The Timemaster is the ultimate tease of the home lawncare enthusiast mower line. In theory, it's a great concept. Perfect sweetspot for lawns too small for a tractor, too big for a 21" push mower. In practice, it's an absolute nightmare to maintain the unit. The number of pulleys, belts and tensioners that have had constant breakage / replacement / maintenance is mind boggling. What's more mind boggling to me is Toro's complete unwillingness to acknowledge and address these well known issues - for over a decade! The first 1 or 2 generations of the Timemaster? Fine, I get it, it's a new product, these things have to be worked out. We are now > 12 years in to manufacturing of this unit. Can we fix and or address and or update any of these design problems so they actually work and last off the assembly line? No? Why not? The answer is they don't give a shit. How about this as a compromise - can the engineers at least update the design so we don't have to waste an entire Saturday afternoon taking apart the entire machine, to replace the parts which frequently fall apart due to crap quality control on Toro's side? Super, super disappointed in Toro on this front. The second they get real competition in the 28 - 30" mower line I'm never purchasing another Toro product again.
I wish I had seen this perfectly worded comment 6 months ago. I've had a Toro TimeWaster for 6 months and already broken 3 belts and had it simply rattle parts loose twice. I can only cut the grass 2-3 times before something else breaks. Amazingly poor matching for being so expensive
To loose,to tight....who knows. I have decided the engine pulley gets so hot (from engine heat)that the OEM blue belt actually fails due to excessive heat! Any thoughts on this theory?
I have had about 6 of those mowers had those problems with 3 before I learned to leave that cover off . Or leave it on and blow it out regularly if your a appearance guy. Have the shoot blocker in make a major difference. That grass on the top was getting in mine. It has helped me.
Thank you for you insight! This past week 9/12/23 the belt broke once again. So after replacing it, I will leave the cover off. To see if that helps! Thanks again.
Had the same problem. Don’t order them from Amazon etc. go to the dealer. Get the expensive belts. Mine was eating belts up. Got the experience belts and it fixed it. The blade engagement belt still don’t last crazy long, but king enough. I have 2 of these. Been running them for 4 seasons.
Last belt I put on there was from my dealer. Looked identical to the ones I had from Amazon. Only difference the dealer belt was made in Mexico, amazon belt was made in china. So far it has been on there for a hit minute, and still going strong. So we’ll see!! Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave a comment!
I have a turfmaster and i had a problem with the belt pully making contact with the engine bolt and stopping the pulley from rotating. I had to grind the bolt down.
It is called incredibottle, 16oz of gas or mixed fuel just in case you run out of gas, you don’t have to walk all the way back to the truck or garage to refuel!! I got mine from Ballard-inc.com they have pretty cool stuff!
have you checked the tension on the blade belt lately . Could it being to tight put to much pressure on that belt trying to turn the blades maybe ? Because the belt looked fine until you engaged the blades belt right ?
The blade belt feels fine, I think I had to much tension on the blade engagement belt. After loosing up on that adjustment I was able to mow longer with out busting up the belt! I’m still keeping an eye on it. Thanks for chiming in.
Had one 10 years, probably did 20 yrs of cutting though. The only belt issue I had is with the self propell belt stretching out and slipping. Major pain to change that belt for sure.
FYI there is another video out there on this issue. When you replaced the cable eith spring, was it OEM?did it come with another tensioner arm? Some of the aftermarket tensioner arms don't have the proper angle when engaging the tensioner. Make sure you use OEM cable, spring and tensioner.
I exclusively run my exmark with spindle covers off. You don't want debris finding a forever home on your deck. Imagine a pine cone getting in there. Plus you can easily blow off your deck after every cut. And it looks badass. No one, including the operator, should be approaching the deck with blades engaged.
Thank you for watching! Yes, tensioners tightened up. I believe the belt issues I was having had everything to do with belt quality. I tried saving a buck by getting a bunch of belts from Amazon thinking I could save time and money by not having to run to the dealer to get a belt when and if it broke. The Amazon belts I was having issues with were made in china. The belts I’m using now, that I get from the dealer that gets them from toro, is made in Mexico. After installing that belt on my mower this year, I have not had a problem since!!! Also thanks for leaving a comment, as it does help for the videos!!
I think it is! It has good cut quality. Only problem I’m having is the belts breaking. But I thinking it’s the quality of the belts. If you can afford a commercial 30” mower I’d get that instead. The whole reason why I got the timemaster was price. I love it. Now with mower lawns maybe a commercial 30 “ would make sense. Thanks for watching!
These belts dont last long, they need replaced every year. I highly recommend taking those junk pulleys out of there and putting in commercial grade ones.
After getting the belt from my toro dealer, the belt has been on the mower this whole 2024 mowing season going strong. I’m thinking it was the quality of the belts I was getting from Amazon, those belts were made in china, the belts from my dealer are made in Mexico.
@@snsmowingservice998 honestly im not sure what it was. I bought the mower used and after 4-5 uses the belt was frayed really badly, the plastic pulley was melted, and the blade brake was completely worn down to the metal. So im not sure how or what caused all that
Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave a comment. I do appreciate it. I’m thinking the problem was the low quality belts I was using. Now that I’m running the belts supplied from toro I haven’t had a problem for over a month now. I am well aware that the timemaster is not commercial and that’s why I’m not bashing it by any means!!! This mower is doing great for being a residential 30” mower! Like I said I think I messed up by going the slightly cheaper route using belts from china that I got from Amazon. The toro belts are made in Mexico. Not sure what the difference is, because looking at them, they look identical. Again thanks for the comment.
Where are you getting your belts from??? I took the advice from a person in the comments and went to my dealer and got the belts from there, instead of ordering them from Amazon! And I will say the belt has lasted for almost two months as of now. I’m thinking I was getting crap belts!!!
I’ve come to realize this is the truth! Ever since I’ve stoped using the Amazon belts and went to the dealer, belt has been on all season for the 2024 season!
What belts are you using??? After I got my belts from the local dealer. And received what I’m thinking is OEM belt that is made in Mexico, not china like the Amazon belts I was replacing them with. I haven’t had a problem since. Let me know where you getting your belt from, and where are they made, if you noticed. Thanks for watching the video, and the comment!
The Timemaster is the ultimate tease of the home lawncare enthusiast mower line. In theory, it's a great concept. Perfect sweetspot for lawns too small for a tractor, too big for a 21" push mower. In practice, it's an absolute nightmare to maintain the unit. The number of pulleys, belts and tensioners that have had constant breakage / replacement / maintenance is mind boggling.
What's more mind boggling to me is Toro's complete unwillingness to acknowledge and address these well known issues - for over a decade! The first 1 or 2 generations of the Timemaster? Fine, I get it, it's a new product, these things have to be worked out. We are now > 12 years in to manufacturing of this unit. Can we fix and or address and or update any of these design problems so they actually work and last off the assembly line? No? Why not? The answer is they don't give a shit.
How about this as a compromise - can the engineers at least update the design so we don't have to waste an entire Saturday afternoon taking apart the entire machine, to replace the parts which frequently fall apart due to crap quality control on Toro's side?
Super, super disappointed in Toro on this front. The second they get real competition in the 28 - 30" mower line I'm never purchasing another Toro product again.
Thank you for taking the time to watch the video, and leaving your thoughts!! I agree with you.
Perfect post. Agree 100% with every word.
I wish I had seen this perfectly worded comment 6 months ago. I've had a Toro TimeWaster for 6 months and already broken 3 belts and had it simply rattle parts loose twice. I can only cut the grass 2-3 times before something else breaks. Amazingly poor matching for being so expensive
To loose,to tight....who knows.
I have decided the engine pulley gets so hot (from engine heat)that the OEM blue belt actually fails due to excessive heat!
Any thoughts on this theory?
I have had about 6 of those mowers had those problems with 3 before I learned to leave that cover off . Or leave it on and blow it out regularly if your a appearance guy. Have the shoot blocker in make a major difference. That grass on the top was getting in mine. It has helped me.
Thank you for you insight! This past week 9/12/23 the belt broke once again. So after replacing it, I will leave the cover off. To see if that helps! Thanks again.
Had the same problem. Don’t order them from Amazon etc. go to the dealer. Get the expensive belts. Mine was eating belts up. Got the experience belts and it fixed it. The blade engagement belt still don’t last crazy long, but king enough. I have 2 of these. Been running them for 4 seasons.
Last belt I put on there was from my dealer. Looked identical to the ones I had from Amazon. Only difference the dealer belt was made in Mexico, amazon belt was made in china. So far it has been on there for a hit minute, and still going strong. So we’ll see!! Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave a comment!
Got it at the beginning of this year in April from lowes been more time broke than actually working
What’s been broken?
They got a problem with this belt setup, seems it eats belts and profits fast
Might be time to get rid of it 😊
Definitely planing on getting a commercial walk behind for next season.
I have a turfmaster and i had a problem with the belt pully making contact with the engine bolt and stopping the pulley from rotating. I had to grind the bolt down.
Good to know!! Thank you for the info!
Is that a small gas tank reserve attached to the bar? What's it called and where to get it?
It is called incredibottle, 16oz of gas or mixed fuel just in case you run out of gas, you don’t have to walk all the way back to the truck or garage to refuel!! I got mine from Ballard-inc.com they have pretty cool stuff!
have you checked the tension on the blade belt lately . Could it being to tight put to much pressure on that belt trying to turn the blades maybe ? Because the belt looked fine until you engaged the blades belt right ?
The blade belt feels fine, I think I had to much tension on the blade engagement belt. After loosing up on that adjustment I was able to mow longer with out busting up the belt! I’m still keeping an eye on it. Thanks for chiming in.
Had the same issue today I’ve replace 3 belts within the last month. I think its the brand of belt I’ve been using
@@snecho00 I was thinking the same thing,
Last set of belts I got were from Amazon. How bout you where you get your belt?
@@snsmowingservice998 Amazon and tractor supply
OEM Belt number ?
Broke 3 in 2 weeks! Killing me!
Shouldn't be that much hassle!Install new belt & mow!Just does NOT last!
Had one 10 years, probably did 20 yrs of cutting though. The only belt issue I had is with the self propell belt stretching out and slipping. Major pain to change that belt for sure.
Awsome to hear! Thank you for taking the time to watch, and leave a comment. I appreciate your time 💪🏼
FYI there is another video out there on this issue. When you replaced the cable eith spring, was it OEM?did it come with another tensioner arm? Some of the aftermarket tensioner arms don't have the proper angle when engaging the tensioner. Make sure you use OEM cable, spring and tensioner.
Cable was OEM, but was sold alone. I didn’t get anything else with the cable.
I exclusively run my exmark with spindle covers off. You don't want debris finding a forever home on your deck. Imagine a pine cone getting in there. Plus you can easily blow off your deck after every cut. And it looks badass. No one, including the operator, should be approaching the deck with blades engaged.
the same thing is happening to me, this will be the 3rd time I am change the same belt
The belts that are breaking, where did you get them?
Did you tighten the belt tensioner i see you did it hopefully it lasts now
Thank you for watching! Yes, tensioners tightened up. I believe the belt issues I was having had everything to do with belt quality. I tried saving a buck by getting a bunch of belts from Amazon thinking I could save time and money by not having to run to the dealer to get a belt when and if it broke. The Amazon belts I was having issues with were made in china. The belts I’m using now, that I get from the dealer that gets them from toro, is made in Mexico. After installing that belt on my mower this year, I have not had a problem since!!!
Also thanks for leaving a comment, as it does help for the videos!!
Is the toro time master worth it I’m thing about buying I have 21’’ Honda push I just started cut grass I have 10 properties
I think it is! It has good cut quality. Only problem I’m having is the belts breaking. But I thinking it’s the quality of the belts. If you can afford a commercial 30” mower I’d get that instead. The whole reason why I got the timemaster was price. I love it. Now with mower lawns maybe a commercial 30 “ would make sense. Thanks for watching!
These belts dont last long, they need replaced every year. I highly recommend taking those junk pulleys out of there and putting in commercial grade ones.
Definitely I’m gonna look into those commercial grade pulleys!!! thank you for the comment.
do you have part numbers for the commerical ones?
@@Noname23489 Exmark 126-7890 Pulley. It fits the timemaster perfectly
Hmmm, my pulling bounces up and down…or has a real bad rattle.
Is your rattle coming from the brake arm assembly? I have a turfmaster with this same rattle sound.
How's the belt holding up since the install?
After getting the belt from my toro dealer, the belt has been on the mower this whole 2024 mowing season going strong. I’m thinking it was the quality of the belts I was getting from Amazon, those belts were made in china, the belts from my dealer are made in Mexico.
@@snsmowingservice998 thank you! I just had mine break, I'll be sure to get a OEM belt now.
@@Moose1776 was the belt that broke oem? Or random Amazon belt?
@@snsmowingservice998 honestly im not sure what it was. I bought the mower used and after 4-5 uses the belt was frayed really badly, the plastic pulley was melted, and the blade brake was completely worn down to the metal. So im not sure how or what caused all that
Toro belt's are junk started using different one's it helped
Where have you gotten your belts from?
@@snsmowingservice998 you can go to a specialty belt place or go to a automotive place and have them measure it.
@@snsmowingservice998 off of Amazon
Lear how to adjust it properly and they last longer!
This toro is not even comercial
Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave a comment. I do appreciate it. I’m thinking the problem was the low quality belts I was using. Now that I’m running the belts supplied from toro I haven’t had a problem for over a month now. I am well aware that the timemaster is not commercial and that’s why I’m not bashing it by any means!!! This mower is doing great for being a residential 30” mower! Like I said I think I messed up by going the slightly cheaper route using belts from china that I got from Amazon. The toro belts are made in Mexico. Not sure what the difference is, because looking at them, they look identical. Again thanks for the comment.
Residential mowers wont hold up to commecial use.
I have time , master it belt eater, 😮
Where are you getting your belts from??? I took the advice from a person in the comments and went to my dealer and got the belts from there, instead of ordering them from Amazon! And I will say the belt has lasted for almost two months as of now. I’m thinking I was getting crap belts!!!
I think it pays to use OE belts.
I’ve come to realize this is the truth! Ever since I’ve stoped using the Amazon belts and went to the dealer, belt has been on all season for the 2024 season!
Can’t get through 5 small cuts without it breaking.. definitely not worth the money unless there is a solution for this problem…
What belts are you using??? After I got my belts from the local dealer. And received what I’m thinking is OEM belt that is made in Mexico, not china like the Amazon belts I was replacing them with. I haven’t had a problem since. Let me know where you getting your belt from, and where are they made, if you noticed. Thanks for watching the video, and the comment!