Fix a Toro 22" Recycler Front Wheel Drive Failure

How to diagnose and fix a Toro 22" Recycler with a failed self propelled drive system. This Toro model #20339 needs a front wheel drive belt replacement, but shows other possible failures for similar front wheel drive mowers like Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna, and Lawn-Boy.
00:00 I'm not Earl
00:35 Remove belt covers
02:12 Check transmission
03:14 Remove front belt keeper screws
04:13 Remove and replace belt
04:56 Replace belt keeper and check belt
05:31 Replace upper and lower belt covers
07:17 The money shot
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Wear your safety glasses, or you'll shoot your eye out. Try on some gloves. Take off that spark plug boot. Clean your room. Open the windows, those fumes are nasty. Just 'cause I do it, don't think it's the end all, be all solution. There's plenty more ideas out there, I can't take responsibility if you slice off a few fingers after watching my videos. And don't just pour that toxic stuff down the sewer or in the ditch, dispose of waste responsibly. Just be safe, OK?
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Titles, opening graphics, and music by AbleVFX.
Any links to products are likely affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (Thank You!), with no additional costs to you.
Disclaimer: The content of this video is purely for my entertainment, and is available to you for informational and educational purposes only. It's not substitute advice from small engine mechanics with professional training and certifications, nor does it create any kind of relationship between the The Lawnmower Lady and you. Your situation may be different, and the The Lawnmower Lady makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the fit, accuracy, or applicability of the information shown in this video, and implies no guarantee of results. The Lawnmower Lady and any sponsors of this video are not liable for any damages of personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any parts and procedures represented in this video. You are using the information presented in this video solely at your own risk.
#toro #lawnmower #smallenginerepair #DIY

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If this video helped you, please consider clicking on the THANK$ button above 🙌 Watch this video if you need a tune-up on almost the identical Toro mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrSopein5qkf7M

[@tomwindham6021]

Just happened upon your video. I have the same mower but the one you're featuring in the video has something that mine does not...the plastic cover that goes over the drive belt on the underside of the machine. Have you seen others like mine? The absence of anything that 'protects' the belt has always seemed odd to me. The opening (where the belt goes through the 'body' and up on top of the machine) ALWAYS gets clogged with grass clippings. Very frustrating! Do you know if my machine could be 'retro-fitted' to have that added. BTW, the parts list for the machine doesn't appear to show any type of guard for the 'underneath' area. TIA!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@tomwindham6021 Hmmmm. That's interesting. The newest Honda HRN series mowers are the first I have seen without any baffles to protect the belt, and I've seen numerous complaints the slightest debris: a twig or small pinecone will cause the belt ro run off the pulleys. That said, I guess that was their solution to those underside baffles becoming compacted solid with grass clippings, that I see so often on these front wheel drive mowers. Just curious how your top belt cover connects to the deck. This mower in the video had the top cover bolted to the bottom cover (through the deck). If the top cover part # is the same for both mowers, you should be able to buy the bottom cover and attach it to your mower. Good luck. Thanks for watching.

[@tomwindham6021]

@@TheLawnmowerLady The absence of any cover on the bottom of the deck has seemed, to me, like an obvious oversight. But, to be honest, that didn't occur to me until AFTER I had purchased the mower. Like they say "hindsight is 20-20"! Now, to answer your question, the top cover is attached through the bottom of the deck...I believe it's very similar to what you showed in the video...there are a couple of bolts. That's it! The schematic/parts list for our mower doesn't even show any type of cover for the bottom, so I don't know if it would even be possible to 'retro-fit' ours. But all in all, I guess we've been fairly fortunate because I just changed the drive belt a couple of days ago...and that is the 1st time I've done that. And we've had the mower for several years. Last year, there was a time when the mower wouldn't propel itself at all. I took it to a repair shop, thinking something was wrong with the transmission. Turns out the pulley (under the top cover) was totally jammed up with clippings. Since then, I try to make it a point to reach into the cavity and clear out as much debris as possible.

[@djdonna80s]

I am fixing two of them. Thank you for the great video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@djdonna80s I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@larrybenigno4919]

I wish I had seen this video before I broke my back manually pushing my mower today after the FWD suddenly stopped working. You, my dear woman, are a treasure of knowledge. Debris had indeed pushed the drive belt off kilter. Now it's working perfectly! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help! I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@matthewsessions7110]

Thx! Fixed my front issue in just seconds after watching this!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped!

[@matterdaddy1937]

Was like dried up cake batter lol. Words I’ve never heard from a mechanic 😂 love it

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Right?! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@tonyberg173]

I just used this video to repair the belt on the exact same mower. Thank you so much for this it was REALLY helpful.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You're welcome!

[@Big_Johns]

"I'm no expert" ... oh whatever Ms Mower Fixin Lady. 🤣 Nice video and demonstration. 👍🏼

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I try, LOL

[@rewlawnservice]

The first woman I seen know what she doing when it come to maintenance on lawn mower good job 👍🏽😃

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@rewlawnservice]

I’ve been in landscaping for 24 years my business and I learned that you always have to keep that lawnmower clean free for grass and debris I keep those parts to last long

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@rewlawnservice So many folks don't bother, and they end up replacing their mowers. A little TLC goes a long way to keep this machinery in tip top shape. Most any 10 year old mower, with proper maintenance will outlast most anything on the market today.

[@berges104]

this was helpful. dogs pulled some sticks out into the weeds and I caught one. it managed to jam the drive pulley and gave an awful whine. Belt is a bit worn now but still functional. Looking up the part number now to have one on standby for when it dies. I managed to push it old school to finish, skipped the gym that day.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help!

[@brianking1138]

I have done that job more than once. I never knew those were called Robertson bits. Thanks for another great video.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yep! Robertson from our great friends north of the border. Cheers!

[@TheRipcurrent]

Thank you Lawn Mower Lady! This solved my problem and I was able to learn quite a bit.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks a lot for this well done video. I just parted out an older Recycler , nice to see the differences.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you Mr Bruce. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@BrucesShop]

@@TheLawnmowerLady You bet.

[@donsamples]

Thank you for such a great and informative video. You saved me, I’m sure, a $100 repair job. My belt simply slipped off and I warble to fix it in about 10 minutes. Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Excellent! Happy to help. Cheers!

[@DougJohnsonKC]

Thank you so much. Did the repair this weekend. All went well!😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Very happy to help. Cheers!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Thanks Stella Great video You are the best lady mechanic on KZbin

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you Mr Hank! 😃

[@BrucesShop]

I agree.

[@sekacity3425]

You helped guide me through changing my belt. Thank you, Lawnmower Lady .

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You are so welcome!

[@irondfsman565]

Thanks i fixed my mower. I didn't know how to take the plastic cover over the pulley until I checked out your video. It was a piece of stick stuck in between the pulley and belt that had it off track 😊

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped ! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@haneyoakie14]

Glad to see a new video from you. I was just thinking yesterday that I had not seen one recently. It made me check to make sure KZbin had not unsubscribed me.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks Tom! A bit of poor planning on my part before taking a little vacation, oops! Thanks for watching!

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady not a problem, I hope you had a great vacation. I have had problems with the KZbin resetting notifications on some channels, or finding I am no longer subscribed to a channel for an unknown reason. If I don’t see someone for a while, when I notice it, I go check. Is that an intek on that Toro? I didn’t think it was a Quantum. It was a nice mower. Looks like it has been a little neglected, sadly.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@haneyoakie14 It was a Quantum, and definitely abused and neglected. 🙄

[@haneyoakie14]

@@TheLawnmowerLady the muffler looked like it was not quantum. I will have to look again

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@haneyoakie14 Dang it Mr Tom! I was too quick in my reply. Looked at my still pix, it's the E-Series (or EX, not sure) 🤭

[@Tbk0311]

Thank you for making this video. Have the exact mower/problem.

[@wskyhawk4628]

Thank you Lawn Mower Lady for your excellent video which was very well done. I could not figure out what tool I needed to remove those 3 screws that held the belt guard cover above the transmission pulley. At first look it appeared those were phillip head screws, but I quickly found that they were not. Thank you for stating in your video they were Robertson square head bits which I had never heard of. 🙏

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Robertson drive is more popular in Canada. however more and more you do see them, especially in electrical equipment. They are less prone to stripping out than Phillips. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@morenoise8086]

This video showed me exactly what I needed to know. Thanks very much

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome video Earl! 😁 Love your B roll.....

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks so much Mr Steve! Cheers!

[@silk62004]

Thank you. Your camera angles are AWESOME. Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching.

[@nashguy207]

Great job and video as always Stella!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you!! 😊

[@galaniz2010]

Great video! This helped me solve my problem and now I'm back up and running. Thank you!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped!

[@PRSINPSCA]

Thank you so much for your much-needed video. You have been most helpful! 💐

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You are so welcome!

[@mortensgarage]

Nice one Stella 😊👍 Good quick fix

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks! 😊

[@AnthonyMiyazaki]

You just earned a subscriber. Thanks Lawnmower Lady! 😀I'll be working on mine once I get my new belt.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markwiley9516]

Hi Stella see it all the time in the UK 🇬🇧 people just don't look after the mowers great video as always 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

So true! Thanks for watching!

[@apatterson8128]

Thank you. Seems pretty straightforward.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

You bet Ms Patterson! Thanks for watching!

[@sdandrea5245]

Thanks for the guidance. Well explained and clear!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@momkeyGTVR]

Thanks for helping me fix my lawnmower..you r awesome

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Great to hear! Cheers!

[@larrylucas5731]

Nice work. Thanks, my lady!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you kindly!

[@thegreyghost1763]

Really good demonstration video…helped me fix mine

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped

[@adrianreyes4702]

You Rock!!!! Excellent explanation, and visual!!! Thank you!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@austinoliver7829]

You are awesome! Thanks for this tutorial!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PinBall3]

Good detailed info 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christochristov1259]

Thank you for your video.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@BigBriAutomotive]

Great video. You rock

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@stevendrabik4019]

Your video worked, thanks!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped! Cheers!

[@ScooterScudieri]

Good stuff! Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you liked it!

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice explication Stella😀🇦🇺

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! 😃

[@almclean4835]

Now I know what a Robertson screw is. I heard Bruce mention them on a live chat but obviously wasn’t paying enough attention, sorry Bruce. Nice quick repair. Got to keep them clean

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Yes, compliments of our good friends north of the border. Cheers Mr Al !

[@seachild0504]

OMG… YOU ARE WONDERFUL… I’ve watched other videos and they are trying to figure it out while they’re filming. One tip??? Show us how you get to the belt and parts… Remember, you’re teaching us But I subscribed!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Haha! I did, but my camera crapped out during that part. Only discovered that during edit. I appreciate you watching!

[@seachild0504]

@@TheLawnmowerLady it is still a great tutorial!!! And you didn’t man-splain!! Which I super appreciated

[@TheRustyRooster]

Super nice job. Earl

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Rock on Mr Rooster!

[@Kojtxiv5555]

I have the same exact mower. Love the 7.25 163cc. I just did the same belt replacement this past weekend, too.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@mr1pearl]

I'd say Earl was a Earnhardt fan 🙂 Another great video Stella !

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Daryl Waltrip was my man! Cheers Mr Bill.

[@regioatl79]

Well thanks for this video I’ll have to try this on mine that the front wheels stopped ! I have Subscribed to your channel !!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks! Could be several things, but once you get up under there, hopefully it will be clear what the problem is. Cheers!

[@bobbyward8712]

I love Toro Mowers

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The older machines are great mowers. Thanks for watching!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

People don't realize that they need cleaned. When you cut damp or wet grass it clings to the covers pretty quick and won't come out with the blower

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It's so quick and easy to clean! But I always advise to just not mow wet grass to begin with. Mostly falls on deaf ears. Cheers!

[@DaDaDo661]

I went 7 years without cleaning and the belt finally broke. not bad

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@DaDaDo661 Do you cut when the grass is wet? (I don't and can get away without cleaning for a while)

[@DaDaDo661]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools my yard has poor drainage near the perimeter, it's almost always wet, so yes I'd say 20% of my grass cutting is wet

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@DaDaDo661 usually that's when stuff builds up. If you made it 7 years, that's a win 👍

[@BADD400]

Good video

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you enjoyed! Cheers!

[@RonSheely]

Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@johngreen1464]

Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

A super thank you for your support! Cheers Mr John!

[@DIYVariety]

Easy peasy when you know what your doing. Great job earl lol i mean stella

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

😊 thank you! Cheers!

[@kevinjones5246]

Hi! Thanks for the great video and channel! My drive seems to work, spins the wheels, then stops/jams. The wheels won't turn once it jams. I may have mowed some large rocks right before this happened 😞

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Oops! Take off your wheels. I found huge chunks of gravel and rocks on those that have worn out dust covers. Hope this helps!

[@kevinjones5246]

that's exactly what it was! Thank you so much! A small piece of debris was causing the gears to jam... took the wheel off, cleared out the debris and voila! @@TheLawnmowerLady

[@Yehoshuasministries]

Go Get em hard workin Momma!! A++++

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@amandaoliver9258]

Changing the front wheel guard.

[@gregoryd326]

Nice 👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rea8755]

Great Video!! Thank you Help I pull on my Toro start line it moves the abruptly stops, no debris underneath...help.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Have you hit anything perchance? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqrLioSLba6GZqc is a video I did on replacing the flywheel key.

[@rea8755]

@@TheLawnmowerLady yes I slammed a coconut in my high grass!!! Thank you thank you! ** St Augustine grass that was high

[@bl6369]

Amazing video! I just bought a 22 in recyler fwd yesterday. How often do you recommend we take cover off and clean it? I only mow dry grass fyi.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching! I would take a look and see after a few mows and then decide. Depending on where you live, for sure take off the covers and clear out any debris when you winterize your machine. Cheers!

[@marilynandjohntsigaris3043]

Good video and detail - my only concern is turning the lawnmower on its side. Will it cause oil to spill out ?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

For sure if it's turned over on the wrong side. Oil leaks out the crankcase breather tube and saturates the air filter if turned over on that side. Much smaller chance of a valve being partially open and oil leaking into the exhaust port if turned over on the oil fill side. Best to tilt these type of mowers backwards on the handle to avoid that. Thanks for watching.

[@brucewaugh8785]

Hi Lawnmower Lady, thanks for this video! I have successfully repaired my front wheel drive. I have a question about the drive belt cover underneath the mower. Does that have a part number?? I got my mower second hand and it does not have the belt cover.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Plug the mower model # (usually under the grass flap on the rear) into any major karts house: partstree, jackssmallengines, repairclinic, etc., for the correct number for your mower. Cheers!

[@fboyken]

I’m trying to do this now! But no luck so far getting any of the three Robertson screws to budge. Have tried wd40 and hitting the screwdriver with a hammer while twisting. Just getting a lot of screwdriver filings. 😢 Would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Try a penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster. WD-40 is not so good for this application. One of the best is a homemade solution of 50/50 Acetone and ATF. Give any fluid time to saturate the corrosion. Heat is your next tool. Maybe a small butane torch to heat up the screw.

[@fboyken]

Thank you so much! Super helpful. I’m trying this now.

[@terrythoffman9375]

The ones I've worked on have a metal keeper by the crankshaft to keep the belt on

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

This one might have had one too in a former life. Rode hard and put up wet. Thanks for watching.

[@jimbrewer2893]

And that is one reason I don't loan my stuff. Was all that the fault of the borrower? Probably not. But it happened when they had it. I lent a chainsaw out. I found it on my deck two weeks later, trashed. The guy ran it through dirt, didn't refill the bar oil during use. New chain, new bar, new oiler. At my cost. Found out he was in jail. Another story. Take care of your stuff. Clean it at least monthly, if not after each use. Good vid Stella.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That, and In-laws. They're the worst, LOL. Cheers!

[@garytompkins3872]

Great video! Same mower here. It's making a bit of noise when I engage the drive... a repetitive click or clack or clunk (?), every few seconds (but not at consistent intervals) that is louder when mowing than when running it on the driveway with the front wheels up. The shaft+blade turn by hand without the belt moving. Without the engine running, of course, when when I pull the drive engage bar, it doesn't affect the tension of the belt. Should it? I've had this mower a few years but never noticed this sound. If it's normal and has been there all along... I'll chalk it up to old age I guess. :-) It seems to do its job, but the noise I think, is indicative of an issue. Maybe one of the wheels? Thanks!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Take off the drive wheels and inspect the gear teeth. Maybe some have been chewed up? Thanks for watching.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Too Easy, Great job Stella..... But some duck tape would work fine to repair that belt for 5 minutes uuum dang Nope Duct Tape won't work. Awesome as always my friend.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Cheers Mr T-Bone! I appreciate you watching :)

[@Inisfad]

I’m ready to impress people by knowing what a Robertson bit is! Didn’t know that.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Go forth and impress! Cheers!

[@scottfirman]

I have spent two years fixing the drive system in MANY, MANY of these mowers. That and the Honda drive system. Many times, the belt stretches and can jump off, then it burns up the belt. They are easier to change on the Toro than a Honda, that much is for sure.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree. I think anything with a rear wheel drive takes more time, like most Hondas.

[@jime7468]

Hi Stella, I have what looks like the same Toro, make and model. The belt looks ok under by the blade but I cannot get the black top cover (marked "FWD") off despite having removed the two 10mm bolts. The cover is stuck at the other end (next to the engine) but I can't see how. I don't want to force it or break it and after watching several videos, including yours, I'm wondering what could possibly be holding the cover on. Any help would be appreciated.

[@jime7468]

Ah, I fixed it. Didn't realize the cover also had screws underneath. The clue was when I saw you had two different pieces in your hands! Done. Loose belt. Thank you

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@strawhat2972]

Thank you, it appears my lawnmower doesn't have a cover for the belt where the blades are, my belt is also very old and lose and falls off so I will look into replacing it

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Happy to help. Cheers!

[@PJL7095]

Alright…. Got the good ol’ Toro up on the ping pong table (with cardboard protection of course) & am cleaning her up for the upcoming summer. The left front wheel looks pretty worn & the right front isn’t as bad but surely isn’t new. During late fall mowing, the self propel was intermittent to where the wheels would spin for a few feet then might stop & not spin at all to the point I’m dragging the whole mower. I’d jiggle the thing back & forth then maybe the wheels would spin again. So… is there cogs or something in the wheels that can strip out thus causing it to do this? The belt looks fine & the transmission engages when handlebar lever is pushed

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Indeed there are teeth that can wear off, they are plastic. Remove the wheels and clean up everything in there. The drive gear will probably be OK, it's hardened steel. Thanks for watching.

[@PJL7095]

@@TheLawnmowerLady will do! It’s on the To Do list

[@scottmurphyuncensoredoflaw906]

I got the same one and clean the Dupree of my mower

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It's easy to keep them clean. Thanks for watching!

[@Turningwrenches85]

A nice mower. And lucky it was the belt that caused the ploblem cheaper than a transmission on it

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

For sure! Some of those transmissions are upwards of $120US. Crazy for some plastic gears!

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@TheLawnmowerLady exactly almost half the value of the mower itself

[@jaimepadilla9548]

Could it also be that the belt stretched out over time? My transmission works I've even adjusted the tension on the cable but now I'm thinking it could be the belt is to old I've had it for maybe 10 years

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Your belt will certainly stretch as well as the control cable. If you have all the adjustment you can take on the cable, consider replacing them both. Thanks for watching.

[@jaimepadilla9548]

@TheLawnmowerLady thank so much for the advice. Big fan!

[@brianharvey2468]

I have this same mower and when I replaced the same belt with a true blue 3/8" x 32' non oem as suggested by the mower dealer, the belt is too tight and the wheels are on all the time. Its model 20353 serial no 316042241. I cant get an original belt. here in OZ. Any suggestions?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I'd take a look at the cable adjuster. Basically you want to shorten the outer cable which will in turn lengthen the inner cable. Also make sure they're still going around the pulleys and there's no debris holding it further away in the pulley. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching

[@brianharvey2468]

@@TheLawnmowerLady I have already done that and the belt still worked. So I have put a 3/8 x 34 belt and its 95% ok with cable adjustment at full. Thanks for your reply. The Local dealer was very helpful and I took a couple of different ones home to try. They now tell me they will get in a 3/8 x 33 and I think that will be OK at 100%. . Great site Thanks

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad you got it sorted. Sounds like you have a great dealer to work with. Cheers!

[@HeavenVision114]

Thank you for the tips I have the same problem and I will be Ordering the belt soon

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Glad it helped

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching!

[@heathwilson2572]

The lawn mower Lady I like the rear wheel drive myself the best

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I do too! less wear and tear on those front tires. Cheers!

[@smpryder]

Where would the model number be? Mine is not quite the same. I found it on the sidewalk next to some other junk. Was hoping it was just a simple no start, but it starts and runs great. The wheels are locked up pulling backwards.. hoping the example in this video is the cause of the wheels. Seems they pulled hard on the cable too. Just need to find the model

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sometimes a sticker on the deck or under the flap? It really depends on the manufacturer. Sometimes they have peeled or worn off. I wish I could be more helpful.

[@Silver_Prospect]

I can’t find the second bolt to remove the cover

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

There are two under the deck, you can see that at 05:31

[@zebman9228]

For some reason cannot see through black case to see what bolt or bolts are being removed at beginning of video.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

For some reason, my camera decided to take a dump around that time. Look ahead to around 05:30 to see where I put the cover back on. Just do the reverse to take them off. Thanks for watching.

[@Art-jl6pt]

The rusty pulley could use some sanding don’t you think?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

It might help some, but the pitting and damage is already done on the inside of that sheave. Thanks for watching!

[@lawrencecarroll2031]

My son in law's Craftsman, front wheel drive, with Briggs Quantum engine; the drive belt came off. I removed the covers top and bottom and found nothing wrong with the pulleys, belt or transmission and reinstalled the belt. I then took off the drive wheels to lube them up. The right front was packed with old, hardened grass debris to the point of filling in the gear teeth. I THINK that may be what caused the belt to come off?? There was no debris under the other covers at all.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

That is always a possibility that the wheel gears are either worn, or jammed up. Thanks for watching!

[@scottfirman]

stretched belt is normally the reason they jump off. Compair it next to a new belt and you will see clearly why it jumped. The old belt MAY look ok, but trust me, it's not.

[@lawrencecarroll2031]

@@scottfirman Thanks, hadn't thought of that. This is an 18 year old machine that was mot hardly used at all (lady that owned it could never pull recoil hard enough to get it to start!) He's been using it about 2 years. I guess a stretched belt is a possibility due to the age of the machine as well.

[@berardia4]

They also bent the front baffle and it was rubbing on the trans drive shaft. Must have jammed something bigger in there than grass.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good eye. I dug out some larger sticks and twigs from under that mower. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE]

with all those covers, I'm surprised it had all that debris in it.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Zero maintenance on this mower, and mowing on the absolute lowest setting. What I didn't video was all the debris under the deck that was not trapped under the belt guide covers. It was a mess for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinhaley6776]

I really like toro personal pace. But no front wheel drive for me

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am the opposite, for me front wheel drive is easier to use

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I agree Mr Kevin! Front wheels wear out too fast! Cheers!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Generally I prefer rear wheel drive, as I see too many bald treaded front wheels. The exception for me is that paddle drive on the newer Hondas. Not my cup of tea. Cheers!

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@TheLawnmowerLady well yeah, ya got me there 🙂

[@deweyeverhart3118]

What size bit?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

The Robertson bit? Pretty sure it was #2 size.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Hey Stella..Ask Earl this..If a Robertson screw is Canadian tech, would that mean a Torx fastener is Bilingual ?

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Haha!

[@physics4290]

At the start, you refer to getting "the last two bolts off" before removing the belt cover. I wish you'd showed all the bolts to remove and where they are. I have this same model 20339, and I just need to replace the traction cable. I can't get the belt cover off to save my life. I have probably watched 20 videos looking just for the cover removal. I removed two bolts from the undercarriage, but that did not release the cover. Soooo frustrating!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Unfortunately cameras and SD cards don't always cooperate. Did you watch the video until the end? I clearly show where and how the screws attach on re-assembly.

[@physics4290]

@@TheLawnmowerLady Oh wow! No, I didn't watch to the end. I wish I had! I kept the cover pried open with one hand while I changed the traction cable, and it hurt because I'm 70! I would not have guessed about those two 10 mm bolts behind the blade in a million years. I don't even recall seeing that thing, and I just changed the blade. It may be buried in grass. Thanks soooooo much!!!! I'm glad I checked back!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

@@physics4290 Happy to help.

[@shuggins76]

How do I adjust the speed. It moves too fast and there's no video to show how to adjust speed. It's a non personal pace toro 22 inch fwd recycler with the Briggs and Stratton engine. GTS 150cc

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

If you are asking about the drive speed, follow the drive cable to either end and look for a threaded portion. I can't give you exact specifics as there are so many different versions. Generally speaking, you want to twist the adjuster to shorten the outer cable. This will make the drive engage later and not as completely. If you are asking about the engine RPM, I did make a video on how to adjust this on a Briggs & Stratton Quantum engine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWLImnx3f6iSoNE If yours is the newer engine (with the plastic carburetor) the same idea applies as above. Follow the governor return spring. It will terminate on a bracket that of some sorts. Gently bend the bracket to loosen the spring to reduce the RPM. Hope this helps.

[@mortdemott5786]

My 22" Recycler will periodically start normally but also requires starting fluid every second time. Runs fine after it starts with normal RPM.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Sure sounds like a fuel delivery issue. Maybe a carb service? Does it have the plastic carb? Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5nbh4SNbth1rsU If its the older style engine, Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npjKq6uCe56NhZo Thanks for watching.

[@mortdemott5786]

@The Lawnmower Lady If delivery was the problem would it randomly start without starting fluid? Would it be able to run properly and restart normally during use. Non ethanol gas only with Sea Foam twice a season.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Fuel delivery could be something like a bad gasket that allows an air leak. Disassembly and inspection of the fuel system might reveal some other issue. Hope this helps.

[@heathwilson2572]

I just replaced the drive belt recently

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I hope it was an easy job for you. Thanks for watching!

[@heathwilson2572]

Lawnmower Lady Yes it is easy to work on. I have Toro recycler personal pace 22 inch rear wheel drive with 190 cc Briggs and Stratton engine. I bought it 15 years ago when it was new Still going strong. Never hit nothing rocks or anything

[@robertmailhos8159]

That was one dirty drive system 🤪

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

agreed!

[@mikehartmann5187]

So, firstly this self propelled drive is a lousy design. If you use this as a mulcher grass bits are going to get drawn up into the void area under the plastic cover and eventually foul the belt. I have found over time that it's best to remove the plastic cover after every other mowing to clean it out (I have a 1/2 acre of grass). Secondly, in the 3 years I've owned that mower, I've wound up replacing the belt 3 times, twice because of the same issue as the mower featured here, the belt getting pushed or jammed off the pulley by yard debris - hence my opinion LOUSY design. My problem with the self propelled unit is now the self propelled mechanism is very weak on the propel part, even after I replaced the belt and adjusted the cable. Some of my property is sloped, and pushing that mower up hill with barely there self propulsion is a chore. How to troubleshoot that? Well, don't bother asking Toro, because they will flip you the bird, and tell you to take it to their authorized repair shops. Screw you too Toro. This drive should NOT fail after 2 years, 3 years, or even 5. It's unacceptable. This is my first and last Toro. What I'd really like to do is chop this mower up into tiny little bits, and ship it back to Toro's CEO, to show my gratitude for being sold a piece of garbage.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I think this is fault of any front wheel drive mower, for both the debris build up and the loss of traction. Rear wheel drives take advantage of the pressure exerted on the handle bar to force more pressure on the drive wheels. Bald tires so often on the front wheel drive, hardly ever on rear wheel drives. Thanks for watching.

[@philliphall5198]

I keep theses wheels because it’s a common thing, people refuse to wash their machines 😊😊 Which means money for ME

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good idea

[@markmcentire656]

These days everything is made out of plastic cars etc nothing is built to last just plastic junk the good. Ole days are gone when things lasted 10 years or more

[@ar3zondo]

Safty first remove jewelry when working on machinery

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for watching.

[@Orbic-hp5tt]

Have you ever heard that old saying, If you don't have anything nice to say, keep your pie hole shut? Google it.

[@mslea13]

I need one of YOUR videos to help me replace the self propelled cable on this EXACT mower you’re working on and I can’t find SHIT that visibly shows me the part I’m stuck on which is a “plastic” part that “squeezin’ the tits” just ain’t workin’ for me because I can’t see where these fools are squeezin’ in order to release the cable from the mounted metal piece/clamp…or what looks like what the side shot of any animal’s open mouth looks like!

[@mslea13]

AAAAAND…. It’s a “SMARTSTOW” so you just fold it up and tuck it away…. HOWEVER…am I’m fucking up my engine by allowing engine oil to leak into places it shouldn’t? The damn gas cap on this bitch (sorry…I’m SO FUCKIN’ MAD) is a POS and leaks ALL the gas out no matter WHAT!!! UGH!!!

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I feel your pain. If you can do with just folding up the handle bar and not turn it up, that will take up less space, and will not leak fuel oil.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Not sure if this video will help, but it shows a bit more detail on how to remove the cable at the handle bar end: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZqcZJygbJaWsLcsi=3tmMcblkGUza0pKN and this one shows a bit more detail on removing the cable at the engine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmmXpKSvfqqDbcUsi=M7Deetx3XffOeFde I appreciate you watching!

[@ZombieChimps]

this mower has been nothing but problems for me. Fwd dies multiple times per year. Came broken out of the box! Just awful

[@Orbic-hp5tt]

Mine's been great!!

[@timleach7500]

Do yourself a favor and just take the wheels off. It will make life a lot easier when you go to put everything together again.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

How so?