Toro Personal Pace Parts Diagram
Push harder, go faster. That’s the whole idea behind Personal Pace. Works great until it doesn’t. When your Toro stops propelling itself, it’s usually the drive cable - takes 10 minutes to adjust and costs nothing. If that’s not it, we’ll dig deeper.
Table of Contents
- How Personal Pace Works
- Drive System Parts Diagram
- Drive Cable Components
- Transmission Assembly
- Drive Belt System
- Rear Wheel Drive Components
- Common Problems and Parts
- Part Numbers by Model
How Personal Pace Works
Personal Pace is a variable-speed self-propel system. Unlike fixed-speed mowers, it adjusts to your walking pace.
The system components:
- Bail handle - Your control input
- Drive cable - Connects handle to transmission
- Transmission - Variable-speed gearbox
- Drive belt - Transfers engine power to transmission
- Rear wheels - Gear-driven from transmission output
When you push the bail forward, it pulls the drive cable. The cable engages the transmission which spins the rear wheels. Push harder and you go faster. Release and you stop.
[NEED IMAGE: Toro Personal Pace system overview diagram]
Personal Pace vs Super Pace
Toro offers two self-propel variations:
Personal Pace:
- Standard on most Recycler models
- Speed range 0-4.5 mph
- Single cable operation
Super Pace (AWD):
- Found on higher-end models
- All-wheel drive capability
- Front and rear drive engagement
- Speed range 0-5.5 mph
Drive System Parts Diagram
The complete Personal Pace drive system from top to bottom.
Component Overview
| Part # | Component | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bail handle assembly | User control interface |
| 2 | Bail pivot bracket | Handle mounting point |
| 3 | Drive cable | Connects handle to trans |
| 4 | Cable guide/clamp | Routes cable on handle |
| 5 | Transmission input lever | Engages transmission |
| 6 | Transmission assembly | Variable speed gearbox |
| 7 | Drive belt | Engine to trans power |
| 8 | Transmission pulley | Belt drives this |
| 9 | Drive gear housing | Rear axle interface |
| 10 | Rear wheel gears | Final drive |
[NEED IMAGE: Toro Personal Pace complete parts diagram exploded view]
Drive Cable Components
The drive cable is the most common failure point. It stretches over time and eventually breaks.
Cable Anatomy
The Personal Pace cable has several parts:
- Cable housing - Outer sheath protecting inner wire
- Inner cable - Steel wire that does the pulling
- Adjustment barrel - Threaded adjuster at transmission end
- Z-bend end - Hooks into bail handle
- Ball end - Attaches to transmission lever
[NEED IMAGE: Toro drive cable parts close-up]
Cable Part Numbers
| Model Years | Cable Part Number | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 20330-20334 | 105-1845 | 49” |
| 20339-20378 | 115-8439 | 52” |
| 20381+ | 130-6714 | 54” |
| Super Recycler | 117-1182 | 50” |
Cable Adjustment
Before replacing a cable, try adjustment:
Step 1: Locate adjustment barrel at transmission Step 2: Turn barrel clockwise to tighten Step 3: Test engagement Step 4: Adjust until bail engages smoothly at mid-travel Step 5: Verify slight slack when bail fully released
If adjustment runs out of thread, the cable is stretched and needs replacement.
Cable Replacement Steps
Tools: Pliers, 10mm socket, flathead screwdriver
Time: 20-30 minutes
- Remove air filter cover to access cable at handle
- Disconnect Z-bend from bail lever
- Note cable routing through guides
- Disconnect ball end from transmission lever
- Remove cable guides/clamps
- Pull old cable out
- Route new cable same path
- Connect ball end to transmission
- Route through guides and clamps
- Connect Z-bend to bail
- Adjust tension at barrel
[NEED IMAGE: Toro drive cable routing path]
Transmission Assembly
The transmission is the heart of Personal Pace. It’s a sealed unit that converts engine power to variable wheel speed.
Transmission Components
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Input pulley | Receives belt power |
| Variable speed mechanism | Adjusts output ratio |
| Output shaft | Drives rear axle |
| Control lever | Cable attachment point |
| Housing | Contains all internals |
[NEED IMAGE: Toro Personal Pace transmission exploded view]
Transmission Operation
- Engine spins continuously
- Belt always turning transmission pulley
- Internal mechanism disengages output when lever released
- Pulling lever engages and varies speed
- More lever travel = faster output
Transmission Part Numbers
| Model Range | Trans Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20330-20334 | 106-3956 | Original design |
| 20339-20353 | 22157 | Updated design |
| 20370-20378 | 125-2521 | Current production |
| Super Recycler | 117-1186 | Higher torque |
Transmission Replacement
Transmissions are not rebuildable. When they fail, replacement is the only option.
Signs of transmission failure:
- Cable adjusted fully but no engagement
- Grinding noise from transmission area
- Intermittent propel (works sometimes)
- Transmission pulley spins but wheels don’t
Replacement steps:
- Remove rear wheel height adjusters
- Remove drive belt from transmission pulley
- Disconnect drive cable from transmission lever
- Remove transmission mounting bolts (usually 4)
- Slide transmission off axle
- Transfer pulley to new transmission if needed
- Install new transmission
- Reinstall belt and cable
- Adjust cable tension
Cost: $80-150 depending on model
Drive Belt System
The drive belt connects engine power to the transmission.
Belt Routing
The Personal Pace drive belt is separate from any blade/deck belt.
Belt path:
- Engine crankshaft pulley (bottom)
- Transmission input pulley
- Tensioner idler maintains pressure
[NEED IMAGE: Toro Personal Pace drive belt routing]
Drive Belt Part Numbers
| Model Range | Belt Part Number |
|---|---|
| 20330-20334 | 117-1018 |
| 20339-20371 | 117-1018 |
| 20372+ | 130-6975 |
Belt Tension Check
The belt should have about 1/2” deflection when pressed midway between pulleys.
Too loose: Belt slips, poor propel response Too tight: Premature bearing wear
Belt Replacement
- Tip mower back (air filter up)
- Remove blade for access
- Locate drive belt at rear
- Release tensioner
- Slip old belt off pulleys
- Install new belt on transmission pulley first
- Route around engine pulley
- Re-engage tensioner
- Verify proper seating
Rear Wheel Drive Components
Power transfers from transmission to wheels through gears.
Drive Gear Assembly
Each rear wheel has internal drive gears:
- Drive pinion - From transmission output
- Ring gear - Inside wheel hub
- Gear housing - Contains lubricant
[NEED IMAGE: Toro rear wheel drive gear assembly]
Rear Wheel Part Numbers
| Wheel Size | Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8” standard | 115-4695 | Most models |
| 8” high wheel | 138-3216 | Newer models |
| 11” rear | 125-2510 | Super Recycler |
Wheel Drive Problems
Wheel slips on axle:
- Worn drive gear teeth
- Damaged axle splines
- Replace wheel assembly
One wheel doesn’t drive:
- Differential allows this normally
- Both should drive on flat ground
- Single wheel drive = internal gear issue
Grinding from wheel:
- Low/no gear lubricant
- Worn gear teeth
- Replace wheel assembly
Common Problems and Parts
Quick reference for frequent Personal Pace issues.
Problem: No Self-Propel at All
Check order:
- Drive cable connection at bail
- Cable tension adjustment
- Drive belt condition
- Transmission engagement
Likely parts needed:
- Drive cable (most common)
- Drive belt
- Transmission (if above don’t fix)
Problem: Weak or Intermittent Propel
Check order:
- Belt tension and condition
- Cable adjustment
- Transmission pulley slipping
- Rear wheel gear engagement
Likely parts needed:
- Drive belt
- Drive cable adjustment
- Rear wheels (if gears worn)
Problem: Self-Propel Always Engaged
Check order:
- Cable routing (kinked)
- Transmission lever return spring
- Cable stuck in housing
Likely parts needed:
- Drive cable
- Transmission lever spring (if applicable)
Problem: Jerky or Surging Propel
Check order:
- Belt condition (cracked/glazed)
- Transmission pulley
- Engine governor (if speed surges)
Likely parts needed:
- Drive belt
- Transmission (if pulley damaged)
Part Numbers by Model
Complete parts reference organized by Recycler model.
Models 20330-20334 (2010-2015)
| Part | Part Number | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive cable | 105-1845 | $15-25 |
| Transmission | 106-3956 | $90-120 |
| Drive belt | 117-1018 | $12-20 |
| Rear wheel 8” | 115-4695 | $35-50 |
Models 20339-20353 (2015-2018)
| Part | Part Number | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive cable | 115-8439 | $18-28 |
| Transmission | 22157 | $85-115 |
| Drive belt | 117-1018 | $12-20 |
| Rear wheel 8” | 115-4695 | $35-50 |
Models 20370-20378 (2018+)
| Part | Part Number | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive cable | 130-6714 | $20-30 |
| Transmission | 125-2521 | $95-130 |
| Drive belt | 130-6975 | $15-22 |
| Rear wheel 8” | 138-3216 | $40-55 |
Super Recycler Models
| Part | Part Number | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive cable | 117-1182 | $22-32 |
| Transmission | 117-1186 | $110-150 |
| Drive belt | 130-6975 | $15-22 |
| Rear wheel 11” | 125-2510 | $55-75 |
Related Guides
- Toro Recycler Repair Guide
- Toro Zero Turn Parts Diagram
- Self-Propelled Mower Not Working
- Lawn Mower Drive Belt Replacement
Summary
The Toro Personal Pace system is reliable but cables and transmissions do wear out. Start troubleshooting with cable adjustment - it’s free and fixes most problems. If adjustment doesn’t help, cable replacement is next. Transmission replacement is the last resort but sometimes necessary on high-hour machines.
Keep the drive belt in good condition and the system will give years of service. When parts do fail, they’re reasonably priced and DIY-friendly to replace.