

[@sbains560]

Nice score 😎

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks and i appreciate your comment.

[@wikeddf]

Hey man just a quick question. How do you fix the self propelled system on a cub cadet s621? Because I took the engine off of the deck so I can spray paint stripes on it but anyways as I put the engine back on the deck and start it up the self propelled won’t engage. I know it’s not the belt because it works good, not the drive wheels, and it’s not the self propelled cable because it’s works. Any causes? Thanks!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

The belt may have come off the pulley on the transmission side.

[@wikeddf]

Home Garage thanks but I think the pulley that’s on the transmission was barely moving.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@wikeddf did the pulley in the crank ever come off at some point when you had the engine off?

[@wikeddf]

Home Garage I think so yeah.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@wikeddf did you make sure the woodruff key stayed on the shaft?

[@anilphilip546]

My toro 22in Recycler Lawn Mower Model #: 20334 is not moving. It appears to be a different model number. I replaced the cable 115-8435 but there is a lot of slack. so the mower does not move. Any help appreciated!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, have you tried loosening the anchor bolt for the cable, and then pulling on the sleeve to take out the tension, and then tightening the bolt?

[@anilphilip546]

​@@HomeGaragechannelI did not realize that the tension had to be adjusted in the cable but after I did that it was fine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@sebastian56309]

I currently own a Toro 22" recycler mower. It has front wheel drive. My only problem I have with it is the self propelled mechanism sometimes doesn't work. The belt is good, I adjusted the cable several times. Do you recommend anything? Please help.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Unfortunately it sounds like the gearbox is having problems internally. The gears are wearing down.

[@sebastian56309]

@@HomeGaragechannel the gearbox for the self propelled mechanism, correct?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@sebastian56309 yes. You can remove the screws on the bottom of the gearbox and see the wear if you want. There should be old clumped grease in it.

[@sebastian56309]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the info. Sounds like I need a new self propelled mechanism. Thanks again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

@@sebastian56309 you can replace the 2 gears but I have never priced them.

[@zesty8583]

Another banger video 👊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I really do appreciate your comment.

[@jesusdrummer21]

Just paid in parts 160.00 for a Honda hrr216...was it worth it? I wanted to put a trannie in for expierence. Runs great now...those smart drive controllers are tricky...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I've never had to deal with the smart drive but I could imagine it.

[@tkleo2006]

Thank you. It was my belt.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem

[@tink01us]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tssa5466]

The transmissions should have the oil changed from time to time. They can be split open but be very careful not to break the plastic. A lot of patience. The oil in mine was so thick the wheels would not release. Wash it out with varsol, clean off the old silicon, final spray down with brake clean, then refill to just below where the case splits. Replace the cover and done. Do not use to much silicone as it will squeeze into the gear area, and you will have more problems. I used some Harley Davidson synthetic oil for the refill because that is what i had on hand at the time, silicon it shut with copper silicon, and it is now good as new. Just thought I would pass this on for those who are adventurous. Remember, if it has screws, it can be taken apart.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you TSSA 546

[@alanstrong55]

The old style self - propelled mowers like the AMF Homko were gear driven. Seemed to not have as many issues. AMF died out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@barnettandrews8260]

How do you check transmission on self propelled mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well, guess you're asking if the self propel system doesn't work, what I would normally do is check the belt check the blade adaptor check the drive cable check the drive gears and if all that's okay, open the transmission to inspect it.