Toro Snow Blower Maintenance (Belt/Oil/Paddles) 2016

[@kevinnguyen5591]

Thank you sir!! For the first time I don’t have to take my Toro to the shop. Easier than I thought. Appreciated

[@thomaswright2700]

Excellent video! I watch these before I change paddles/blade/belt to remind myself of the details. This is the first time I watched one from a pro USER, which was great. All kinds of good tips- best one being to use a milk crate as a "jack". Thanks!

[@KhaosCats]

I can’t believe I didn’t buy a toro snow blower sooner I bought one and could not believe how simple maintenance is on them. My craftsman was a absolute nightmare to do anything outside of an oil change lol.

[@randy1817]

I have an Atlus 3.5 single stage that I got in 1993 it works great. This is the first time that I'v had to replace the paddle pads. I just started to see the snow coming out the from. Not bad, the pads lasted 28 years!!! Knock on wood, the only thing I've had to replace is the pull cord.. Fingers crossed that I get another 28 years before the next repair??

[@frazzleface753]

I have used the same paddles for the last 3 seasons in a moderate - high snow area (lake effect plus system snow) and the snow blows back a little, but it's always done that from new.

[@RylandRay]

Just don't loose that plug!!! great video Brian!!

[@michaelfattore6345]

Never use 10w30 for snowblowers . Always use 5W30 (winter oil )

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

This is what my dealer recommended me.

[@Do_not_neglect23]

Manufacturers recommend 5w-30

[@arbachesglaukus1324]

Use automotive detergent oil with an API service classification of SJ, SL, or higher. Based on manual 10W30 is used on outdoor temperature range 0F to 100F, 5W30 for 40 F to - 30 F and Synthetic 5W30 for 100 F to - 30 F. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic engine oil and this cover all ranges of outdoor temperatures.

[@insanegixxerdude486]

If you add the oil this way you’ll overfill it! Incorrect. You must fill with the blower sitting level on the ground not tipped forward as in this video. Also the toro paddles have a little hole punch into them 3/8” from the fresh edge. Once worn to the point you can’t see the hole they need replacement.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Great tip, you are correct! We definitely overfilled it by a few ounces. Quick update though, no issues.

[@NEDERLAM]

This is a good general guide on what to do but check the online manual before you work on your machine. There are a few important details not covered here. If you change out your paddles do it on a nice warm day so you can bend them easily. There are 2 little metal bolt hole spacers you need to transfer from each worn paddle ( not shown in this video). I use Slip Plate graphite lubricant spray to prevent snow from sticking to the paddles and chute.

[@dankbobby]

Also a little Anti-Seize on the bolts/nuts will keep the rust off of them.

[@simonkenton5927]

Thanks for the video I wish you had included making the adjustment on the handle that would be nice for us rookies my paddles have wear indicators but I also had a question it seemed as though I did see the strings on my paddles the whole time from the beginning in fact some people say to make sure that the threads in the belting are placed at the top when you put them on thanks for your help what say you

[@geraldtreptow2590]

The commercial paddles work great! Throws and cleans better. Harder to change.

[@michaelfattore6345]

Depends where you live . 5w30 oil is recommended for temperatures below 40 degrees . You may have hard to start issues Using 10w30 in snow equipment .

[@DeliciousBass01]

Nice video. No way does it take a quart of oil. 18+ oz new and likely a lower amount for change. A full 32 oz is overfill

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Dave B Great info, ty for sharing! I fill to the neck/dipstick for the most part and good to go. So far so good.

[@Robsbrd99]

I can't get more than 16oz in mine. I do it with the machine level so to not overfill.

[@jimhoward1655]

20 oz is a normal amount for most small engines . Looked up toro 621 oil capacity toro says 20 oz

[@kenirving5268]

Paddles gone on rubber hitting grpund first. This might only apply to the thicker, 10mm, paddles. Auger pulley can be installed backward. I beleive it is flush side in as there is 1 side were the metal insert sticks out from the pulley

[@NoGo90]

I need to change my paddles soon , have been looking at the kage polycarbonate paddles

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

+NoGo90 Havent heard of them, I will have to check them out!

[@2mikeherzog]

thanks for great vid. it helped me but the paddle back screws were tuff to get back on. also, the paddles have a tiny hole off the edge to indicate when to change. thanks again.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah those screw holes are tiny and are a PITA!

[@cpenrose64]

Great video. Thank you!

[@frankc5686]

I've owned my toro snowcomander for 18 years and have yet to replace the paddles. Paddle quality sure must have gone downhill if you have to change them out every season

[@billwood1372]

I used my Toro 621 commercially and replaced paddles & scraper yearly

[@wcronin7307]

Does the auger itself need greasing? The rod? If so, how?

[@richardjohnson430]

I have a CCR 3000 GTS I do not see a place to drain/fill the oil?? Help, please.

[@gigiraymond9267]

You should verify the owners manual , I believe the crankcase contains 20 ounces of oil , not 32 ounces .

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yes we definitely over filled it, but no issues honestly 2 years later.

[@stephenconcannon4124]

Wait a minute ! I’ve been running my little snowblower like that for six years on the same paddles! What are you guys running over or you got to change them out every season?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We do hundreds of rounds of driveways per season. It's just simple math with wear and tear. We do in a day what you would do in a year, that's all.

[@sab605]

Very informative video and thanks for posting it.

[@jmj267]

You haven't been doing this long enough if you don't know about the small hole that way where's through on the paddles to let you know you need new ones. Also yes you forgot the plug and yes you overfill the oil by several ounces you never want to fill your oil the way you did wow!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Lol, I appreciate your 2 cents. Yes, I do know about the wear markers. Yes I filled it up a little much, but it's been fine.

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

Nice tips. Forgot spark plug

[@frank2166]

Just a question. Is it normal that my paddles touch the ground when they turn?

[@shanebretey373]

Hey Brian off the subject but would like your opinion. I just bought a 12 volt battery charger/maintainer. Do you take off your batteries and keep them charged ver the winter or just start them up every week. Could be a good subject for a video. Especially on how it has gotten so cold and I even had trouble starting up my Exmark Aerator a couple weeks ago to winterize. Thanks in advance.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Shane Bretey That's a good question pal. I know you can leave them on a trickle charger but truthfully I don't do that, or remove the battery. A battery isn't much for me and I replace mine every other season anyways. Let me check some stuff out on the back end and get back to you. May be able to do a quick tip video on it. Good suggestions brother!

[@shanebretey373]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance Thanks man just hear different things and don't want to run the risk when I really don't have time to mess with it stuck and out of juice on my trailer. Might help others too.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Shane Bretey Ya very true. Is this the first year with your Aerator?

[@Do_not_neglect23]

What size socket do you use for the drain plug. I have. 721 I just bought and I can't get the damn plug off.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Oh gosh cant even remember sorry pal

[@donb1183]

Most likely a 10mm

[@Papi4l2]

Where are u located at brian? I seen a couple of ur videos here and there. Glad to see u got the RGB 712 (i think thats the model lol). For anybody in the business, its a no brainer. I have the all american blade sharpener. I like it. Im a homeowner

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Novi MI area

[@Papi4l2]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance oh, alright. Im in the downriver area. Im gonna be getting me a toro single stage this year. They have a new design. Im goin for the powerclear 821...cause its got more power than the 721 lol

[@mikecarrington6417]

yikes - max oil fill on the 621 is 20oz of oil. you fill it in the operating position (not tilted up) until overflow.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Good looking out! I agree you’re right, we overfilled it

[@sonnyblack5253]

Good thing i read the comments!! Thank you.

[@workingcountry1776]

Besides being half the price what's the advantage of a single stage over 2 stage?? I used a one of these once and lake effect snow made it useless

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Just volume of snow you can move. Lake effect areas, you'll want a 2 stage all day. The new Toro's are insane.

[@Papi4l2]

Single stage clears to the pavement and is usually quicker and more maneuverable. If u have gravel, u'll need 2 stage. Or if u get extreme heavy snow. Like a foot and up. A good single stage can handle up to about a foot

[@raymondpalermo4998]

If I can get a new 721qze for 500 new in box ,is it a good deal?.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Not a bad deal

[@victorwest8041]

My Toro 518 takes 12oz. of 5w30,

[@papersealion]

what screw driver head did you use to change the rotor blade

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Its a hex bit

[@NEDERLAM]

Mine are torx bit.

[@thehowtogoto6300]

there is a comercial version. thicker paddles and belt.

[@ryanmulhern6241]

The end bolt on each paddle is nearly impossible to put back on. Good luck all. There's zero room to try to thread the bolt into the nut.

[@westernmichigan5009]

I just replaced my badly-worn paddles (after 5 years' use). To assemble the final bolt & nut, I first verified that I could pass the bolt threads through the hole. Then, using a box-end wrench (spanner), I pre-positioned the nut between the wrench's jaws and put a piece of TAPE across the top (outboard) side to hold it. Then, while pressing the threads through the hole in the paddle, I used the wrench to engage the threads. Note: the tighter that you tape the nut in-place, so that it's extended to be as close to the threads as possible, the better.

[@LAWNFORCELLC]

good video

[@frank2166]

Do you recommend loctite for the auger bolt?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I never have nah

[@kenirving5268]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance bolts have nylon. No need for loctite but i always use for all other bolts. These things vibrate and get thrown around alot

[@AndreTheGiant2006]

Have you seen Briggs and Simplicity's serrated auger? Would you consider them at all?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

AndreTheGiant2006 Never heard of it but just watched the video on it. Looks pretty cool, in theory. Curious to know how it performs. I like the idea behind it. If it's worth it's weight, I'm sure other brands will adopt the design. Guess I'll have to wait and see. Can't comment though, sorry pal! Let me know if you pick one up/and or do a video on it.

[@mtradz1]

Whoa! At the 1:49 minute mark you said it took about a quart of oil??? this should take no more than 20 oz of oil my man!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yes good call, thanks for the feedback!

[@jmabs5096]

I can tell ya home owners do not change out their paddles once a season, they wear them down past both stitching 😂

[@hollamby75]

good vid. like the content

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

+hollamby75 Ty!

[@stevesmith6058]

You put the wrong weight oil in it does not take 10 W 30 it takes 5W30

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks!

[@kcottleaprn]

30minutes. No way. 2 hours is more like. I dont know how the hell he got the drive side torx screw back on . Each one took me 30minutes.

[@MISANTHROPE1964]

Hit the back of that thing with some anti-corrosion spray.

[@MoofausaMows]

1st!! Nice video

[@papersealion]

I replacing my paddle on my snow blower is it normal that the paddle scrap a little bit on the back when you manually turn it the new paddle that is. I haven't finished putting all the screws in thou. I have put the top screw in. the link is the video that I took of my progress. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6LMZ5ifrriHpdE

[@stevemiller2210]

Read the dipstick don’t fill it up all the way

[@johnpedoulas2744]

this guy said it holds about a quart of oil. not true, the 621 model holds 20 ounces. read your manual lol

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You’re right. Great catch!

[@karlmangino877]

Mm

[@joewger]

There is no ICK in Specially!

[@aliaskink]

I have a single stage blower and the belt cover keeps losing screws. Any suggestions on how to keep them in? Increase the size of the thread? Removable loc-tite? I only have 2 left holding the whole cover on.

[@semiephemeral9]

If the belt is snapped does that make the throttle cable go totally slack ?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

It’s slack to begin with. When you pull the lever it adds tension to the belt with the pulley that presses down on it