Getting Toro Ready For Spring

[movieman]

I'm starting to tune up a Toro #20017 Recycler, bought around 2006. I normally change oil, replace oil filter and spark plug, and sharpen or replace blade. This time, I want to look at the drive mechanism. The mower seems to start and run fine, but lately has not had quite had the quick traction it used to have, particularly uphill. I'm thinking about the belt so I have one to replace. Is that generally the solution for such a problem? Or would that lie with an adjustment of the "traction cable"?

Also, I have removed the rear wheels to lube and notice that the large sprocket wheels on the inside of each wheel are rusty. Is it right to oil them or would that result in slippage? I have also cleaned off the little inner plastic sprocket wheels but I assume you would not lube those.

Thanks!

 

[xp14629]

Those machines are known (as are most toro walk behind mowers of that era) for the transmissions eating the internals. Do not lube the gears with a wet or liquid lube. This only adds wear by attracting dirt. If you insist on living, use a dry spray or powdered graphite.

 

[twinfords]

check the cable asjustment, belt etc. if you hold the rear wheels up off the ground and get the personnel pace going check to see if you can slow the wheels down with your foot. listen for gear noise in the trans, youtube has a video on r/r/ of trans.