If your Toro lawnmower isn’t giving the cutting performance it once used to deliver, one might think there’s an issue with its blade. However, several factors must be troubleshot to identify the exact problem source. Let’s learn how to do that in this article.

Toro lawnmower drive & cutting problems:

If your Toro lawnmower doesn’t cut evenly, ensure the blades are sharpened and not damaged or broken. Furthermore, the tire pressure must be uniform, while the cutting deck should be perfectly leveled. In most cases, riding lawnmowers by Toro could encounter drive-related problems. In those cases, you may need to check the wheel and axle assembly to locate the fault. If a self-propelled mower faces this issue, check its drive belt to see if it engages the cutting blades. 

This article discusses how to troubleshoot some of the most common problems associated with Toro lawnmowers and their fixes. Hence, for a detailed answer to the above question, make sure you continue reading the entire article.

Toro Lawnmowers: Troubleshooting Cutting Problems

Lawnmowers (whether riding or self-propelling) are a productive option for lawn maintenance. However, a malfunctioning machine with issues such as uneven grass, missed spots, or a mower that won’t start can make it a cumbersome job. Luckily, there are easy fixes to these frustrating problems, allowing you to resume your lawnmowing sessions.

Here are some common cutting problems and the different ways you can fix them.

1. Lawnmower doesn’t cut straight

There are several reasons why your riding lawn mower may not be cutting straight. Some of the common causes include a damaged or improperly installed blade, misaligned wheels or axles, or an unevenly adjusted mower. Additionally, the problem could also be your uneven lawn terrain.

If you are facing similar issues, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the blade: Start by inspecting the blade for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary. If the blade is not damaged, ensure it is correctly installed and adjusted.
• Inspect the axle assembly: Check the wheels and axles for any damage that might require repairs or replacement. Proper alignment of the wheels and axles can also help ensure straight cutting.
• Adjust the height: Another option is to adjust the height of the mower to make sure it is not tilted. Remember, a well-maintained lawn mower is essential for a clean and professional-looking lawn.
• Adjust the level: Consider leveling your lawn or using a different mowing pattern.
• Preventative maintenance: It’s also important to keep your lawnmower well-maintained by regularly sharpening the blade, cleaning the undercarriage, and changing the oil and air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Lawnmower cuts uneven grass patterns

There are several reasons why your lawnmower is cutting uneven grass patterns. To begin, the blade could be the cause. If the cutting blade is worn out, damaged, or installed wrong, it could result in an uneven cut.

When all your tires aren’t at the same air pressure, that could be another reason for uneven grass patterns. Bringing all the tire pressure to the correct level can solve the problem.

Finally, if your deck is not leveled, packed with grass, or has a damaged shell, it could be preventing even cut patterns.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Blade: Sharpen the blade, remove and reattach it correctly, or in case it is completely damaged, replace it.
• Tire pressure: Adjust the tire pressure to the optimal level. You can check the manual to find the right pressure for your mower.
• Throttle: Try running your mower at full throttle for even cut patterns.
• Mower Deck: Thoroughly clean the deck and level it on all sides. Check to see if the mower deck shell is damaged and needs replacement.

3. Lawnmower doesn’t cut at all

If your lawnmower is running but not cutting the grass, the problem is likely with the blade’s drive belt. The blade belt may have become loose or damaged, preventing the blade from turning.

Additionally, a worn or damaged mandrel assembly can also be the cause of the problem. The mandrel assembly is responsible for connecting the blade to the mower deck; if it is damaged, the blade may not rotate properly.

Some riding mowers come with a PTO switch that activates the blades. Often this switch is off, which is why your mower won’t cut grass. Lastly, a clogged deck or grass chute can cause the mower not to cut properly.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the belt: Examine the belt to see if it is worn out or broken, in which case you will need to replace it.
• Inspect the mandrel: Check to see if the mandrel assembly is damaged or worn out. Replace it or make relevant adjustments.
• Check the PTO switch: In the case of a riding mower, keep a check on the PTO switch. Make sure the PTO switch is working and is in the right position.
• Deck & Chute: Check the deck and chute for any debris buildup and clean them thoroughly.

Toro Riding Lawnmowers: Troubleshooting Drive Problems

Encountering drive problems with your riding lawnmower is not unusual. Here are some common drive problems that riding lawnmowers face as well as their troubleshooting solutions.

1. Lawnmower doesn’t move forward.

A lawnmower that isn’t moving forward or pulling to one side can be suffering from either insufficient tire pressure, bad suspension, a worn out or broken drive belt, or poor tracking adjustment.

Unequal tire pressure will cause your motor to jerk to one side. In addition, bad dampers will cause the mower to jerk to one side.

Tracking adjustment refers to the issue when one of your mower’s wheels is moving faster than the other. This causes unnecessary movements preventing it from moving forward.

Lastly, a damaged or worn-out drive axle or transmission can also cause the mower to not move forward. If you suspect this is the issue, it is best to have a professional diagnose and repair the problem.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check tire pressure: Make sure your tire is inflated to the level mentioned in the manual.
• Troubleshoot bad dampers: Replace any bad dampers to prevent the mower from jerking to one side.
• Tracking adjustment: Check the wheel and axle assembly for any play that might be causing the wheels to rotate at different speeds. Tighten any bolts to see if the play is removed. If the axle is damaged, contact your Toro service center to make the necessary repairs.

2. Lawnmower vibrates excessively?

Excessive vibration in a riding lawn mower can be caused by various issues, including loose or missing engine bolts, a bad clutch, unbalanced or damaged mower blades, debris wrapped around the blade spindle and lodged in the mower, and worn pulleys or deck belts.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Missing bolts: For loose or missing engine bolts that may be the cause of the excessive vibration, check the engine thoroughly for any visible signs of loose or missing bolts. Tighten the bolts as needed and replace any missing bolts.
• Clutch: Replace the clutch if it is worn out or badly damaged.
• Blades: Inspect the blades for any visible signs of damage or wear, and replace them if necessary. Make sure the blades are balanced properly to prevent vibration.
• Spindle: Check if any material, such as grass or debris, is wrapped around the blade spindle or the underside of the mower deck and remove it.

3. Lawnmower has loose steering?

There are several possible causes of loose steering, including worn or damaged steering components, improper adjustment of the steering linkage, or a loose steering wheel.

Worn or damaged steering components, such as the ball joints, tie rod ends, or steering gear can result in loose steering. Another issue is likely the improper adjustment of the steering linkage. Lastly, worn or damaged wheel bearings can also cause loose steering.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the tie rod: Inspect the ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering gear for wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
• Inspect the steering assembly: Check the steering linkage and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Tighten the steering wheel: Check if you have a loose steering wheel and tighten it.
• Check the bearings: Inspect the bearings at the steering wheel for wear or damage and replace them if necessary. If the bearings produce a sound or are hard to rotate, it indicates that a replacement is needed.

4. Lawnmower has a flat tire?

If you’re experiencing a flat tire on your riding lawn mower, one common cause is a puncture in the tire due to sharp objects perhaps. Another possible cause, however, of a flat tire is an air leak in the valve stem. Additionally, low tire pressure can also cause the tire to go flat.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Look for cuts: Carefully inspect the tire for any punctures, cuts, or damage. Inspect the tread and sidewalls for any signs of wear and punctures.
• Patch the tire: In case you find a puncture, you can either patch the tire or replace it entirely.
• Check the valve stem: Check the valve stem for any signs of damage or debris, and tighten it if it feels loose. If that doesn’t work, try replacing the valve stem entirely.
• Adjust tire pressure: Check the tire pressure and inflate the tire to the recommended level.

5. Lawnmower is leaking oil?

One potential cause of oil leaks in Toro riding lawnmowers is a damaged or worn-out gasket. The gasket seals the engine’s crankcase, and if it’s damaged or worn, oil can leak out.

Another possible cause of an oil leak is a loose or damaged drain plug. The drain plug is located underneath the crankcase and can loosen over time, causing oil to leak out. If you notice oil leaking from the oil filter, it may be due to overfilling the oil reservoir.

Lastly, a damaged or worn-out oil filter can also cause oil leaks.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the gasket: Check the gasket for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.
• Fix the drain plug: Tighten the drain plug or replace it if it’s damaged.
• Inspect the oil level: Check the oil level and drain out any excess oil if necessary.
• Examine the filter: Check the oil filter for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.

Toro Self-Propelled Lawnmowers: Troubleshooting Drive Problems

Whether you have a small patch of grass or a large lawn to mow, a self-propelled mower can make the job a lot easier and more economical than a riding lawnmower. And, if it ever runs into problems, here’s how you can troubleshoot them.

1. Lawnmower doesn’t go forward.

There are a few common reasons why your self-propelled lawn mower does not get forward, such as a worn or broken drive belt, a malfunctioning transmission, or clogged wheels.

To troubleshoot, start by checking the drive belt for signs of wear or damage. If it’s broken or worn out, it will need to be replaced. Next, check the transmission to make sure it’s functioning properly. If it’s not, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Finally, inspect the wheels for any debris or clogs that might be preventing them from turning.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Drive belt: To troubleshoot, start by checking the drive belt for signs of wear or damage. If the drive belt is broken or worn out, it will need to be replaced.
• Belt drive: Check the transmission to make sure it’s functioning properly. Repair or replace a completely damaged drive belt.
• Wheels: Inspect the wheels for any debris or clogs that might be preventing them from turning. Clean out the wheels and remove any lodged debris.

2. Lawnmower throttle not working?

If your self-propelled mower’s throttle isn’t working, one possible issue is a dirty air filter that is not allowing enough air to flow to the engine, causing it to run lean and resulting in a reduced engine speed.

Another potential cause could be a clogged fuel filter or carburetor, preventing the proper amount of fuel from reaching the engine.

In addition, the cable connecting the throttle control to the engine may be loose or disconnected, preventing it from functioning properly. Check the throttle cable to ensure it is properly connected and adjusted.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Air filter: Start by cleaning or replacing the air filter and inspecting the fuel system for any clogs or damage.
• Fuel Filter: Locate the fuel filter and inspect it for any signs of dirt or debris
• Carburetor: After the filters are checked, the carburetor needs to be inspected and cleaned from old fuel deposits. Use a commercially available carb cleaner liquid to ease down the debris removal.

Drive & Cutting Troubleshooting table

1. Lawnmower Cutting Problems

2. Lawnmower Drive Problems

Riding Lawnmowers

Self-Propelled Lawnmowers