20378 AWD Recycler Parts: Drive System, Blade and Carburetor

Lawn Mowers
T
Tom Bradley
ASE Certified Small Engine Technician, 25+ Years Experience
Toro model 20378 AWD Recycler parts diagram
Toro model 20378 AWD Recycler parts diagram

The Toro model 20378 is a premium Recycler with All-Wheel Drive and SmartStow storage. The AWD system adds complexity but provides superior traction on hills and rough terrain. This guide covers all major parts with emphasis on the unique AWD components.

Specifications

The 20378 represents the top of the Recycler line.

SpecificationValue
Cutting Width22 inches
EngineBriggs & Stratton 190cc
Displacement190cc
Drive SystemAll-Wheel Drive
Deck MaterialSteel
StorageSmartStow vertical
Cutting Heights1.0” - 4.0”
Weight82 lbs
Warranty2 years full

Key Features

All-Wheel Drive:

  • Front and rear wheels powered
  • Better hill climbing
  • Improved traction in wet grass
  • Variable speed control

SmartStow:

  • Stores vertically against wall
  • Reduces storage footprint by 70%
  • Requires Atomic blade

Toro Recycler mower

View: Toro 22” Mower 20378 Manual

Parts for the AWD System

The AWD system is what sets the 20378 apart.

AWD Component Overview

Part #ComponentFunction
1Rear transmissionMain drive unit
2Transfer cableConnects front drive
3Front axle assemblyFront wheel drive
4Front engagement leverActivates front wheels
5Drive beltPowers transmission
6Front drive cableEngages front axle

Rear Transmission

The rear uses a standard Personal Pace transmission.

PartPart NumberNotes
Rear transmission125-2521Complete unit
Transmission pulley119-8598Belt pulley
Input bearing110-1384Support bearing
Rear axle130-6718Output shaft

Front Axle Assembly

The front axle has its own engagement mechanism.

PartPart NumberNotes
Front axle assembly130-6724Complete front drive
Front engagement cable130-6714Activates front
Front axle bearing110-1384Wheel bearing
Front drive gearInside assemblyInternal

Drive Belt System

The 20378 uses a single drive belt that powers the rear transmission.

PartPart NumberNotes
Drive belt130-6975Engine to trans
Belt guide130-6720Routing guide
Tensioner spring119-8819Belt tension
Idler pulley132-9425Belt routing

Engine Components

The 190cc Briggs & Stratton provides extra power for AWD.

Engine Specifications

Engine model: 850 Series Displacement: 190cc Type: Single cylinder OHV Starting: ReadyStart (no prime)

Air Filter Assembly

PartPart NumberNotes
Air filter594201Paper element
Air filter cover595658Plastic housing
Pre-cleanerNot usedN/A

Carburetor Parts

PartPart NumberNotes
Carburetor799871Metal bowl type
Carburetor gasket795629Gasket set
Float bowl799869Bowl only
Fuel shutoff494768Inline valve

Ignition Components

PartPart NumberNotes
Spark plugRC12YCGap 0.030”
Ignition coil593872Magneto coil
Flywheel796610With magnets
Flywheel key222698SShear key

Deck and Blade Parts

The 20378 deck is designed for SmartStow storage.

Blade Assembly

Important: The 20378 requires the Atomic blade for SmartStow functionality.

PartPart NumberNotes
Atomic blade131-4547-03Required for SmartStow
Standard blade59534PWorks but no SmartStow
Blade bolt3290-33Grade 8
Blade adapter130-6721SmartStow compatible

Blade torque: 35-40 ft-lbs

Deck Components

PartPart NumberNotes
Deck shell130-6715Steel housing
Discharge chute130-6722Side chute
Mulch plug130-6716Blocks discharge
Wash port130-6509Deck cleaning
Blade brake130-9656Stops blade

Spindle Assembly

PartPart NumberNotes
Blade spindle130-0654Complete spindle
Spindle bearing110-8837Replacement bearing
Engine pulley130-6719Drives blade
Blade belt130-6975Same as drive belt

Understanding the SmartStow System

SmartStow allows vertical storage to save space.

How SmartStow Works

  1. Mower stands on rear wheels vertically
  2. Engine designed to prevent oil flooding
  3. Fuel system prevents leakage
  4. Atomic blade required for clearance

SmartStow Components

PartPart NumberNotes
SmartStow latch130-6726Release mechanism
Storage hook130-6727Wall mount
Handle fold mechanismStandardSame as other models

SmartStow Precautions

Before storing vertically:

  • Run fuel level low
  • Check oil level
  • Clean deck
  • Ensure Atomic blade installed
  • Verify latch engages

If oil leaks in storage:

  • Wrong blade installed (not Atomic)
  • Overfilled oil
  • Storage angle incorrect

Controls and Handle

The 20378 handle includes AWD-specific controls.

Handle Assembly

PartPart NumberNotes
Handle upper130-6730Top section
Handle lower130-6731Folds for storage
Handle hardware kit130-6732All bolts/fasteners
Grip foam105-1764Replacement grips

Control Components

PartPart NumberNotes
Zone control bar130-6728Engine kill
Zone cable130-6729Kill switch cable
Drive lever130-6733AWD activation
Height lever130-6734Cutting height

AWD Control Operation

  1. Push drive lever forward
  2. Rear wheels engage (Personal Pace)
  3. Front wheels engage simultaneously
  4. Variable speed based on lever pressure
  5. Release to stop

AWD Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

AWD adds complexity. Here’s how to diagnose problems.

Front Wheels Not Driving

Symptom: Rear wheels work but front wheels don’t drive

Check order:

  1. Front engagement cable tension
  2. Front axle mechanism
  3. Cable routing (kinks)
  4. Front axle internal gears

Most common fix: Adjust front engagement cable

Rear Wheels Not Driving

Symptom: Front wheels work but rear don’t

Check order:

  1. Drive cable tension
  2. Drive belt condition
  3. Rear transmission
  4. Rear wheel gears

See Personal Pace Parts Diagram for detailed rear drive troubleshooting.

Intermittent AWD

Symptom: AWD works sometimes, not others

Causes:

  • Stretched cables
  • Worn belt slipping
  • Internal transmission wear
  • Engagement mechanism sticking

No Drive at All

Check order:

  1. Drive belt - broken?
  2. Drive cable - disconnected?
  3. Transmission input pulley
  4. Engine output

Common Part Numbers

Quick reference for 20378 replacement parts.

Most Replaced Parts

PartPart NumberTypical Life
Atomic blade131-4547-031-2 seasons
Air filter5942011 season
Spark plugRC12YC1-2 seasons
Drive belt130-69753-5 seasons
Front cable130-67143-5 seasons

AWD-Specific Parts

PartPart NumberNotes
Front axle assembly130-6724Complete front
Front cable130-6714Front engagement
Rear transmission125-2521Complete unit
Drive cable130-6714Bail to trans

Maintenance Items

ItemPart NumberNotes
Oil SAE 10W-303891620 oz capacity
Carburetor799871If cleaning fails
Blade bolt3290-33Replace annually

Summary

The Toro 20378 AWD Recycler combines Personal Pace rear drive with front wheel assist. The AWD system adds traction but also complexity. Most AWD issues trace to cable adjustment or drive belt condition. Use only the Atomic blade for SmartStow capability.

Parts are available through Toro dealers and the official parts website. The premium features justify the higher parts costs for users who need the AWD performance.

toro model 20378 parts diagram toro 20378 parts toro awd recycler parts 20378 transmission toro 20378 blade