How to change the oil in the Toro lawn mower, step by step

To keep a Toro lawnmower in good working condition for many years, regular maintenance is key. To keep the engine in good condition, engine oil is a crucial component. Oil is the lubricant that keeps the engine running smoothly. But as times pass, small particles from the engine make it dirty, and to keep it working well, it needs to be changed. Depending on the number of hours you use your Toro lawnmower in a year, it is good to check and replace the oil at least once per mowing season. This will significantly enhance your engine life. 

When it comes to a Toro lawnmower, draining the oil can be a tricky step. The oil drain nut is located beneath the main body above the mower blades. This blog will explain how to do the oil change step by step.

How to change the oil in the Toro lawn mower, step by step:

• Step 1. Prepare your Toro lawnmower
• Step 2. Disconnect the spark plug cable
• Step 3. Tilt the mower and set it up
• Step 4. Drain the oil
• Step 5. Replace the oil filter
• Step 6. Check all the connections
• Step 7. Add the new oil and test the engine

Changing the oil in your Toro Lawnmower, Step by step:

Before replacing the engine oil, first, check the Toro user manual. It should contain information about your mower’s various parts, including the oil drain plug and the needed oil and oil filter. Toro lawnmower manuals are usually quite detailed and can contain more information that can help you.

● Step 1: Prepare your Toro Lawn Mower for the Oil Change

Ensure that you have the needed tools and products for the oil change, like new oil and a replacement oil filter. The tools you need are an oil pan, a screwdriver, a strap wrench, a simple wrench, some scrubs, and hand gloves.

Turn the engine on and heat it properly. A few minutes should be sufficient. This will raise the oil flow and warm it up to a suitable temperature. Oil’s viscosity decreases with temperature, so removing it will get more comfortable. Skipping this step will make it harder to drain the engine’s oil, and the oil residue that is left may mix with the new one.

● Step 2: Disconnect the spark plug cable

Always disconnect the spark plug when working on a gas engine. This is a precautionary step to make sure that the engine can not start unintentionally. Also, turn off the ignition and separate the pull cord, and apply the parking brake before you begin. Park your Toro Lawnmower on an even hard surface that can deal with any potential league.

● Step 3: Tilt the mower and set it up

The next step is to tilt the mower. A Toro lawnmower has its oil drain present at the base. So tilt the mower with some support or lift it high enough using a lawnmower lift. It would be best to turn the blades and pulley to a side before loosening the oil drain nut so. Don’t forget to wear some safety gloves, as the oil can be hot.

● Step 4: Drain the oil

Some more recent Toro lawnmower models have a dipstick or a short cap at the top of the oil tank. If your mower is one of those types, remove the dipstick before loosening the oil drain nut. This develops an air-channel that will make draining the oil more easily. But most Toro lawnmowers are models that do not have this. Carefully remove the oil drain plug. You can use some rugs to protect you from the sharp lawnmower blades. Turn the oil drain plug nut anticlockwise to open it. Make sure that the drain pan is situated beneath the mower to collect the oil.

Always use safety gloves to keep your hands from getting messy from the crude oil and protect them from the hot oil. It will also protect your hands from the sharp lawnmower blades.

If you own an air pump, you can use this as an additional step to ensure that all the oil is drained. Use the pump to blow in the oil tank and use the air pressure to empty the tank and engine completely.

● Step 5: Replace the oil filter

Some of the more recent Toro lawnmowers have an oil filter. Some older models do not. It is recommended to replace the oil filter when you change your engine oil. If your lawnmower does not have one, you can skip this step. Start with loosening the oil filter with the help of a strap wrench.

When you are done with loosening it, you can altogether remove it. The oil filter may hold some oil, so drain all the oil drops from it too. You can use a large pot and put the old oil filter in it to drain thoroughly. Take a new replacement oil filter and put on some oil on the thread. This will make assembeling the new oil filter easier. Fit the new oil filter, and make sure the oil filter seal remains intact.

● Step 6: Check all the connections

Check all the various parts. The oil drain plug should be tightened such that it can not loosen itself. Remove the pieces of rug from the mower blades if you used them. Put the dipstick if your mower and put the mower back on its wheels.

Now you are working on your lawnmower, it is a good moment to do some more maintenance jobs. Check components like the fuel lines, carburetor, and air filter. Clean them and replace them when needed.

● Step 7: Add in new oil and start the engine

Most Toro lawn mowers will contain around 14 oz (around 0.35~0.40 L) of oil. Check the manual to know the exact amount for your type. In most cases, the type of oil suggested for everyday use is SAE 10W-30. The numbers here represent the viscosity of the oil at certain temperatures. If your lawnmower is not that old, you can use the recommended oil type. Older engines generally have to use thicker oil.

Fill the oil tank with the new fresh oil. Open the tank cap and start pouring oil using a funnel. You must check the oil level with the dipstick. After you close the cap, reconnect the spark plug cable, turn the ignition on and let the engine run for a couple of minutes. This will allow the new oil to wet the filter and run through the channels. Now check the oil level again, and fill it up until the needed level.

Additional concerns:

To enhance the lifetime of your lawnmower and to make sure that the machine will start without problems, some precautionary measures are suggested:

• Replace after 30-40 hours: Replace engine oil after 30-40 hours of use or its usage in the first month.
• Never use a non-detergent oil: A non-detergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life as well as hindering the functionality of the machine. 
• Do not use 2-stroke oil: Try not to use oil suitable for a different type of engine like 2-stroke oil. It can damage the engine and cause a stalling issue. You can use good quality car engine oil do.
• Flat surface: Bring the lawnmower to a flat surface. It will help you in performing your task of oil changing.
• Use Gloves: Use gloves while doing your maintenance work. It will prevent any personal damage from sharp components or hot oil.
• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the battery’s power cable to avoid any unwanted accidents like a short circuit.
• Screwdrivers: Operate the screwdrivers carefully so that no wear and tear of screws occur. 

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use synthetic or human-made oil in my Toro lawn mower?

To maximize your Toro lawn mower’s performance, we highly recommend using Toro oil, which has been specifically formulated for the most satisfactory results. Toro’s Full Synthetic Oil offers extreme performance in all temperatures, enhancing the life of your lawn mower’s engine. The type of oil suggested for everyday use is SAE 10W-30.

2. Which oil is best for lawn mowers?

The type of oil depends on the outside temperature you are working in. In warmer climates, you can use for outdoor equipment SAE 30. In colder areas, you should use SAE 5W-30 motor oil. If you are in a place where the temperature wildly fluctuates, you can use an SAE 10W-30 motor oil.

3. Why is my Toro lawn mower stalling?

When your Toro Lawnmower is stalling, the carburetor might be blocked. The most common reason for this issue is leaving gas in your lawnmower tank for too long. Gas can go bad if stored for a couple of months, and no fuel stabilizer has been added. The bad gas can clog the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. Other possible reasons might be a clogged air filter, clogged oil filter, or a faulty spark plug.

Final remarks:

Replacing your engine oil can increase the lifespan and durability of your Toro lawnmower. It is recommended to check the engine oil regularly. Old oil will increase the wear and tear of your engine and eventually even damage the engine. Changing the oil in a Toro lawnmower is not a complicated job, and it should not take you more than 30 min. If you change the oil, always replace the oil filter if your lawnmower has one.