Toro Lawn Mower Won't Self Propel? - Belt & Pulley Replacement

Toro Recycler Lawnmower Drive Repair - Belt & Pulley Replacement.
If the drive wheels on your lawnmower won't spin you may need a new belt and pulley.
In this video I show you how to diagnose this problem and repair it yourself!
Don’t forget to click the 🔔 to turn on Video Notifications for more money saving videos and tips, featuring all the brands like Stihl, Husky, Husqvarna, Honda, Echo, Kohler, Tecumseh, Dolmar, Makita, Poulan, Ariens, Powermore, Briggs and Stratton, Murray, John Deere, Craftsman, MTD, AYP, etc.
Help me make videos or buy me a coffee!!
/ donyboy73
Buy Drive belt here;
www.discountonlineparts.com/s...
Buy pulley/blade adapter here;
www.repairclinic.com/PartDeta...
Connect with me on these social media spaces (plus that's where I announce contest winners)
Facebook: / donyboy73-the-small-en...
Twitter: / donyboy73
Instagram: / donyboy73
If you enjoy my small engine repair videos make sure to comment, share, thumbs up and subscribe. Thanks for watching!
Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #smallengine #tororecycler

[@shawnfinley5827]

These repair videos are very helpful especially to people who need repairs but can’t afford professional help. Continued success Dony.👍

[@edwardburke9181]

Quality asuaseual donny

[@atibbs14]

A little anti-sneeze on the crank shaft prior to installing the new blade adapter is never a bad idea.

[@scrdad2]

I have to say this is the best repair video I’ve ever seen! Talks clearly, good video, explains every step with detail including wrench size & screwdriver size, plus part numbers!

[@ronyerke9250]

Bruce Pender wasn't lying when he said this is a good channel. :-)

[@hermanmiddlebrook5599]

The best video I have seen on this subject. Thank you.

[@carlmiller1034]

Excellent step-by-step walk thru on replacing the belt. Thanks too for the tip on replacing the collar shaft adapter. Have a great upcomimg weekend Don!

[@michaelfunk5951]

Best description on this R&R that I've looked at. Thank you.

[@rudyho3790]

yeh... you've got competent video production down...thanks!!👏😁

[@Doormaster77]

Thanks donyboy73 great video! I just fixed a customers Husqvarna push mower only 1 year old, that would stop driving on hills and I figured the belt was worn or damaged. I found the belt guides and channel around the drive was so packed with dried grass, that the belt could no longer move with the drive pulley. A quick cleanup and belt replacement and he was back up and running!

[@adnacraigo6590]

I have been watching you for a long time and have learned a lot from you. Thanks again.

[@wskyhawk4628]

I truly enjoy your instructive videos. You show us what we need to know and you don't take all day doing it. Thank you!

[@ronwatson4902]

Your videos always have great content with no music or BS. That's what I like. Thanks Don and have a nice weekend.

[@nrgsmrt1]

Don I hope you have a marvelous, special " Don's day " today, Sunday, June 6th. Tim. ( - :

[@donyboy73]

thanks Buddy!

[@semco72057]

I like the way you repaired that lawnmower and seeing it work perfectly again and the owner is happy again with how it operates. I thank you for showing us how to make this repair and hope you are having a great weekend, Dony.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Haven’t heard the word “Robertson” in a while. (Canadian invention!) Usually people say #2 square drive! I’ll have to look more closely at the v-groove in the blade adapter from now on. Thanks!

[@motorcoachtech7615]

We also sometimes call it a “red robbie”. Invented in Milton Ontario near Toronto

[@hayesmyers2259]

@@motorcoachtech7615 Electricians preference... no messing around stripping screws or losing them...they stick nicely to the driver. I only buy Robertsons screws if possible... best for impact gun too

[@gordmcdonald2807]

Another great vid Don. My son has a very similar Toro. Only about three years old. The belt was Notorious for coming off. Two or three times a year . He kept taking it back to the dealer and it would still pop off. Had the correct size. Everything was correct. Time for dear old dad to fix it. That drive pulley assembly swivels. Design flaw. I took that top plate with the three screws off. On it I measured and marked the spot where I could drill a small hole. I put a thin Bolt about inch and a half long with 2 nuts on it to lock it in place. I call it my keeper Bolt as it keeps the belt from coming off. It's been 2 more years now and the belt has never come off since. Cuts Like A Dream. Wish I'd taken a picture and I would send it to you. I'm afraid I didn't do a very good job of explaining it.

[@donyboy73]

good idea, I've had to do that too on a few lawn tractors

[@sparky1044]

I understood, that was a good detailed description 👌

[@jvahioguy7068]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I am glad that someone actually did it. Thanks.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Thanks for that video, I forgot about that spacer in the adapter! The underside of that belt cover was surprisingly clean with all that grass build up under the deck. My sense is mowing tall grass and never cleaning the deck contributes to those belts popping off the blade adapter. I often find big sticks and dried clumps when the belt runs off the front drive pulley.

[@elcheapo5302]

Just a quick tip, Don. When I worked in a small engine shop as a teen in the 90s, I used the metal spring clamp that holds the cable to the handle on an old Snapper to hold drive/safety bails tight to the handle. Clips right on and doesn't mar the handle. Thanks for the vid!

[@mikejones6974]

STICKS ARE THE # 1 OFFENDER FOR TOROS!

[@numnuttzk20z1]

Thank you so much! I literally fixed the problem in 20mins. The problem was the belt jumped the pulley and I had to open it up like shown on this video and put the belt back inside the pulley area. Now it works like normal! Thanks again!

[@donyboy73]

Excellent!

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing this procedure. 🇨🇦❤️

[@JoseSanchez-wb5rz]

Thanks a ton. Just got the same mower from Home Depot now I saved this video for future troubleshooting plus saved the part numbers to order them for spares for the future.

[@donyboy73]

Glad it helped

[@Lone-Wolf87]

I like it more when you used tools that most of the people don't have. That way they see that it is still possible to do the job. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@skylarsky3173]

Thank you so much. I am going to attempt to do this and this is the clearest video I have seen so far.

[@Jaybo35]

Thank you very much for this instructional! We have been dealing with the self propel not working on our Toro for a long time. And this did the trick!!

[@JoseRamos-xo1vo]

Hey Mr. Thanks for showing us how to fix a machine like this .

[@nashguy207]

Great Instructional video. You give some great tips as well. Have a great weekend!

[@keithkilps8250]

I always enjoy your informative videos Thanks Don

[@berardia4]

Nice job. I've had those spacer washer flip when you put the adapter on before so check the adapter is all the way on before you put the blade on.

[@rfcasey]

Another great video. I have a Troy Built front wheel drive mower, and had the identical problem. Due to its covers, it is a bit more cumbersome to access the pulleys. Just like in your video, I replaced both the blade pulley and the belt. However, this did not solve my problem, so I replaced the drive pulley as well. Unfortunately, the belt would still come off but not as often. The problem with the belt coming off was that it was missing a guide pin that is located on the belt cover underneath the deck. In lieu of buying a new cover, I ended up inserting in a screw where the missing guide pin was. Hopefully this will help someone with similar issues

[@punchion]

Got the adapter 51 days after I ordered it. Cost me $36.00. A good thing I had an old backup mower!

[@roberthamilton9123]

Good morning ☀️ Don thanks 🙏 for your input everything was well explained great 👍 job buddy have a great 👍 weekend 😀😀

[@styverdyver]

Great video timing! I just picked up a similar Toro (no history) that I wish to service and either sell it or keep it to replace my old push mower.

[@menolab346]

I thank you for teaching us keep up more videos.

[@BrucesShop]

Always a great video from Don.

[@donyboy73]

have a good weekend Bruce!

[@mjg263]

Nice job! Boy that mower has lived a hard life, looks like it’s 20 years old underneath lol. Hey BTW that is a variable speed drive just like the Personal Pace, it goes faster the harder you squeeze the drive bar. Great video Don, thanks!

[@richardthomas3577]

This is a great and very helpful video. Thank you!

[@m3rdpwr]

I had to do this once on my 2003 Toro personal pace. It's at that time where I have to do it again and it's a real pia on the rear wheel drive model.

[@mikebintner2864]

The Personal Pace drive system is a totally different animal, not similar in any way to this belt replacement procedure. I wished it was this straight forward when mine needed a new belt. The PP drive system is quite elegant by design but more complicated to service.

[@sistakee1090]

Wish i had seen this 3 years ago. But now i know. Ty

[@Ckktopa]

Thanks, another great video!!

[@sparky1044]

Another helpful trick, with the lawnmower in that position, wearing safety boots (which I wear more than shoes)place your foot on the deck to keep the blade from spinning.

[@irpacynot]

Great videos, man. Thank you.

[@konedog55]

Thank you! Most helpful!

[@sergioszczuczko6958]

Good job dony

[@cc2150dx]

Nice video Don! Melissa here :) Keep up the great work!

[@MikeyMack303]

Thanks, don.

[@corysgardentractors7084]

Hey Don, I was wondering if at some point you could do a updated shop tour? Also i would like to see how you store your parts in the shed you built. I'm looking for ideas as I am in a small garage as well. I'm sure others could get something out of it as well. Thanks

[@perry01007]

Imagine when I was a little kid seeing you now from 4 years ago, you look different but keep up the work

[@999thenewman]

Nice job.

[@deanmoore420]

Nice job

[@angelalas9502]

Super video thanks

[@gnystrom13]

Great video. I can't tell you how much $$$ you have saved me.

[@cherylguthrie3959]

Awesome! Thank you

[@henerker]

Another excellent, step-by-step video. I also have a Toro self-propelled commercial version mower, as I still collect my clippings. This video gave me inspiration to tackle the drive belt on my machine. Would you apply any anti seize on that blade bolt or other bolts when you reassemble?

[@FreedomRock44]

Great video.....See I would have thought to just replace the belt. Replace both is the key!!! I hope you do a personal pace repair later down the road as well....would love to see what the Master can teach us!!!!!

[@donyboy73]

That's the plan!

[@FreedomRock44]

@@donyboy73 Love it!!!

[@64arguz]

Thanks , very useful video 💪👍

[@donyboy73]

Glad to hear that!

[@Ed_Stuckey]

thanks!

[@davidball3081]

Good time to check the blade for sharpening. 😉

[@donyboy73]

Always!

[@gillessimsrd7761]

Merci du Québec

[@georgebeaver4315]

Very helpful for me but I have a mower with too much power drive

[@JW-el5cy]

Cool, thats my exact mower.

[@joelahoud1603]

Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

Welcome! and thanks!

[@holdemNE1]

Did you ever say what the reason was that caused this to come off. Stretched belt, bad adaptor, just the nature of the beast.........all three? When do you know that it is time to replace all these parts versus just taking the time to reinstall what just might be a thrown belt?

[@brianascata9366]

So I noticed that my mower was running a little funny. Starts up and runs great on its own but once it gets hot, it has trouble starting up again if I let go of the gas. I flipped it over today (it died randomly, it's never done that before) and it seemed like the drive belt is loose but not sure if that is normal? Looks pretty worn out so I will likely replace it anyway but does the drive belt have anything to do with the engine running? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

[@waynemurphy7394]

I would like the volume a little louder on your videos . I have to wear a head set to hear some of your videos . Thank you .

[@johnfeather5405]

Mine is a rear wheel drive personal pace . Do you have a video of replacing it on that? Ty

[@billlovett4256]

Good idea about replacing the blade adapter, where do you find Toro parts?

[@davidquinn6161]

Click on the words "SHOW MORE" above for source for parts.

[@efrenrosales8451]

Grasias por este video que dios te bendiga para mi alluda mucho para mi maquina y no tengo que pagar el Mecanico

[@robertmailhos8159]

What is your thoughts on putting some type lubricant on the blade bolt to make it easy removal of it next time you need to replace the blade and replace the drive belt on self propelled lawn mower,s stay safe out there Young Man

[@magicone9327]

What exactly is worn down on the drive pulley that would not be worn down as equal on the driven pulley? The drive pulley definitely gets dirty more so than the driven. I find it hard to believe that the steel would wear down to asmaller size and not have a worn area defined by a remaining shoulder that the belt would not have been wearing down.

[@horacelee880]

WoW!! This was an EXCELLENT video! Thank you so much for sharing .I am considering replacing my transmission & I have the Toro 22" recycler FWD. Where could I find the part number for my engine`s Transmission?

[@donyboy73]

on partstree.com

[@horacelee880]

@@donyboy73 Thank You sir!

[@johnwilmot-ni6gk]

I really like your videos .But right now im rying to fix my craftsman rear wheel drive push lawnmower that has three pulleys for the belt to go threw and cant find a video at all 4:57

[@barryestell6324]

Hey , great video , but is it Foot lbs or Inch lbs ?

[@FRANCO.ME.R.]

Where did u get belt n parts

[@johnwilmot-ni6gk]

I'm looking for a video of how to replace the two pulleys on a rear wheel drive walk behind push craftsman lawnmower

[@Jacob1986]

Mine broke. Just curious when i pull the handle to engage the self drive it becomes hard to push is that normal?

[@ricke6854]

I have a craftsman mower with a similar looking drive pulley/adapter. I'm sure it's made of fairly hard steel and expensive to replace (Approx 45 $). Unless its sheared at the pins or keyway, not much point in replacing it. Maybe this Toro is different material.

[@whalinw]

don where do you order your parts from in ontario canada

[@redlinepaul410]

What belt do you use?

[@Neighborhoodgo2guy]

Don, do you ever repack the box with grease when you do belt replacement?

[@bushmaster2936]

what box are you referring to?

[@gregshirk7220]

I did everything you did, but now, my cable is too long, there’s no tension brother!!!

[@alexsbikesandmotors]

Don looks like hes been hitting the gym

[@bobmcl2406]

Very thorough explanation. Is it only the Toro mowers that wear out the adapter, or would you replace that part on any self-propelled walk- behind mower? Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

I mostly do it at the same time on most self-propelled mowers

[@brianbaker359]

@@donyboy73 thanks Don. We just put a new belt on my son’s Craftsman 6.5 EZ Walk rear wheel drive mower today. The old belt was almost 1/2 worn in depth compared to the new one. Fired it up and drive wheels rotate when lifted off ground but zero traction on the grass. We tightened up the drive cable to the max but still no driving power on grass. I guess the only thing left is to change out belt pulley adapter. Hard to imagine the pulley wears out along with the belt but you recommend doing belt and pulley adapter. Hello from Kitchener & North Bay, ON. I still remember visiting your Shop about 10 years ago. Best KZbin videos of any poster, always a 10++++ in both content, video, sound and tight editing.

[@donyboy73]

@@brianbaker359 yes I always do the pulley most of the time, amazing how they wear out!

[@brianbaker359]

@@donyboy73 Thanks Don, I have one on order. Great Fall weather, we just closed up the cottage at Lake Talon between North Bay and Mattawa. One of the best seasons ever in 40+ years. Best wishes and good health to you and your family.

[@rashaadswanson]

​@@brianbaker359 did replacing the belt pulley adapter fix the problem?

[@justicesmith2031]

My snapper is a 2016

[@xmanb8193]

So you use custormers mowers to mow your yard Awsome cool just kidding nice vid

[@jackiechalifoux3623]

My 2 hp chicago 2 stroke generator from harbor frieght wont start whats wrong

[@punchion]

I'm waiting for an adapter now to fix my mower. A 3 week wait.

[@donyboy73]

wow

[@nickolasalicea9224]

My belt cover won’t come off. The plastic cap

[@danielcote4888]

Why you dont torque the bolt?

[@bushmaster2936]

It's a lawnmower, not the space shuttle.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... 86🐄🦉🏴‍☠✝

[@myamigood]

Heading says pulley replacement also.. where is that part???

[@donyboy73]

It's the pulley on the engine that I replaced, it is part of the blade adapter.

[@MrTarkus007]

would love to contact you if i could find an email add. of yours concerning a generator that i have

[@anthonygostling]

And why you are replacing your belt, clean the underneath...!

[@ncrdisabled]

i never hear of Robertsons.

[@tomploeg2260]

Mr Robertson invented the Robertson head screws. Way better the philips head

[@kenhilson786]

Created by P.L. Robertson. Plant was in Milton Ontario. Model A Ford cars initially used Robertson screws but pl would give Ford his own license to produce so Ford switched to Phillips. Every so many years the acid ponds at the plant would leak into the creek and it would be red/brown with belly up fish.

[@bushmaster2936]

@@kenhilson786 Such a rambling statement.

[@Gino20202]

First!

[@TheDotransporter]

And just like that you gave up the part number, me after 2 weeks looking everywhe😡

[@marks254]

so you risk locking up the machine by putting it on the side and then you do it anyway? where is the explanation??

[@meathead585]

Oh, a new bullshit term for a mulching lawn mower. Maybe it's a politically correct term this year. Just another marketing ploy I don't need to hear. It is beyond me why someone would want the complications of a self propelled model as this one is. I have a 20 year old Yard Machines push behind mower which, as it is a great design, is incredibly easy to push. Mine does not even have large wheels and is used on a really rough lawn. Surely it's less weight is helpful as well.

[@Gino20202]

First!

[@donyboy73]

have a good weekend!