How to Grease a Toro Riding Mower

To grease a Toro riding mower you need to follow these steps in order--prepare your materials, set the parking brake and take off the key, clean the mower, wipe the fittings and use the grease gun to apply grease, apply grease on the grease fitting inside the steering wheel, apply grease on the fitting near the pivot point of the idler pulley, use the ratchet and socket to take off the spindle covers, clean the grease fitting of the bearing spindles and apply grease and, fasten the covers securely and run the mower for several minutes.

Toro riding mowers are one of the market leaders in the lawnmower industry. One of the reasons behind the popularity of Toro mowers is that they require only routine maintenance. One important maintenance service needed for Toro lawnmowers is lubricating the mower’s idler bearing, spindle bearings and its steering controls. Lubricating these components once every session with the right lithium complex is sufficient. Here are the detailed steps that you need to do when greasing your Toro riding mower.

Step 1: Prepare your materials

For greasing your Toro lawnmower, you will need to prepare Lithium grease, a grease gun, rags and a ratchet and socket.

Step 2: Set the parking brake and take off the key

To prevent the mower from rolling off or to keep it from inadvertently starting and causing any accidents, set the parking brake and be sure to remove its key.

Step 3: Clean the mower

It is important to clean the lawnmower after every use and before lubricating the components previously mentioned. Cleaning the Toro mower regularly will keep it from accumulating dirt, rust and contaminants.

Step 4: Wipe the fittings and use the grease gun to apply grease

Find the axle grease fittings on the front axle. These fittings are tapped or screwed into the axle’s barrel which is found near the mower’s front part. Using a rag, wipe the fittings to remove any debris and dirt. After wiping the fittings, use the grease gun to apply grease on each fitting. Pump the lever until you see the grease squeezed out of the seals.

Step 5: Apply grease on the grease fitting inside the steering wheel

Turn the steering wheel clockwise and apply grease on the grease fitting. This is found inside the right-front wheel. Apply an additional three or four strokes until grease extrudes from the seals. Turn the wheel to the opposite direction and use the grease gun to repeat the process.

Step 6: Apply grease on the fitting near the pivot point of the idler pulley

Lower the mower’s deck until you reach the lowest setting. Find the idler pulley on the upper part of the mower deck. The grease fitting is found exactly above the pivot point of the idler. Clean the fitting first before using the grease gun to apply about three or four drops of grease.

Step 7: Use the ratchet and socket to take off the spindle covers

The spindle covers on the left and right side of the deck protect the bearings and spindles. They also cover the grease fittings. Using the ratchet and socket, remove the covers and store them properly so you will not lose them.

Step 8: Clean the grease fitting of the bearing spindles and apply grease

The two bearing spindles have grease fittings that should be cleaned before applying grease. Attach the grease gun and pump three or four times for each fitting. Turn the spindle manually for two or three rotations and apply three more pumps of grease.

Step 9: Fasten the covers securely and run the mower for several minutes

Use the ratchet and socket to replace the spindle covers and fasten them securely. For several minutes, operate the lawnmower with its blades engaged. This is to allow the grease to be distributed to the spindle bearings.

Toro lawnmowers are known for their durability. To maximize their service life, proper maintenance, servicing and the necessary repairs must be made as needed.