Landscape Contractor FAQs

Authorized Service Dealer - Not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself?  Contact your Toro Authorized Service Dealer for assistance.  To locate a dealer near you, please use our dealer locator online at www.toro.com/dealer or call us at 866-946-3119.

• Model and serial number of the machine
• Your proof of purchase receipt (for warranty inquiries)

Due to the wide variety of Toro products, the dealer will need the model and serial number to identify the machine and locate the appropriate parts. Should you require warranty service, the dealer will ask you for your proof of purchase to confirm your warranty status.

Read the operator's manual prior to first use (review as needed)

• Remove debris from the yard
• Check the oil level
• Use fresh fuel 
• Follow all safety recommendations

Some of the most common reasons a mower may not start are listed below:

• Fresh fuel (less than 30 days old).
• Starting will be easier if the spark plug in good condition. If in doubt, replace it. A new spark plug will be able to provide a better spark to ignite the fuel air mix within the engine. You should also make sure the spark plug wire is attached to the spark plug.
• A clean air filter helps make it easier to start your machine. A dirty filter will make it much more difficult for the engine to draw in air. Clean or replace the filter if it is dirty. A clean filter will also help keep dust out of the engine and reduce wear.
• On electric start models the battery should be charged at the beginning and end of the season. One charge may be enough to last through the whole season. If not, additional charging during the season may be necessary. Important: You can not start the mower with the electric start or charge the battery unless you install the fuse.
• Review the starting procedures outlined in the Operator's Manual including the proper operation of the safety features of your unit.

For further assistance, please visit our online interactive manual for our Trouble Shooting Guide for Starting Your Mower or contact your local Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

When pressing the toggle switch in the Stop position, securely hold the toggle switch down until the engine stops (this can take a few seconds).

To request or download a replacement Owner's Manual, Service Manuals or Parts Manual, you will need the model and serial number of your unit. 

Note: See your Operator's Manual for further details on performing any of the maintenance mentioned, and please pay special attention to the safety warnings when following these procedures.

• Check blades for sharpness.
• Make sure the cutting deck is cleared of old clippings.
• Check pull cords to insure they are not frayed and are in good working condition.
• Check that attachments are connected and working properly.

Maintenance schedules vary by model. We recommend that you consult your Toro owner's manual. To request or view an Owner's Manual, click here.

View our online interactive manual maintenance schedule for the All 22" Recycler® mowers and the Super Recycler® - Model 20053 - 20058.

For Recycler® and Super Recycler® mowers:

Recommended Oil type for Toro Walk Behind Mowers, 4-Cycle engines - SAE 30W Detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher. 

• Run the engine for five minutes to warm the oil so it drains better. (Recommend only filling fuel tank with enough gas to run for five minutes before changing oil.)
• Remove the dipstick.
• Tip the mower onto its side (air filter side up) to drain the used oil out through the oil fill tube into a drain pan. (Tipping the machine on its side is the recommended method by engine manufacturers.)
• Let oil drain completely.
• Tip the mower back up on its wheels and slowly pour new oil into the oil fill tube until oil level reaches the FULL line on the dipstick.  (To properly check the oil level , wait one or two minutes after filling the engine with oil to allow it to settle.  Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert dipstick, remove dipstick and check oil level, repeat the process a second time.)
• Important Do Not overfill - If you overfill the engine with oil you will need to remove the excess oil by following the oil draining  steps listed above.   Too much oil can cause engine damage or failure. 

For complete step-by-step instructions, please consult your Owner's Manual or view our interactive smart manual by selecting your model number from the list below.

• 22" Toro Recycler® Mower
• Super Recycler® Model 20053 - 20058
• Troubleshooting Guide for Starting

See Also:

• Authorized Service Dealer - Not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself? Contact your local authorized service dealer for assistance.

If your machine will not start, please verify the following: 

• The blade control (PTO) is disengaged or turned to the OFF position.
• Parking brake is set.
• The operator of the machine must be sitting in the seat when starting.
• Battery is fully charged.
• All electrical connections are connected and in good condition (not corroded or loose).
• Fuse is not blown.
• Fuel being used was purchased within the last 30 days (verify no dirt, water, or stale fuel is in the fuel tank or fuel container)

If you need additional assistance, please contact your local Toro Authorized Service Dealer for service.

To request or download a replacement Owner's Manual or Parts Manual, you will need the model and serial number of your unit.

Verify the following:

• Parking Brake is set
• Sitting in the seat when starting the unit
• PTO is in the OFF position
• Battery fully charged
• Fuse is in good condition
• Fuel being used was purchased within 30 days, (verify no dirt, water, or stale fuel in the fuel tank and fuel container)
• Note: If the unit was previously run at less than full throttle it will not charge the battery.  The headlights (and electric PTO on some machines) can drain a battery down if the engine is not running at full throttle.

If the battery is completely dead, we recommend charging the battery at 2-10 AMPS for approximately 6 hours.  *** Do not attempt to jump start the tractor ***

If you need additional assistance, please contact your local Toro riding tractor Authorized Dealer.

If the machines engine is hard to start or fails to keep running. please verify the following:

• Fuel tank is full.
• Air filter is clean..
• Fuel filter is clean.
• Fuel being used was purchased within the last 30 days. (Verify that there is no dirt, water or stale fuel in the fuel tank.)

If you need further assistance, please contact your local Toro authorized service dealer for service.

Before you start: 
Check local codes and permits by calling your local water company or the proper municipal for information on building codes or permits required for the installation of underground sprinkler systems.They can also tell you about local codes for the backflow prevention required to protect your water supply from contamination, as well as advise on where to locate the backflow device in the system.

Check with your local utility companies before you dig to identify any buried cables or natural gas lines.

During installation, you will need several accessories and a variety of pipe fittings. Other materials you may need during installation include:

• PVC pipe cutter
• Screwdriver
• Pipe wrenches
• Hammer
• Trenching shovel
• Line marking paint
• 1" pipe clamps (poly only)
• Teflon tape
• Tape measure
• Solvent, primer, rags (PVC only -- do not use pipe dope on plastic-threaded fittings.)
• Toro flow and pressure gauge
• Marking flags
• Grease caps

All of our Do-It-Yourself irrigation products have a Limited One-Year warranty (see your manual for details). Toro will repair or replace the product if it is found to be defective.

To obtain the warranty please return the defective part to the place of purchase or send it postage prepaid with a dated, proof of purchase to the Toro Service Center, 21350 Cedar Avenue S, Lakeville, MN 55044.

To request a replacement Timer, Rotor or valve Owner's Manual, you will need to the model number or name of the product.

To determine what is causing the valve not to shut down  properly, follow the steps listed below:     
Disconnect one of the valve wires.  Does the valve shut off?

• Yes,  the valve shuts off, the problem is with the timer. (Please refer to the timer section in your Owner's Manual for details.) 
• No, the valve does not shut off, check the bleed screw to make sure it is not loose or broken.

Is this a new installation? 

• Yes, low flow may prevent the valve from closing, compare the GPM (gallons per minute)/LPM (litres per minute) requirements of zone to valve specifications. 
• If the GPM/LPM is not within the specifications, add more heads to increase water flow or select a valve that works well at low flow rates.
• No, turn off the main water supply
• Remove valve cover and diaphragm. 
• Turn water back on and flush out for 15 seconds. 
• Inspect diaphragm for holes/tears replace if necessary.

For complete step-by-step instructions on how to program your controller, consult your Owner's Manual or view Toro's interactive manual online by selecting your controller below: 

• ECx (comes with optional outdoor cabinet)
• ECx Outdoor ( 9" H x 14" W )
• Older ECx (gray face)
• Lawn Master

General Programming Guidelines: 

1. Set the current time and day of the week - Without this information, the controller/programmer will not perform the required functions.
2. Set Run Times - Run times are assigned to programs and tell the controller how long to run each zone. As a general rule, Toro recommends a run time of 5-10 minutes for fixed spray sprinklers and 30 minutes for rotary sprinklers
3. Set Start Times - Start times tell when to start each program. The controller will run each zone sequentially, one after another, based on the run times selected. When one zone is finished, the next one will start. If you want the same series of valves to run more than once in the same 24 hour period, you must assign a second start time to that program. Remember a second start time does not start the next zone, it starts the same cycle over again.
4. Set Active Days - Depending on the controller being programmed, there are three ways to set the active days. Some controllers offer all three methods (Odd/Even, Interval and Calendar), while others only offer only one or two.

As noted above, every controller is different and will offer different features. To program those additional features, refer to your Owner's Manual. Examples of these types of features include: 

• Season Adjust - Allows user to make adjustments to the watering schedule by program instead of zone by zone. This is a big time saver.
• Rain Delay - With this feature, the user can set a 1 to 7 day watering delay. At the end of the programmed delay, the controller will resume normal operation.
• Non-Volatile Memory - In the event of a power failure, the controller will remember the set program even without an installed battery.

To request or download a replacement Owner's Manual or Parts Manual, you will need the model and serial number of your machine. the model, serial plate us found on the frame near the left wheel.

The model and serial number location is listed in your owner's manual or on your machine. For possible locations of the model and serial number information visit the model and serial help and select snowthrowers.

See Also: Advanced Search - Do not have an Owner's Manual or not near your machine?  Try using our Advanced Search feature to help determine your model number.

What if my machine won't start?
Single Stage Snowthrowers:

• Fresh gas less then 30 days old.
• Key is in the "On" position.
• The choke lever is in the "closed" position.  (Refer to Owner's Manual) 
• Primer was pressed firmly.  Make sure you do not over prime.
• Pull recoil or push electric start button.
• Once engine is running slowly move the choke lever to "off".
• For restart issue the choke and primer steps may not be necessary.
• If problems persist, consult your Owner's Manual or contact your local Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

Service Manuals are available on most of our popular products.  You will need your model and serial number of your product to ensure you obtain the correct manual for your machine.
See Also: Advanced Search - Don't know your model number?  Try using our advanced search feature to help determine your machines model number.

Single Stage Power Curve (CCR Models)

If the snowthrower does not propel itself forward on slippery surfaces or in heavy snow, push forward on the handle, but allow the snowthrower to work at its own pace.  

If you still are having difficulty, inspect the rotor blades for wear. If the rotor blade edge has worn down to the wear indicator hole, have an Authorized Service Dealer replace the blades and the scraper.

To request or download a replacement Owner's Manual or Parts Manual, you will need the model and serial number of your unit.

An extension cord is not included with the 120VAC yard tool products. Outdoor-rated extension cords of various lengths and sizes are available through your local hardware or home center retailer. Refer to the product operator's manual for appropriate extension cord length and size recommendations.

Extension cord: Ensure that your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.

See your operator's manual for the proper gauge and length of extension cord.

To reduce the risk of disconnection of the extension cord during use, connect the extension cord to the machine as illustrated in the Operation section of your Operator's Manual or our Interactive Product Manuals.

To purchase parts:

Our parts are retailed exclusively through a worldwide network of independent dealers, home centers, and national retailers. Parts are available for our electrical products through our online store at www.torodealer.com 

To purchase parts that are not available through our www.Torodealer.com, please use our online dealer locator to find your nearest Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

The Toro Company does not offer a gutter cleaning attachment for our blower/vacs.

You can obtain parts and accessories information for your Toro product by clicking on the "Parts" tab on the top of this page.

You will need your model and serial number to accurately locate your model. Our Product Center section can also can help you determine your model and serial number information if you do not know it.

Battery Charger LED Indicators (Models 51484, 51487, 51701 & 51702)

Red - Battery is charging
Green - Battery is fully charged.
Orange - Battery is too warm. Remove for 30 minutes to allow to cool.

LED indicators: (Models 51488 48 Volt 13” cordless)

Red light on; green light flashing—battery is charging.
Red light on; green light on—battery is fully charged.
Red light flashing; green light off—abnormal battery temperature greater 104 F or less than 41 F.
Charge/storage mode switch
Red light off; green light flashing—battery is preparing for storage.
Red light off; green light on—battery is prepared for storage.
Red light on; green light off—no battery inserted.
Red light flashing; green light flashing—battery is defective.

All Models: For best results, your battery should be charged in a location where the temperature is more than 41 degrees F but less than 104 degrees F.

The battery pack is not fully charged when it is purchased. Before using the blower for the first time, place the battery pack in the charger, ensure battery is securely attached (it will click) into charger and charge until the LED indicators turn green.

Model 51467 8” Cordless:

Charge the battery for 24 hours or until the charge light on the charger is green before the first use and after each use thereafter.

Important: Always charge the battery after each use. Storing the unit with a discharged battery will reduce the life of your battery. This lead-acid battery has no memory.

The charge light is red while the battery is charging; it turns green when the battery is fully charged or when the trimmer is not connected. Charge the battery for 24 hours or until the charge light turns green.

Model 51487 24 Volt 12” Cordless and 51484 20 Volt 12” cordless

The battery pack is not fully charged when it is purchased. Before using the trimmer for the first time, place the battery pack in the charger, ensure battery is securely attached (it will click) into charger and charge until the LED indicators turn green.

Using the battery when it is hot can reduce the operating time. The battery will automatically stop working when it is overheated to prevent damage to it. Remove the battery from the charger.

Model 51488 48 Volt 13" Cordless:

The battery pack is not fully charged when it is purchased. Before using the trimmer for the first time, place the battery pack in the charger and charge until the LED indicators turn green.

Storage:

Storing a lithium-ion battery at 40% of its capacity maximizes battery life.

Use storage mode when the battery will not be used for 1 month or longer.

Insert the battery into the charger.
Turn storage mode on.
The battery will charge or discharge as necessary to approximately 40% charge.
When the battery is ready for storage, remove the battery from the charger.

Using the battery when it is hot can reduce the operating time. The battery will automatically stop working when

If your blower fails to run when you turn it on, consult the following list before contacting your Authorized Service Dealer:

• Ensure that the bottom inlet cover or vacuum tube is locked in place.
• Verify the safety tab is not damaged on the inlet cover or the vacuum tube. 
• Ensure that the power cord is secured in place on the back of the blower and that the plug is fully seated.

For further details consult your Owner's Manual. 

You can prevent your power cord from disconnecting by:

• Take your extension cord & fold it over near the head of the plug. Tie a knot to relieve the tension on the connection point of the extension cord.
• Feed the top of the cord through the cord through the rear opening of the blower unit.
• Thread the loop of the cord around the rear hook of the blower unit.
• Plug the receptacle of the AC cord onto the prongs of the blower unit, located above the rear hook. The cord lock feature will prevent the AC plug from being pulled out during use.

For further details consult your Owner's Manual or view Toro's online interactive product manuals by selecting your product below:

• Power Sweep 51586 or 51585
• Rake and Vac 51573
• Superblower/Vac 51553
• Superblower/Vac 51587, 51574 or 51617
• Superblower/Vac 51591, 51602 or 51618
• Ultra 225 Electric Blower/Vac 51598,51609 or 51619

Steps to remove debris:

• Unplug power cord from the unit.
• Remove the vacuum tube.
• Use a stick to pry any debris from the IMPELLER BLADES.
• Inspect the IMPELLER BLADES for any signs of damage.
• If the IMPELLER BLADE is damaged contact you Authorized Toro Dealer.

For further details consult your Owner's Manual. 

• Verify that the shoulder strap has been adjusted correctly to prevent the bag from dragging on the ground.
• Make sure that the bag is not dragging on the ground when in use.  This will cause the bag to wear down and possibly cause problems with the zipper when opening and closing.
• If the bag is damaged you can contact your local Toro Authorized Service Dealer or visit our online store at  www.torodealer.com 

For information regarding Toro's industry leading warranty on your product's   warranty coverage, please refer to the last page in your Operator's Manual.  

The Toro Company promises to repair any Toro consumer product at no charge if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the unit. The warranty period varies from product to product. 

Please contact a Toro Authorized Service Dealer in your area or your Operator's Manual for full details. 

The Toro Company promises to repair any Toro consumer product at no charge if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the unit. The warranty period varies from product to product. 

Please contact a Toro Authorized Service Dealer in your area or your Operator's Manual for full details. 

The Toro Company promises to repair any Toro consumer product at no charge if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the unit. The warranty period varies from product to product. 

Please contact a Toro Authorized Service Dealer in your area or your Operator's Manual for full details.