Toro Recycler 22 in. mowers: 21442, 21462 and the 21 in. 21311
Toro's Recycler mowers use Briggs & Stratton engines, and the engine size depends on the model number. Use the table below to find the right engine page, then use this page for the deck, blade and drive.
Specs and part numbers at a glance
- Engine
- Briggs & Stratton. 150cc on the 21442, 163cc EXi on the 21462, 140cc EX on the 21311 (see below).
- Oil
- 15 oz (0.44 L), SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30, API SJ or higherToro says changing the oil is not required, but you can.
- Blade (22 in.)
- Toro 59534PListed on Toro's 21442 parts page. Confirm with your serial number.
- Blade bolt torque
- 60 ft-lb (82 N·m)
- Spark plug torque
- 15 ft-lb (20 N·m)
- Spark plug gap (21462)
- 0.030 in (0.76 mm)
- Blade stop test
- The engine must stop and the blade must stop within 3 seconds of letting go of the blade control bar.
- Height of cut
- 1–4 in (2.5–10 cm) (21442 and 21462)
Find the model number
Toro puts the model and serial number on a decal on the mower. The operator's manual shows the exact spot in Figure 1. Newer decals have a QR code you can scan with your phone. Toro's parts pages split each model by serial number range, so have both numbers ready.
Which engine is in it
Engine by model, from Toro's own product pages.
| Toro model | Drive | Engine | Engine page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 in. Recycler self-propelled 21442 | Front-wheel drive | Briggs & Stratton 150cc, 6.25 ft-lb | 625EXi / 625EX (093J) |
| 22 in. Recycler with Personal Pace 21462 | Rear-wheel drive, Personal Pace | Briggs & Stratton EXi 163cc, 7.25 ft-lb | 725EXi (104M) |
| 21 in. Recycler push 21311 | Push | Briggs & Stratton EX 140cc, 5.5 ft-lb | 500E / 550E (09P) |
Parts and part numbers
Check the number against the parts list for your exact model before you order.
| Part | Part number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 22 in. Recycler blade | 59534P | Toro 21442 parts page |
| Engine parts | See the engine page | Plug, filter and carburetor kit numbers are Briggs & Stratton's |
Tools you need
- Torque wrench that reaches 60 ft-lb
- Socket for the blade bolt
- Block of wood to hold the blade
- Heavy gloves and eye protection
- Hand fuel pump (if the tank is not empty)
- Oil drain pan
Maintenance and repairs, step by step
Replace or sharpen the blade
Once a year, or sooner if the cut looks ragged.
Safety Shut off the engine, wait for the blade to stop, and pull the wire off the spark plug before you reach under the deck. Wear heavy gloves: the blade is sharp even when dull.
| 01 | Run the tank dry, or pump the fuel out with a hand pump. Never siphon it. | Toro: tipping the mower with fuel in it can leak. |
| 02 | Pull the wire off the spark plug. | Do this every time. |
| 03 | Tip the mower onto its side with the air filter facing up. | |
| 04 | Wedge a block of wood against the blade so it can't turn, and remove the blade bolt. Keep all the hardware. | |
| 05 | Have a dull or nicked blade sharpened and balanced, or fit a new one. Replace a bent or cracked blade. | 22 in. blade 59534P. |
| 06 | Fit the blade with the curved ends pointing up toward the deck. | |
| 07 | Tighten the blade bolt to 60 ft-lb (82 N·m) with a torque wrench. | If you don't have a torque wrench, Toro says to have a dealer do it. |
| 08 | Set the mower upright and reconnect the plug wire. |
Adjust the self-propel cable
When the mower won't pull itself, or drives without the bail pulled.
| 01 | Find the adjustment nut on the self-propel cable, on the left side of the handle. | |
| 02 | Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. | |
| 03 | Push the cable toward the engine for more drive, or pull it away for less. Hold it there. | |
| 04 | Turn the nut clockwise and tighten it firmly with a wrench. | |
| 05 | Test on the lawn. Repeat if the drive still slips or pulls too hard. | Do this any time you fit a new cable. |
Change the oil (optional)
Toro: once a year if you want to. Check the level before every use.
| 01 | Run the engine a few minutes, stop it, and pull the plug wire. | |
| 02 | Remove the dipstick. Tip the mower on its side with the air filter up and drain the oil out of the fill tube. | |
| 03 | Set it upright and pour in about three quarters of 15 oz (0.44 L). | |
| 04 | Wait 3 minutes, wipe the dipstick, insert it, and read it. | |
| 05 | Add small amounts and recheck until the level is right. Drain any excess. | Running it too high or too low can damage the engine. |
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Blade or engine doesn't stop within 3 seconds | Brake cable or blade brake fault | Stop using the mower and take it to a dealer. Never tie down or bypass the bar. |
| Self-propel slips or doesn't engage | Cable out of adjustment | Adjust the self-propel cable as above. |
| Ragged cut, brown tips | Dull blade | Sharpen or replace the blade. |
| Heavy vibration | Bent blade or loose blade bolt | Pull the plug wire, check the blade, torque the bolt to 60 ft-lb. |
| Hard starting after winter | Old fuel | Toro calls old fuel the leading cause of hard starting. Drain and refill; see the storage job. |
Owner's manuals and parts lookups
These go to the maker's own sites.
- Toro 21442 product page Engine and specs
- Toro 21462 product page Engine and specs
- Toro 21311 product page Engine and specs
- Toro 21442 parts and manuals Serial 415300000 and up
- Toro 21462 parts and manuals Serial 420000000 and up
Something wrong or missing?
Tell us the full model number on your engine and what you found.