Mowers are essential for keeping grass maintained. They function effectively, although their qualities may deteriorate as they age. When purchasing a used mower, it is necessary to know its age.
Alternatively, you may try to sell yours. This article will lead you through the basics of determining the year of your Toro mower based on our research.
To determine the year of production of your Toro mower, first, do a Toro serial number lookup. Most mowers will include a serial number that consists of the brand, model, and date of manufacture.
If you can't find it and still have your lawnmower's owner's handbook, you may look at the date on it.
Various machines' serial and model numbers can be found at different locations. Please keep reading to learn how to locate your Toro mower's serial number, read the manufactured year from the serial number, and determine the age of your mower simply by looking at it. Let's begin!
Where To Find The Serial And Model Numbers On A Toro Lawn Mower
You'll need to find the serial and model number if you need to change parts for your Toro mower.
The model and serial number identify your Toro mower, allowing you to buy or have a repair shop acquire the correct components for your model.
Walk-Behind Lawnmowers
The model and serial numbers for a Toro walk-behind lawnmower are displayed on the deck.
The location of the deck might change. It might be on the machine's rear or front. Alternatively, it might be affixed to the side. This typically depends on the model.
Toro Lawn Tractors
A Toro lawn tractor's model number sticker can be found in one of five locations: underneath the seat, on the footrest, on the dashboard, adjacent to the steering column, or top of the mower deck.
Zero-Turn And Rear Engine Models
The model and serial numbers for these Toro machines are located in several locations. You might be able to find them below the seat. They may also be present on the side panels and the engine frame.
However, there is no unbreakable guideline that the organization always follows. You may also locate them on the right side of the control lever or under the fuel tank.
How Can You Determine the Toro Mower Year By Serial Number?
The formula is easy to remember. When the serial number begins with a 3, the second and third numbers show the year of manufacture for the Toro mower.
For example, if the serial number is 311000001-311999999, the manufacturing year is 2011. Another example is 310000001-310020057 for the serial number, and the manufacturing year is 2010.
However, with the older Toro riding mowers, the formula used the second number as the manufacturing year. For instance, if your Toro mower's serial number is something like 230000001-230999999, the answer to the year your Toro mower was made on 2003.
If the serial number begins with 2, we must use the second digit as the manufacture year. Toro determines the serial number year in this manner.
However, you can determine the age of your mower by simply inspecting the body or parts of the mower. This method is not exact, but it is close to reality.
What Are Ways To Determine The Age Of A Lawnmower?
Lawnmowers, like other machines, age over time, and so do their components.
Lawnmowers, in general, last 8 to 10 years if properly maintained. Some large riding mowers can last longer. Individual components may have a shorter lifespan.
The engine and gas tank are designed to last the same amount of time. They may require replacement sooner if they are operated on rashly and excessively.
You may estimate the mower's age by inspecting its components' operating condition.
This article will explain what to look for when inspecting lawnmower parts to determine the age of your machine.
Check Body Condition
The mower's body is the first item to examine. As a helpful hint, rate the sections you inspect on a scale of 10. Examine the mower's body kit, driving handle, seat, steering wheel, or platform.
Look for scratches, rust, and leather conditions, then grade it on a scale of 10 from a neutral standpoint by comparing it to the brand-new version.
If the total score is less than 70%, the mower is more than five years of age. This is not a precise method, but it is a good approximation method for the everyday consumer. An expert will be able to evaluate it much better.
Examine The Lawn Mower Blades
Examine the mower blades. Sharpening lawn mower blades after 25 hours of operation is highly suggested as a general rule since their overuse and roughness impact the entire machinery.
However, this might vary depending on your grass type and how frequently you use your mower. If you see the blades are dulling, sharpen them as soon as possible.
So, if you see that the mower's blades are new, you may assume that it is older than 4 to 5 years. They are less than four years old if their surface appears scraped, but the remainder of their body is in good condition.
Examine The Oil Tank
The oil tank will also indicate how old your lawnmower is. Its age is evident by its exterior condition, scratches on the tank, and the presence of rust.
Because the gas tank cap usually is metallic, your mower is probably three years old if you find little rust surrounding it.
If the rust is severe and spreads to the gas tank (metallic ones), the vehicle must be older than seven years.
Carburetor Coding And Condition
On many mowers, a code is imprinted on the carburetor body adjacent to the throttle lever. It specifies the age of your mower. To estimate the mower's age, you only need to be able to read and comprehend it.
Carburetors, more robust than gas tanks, show no rust in the first five years of use.
After that, you may evaluate the level of rust to determine the age of the mower. Minor corrosion adds 1-2 years to the life of the vehicle. Severe rusting equals 3-4 years of life in five years.
As the days go by, your equipment will degrade over time, and you will need to dispose of it. So, you must know how to dispose of this correctly without damaging or affecting anyone else.
How To Properly Get Rid Of A Lawn Mower
When your lawn mower finally stops working, you're faced with an important issue: how do you dispose of a lawn mower?
The good news is that you have several options for getting rid of an old lawn mower. It can be recycled, sold, or even donated. And if all else fails, you can always throw it away.
Sell It
This is the preferred disposal method because it allows you to recoup some lawn mower costs. However, you should only consider this option if the machine is still in place and working.
Donate Your Equipment
If your lawn mower is in good enough condition for someone else to use, consider donating it to a friend or a non-profit organization, as reuse is more environmentally friendly than disposal.
Furthermore, you are contributing to a worthy cause while providing someone else with an affordable option for their lawn care needs.
Recycle It
Since your old lawn mower is mainly made of metal and plastic, it can be recycled. Rubber tires, tubing, and cable sleeves can all be recycled at your local recycling center.
The best way to recycle your lawn mower blades is to make a knife. This can be a protection knife, a chopping knife, or a simple backyard knife.
Scrap It
If you cannot sell the mower as is for whatever reason but still want to make some money from it, you should consider selling it for scrap.
First, call your local scrap dealer to see if they will accept the machine. Then, either arrange for the dealer to pick it up or drop it off yourself.
Toss It
Tossing lawn mowers into landfills is usually the last resort for most people, as they will sit there for a long time, just rusting away and waiting to rot.
We suggest this idea only if you have exhausted all other options. It's also good to check with your local tip first to see if they'll accept the machine.
Our Final Thoughts
Knowing the year, your Toro was manufactured might benefit you in various ways. Toro lawnmowers, like any other machinery, can malfunction if something is wrong with its parts.
Instead of replacing the entire machine, repair the defective element if possible. Furthermore, dealers can promptly provide appropriate replacements if you can supply the specific model and manufacturing year.
That is why we must understand how to determine the date of Toro items. And, as previously said, you may identify Toro's year by employing the simple approach of serial numbers.
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