Tree Removal, Turf Maintenance & Tree Care FAQs

• Fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Gasoline starts deteriorating over time and fresh fuel ignites more easily. Old gas can leave harmful deposits in your products fuel system.
• Today's gasoline does not have the same chemical makeup as years ago. Testing has shown that significant deterioration can begin in as little as 30 days . The first sign of old gas is it makes starting more difficult. This is because the most volatile components of the fuel are the first to deteriorate and are the ones that help an engine start easily.
• We recommend that you use a national name brand to ensure that you are beginning with good quality fuel. Use fuel with an octane rating of 87 or as close to 87 as you can. Higher octane fuels offer no benefit for our products and some high octane additive packages are not good for small engines. Only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days, or add stabilizer. If you add a fuel stabilizer the day you buy the gasoline you can expect the fuel to stay fresh for 4-6 months. Fuel stabilizer is available from most Toro dealers.
• Starting will be easier if the is 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 firmly 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. 
• Review the starting procedures outlined in the a Operator's Manual including the proper operation of the safety features of your unit.

For further assistance, please visit a Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

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

Where do I find the model and serial number?

• Check blades/tines for sharpness and/or damage.
• Make sure the housing is cleared of debris before operating.
• Check pull cords to insure they are not frayed and are in good working condition.
• Check that fasteners, cables and linkages are connected and working properly.

The model and serial number location may be listed in your Operator’s Manual. The model and serial number plate is typically located on top of the flat surface of the housing. It is sometimes toward the back or sides of the top of the housing.

Operator’s manuals and Parts Catalogs are available for most of our product models online. To ensure you obtain the correct manual or part number you will need the model and serial number of your machine. 

To access our parts catalogs and manuals click on the “Parts & Manuals Tab” and enter your model number, click on Search then select Manuals or Look Up Parts. 

Type of Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 ((R+M)/2 rating method) is the recommended fuel grade for all gasoline engines in Toro products. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable.
Only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days, or add stabilizer. Fuel stabilizer is available from most Toro dealers.

Ethanol Fuel: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol is acceptable to use per engine manufacturers guidelines.

Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

For further information about choosing the correct fuel for your machine: http://www.lookbeforeyoupump.com 

Fresh Fuel:

Fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Gasoline starts deteriorating over time and fresh fuel ignites more easily. Old gas can leave harmful deposits in your products fuel system.

Today's gasoline does not have the same chemical makeup as years ago. Testing has shown that significant deterioration can begin in as little as 30 days. The first sign of old gas is it makes starting more difficult. This is because the most volatile components of the fuel are the first to deteriorate and are the ones that help an engine start easily.

Fuel Stabilizer:
Fuel stabilizer is designed to help keep the fuel fresher longer. It has to be added the day the fuel is purchased otherwise it will not do the job. It will not make old fuel fresh again. (Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions of the Stabilizer for the amount and how to add to the fuel)

For information regarding Toro Premium Fuel Treatment, click here:

To purchase “Toro Premium Stabilizer”, please visit an authorized Toro dealer or www.torodealer.com.

Battery Storage

For any battery used on our products, we recommend storing it in a cool dry place. Removing the battery is not necessary. Storing it in a heated or warm area during the winter will actually shorten the battery's life. The best thing to do is to make sure it is fully charged at the end of each season, then store the product away in a cool (or cold) dry place.

The story behind batteries:

Batteries self-discharge due to a chemical reaction. The warmer the battery, the faster the reaction, resulting in greater loss. A loss of 1-2% per day in warm temperatures is normal. Storing a battery in a cool or cold area will greatly slow this reaction. A fully charged battery will not freeze during the winter. A discharged battery may freeze. Freezing a battery usually damages it to the point of failure. Fully charge the battery in the fall and it will not freeze.

When a battery is stored in a discharged state or allowed to discharge completely while in storage, a process called "sulfation" occurs. Sulfation also occurs normally with batteries while they are in use, but at a very slow rate - eventually this process is one of the things that contribute to a battery "going bad". Think of sulfation as an aging process. Some sulfation can be reversed when the battery is charged, but not all. Batteries left in a discharged state will sulfate heavily - the consequence of this is a loss of battery capacity (the battery runs down quicker). Eventually, the battery can become so sulfated there is not enough capacity left to crank the engine at all. 

Maintenance schedules vary by model. We recommend that you consult your click here.

How do I properly store my machine?

See your operator's manual for further details on performing any of the maintenance mentioned below. Click here, to obtain an Operator's manuals and parts lists can be down loaded for free. Click here to locate an Authorized Toro Service Dealer.

If you're planning to do your own maintenance, or just want to see what we recommend, please read the following tips which will help you be ready for spring.

Here is a list of basic maintenance procedures: (refer to your operator’s manual for more specific information on your model)

• Clean/replace air filter
• Drain and refill engine crankcase with fresh oil. Start engine to allow engine oil to warm up.
• Clean built-up dirt and debris from the housing.
• Review operator’s manual for grease locations. (If applicable)
• Check blades/tines for sharpness and/or damage.
• Check that the fasteners, cables and linkages are connected and working properly.

Fuel System Preparation:

• Add Toro Fuel Stabilizer to the fuel in the tank.
• Run engine to distribute stabilized fuel through the system.
• Stop engine, allow to cool properly, drain fuel tank or run dry.
• Restart engine and run till it stops.
• Attempt to restart engine and run till it stops, repeat till engine does not restart.
• Dispose of gasoline properly. Recycle per local codes. (Shops that work on small engines or automobiles will typically take old fuel for a small fee)
• Do not store stabilized gasoline over 90 days.

To locate a Toro authorized service dealer, click here.

Click here to see How to Minimize Fuel System Problems

Engine:

4-Cycle

• Remove spark plug and put about one tablespoon of oil through the spark plug hole
• Slowly pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil.
• Replace spark plug but DO NOT connect spark plug wire.

Recommended Oil - SAE 30W Detergent oil with an API service classification of SF 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.
• Remove the oil drain plug.
• Let oil drain completely.
• Reinstall the oil drain plug.
• Slowly pour new oil into the oil fill tube until oil level reaches the FULL line on the dipstick.
• 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.

To download a free operator’s manual, click here. You will need the model and serial number of your machine to download the appropriate manual.

Step by step instructions can be found in your Operator’s Manual.

Chains:

• Use oil or chain lubricant.

Important: Do not lubricate chains with penetrating oil or solvents.

Grease Fittings/Bearings:

• Lubricate fittings with NGLI grade #2 multi-purpose gun grease.

Caster Wheel Hubs:

• Pack the bearings with a NGLI grade #1 multi-purpose grease.

Rotary Brooms:

Broom-angle-lock Pin and the Hex Shaft:

• Lubricate the broom-angle-lock pin fitting with NGLI grade #2 multi-purpose grease.

Replacement parts are available from an Authorized Service Dealer or at www.ToroDealer.com.