9 Common Toro Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions
Toro is a well-known brand of lawn mowers known for its quality and product support. Even though it is one of the better lawn mowers on the market today, it will still develop problems over time.
When you own a lawn mower long enough, you will run into problems. These problems only magnify when you don’t perform routine maintenance.
I have put together a list of the most common problems you will run into when owning a Toro mower. It’s a great list to keep on hand and save to your favorites. You never know when you’re going to run into your next problem.
Make sure you follow all safety precautions before troubleshooting your Toro. This includes removing your ignition key, disconnecting your spark plug(s), and securing your mower so it doesn’t move. Refer to your owner’s manual for all safety precautions to take with your Toro model.
The most common Toro lawn mower problems are:
- Toro doesn’t start
- Toro dies while mowing
- Toro is smoking
- Toro has a weak hydrostatic transmission
- Toro won’t drive straight or steer correctly
- Toro won’t move
- Toro is shaking or vibrating
- Toro is cutting uneven
- Toro is leaking gas
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating.Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Table of Contents
10 Common Toro Problems & Solutions
Toro Mower Won’t Start
Oftentimes, the reason your Toro lawn mower won’t start is due to air or fuel restrictions. These restrictions prevent the engine from getting the air and gas it needs to start.
Fuel restrictions can be caused by clogging in the fuel system due to running old fuel. Airflow restrictions can be caused by a plugged air filter.
Other items you need to address are electrical problems including your battery, charging system, and switches. You must also make sure your spark plugs are working correctly and provide the spark to start and run your Toro mower.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your Toro Mower Won’t Start
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| No gas in the fuel tank | Fuel tank is empty | Fill with fresh fuel |
| Bad or old fuel | Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system | Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. Use the right fuel. |
| Faulty or clogged fuel cap | The vent in the cap can get clogged causing your tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow | Use a thin piece of wire to try to clear the clogged vent. Replace the cap if needed. |
| Bad spark plug | Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly | Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Plugged fuel filter | A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow | Replace the fuel filter |
| Bad fuel pump | A failed or leaking fuel pump will no longer create the pressure needed to pump fuel | Replace the fuel pump |
| Blocked fuel lines | Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel | Use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace line if necessary. |
| Dirty carburetor | The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow | Clean the components making up the carburetor. Replace if needed. |
| Bad battery or loose & dirty terminals | A dead battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals can cause starting problems | Charge your battery and replace it if it won’t hold a charge. Make sure your cables are tight and clean the corrosion from terminals. |
| Bad safety switch | Safety switches are a safety measure that exists to prevent your mower from starting in certain situations. When a switch fails, your mower may not start. | Test and replace faulty safety switch |
| Bad ignition switch or coil | Your mower will not start when either the ignition switch or coil is bad | Test and replace a bad switch |
| Broken recoil | A pull start mower may have a damaged or broken recoil preventing the recoil to initiate starting your engine | Check the recoil to see if it can be restrung or if broken parts, like the pulley, can be replaced. Replace the recoil assembly if needed. |
Toro Mower Starts and Dies
The same items that can cause your mower to not start can contribute to the problem with your Toro mower dying after it runs for a while. In addition to most of the items shown above as starting problems, your mower can overheat and shut down.
Overheating can be caused when your engine cooling fins are plugged and not able to keep your engine block cool. It can also be the result of a clogged mower deck putting too much strain on the engine.
Refer to the list below for a full list of items that can cause your mower to die. Check out the link for more information on your Toro mower starting and then dying.
Detailed information can be found at:
Why Your Toro Mower Starts Then Dies
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Bad fuel | Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage | Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Dirty or broken cooling fins | Cooling fins get packed with dirt, oil, and grass not allowing air to effectively cool the engine block | Replace broken fins and clean the cooling fins. |
| Clogged fuel lines or filter | Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel | Use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace a plugged fuel filter. |
| Dirty carburetor | The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow | Clean all components making up the carburetor. Replace if needed. |
| Too Much Engine Oil | Too much engine oil increases pressure in the crankcase causing it to overheat and die | Correct your engine oil level by removing a little oil |
| Bad Spark Plug | Dirty or damaged spark plug causes the plug to foul out and cause intermittent running problems. | Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. Ensure spark plug wires are securely attached and the plug is gapped correctly. |
| Faulty Ignition Coil | Windings on the coil can separate and short out a bad ignition coil | Check for a break in the continuity using an ohm meter and replace is found bad |
| Choke is in the Wrong Position | A choke is used for cold starts. The choke can cause your engine to shut off when it continues to restrict airflow after the engine warms. | Make sure the choke is in the correct position |
| Battery is Not Charging | A battery that doesn’t hold a charge or a bad charging system that can’t keep the battery charged will cause your Toro to die after running. | Test your battery and charging system. Replace any electrical components found to be bad. Read more about testing your battery and charging system here. |
| Bad Gas Cap | Gas caps have vents for air to pass through. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions. | Replace a fuel cap that no longer vents |
| Clogged Mower Deck | Clogged mower deck causes a strain on the engine causing it to work hard and possibly shut down | Periodically scrape your mower deck to keep it clean |
Toro Mower Smokes
Something as simple as a plugged air filter can cause your Toro lawn mower to smoke. When addressed soon enough, you can solve your problem without causing significant damage.
There are other items such as an insufficient engine oil level or internal engine problems that can be the reason your Toro is smoking.
These problems may be more problematic and costly to repair when not caught and addressed at an early stage.
Detailed information can be found at:
Why Your Toro Lawn Mower is Smoking
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Too much oil in the crankcase | Excessive oil can cause pressure to build in the engine allowing oil to get into the cylinder through the valve train | Drain a little engine oil until it is at the manufacturer’s recommended oil level. |
| Engine oil level is too low | Lack of oil can increase friction in your engine causing extreme heat. | Bring to a small engine repair shop to inspect engine damage. You can try adding oil, but it is often too late to this fix your engine problem. |
| Internal problems including the piston ring, valve train or engine gasket | Internal engine problems can have a detrimental effect on your mower if they are not caught soon enough and fixed. | Bring your Toro to your local small engine repair shop for troubleshooting |
Toro Mower Has a Weak Hydrostatic Transmission
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Bad drive belt | A bad drive belt can cause your pump not to work efficiently | Replace a frayed, cracked, or worn belt |
| Bad tensioner pulley | When a tensioner pulley fails, it fails to keep tension on the drive belt | Replace the pulley and grease the tensioner arm |
| Low or old hydraulic oil | Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak | Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by Toro. Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full. (Some transmission systems are sealed and they can’t be serviced. If you are having trouble with a sealed system, see your dealer). |
Toro Mower Won’t Drive Straight or Steer Correctly
Your Toro lawn mower can start pulling to one side. It can get frustrating when you must compensate for this problem and adjust the way you operate your Toro. Here is a list of items to check on your Toro zero turn mower when your mower isn’t driving straight.
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Incorrect tire pressure | Unequal tire pressure can cause your mower to pull to one side. | Check tire pressures and keep them filled to the manufacturer’s spec. Tires on each side of your mower require equal pressure. |
| Bad dampers on zero turn | Bad dampers will cause your mower to jerk to one side when moving forward | Replace with a new damper |
| Tracking adjustment needed on zero turn | When one tire is moving faster than the other, your mower can pull to one side | Adjust the speed adjustment bolt to change the rotation speed of the tire. Refer to your owner’s manual. |
| Worn or loose steering components in mower with a steering mechanism | Worn bushings, washers, and gears can cause your mower to not steer one way or the other | Inspect and replace the parts that failed on your steering system |
Toro Mower Won’t Move
Your Toro zero-turn mower uses a hydraulic system with pumps to make the mower move. The hydraulic oil can become low or old causing your mower to not move as fast as it once did.
Check for missing components on your drive system that may have become worn, damaged, or missing.
Another thing to check is the drive release levers. A mower cannot be pushed without the hydros released. Make sure these levers are in the operating position or your Toro mower won’t move.
Detailed information can be found at:
9 Reasons Your Mower Won’t Move or Go Forward
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Drive release lever in the wrong position | The drive release lever allows hydrostatic mowers to roll freely | The drive release lever must be in the operating position. |
| Drive pump belt is worn | The mower won’t move if your drive belt has fallen off. It could also not move if the belt is worn. | Replace a worn or cracked belt. Make sure the belt is securely around the pulleys. |
| Bad tensioner pulley | The bearing in the tensioner pulley can fail | Replace the tensioner pulley |
| Missing idler arm spring | If the idler arm spring breaks or goes missing, it can no longer place tension on the drive belt | Replace the broken or missing spring |
| Low or old hydraulic oil | Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak | Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by Toro. Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full. (Some transmission systems are sealed and they can’t be serviced. If you are having trouble with a sealed system, see your dealer). |
| Hot hydraulic fluid | Hot hydraulic fluid can be a sign of damage to your hydrostatic transmission system | Let your hydraulic oil cool. If you find your mower runs fine when it is cold, but becomes weak when the hydraulic system gets hot, have your mower checked at your local Toro dealership. |
| Air in the hydraulic system | Air must be bled from the hydraulic system after changing your hydraulic fluid or the mower will not be able to move at normal speeds | Follow Toro’s procedures for changing the hydraulic fluid and bleeding air from the system in your owner’s manual. |
Toro Mower is Vibrating
There are many items that can cause your Toro lawn mower to vibrate including unbalanced blades, bad bearings, and a bad clutch. Loose or missing hardware can also cause components to come loose and cause a vibration in your mower.
Go through this list below to find the best places to check when looking for the reason your Toro is shaking. You may be surprised what you find is the cause of your vibration. Even the smallest little item can cause some major shaking.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your Toro Mower is Vibrating
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Loose or missing engine mounting bolts | Engine bolts are used to reduce the vibration of the mower when the engine is running | Secure engine bolts and replace any missing bolts |
| Clutch is bad | When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. A manual engagement clutch can have a bushing and linkages that can fail. | Replace the clutch |
| Unbalanced or damaged mower blades | Damaged and unbalanced blades can send a vibration through your mower. Blades must be balanced before installing | Replace any damaged blades and make sure they are balanced. |
| Material wrapped around the blade spindle | Foreign materials like string or long weeds can get wrapped around your blade shaft causing vibration | Remove all debris and items wrapped around the blade shaft. Check for spindle damage. |
| Bad spindle housing bearings | Vibration can be caused by a bad bearing in the spindle housing. | Replace the bearing in the spindle housing or replace the whole spindle housing assembly |
| Worn pulleys or deck belt | Check deck belt and pulleys for wearing of the belt and bearing failure in the pulleys | Replace any damaged or worn belts and pulleys |
| Debris lodged in mower | The smallest little things can cause your Toro to excessively vibrate. Check over your mower for debris stuck in the deck or mower. Don’t overlook the small stuff. | Check over your mower deck and mower for any place small items can be stuck in your mower. Remove these foreign materials. |
Toro Mower Has a Bad or Uneven Cut
You noticed your Toro mower doesn’t give the quality of cut you once had. A bad or uneven cut can be the result of a low tire, unleveled deck, bad mower blades or operator error.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your Toro Mower Cuts Uneven
| Worn mower blade | Uneven tire pressures | Engine speed is too low |
| Bent mower blade | Unleveled mower deck | Ground speed is too fast |
| Blade installed wrong | Bent blade spindle or spindle bearing | Damaged deck shell |
| Clogged Mower Deck | Worn deck pulleys or belt | Operator error |
Toro Mower is Leaking Gas
When gas evaporates into the air, it can often be hard to find the place your Toro mower is leaking gas. There often isn’t a large wet spot to clue you into your problem area. Here is a list of things to check on your mower.
Detailed information can be found at:
Your Toro Mower is Leaking Gas
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Dirty of Failed Carburetor | The carburetor can collect a buildup of substances remaining from old gas that can cause blockages or parts failures | Clean the carburetor and replace any damaged parts |
| Old Fuel Filter | Filter can become plugged | Replace fuel filter |
| Bad Fuel Pump | Pump can wear and deteriorate over time and may begin leaking at the seams | Replace the fuel pump |
| Bad Fuel Tank | A metal tank can develop a rust hole. A poly tank can leak at the seams of the tank. | Replace the fuel tank. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. |
| Bad Fuel Shut-Off Valve | Metal and plastic shut-off valves are prone to leaking | Replace the shut-off valve |
| Cracked Fuel Lines | Rubber fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak | Replace the fuel lines |
| Bad Seal in the Gas Cap | The gas cap seal can fail and no longer seal allowing gas to splash out of the fuel tank around the gas cap | Replace the gas cap |
