Toro Recycler Mower Drive Cable Replacement

Replacing a broken drive cable for a front wheel drive, self-propelled Toro Recycler lawn mower.

[@theresapalmer2161]

So I have the same exact mower with the same exact problem. I ordered the part you showed in your video and did the whole thing by myself like a gosh darn professional mower mechanic! I'm a woman so it felt extra good to accomplish something I would usually have a man do. The fix it shop down the road would have charged me almost $80/hr plus the part...yeah ok, I got this with my new KZbin buddy! lol Thank you, your video was perfect, precise and straight to the point. I "loved" the video, subscribed and continue to watch your videos. Keep up the good work! Oh and thanks for the references as well, I've already been watching some of their videos too...Happy 4th! Theresa

[@chrisruef9221]

Thanks for the video. I struggled with the cable length out of the cable guide. I had too much slack. Spent 30 minutes going back and forth trying to figure out why everything looked good but my drive still wasn't working. Once I saw that you pulled the sleeve down about an inch I figured out that was my problem.

[@Aragnatim]

Thanks for all you help! Same process 5 years later, worked like a charm

[@markschreiter3257]

Nice job on this video - my cable just busted yesterday on my Toro Self-propelled mower - I agree with this comment - "It would have been nice to see a top view of the cable coming out of the tabs because it looks much harder than it is to get it into that slot".

[@lanuch58]

Thanks. Got stuck in the middle of the process and your video quickly remedied the problem. Love that people like you take the time out to show DIY videos!

[@junebrezgis1652]

This is a very good video. I replaced my cable on my lawnmower with this video and it worked great. The part where you notice how far the cable is on the handle clip is essential. Thank you

[@franciscoalmazan3231]

I’m about to do mine right now, the shop wanted to charge me $80 labor for this and they wanted to keep my mower for 3 days. So I thank you for this video.

[@johnward4239]

Thank you I live in acworth a mower service wanted to charge 35 plus parts to fix what you showed me just now it took longer to get the part than it did for me to fix the traction cable thanks again

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad it helped you out. $35 for a professional service of any kind is a pretty good deal, but free is always best. Best regards.

[@matthewpace5834]

Just changed mine thanks for the info. Additional info. The one inch that you used to set the cable is adjustable(a bit like brake cables on a bicycle). So just set and tighten where it engaged the drive shaft. Thanks again mate!

[@cherokeefiddler]

Hello, Kennesaw, GA. I used to travel through that area in the 70's since my 1st set of in-laws lived in Marietta. I was living (and raised) in N. Alabama. In NC now. Also retired and found that I like working on small engines as a hobby. Now I buy, fix and sell just for fun. I enjoy watching all of the youtube channels you mentioned, and a few others. Always learn something even if it isn't something I relate to, such as Bruce and Donnie in Canada talking about snow blowers. Cheers, my new online friend. Keep the videos coming!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you! I also enjoy tinkering with small engines. Enjoy your retirement hobby!

[@OhDubya]

great job - getting the cover off was really the help. hardened grass covered one of the bolts - thank you so much.

[@mpinto2860]

Great video ! I have never had a cable break before and wasn't sure what was involved. I got my cable from Amazon for $13.00. Thanks!

[@kathleenfox6980]

I had my drive cable replaced and it still did not work when I got home (15 miles). I looked at your video and was able to move the cable housing down 1 inch like in your video and it works fine and I did not have to go all the way back to town.

[@kirtabbott4388]

Great video. Thank you very much for talking me through this replacement. Your step by step process made it a breeze.

[@frankportfilio9032]

This video was very very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I called Todo -the cable was $26. I ordered the part fro your source and it was $13.00. Thank you for saving me $13. Very helpful in changing the cable !👍👍👍

[@markjohn6489]

I was Air Force mech. f-15's. I'd rather work on mowers. YOU are my go to guy. thanks for the help.

[@JustinBerrier]

Thank you so much for this! My cable just snapped and I was looking for a means to repair this quickly. Much appreciated!

[@ArcheryDad2024]

Have the same mower, it's about 10 years old & that bend broke years ago, I've had it tied up to keep using it but it's about time I actually replace it. Thanks for the video.

[@retromouseshenanigan2980]

Awesome video, it took me about 20 minutes to complete. It would have been nice to see a top view of the cable coming out of the tabs because it looks much harder than it is to get it into that slot, but I figured it out and you saved me $$$. Thank you for this. Now if you could only trouble shoot my Ariens snow blower.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I'm glad this helped you. Check out Mustie1 on KZbin. He does a lot of small engine stuff and he's done a number of snowblowers. Good luck!!

[@kurt3524]

Good point.

[@trices.7440]

thank you so much!! I was able to replace my cable after viewing your video.

[@territodude]

Thanks, just bought a used one exactly like this and you saved me some time, appreciate it!

[@billdewaine997]

Thank you sir point by point instructions you're a life saver this will be my first project this morning.

[@Irwhodunit]

If you're wondering, it's a 7/16 nut.

[@jcarrski]

Thanks for the video. It made the job of replacing the cable so easy. Much appreciated.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Very welcome!

[@ethanguerrero6723]

I was doing a yard and it broke off mid yard thanks to you I know where to go now.

[@ThinkAwsome]

What’s funny for me is that after I did it all and replaced it, I started it up and tested if the wheels would spin. And sure enough they did spin, without me pulling the bar, and then I let go of the bar so the engine would stop so I could loosen it up…. The engine wouldn’t stop.

[@hudsonriverlee]

My mower is the same type and has the same exact problem... way to go.. I can do this repair myself as well.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad to help!

[@gregoryeditor6500]

You sure are a handyman, I could never do that. I have a Personal Pace 2007 Toro and it feels like I am pushing it Garage Gear told me to loosed a bolt and slide it down to make it go faster, if I can figure out where the bolt is

[@shermn8]

Thank you for this, I experienced the same with my 32 yr old Toro traction cable. Cable ordered, your video provided invaluable information particularly about the under carriage 7/16 bolts! 👍🏼

[@jaspermorris423]

Thanks for the video! I can't believe I was about to pay someone to change my drive cable!

[@xelaju8]

Your video helped me do this replacement piece a cake. Thank you for sharing.

[@pcoronasty]

Thanks to this video I replaced the traction cable on my Toro 22

[@reedann74]

Great video you make it look so easy. How do I get the two red assembly that hold the grass bag to the lawn mower?

[@classicamericanflyertrains2423]

Bruce Pender is my personal favorite also 😉👍

[@nohea44]

Exactly was I needed! Even have the same looking model mower. Thanks for the instruction video!

[@rellumjp]

Outstanding video! You made it easy, my mower’s up and running again. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@msav57]

I'm in Kennesaw too, thanks for posting this. 😊

[@SwearingenTurnings]

Thanks for posting this video. It's just what I needed to fix mine.

[@davidleslie1963]

Excellent Video! You taught me what I needed to know!!!

[@kurt3524]

Thanks. I had the same problem and your video made by repair easy.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad it helped

[@lastcall170]

Thanks This helped me find that hidden bolt underneath to remove the cover. The rest was easy.

[@WallyD_YT]

Awesome video my friend! I spent 15 minutes arguing (cussing) with the damned thing trying to get the that stupid cover off because there is actually visible hex bolt on the top side in a recessed hole close to the engine. I found out from you (after all that frustration) that there are bolts on the underside for that cover. Grrrr... Anyway, all good now thanks to your video. Much appreciated!

[@1970jmozzy]

What size wrench

[@WallyD_YT]

@@1970jmozzy if you are asking me (not the OP) about the cover closure, the cover nut/bolt (whatever) was a bit recessed so it was a socket I needed. Sorry, it was over year ago on a friend’s) mower so I can’t be specific on size. It was covered with years of gunk so that’s why I fought with it for a bit until I figured that out from the OP’s video.

[@abwilliams7584]

You are the man thank. 😂

[@adeolaakinola3122]

Thank you!!! Good and easy to follow

[@huero3447]

Thanks for your time , very informative 👍

[@MeMe-mb4hh]

@5:12 mark, your arm is blocking the install of the new cable back into the bracket. Likely easy enough to do/figure out, but seemingly the most important part of the install.

[@tristansamuels9522]

Perfect - just what I needed. Thank you.

[@darrellbailey1971]

Love your videos my friend. I can’t wait till your next one 👍. I live in southern middle Tennessee.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you - glad you are enjoying them!

[@johnbrowniv]

Thank you for showing this. I have the same mower with the exact same issue. Poor manufacturing design as the z bend broke after about 20 mows.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad it helped!

[@SC-gw2kf]

Thank you so much! You saved the day! Success!👍👍👍

[@hectorious1973]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. it was a big help learning how to replace that part.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad it helped

[@jebsails2837]

Just what I needed to know. My neighbor (unbeknownst to him) also thanks you. Narragansett Bay

[@BarryMosa]

Awesome video.

[@jennifermarquardt3465]

Thanks for sharing this info step by step. 👍

[@chizo5097]

Nice job.where did you purchase the part?

[@djrcny]

Thank u for ur video. I saved me from buying a new mower.

[@debbiemason8342]

thank you for this video!!! really helped me!!

[@corydriver7634]

What now ...is Bruce Pender going to start doing furniture refinishing videos! Complete chaos I tell ya!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

LOL - something different to keep you on your toes!

[@daviddiebold8754]

My $10 replacement cable is at least 2ft too long. Any thoughts on how to shorten and still use?

[@bizzjoe]

Zero to 60 in 20 minutes.. thanks for the video.

[@davisonthomas4697]

Do you still recommend this as a 30 inch mower? I have had mines for two years. Brake cable and propel cable broke. Spring to adjust height also came off several times.

[@greatagainmowing8296]

I replaced the self-propelled cable but as I try to hook it back up, the motor cable, which I didn't even bother, seems 4 inches too short now. If I put the tightener thing on, there's no hope for hooking it all up. I think the self propelled would work, but id still be missing 4 inches on the other cable. Or else I could not hook the tensioner up. Apparently you can't pull the black plastic lining of the cable through the tensioner any farther than where it stops. So I'm still wondering where the other 4 inches is supposed to come from. There's plenty of line, but you can't access it because the tensioner stops it. Help!!

[@tijuanaleduff8731]

Thanks for this video, cable just broke on my lawnmower, 😂😂😂

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Oh no!

[@vernonbruce3722]

Taryl Fixes All is an excellent resource also

[@model-man7802]

Cool,same exact mower I have,Thanks!!!

[@surgichris]

Great video, thank you. Is there a link of where I can purchase this exact part? I don’t want to purchase the wrong part by mistake

[@surgichris]

Stens 290-945 Traction Cable, Replaces Toro: 119-2379, Fits Toro: 20330, 20331, 20... www.amazon.com/dp/B01CRFD9WQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_IHYbFb585DQXZ This one?

[@pressedoil]

frustrating because it doesn't show putting the z bend into the hole. Either I have the wrong part or I'm this is far more complicated then this video makes you think. But my z bend doesn't want to co-operate.

[@crossvilleboy]

Nice and simple.Thanks.

[@ostreds]

My cable looks good, good connection, not frayed or broken off. I just changed the V Belt and the wheels still won't move. Any suggestions?

[@moneyshot239]

Belt probably slipped off the groove where the blade is

[@karencary3312]

Remind me not to buy this model. Very helpful. Nice to see you are mechanically handy, too.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@DarrellBENNETT-u8d]

Can you tighten it if it isn't broken??

[@gerardvandijk1173]

Good replacement

[@edwinleach7401]

Mine was purchased in 2016. The spring is at the handle. I have taken it apart four times and it still won't work. I have to take it all apart again and try to figure out why it won't work. Almost ready to junk it.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Good luck.

[@mikelacool6473]

Hello...how do replace the belt also? thx

[@josedavidsanchez245]

Where did you buy the cable?

[@kimberlycopeland6271]

Thank you!

[@medicmstr68]

Sir, this was Ab-so-lutely PERFECT for what I needed. Yeah, those 2 bolts holding on cover is stupid. Even more of a pain, they were 10mm while the nut holding the cable on the handle is 11mm. Go figure.

[@lindaramsey2351]

I cannot understand how to take the ?Dtent? out, and your arm was blocking how to replace that piece.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Give me a time stamp and I'll see if I can help you.

[@markschreiter3257]

How many bolts are there holding down the Black Cover in the front of the mower? I only saw one, but can not get that cover off. Am I missing a bolt??

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Ugh, it's been awhile since I shot this and I don't have access to the mower to check it now. I believe there may be more than one bolt to remove. If you are certain you only have one, look to see if your cover clips in with some prongs which may be holding it after you removed the bolt.

[@markschreiter3257]

@@LostMountainRestoration thanks. I asked my wife to take a look, she found the 2nd bolt. Popped right off.!!!

[@j3ncain]

Saying the socket size would have been even more helpful

[@gracielaolson1774]

Gracias Señor , soy una mujer muy viejita pero corto mi sacate

[@RonSheely]

Thank you

[@psychicspy]

Shops are there for people who don't have time or the knowledge to do these repairs themselves. Everything is a trade-off. You order the parts, watch the videos, and then attempt the repairs. You could ruin your clothing, break a nail, get a sunburn, and / or cut yourself. It might be the wrong part, so you have to reorder and take the mower apart again. How much is your time worth, anyway? If you make a descent living just take it to a shop.They might tell you the crankshaft is also bent, and the blade is dull, and the oil needs changing and the air cleaner is a solid block of dirt and the pull rope is about to snap and the brake cable is about to go out next. If you are not already very mechanically inclined and knowledgeable, then don't try to beat a man at his own game. Take it to a shop. Spend your time relaxing on the beach, or thrifting on Ebay, which would pay for the repairs and be far less physically demanding.

[@laureean9785]

I have a Toro with the same problem!

[@makenziecollins1073]

What is the size is it 68 inches

[@ansvel]

Why Toro cannot make this small piece out of normal metal?

[@lornemarysh9351]

Donny Boy Sweet Heart

[@StanSweeney1]

Good video

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@deenaloza6214]

Does anybody know the part number to the brake cable for this machine

[@mystic24100]

Neighbor brought his over and the transmission is out. I was hoping for a bad cable.

[@jamiecoleman5435]

My cable seems to be about 1 inch to long. What do I do about that?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I'm not sure I fully understand what you are dealing with. Do you have the correct part? If so, you may want to try wrapping the cable around the handle a few times?

[@lastcall170]

Now..if only my Toro would stop rusting through the deck.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Ugh! I have learned to scrape the deck clean and hit it with Fluid Film a few times a year. Seems to have helped.

[@robertuffman3041]

ty

[@AngelANGEL-n6s]

What is the part number

[@creativemaketools897]

hi friend good job :)

[@samsalisbury4859]

That's why it broke in the first place

[@65csx83]

Entertaining video but I think it would have been more practical and somewhat easier to fix the old cable. Since that end piece is a known point of failure the replacement part is a failure waiting to happen. There are any number of easy ways a fix could be fabricated for the old end which would be stronger and longer lasting especially with your exhibited skills.

[@The_Gr8Pre10der]

Thank You