Toro Timemaster Commercial Pulley Upgrade Kit (126-7890)

Date: January 20, 2023
In this video, I go step by step on how to install a commercial pulley upgrade kit on a 2017 Toro Timemaster 30.
Kit Part # 126-7890
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[@mozaic_channel]

Many thanks for this. There’s really no other homeowner mower like this, so I’ll bite the bullet. Gotta say, Toro’s decision to skimp on this part is about as silly as it gets.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! At least toro offers a pulley upgrade kit. Quite expensive though but worth it.

[@bigsonslawncare]

That was funny when you talked about the instructions 😂 so true🤣👌🏽

[@seanslawns]

You know your mowers man, I’m looking forward to this channel. Thanks for taking your time to teach us all.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Appreciate the comment! More videos coming.

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

I did this upgrade myself on both my TimeMasters.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! So far (knock on wood) the upgrade I did on this 2017 timemaster with over 700 hours is working great. We are 2 other timemasters as well with nearly 500 hours each. I may upgrade both of them as well.

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

@@BillyGoatLawnService yup. The upgrade seems great. It costs a lot but I think it was a good thing!

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

@@MyGreenLawn2019 I’ve seen aftermarket kits for $65 on Amazon. Wonder if they hold up compared to the OEM kits.

[@bigsonslawncare]

I've said this before Bill if I ever pull the trigger on the Time master I definitely no who to look to for longevity advice because you have mastered this mower✔️💯👍🏽

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I certainly push the limits of longevity with the Timemaster. I have to omit, I’m a little bit obsessed with them after owning 4 of them.

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

I have 2, you will love the mower brother!

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@MyGreenLawn2019 Awesome 👍🏾

[@ryanvercoe1140]

I just had my pulleys replaced, didn't know I could use the turfmaster setup. Thanks. I have owned for a year, brought second hand, have replaced basically everything, I agree with other comments about reliability, I really think this is the cheapest wide mower that will cost you a lot of money.

[@esojanacig5138]

I got an exmark 30. My pulley lasted me like about 7 yrs. It disintegrated messed up my blade. I was looking at that upgraded pulley and it cost a lot. So i just decided to use the original one. Hopefully will last me a while. Tnx for the video.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

The original pulleys can last if you keep the clippings from building up under the cover. Some remove the cover altogether but I don’t recommend it from a safety standpoint.

[@bigjer7589]

I bought a used timemaster 3 years ago, it’s a 2016 I think. I use it to cut 2 good sized yards, even loan it out to friends close by too. Was running funny, ordered a carb off Amazon for $13 and runs like a dream, ive replaced one belt. I keep it outside behind my shed, not Even in doors, for 3 months it’s covered with snow, and in the spring it starts right up. Best $300 I spent. Now thinking of upgrading the pulleys and putting a Kohler 224 on it for the extra power. It’s perfect sized, just squeezes through my gates

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! The pulley upgrade is worth the investment if you plan on keeping the timemaster. I originally had the 2015 timemaster with the 190cc briggs but way under powered for commercial use. We now have 3 timemasters all with 223cc engines. I would love to upgrade to either the kohler or Kawasaki engine.

[@radiantlawnmaintenance]

Definitely something to consider now that I have one

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Highly recommend if you plan on using the timemaster often.

[@cristobaldelacruz142]

Mine broke today order the same part number. Will take a week or less to get here. Hopefully will be running by next Saturday. Thanks for the video will see a few more times while doing work.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! Good luck installing your pulley upgrade kit.

[@cristobaldelacruz142]

@@BillyGoatLawnService thank you your video will help a lot no doubt.

[@firstname6208]

Good informative vid. I still cannot believe you sold the fw for this pos. I would add one step. When the timing belt is off, lift the deck and spin each spindle as fast as you can, then feel for vibration or rough grinding noise. Indicates bad bearing.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for the tip! Costly repairs due to a blown bearing. Hope this pulley upgrade helps. I have to omit, kinda miss the FW15.

[@philliphall5198]

The kit is worth it for sure, you’ll be happy now 😊

[@ILruffian]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. If I upgrade to the commercial pulley kit, do I need to switch to different belts as well?

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! The upgrade kit uses the same belt.

[@user-ks2jt4fp8p]

Pulley blew mine in less than 60 hours. Thank god it was under warranty.and my blaeds i run are spendy as i use ballard blades.

[@jasonb5898]

If you take the grease seal off the bearing and pack it with some good grease then put the seal back on it will last much longer. I never trust the factory lube.

[@gary8127]

Thanks. Great info.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Appreciate you supporting our channel!

[@cleancutslawncare]

Hey bro. Great video. Been considering doing this myself. I think we spoke about it before.

[@me137137]

I got a question, i just bought one and within a week the blades squeal when i engage them. I got it from Nebraska Furniture. Should i get a replacement or try to fix it? I been using Super Recyclers for years and work on them. Love the video, very much appreciated.

[@thomato981]

I've asked in the Toro Timemaster Facebook group and they all said it's normal. Mine does it too.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

The sequel could possibly be a worn belt which is relatively cheap and easy to replace. Then again it could be a worn pulley (bearing) which is more costly and time consuming to replace.

[@kmiller47x]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! Greatly appreciate the support!

[@ManicBeastBoise]

If you buy the timemaster from Home Depot, they use cheap Chinese parts. My pulleys exploded catastrophically. I bought new ones from TORO and they never failed again. The 21199HD model is one to AVOID

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! I always wondered if the HD models use cheaper parts over timemasters sold at a dealer.

[@upscalelawncaremonroe408]

Always good when you can do it yourself!!!!!!!! Good job!!!!

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! Having used equipment not under warranty can be costly at a repair shop.

[@JavierSN95]

Awesome video, we'll explained thank you.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate the support.

[@coincollectingfun]

Big like and subscribed! Thank you for sharing this wealth of information!

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for subscribing! Greatly appreciate the support.

[@stevenclark5450]

Do you use and like the Toro OEM mower blades or have you found something else that you like better? If so, what are you using and why?

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

We mainly use the OEM blades. Ballard Inc. blades do hold up much longer but bogs down the engine a bit because they are thicker blades compared to the OEM blades.

[@_Pat1984_]

My front pulley went out today my blades started to hit so I put on new blades thinking maybe a blade bent start it up and blades hit again so took off the cover and there was my pulley just laying there lose do you think I’ll have to purchase another set of blades also as soon as I heard them hit I shut it down

[@UnderTheFallsCorals]

Do you have a problem with the belt squealing? I’ve changed it twice so far. Has a hard time cutting grass that’s a little overgrown and I keep blowing belts. The blade engagement belt

[@esojanacig5138]

If cutting overgrown, I suggest side discharge or slow down with small narrow passes. Or cut at the highest setting. I keep an eye on my blade belt it loosens and tension is not tight enough and could cause blown belt. Cutting over grown grass put stress on the belt and spindle.

[@ricepadi29]

Nice video thanks for the tips.

[@Banditmanuk]

Had the bearing go just today. My issue here in England is how much Toro charge for the replacement bearing and adjuster assembly. When you compare how cheaply you can buy replacement bearings or non Toro pulleys. I use mine commercially and the biggest problem is how many blade drive belts (not the thoothed timing belt) that the machine gets through. Definitely the weakest part of the machine

[@papaoscar1]

Buy those belts from Bearingboys in the UK A28K Dunlop Kevlar Mower V Belt 6380 order code BB-12530 £6 .80

[@johnmatthias7187]

I enjoyed this video - thank you. I was thinking my TimeMaster has done a lot of work & could do with the same upgrade. I am in the UK. Where did you buy your upgrade kit from? I want to buy a good quality kit that will be better than the original. I found the Pulley Idler Kit 126 7890 on eBay but it is made in China by SHENZHEN XIAOXINYUANDIANZI YOUXIANGONGSI. Was this the kit you used. Now I may be alone on this, but I have NOT found Chinese parts reliable? Many thanks.

[@MersyyLife]

Hi, isn't that cap to seal in grease? Like you blob a load in there and then put the cap on? See the bearing you mentioned the sizes of, do you think a high quality steel bearing would be better? Cheers

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

The cap is used as a dust cover. My thought process is the same as yours, load the bearing with grease or use a high quality bearing. I have been testing the grease method and it seems to work great so far. I plan to make a video of the results.

[@MersyyLife]

@@BillyGoatLawnService Thanks Billy, we have about 20 of the timemasters at the firm I work at here in the UK, we've had belts breaking repeatedly this season and it's ruined a a good few of my days so I'm looking at every option to make sure it doesn't happen, but these are old and people have abused them :/ I suspect my tensioner is already perished and that's why it's eating belts, so this little upgrade may be perfect timing :)

[@RetroSnickers]

Where can I buy the upgrade kit? Have link? Thanks would be appreciated

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I bought mine from Amazon. Exmark 126-7890 Pulleys and Idler Kit Commercial Walk Behind 126-0316 131-4506 a.co/d/hBfJfkT

[@jeffslawnandlandscapingllc5481]

It's good that you can do The Repair yourself

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I run mostly with used equipment not under warranty so it definitely helps to be able to work on my own stuff to save on dealer repair costs.

[@radiantlawnmaintenance]

Nice job!💯

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@radiantlawnmaintenance]

@@BillyGoatLawnService no problem

[@johnpeterson8408]

Thanks for the video. In my opinion the Toro Timemaster is a big piece of junk. The first issue I had was a spindle needed to be replaced but that was under warranty. The following year the belt tensioner pulley disintegrated and had to pay for that.. Two years later the transmission had to be replaced and that was an expensive repair bill. In the past Toro's were known as workhorses but Toro would be better off discontinuing the Timemaster since it's the Yugo of the lawn machines.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! The timemaster isn’t the most reliable mower for the price. We currently still use 3 of them in our mowing business. I keep most of the spare parts on hand because their is always something that needs replaced.

[@johnpeterson8408]

Yepper, that's exactly how I feel when you said that their is always something that needs to be replaced on the Toro Timemaster. Buyers, if you are considering a Toro Timemaster I would suggest you look at another model or brand and save yourself a bundle of headaches.

[@donaldbollman1049]

I have owned one for 11 years. The only major repair was replacing the shut off switch when vegetation got between the wire and the handle and pulled the wire out. Regular maintenance: oil change (every season), fuel filter, air filter, sharpening blades and I recently cleaned the carburetor. Belts haven’t broken. Completely different experience.

[@brianneu6489]

I own a mower repair business. Timemasters are absolute junk, but good for the repair business. I feel bad for people that bought one thinking they were buying quality because they are so high priced.

[@joe1071]

Can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not, but the California cancer warning description was hilarious

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Being a little bit of both I guess. I appreciate the comment.

[@landonmillett4717]

I don’t think he was or even noticed at first 😂😂

[@Nathan-wn5mc]

Who doesn't post the link of where to purchase parts in the description?

[@RJ-li2xd]

How you like the upgrade pulleys ? Does it help with thicker grass?

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

After nearly 50 hours with the new pulleys, all is good so far. I personally haven’t seen any difference with mowing thicker grass.

[@brewpilot8958]

Are the plastic caps even necessary? Why not just take them off before they fall off or do they serve a purpose?

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

In my experience, the plastic caps do help prolong the life of the bearings.

[@ericschwarz5392]

They keep the dirt from getting into the bearings and causing premature failure.

[@GBT112960]

Those factory pulleys are total bs! Upgrade asap, i blew out 2 factory pulleys in 1 day, upgraded to commercial pulleys and life is good!

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I totally agree! Thanks for commenting!

[@philliphall5198]

I agree because it’s a fact 😊

[@markgrace7807]

What is the part number for the motor on this timemaster

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I assume you’re asking about the motor for the chute blocker. I did a video the explains the parts I used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYWcoZWbj6Z8oqcsi=MBKG2lI3BGoKVloi

[@thomaspetito6923]

Of course the bolt in the rear of the adjuster snapped off when I went to take it off had to drill it out ended up just putting a bolt and nut

[@KevinCrawford-vp4ez]

Me too.

[@rj8296]

Did you notice a difference in the cut ? Was it able to cut thicker/taller grass a little easier ?

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

No difference in the cut quality (in my opinion). I have put nearly 200 hours on the mower since the upgrade and so far no issues.

[@EzRay11]

Hey Good informative video. I just bought a Timemaster in 21. I haven’t had to change the pulley’s yet. Do the two bolts that hold the take up pulley plate remain loose or do they secure the plate to the deck. I know you said 10-12 ftlbs but does that lock the plate in place or is the plate able to slide beneath the bolts? Cheers

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Appreciate the comment! The two bolts are kinda like shoulder bolts. The plate should slide when the bolts are tight. Just don’t over tighten because they screw into the cast metal deck which could strip out if you over tighten.

[@EzRay11]

@@BillyGoatLawnService Thanks for the speedy response. I’ll definitely torque those bolts to spec when the time comes. I saved your video for future reference.

[@donfrank4429]

I just upgrade my pulley and made a youtube video about it

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Awesome! I watched it and subscribed to your channel. Good job! Great tip on using anti-seize.

[@donfrank4429]

my youtube videos are raw form, just do it. I tell people if spaceX can land the first stage rocket back on earth I can fix stuff!!!!!. Been using ant-seize from the 1970s when a guy that worked on boilers told me about the stuff to put on bolts threads anything that is exposed to heat/moister salt water

[@buckbenelli8]

$150 for upgraded pulleys? Nah, I’ll pass. Two time masters is enough for me, never again.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Recently I’ve seen aftermarket versions on Amazon for $65.

[@cleancutslawncare]

Hey man, on my 52 scag update video I accidentally deleted your comment while trying to respond to it. Complete accident.

[@wecutgrasslawncompany9445]

Nice video, I did an upgrade one after I bought mine in 2020 and haven’t had a problem since! This is a upgrade must 👀🦾

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate the support!

[@DKSE123]

Do you work on billy goat products ? Thx

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I do own a Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum.