Toro TimeMaster 30" Blade Engagement Belt Replacement

In this video I take you with me while I replace the belt that engages the blades on my Toro TimeMaster 30". This is the second time I have replaced this belt. It is not difficult, it is just a pain that it keeps cracking so soon. I have not had to replace the other two belts on the mower so maybe this is more of a wear item.
If you need to replace the belt you can get one from your local dealer or order one online:
Toro Blade Engagement V-Belt (this is the belt I replaced)
www.amazon.com/Toro-121-5765-...
Toro Traction Belt (this belt is used with the transmission)
www.amazon.com/Toro-120-9470-...
Like the video if it was helpful!
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[@pnswg01]

Great video, Thanks. To remove the large spring on the transmission it is best to place the height to level A. The spring tension will be reduce and angle align for easy removal. Looking at the video, you had it on level A. Mine was on level D and it was very difficult to remove until I figure out how to change the angle on that hook lever. Also it's tricky to put that belt through that bracket. I find going from underneath towards the right side. Thanks again man.

[@scottwalker19]

Great tip!

[@normanortega3439]

Well shoutout to myself for putting it on C before stumbling on this comment lol

[@QuentienBrewington]

Now you tell me, lol😅

[@roysutton5110]

Thank you for posting. My belt replacement went smoothly after watching your tutorial. Much appreciated.

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it helped

[@cymbaline6529]

Thanks for this. My belt broke yesterday and I've ordered a replacement. My only authorized Toro dealer near me is a PIA to deal with. This video is a huge help.

[@SlakJohnson902]

Thank you for the video. I was struggling with removing the drive belt until I watched this. A tip for you on making your belt last longer. If you engage the belt drive more slowly it will preserve the life of this belt. I also try to minimize the number of time I disengaged / reengage the belt each time I mow. My belt last 6 years.

[@scottwalker19]

yes I agree if you are not as aggressive with things they tend to last longer! thanks for sharing!

[@wubuck79]

Thanks. I have an Exmark Commercial 30, the belt layout looks identical. That particular belt failing has been the only mechanical problem I’ve had with it, and when I was fooling around with the cover off the other day I noticed it’s got a large crack in it yet again. I always had the dealer replace it because I wasn’t sure how to go about it but now I do 👍🏻

[@glenjohnson9259]

Love this mower, and this video was extremely helpful. I fixed the same issue in about 45 minutes with your guidance - my local maintenance shop had a 2 week waiting list for repairs!

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it helped. Most mower repair places stay busy.

[@davidp5846]

Great video, thank you for this! I don't think the larger spring needs to be detached, just the small spring that was detached first in the video. My timemaster also had a stop plate when the transmission rotated forward that stopped it from moving further forward, I pushed the bendable metal plate out of the way and the transmission rotated enough for me to remove the first belt so I could replace the other belt.

[@border4554]

I agree I don't think the larger spring did anything in making it looser

[@henrygarza2453]

thank u for the info it helps alot/on a previous comment, yes i would recommend these mowers they work very well the motor is very durable i use mine for my business , changing the belts once or twice a year is a small price to pay

[@a.j.2670]

Heck yeah dude, just replaced my belt in a few minutes. Your video was a huge help; thanks!

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks!

[@robjoko9164]

Thanks man! This same belt on my grandfathers mower just broke and this is the exact mower he has I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find a video of the same one but thanks to you I'll be able to knock this out tomorrow afternoon!

[@scottwalker19]

I'm glad I could help!

[@bowhun2r]

Thanks Scott. With your video and 30 bucks of belts from the Toro store this took me 30 minutes. Appreciate it! Scott

[@williamaylmer2194]

Very helpful, thank you! Mine failed yesterday. One tip if I may. When mounting the new belt on the blade drive pulley, consider using a gloved hand on the blade to rotate the pulley, rather than trying to rotate the pulley directly.

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks for sharing!

[@loganmessi]

Thank you very much for making this video. A quick trip to the NAPA store and following this video and I was back in business in less than an hour. I’ve had the mower for 4 years and this is the first repair I’ve made, so I agree with the comments on its durability....at least from a residential perspective.

[@luccacasque1350]

Hello and thank you for this video, 60 hours for a belt is really very little. There are adaptable belts that last a really long time. Have a good day

[@MrGreg-ce1bj]

Just bought this Toro on Offer Up, 50.00 dollars and the same belt was broke your vid was a great help Thanks a bunch!!!

[@scottwalker19]

Nice!

[@border4554]

You got this for 50 dollars?!?! It was originally a 1200 dollar mower!!!

[@pondjc]

Be sure the blade engagement cable isn't too tight or you'll wear the belt out very quickly. It should be relatively comfortable to hold the lever. Great video!

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks for sharing!

[@uliperezsatx]

How do I check the cable? If it’s too loose or tight?

[@mikew1164]

@@uliperezsatx follow the cable from the lever to underneath the plastic cover on the front and there is a little bolt and plate you can loosen to pull the cable more tight or more loose then tighten the plate back down to hold it where you want it to be

[@radioflitercairplanes1715]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to include all the details. Fixed mine with your part no. I'm up and running like new 👍🏻 Excellent mower.

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it helped!

[@leadnsteel1428]

I like the machine as well and yeah i realize i need to have spare belts lol they take a beating. Also i did a kohker engine swap and its a beast now.

[@ojibwat40]

Feed the belt through the bottom of the mower. I was struggling through the front/top, switched to feeding through the bottom and went right through

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks for sharing!

[@QuentienBrewington]

Thank you... True story. I just Got my TimeMaster which came in brand new packaging (plastic and all)... After the first run (about 30 minutes), I noticed that the blades wasn't engaging... Then I watched a video which suggested I tighten the Spring under the cover. I did that. it worked for a bit butt then the blades disengaged and would not reengage the blades. Took off the cover then noticed the belt was black and had a lot of cracks (It look just as worn as the belt in this video), seriously. So I ordered a new belt and thanks to this video, replaced it. I tested the mower on a small patch so only time will tell if that corrected the problem.

[@harryharry3193]

and was it the belt???

[@tfaosd]

Your video is spot-on, extremely helpful and very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dy7742]

Thanks for your video. I was able to do this and save a load of cash. I used a plastic lever that I bought from Amazon to undo clips and stuff which was really useful to get the lower belt off. I’m not a DIY guy so this gave me lots of confidence to do more. Thanks again.

[@MatthewRobbinsColumbusOhio]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks!

[@monk294]

Thank you very much for posting this video. It made it much easier to fix my mower.

[@scottwalker19]

glad to hear!

[@dennisernst8589]

My time master is 2 weeks old. Mower just ate the belt about 10 mins ago. Fun times. Blade engagement is slow as the manual states. So I'm stumped but rather pissed

[@bobbyshort1222]

Good mower. The belts I have a major issue with. Have replaced this belt several times. Toro needs to have videos explaining the belt tensioning process and how to achieve this. Just replace the third blade drive belt in two months. Spent 900 for this mower and seriously regret it. I do not recommend this mower due to the belt issues

[@Adam-ds8nq]

Great video! Fixed my mower last night

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it helped!

[@MrWay57]

Thank you for taking the time for this informational video!many thanks

[@johnmaraglino9706]

thanks for making this video, i agree with another comment, i only had to remove the small spring to fix it, belt was 18 bucks, you saved me a lot

[@ricepadi29]

Just ordered a belt through your link. Thanks for the video.

[@scottwalker19]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@geralynoloughlin2621]

What if there is oil and gas in it when you turn it on its side?

[@nathangoffiii7718]

I need to know how to get belt off???

[@bobby.lawncare1393]

Can you replace it without taking off the other belt?

[@jeffreyscott7686]

Good Work Jim! TY 👍🏼

[@JRLesPaul]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@scottwalker19]

Thank you!

[@ihrescue]

Good video thanks for posting it. Helpful. I see you have some new engine mount screws. I am thinking your originals loosened up on you? I had that problem. It seems to be a problem with the TimeMaster mower. I didn't lose the bolts thankfully but they were very loose. If people read the comments about replacing belts you may benefit from check the engine bolts and tightening as needed. These screws screw into tapped bores in the mower deck so be careful about over tightening. I used loctite on the threads and 200 in lbs for engine flange tapped screws to frame.

[@pelzerd1]

Very helpful video thank you!

[@UhBuddy1976]

Great video... Thanks for sharing

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks for watching

[@chrisrobinson1613]

Thank you thank you thank you. I did it. Those trans springs beat me up but other than that smooth thanks to your vid. Subscribed

[@scottwalker19]

I am glad it helped!

[@bjusticeforever]

Thanks for the help! The Timemaster does seem to eat these blade-belts!

[@josephjustus5057]

Thanks for that very informative video, helped a lot!👍🏼

[@Neoplasmosis]

Great video, thanks for the help!

[@scottwalker19]

No problem, I am glad it helped!

[@ChewieKTC]

thanks for this - helped BIG time!

[@scottwalker19]

Glad to hear!

[@andreabond3501]

A 28.5 ? Size

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Great help, just bought a used one and had to replace the V belt. I've looked everywhere - do you know that the rpm range is for the Timemaster?

[@chrishewson40]

Would a slight crack in the belt affect the power?when my blades are engaged they sound underpowered and slow down when actually cutting the grass.

[@scottwalker19]

I don't think it would cause a huge issue. Obviously if the crack it's big enough then the belt is stretching ever so slightly but probably not something you would notice

[@konradb2568]

I have this same issue. Did you ever resolve your issue?

[@ht1973]

Thanks!

[@JMontyism]

Thank you!

[@whiteyjoyoung1115]

Thanks man!

[@toddstwins1]

Great video Thanks I was able to install new belt is 15 minutes

[@scottwalker19]

Excellent!

[@lonestarhomestead5415]

thanks

[@seanbrown4023]

Thanks alot. Big help. Appreciate it.

[@scottwalker19]

Glad it helped

[@RobertoTehJon]

I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell me my issue. But recently the blades have been lacking the speed the should be going at. It takes them a bit to really get spinning and even then its not running at 100% speed like it should be. For example, if I'm cutting thick grass that's medium height (about 3 inches tall and cutting it down to 2) it will struggle really bad and the blade wont catch much leaving a lot behind. Hopefully you can tell me what the problem might be but if not I appreciate the response. In order for me to see a reply you need to heart this message.

[@CallTyroneok]

I'm having the same issue did you find out why

[@abogs695]

Tighten the cable maybe? KZbin has a video on doing that

[@nopressuregolf]

Sounds like tour belt is slipping.

[@drewmontez132]

How come my pully moves when I start my mower

[@scottwalker19]

I am not sure if you are talking about full engagement or only a little. I know when I start mine the blades actually move backwards but very slowly

[@andreabond3501]

What size drive belt is it a A29

[@vatoloco6536]

you can buy the same belt from AutoZone part number4L300 for 7.99$

[@ericslawnandlandscape]

Great Video! I bought an Exmark 30" for this season and this belt just went after 3 months. I believe they are the same mowers, but mine is commercial. The belt you have from amazon in the description. That would be the same belt I would use for my exmark correct? Thanks!

[@scottwalker19]

Probably not but you can always look up a parts diagram on google for your specific model and year. Toros website likely also has parts diagrams.

[@ericslawnandlandscape]

The Belt number for the Exmark 30" is 121-5765-SL. Just incase someone needs it in the future.

[@smurf13w17]

How tight is that green belt suppose to be. Are you suppose to be able to spin the belt with your hand

[@scottwalker19]

The blade belt (lever activated) should be loose but not falling off. The black belt that controls the blades has a specific tension so that is different and ribbed vs the other belts are v belts

[@smurf13w17]

I panicked because my toro was losing power and sputtering when i would engage the blades and eventually cut off. It was only a month old. I did what was best and took it back to home depot under warranty, and got a brand new one, since i was on my last day of in store warranty to return it

[@yonyescobar358]

🙏🏽🙏🏽 great video

[@scottwalker19]

Thank you!

[@clairemaradan1210]

Merci !

[@stevegengozian7769]

Does anyone know the length of the belt.

[@vatoloco6536]

You can buy that belt from AutoZone part number 4L300

[@bluelude2001]

Did your mower make a screech noise when engaging the blades?

[@scottwalker19]

What do you mean? It usually makes a small “screech” when engaging the blades normally because it is going from a complete stop to the rpm of the engine.

[@bluelude2001]

@@scottwalker19 When you engage mine it makes a 2 second long loud screech. I'm thinking the belt is stretched out causing the noise. It sounds like EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEccccchhhhh lol

[@scottwalker19]

It sounds like its doing the normal noise that they all do.

[@driveman6490]

I hear the same screeeeeeetch sound too. But found it was my mother-in-law just being her usual self.

[@mattbrigner4815]

You're about right with 60 hours because that's when mine just broke today...lol and it had about 58 hours on it...

[@scottwalker19]

If you replace it just make sure you adjust it properly. I think I was having issues with mine and found out that there is a recommended adjustment spec. Basically you install the cable under the metal bracket before it runs under the engine and then you give it about 1/8" of slack and that seems to make the cable operation smooth!

[@MikeJones-nc1xz]

@@scottwalker19 this is really good info. my belt just frayed and crapped the bed after only one full season of use. however, between recent mowings I got in there and readjusted this spot and did not give it any slack because I felt like I wanted the blades to engage sooner, completely failing to comprehend that this would put a ton more stress on the belt while it was in use. About 3/4 of the way through my very next mowing, bam, gray/white smoke, burnt rubber smell, and no more blades engaged. Glad I looked at it and decided it was a job I can do on my own. As of now, it's looking like a 20 dollar and 30 minute learning experience, rather than a 200ish dollar and multiple week learning experience taking it into the shop to do.

[@percynorris2498]

Man my Toro 30 just don't pull anymore like it did when I bought it. Ive tried everything i can think of. Except for the transmission. Any other clues anyone?

[@scottwalker19]

You could make an adjustment to the tension cable. Make sure you are adjusting it the correct way though. Ultimately it could be the transmission which is not the end of the world. I think it's only about $150. The tension cable is the only thing I could think of besides the transmission, because those are the only two components for the most part. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@percynorris2498]

Right on

[@laboratorio7133]

Mine lasted 3 years. But then again i dont cut as often

[@riccroft710]

That's a 10mm bolt head buddy, but thanks for showing me how to get'r done!

[@user-lr9xm9tq9y]

First and last TimeMaster I buy. Third time replacing belt in two seasons. Grass sticks underneath even when not wet. Horrible design. This mower does not save you time in the long run.

[@brianp2572]

Looks Like you have done a lot of work on your timemaster. Would you still recommend them for use?

[@scottwalker19]

That is true. The hour meter was put on after having the mower a little over a year so it probably has close to 200hrs. I am using it in my lawn care business and at my house so it does get used more than a normal homeowner would use it. I definitely like the mower and its capabilities. Repairs are common with that many hours but nothing with a major cost that would take away from the value that I get from the mower. The 30" deck and the ground speed of the mower is great compared to a normal 21" or 22" mower. So I would say evaluate what you need it for and if you have not tried one out I would say it would be a good option depending on your needs.

[@jsaANC4509]

Thank you for saving my ass with this video.

[@jimtaylor9522]

Toro made a horrible design. Belt breaks all the time

[@scottwalker19]

I have never had it break on me but it does wear out

[@outoftownr3906]

Only breaks if your cutting overgrown grass or if it’s gradually perishing

[@nickzelner]

Mine broke 3 times in a week i don’t know what to do

[@snsmowingservice998]

Same here, so far I have changed it 3 times. I’m using it on 15 lawns a week. And after the original belt broke, none of the other belts last long enough to finish mowing the lawns.

[@a3dyn047]

@@nickzelnerdid you ever figure out the issue, mine broke Twice in 2 days

[@Methodical2]

Were you experiencing some slippage? FYI. Below is a video that shows how to replace the timing belt and how to time the blades, when you cross that path. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGOcmolmoq6Ja5o

[@scottwalker19]

I was not experiencing any slippage. After owning the mower for several years, the common issue that I have with the belt is that it develops a crack and that means it’s on its way to breaking. It has happened to two belts so far.

[@Methodical2]

@@scottwalker19 I've had my TimeMaster for 2 years and will take a look at those belts to check the condition.

[@Methodical2]

Just checked and the drive belt is fraying. I'm going to replace all of the belts. Thanks for the video.

[@westcoast6162]

Bro u don't even have to remove those springs

[@andrewdacres4829]

Thank you!

[@scottwalker19]

Thanks!

[@copasetic216]

Thanks man!