Owner’s manual
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Should I use 87 or 89 gas for lawn mower?
For the Toro 20070 walk-behind mower, we recommend using regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using 89 octane will not improve power or reliability in a typical small-engine mower; fuel freshness and proper storage matter far more than higher octane. See the fuel and storage guidance in the owner's manual.
- Use fresh, regular unleaded 87 octane.
- Avoid fuel with more than 10% ethanol (E10); higher ethanol blends can cause hard starting and fuel-system issues.
- Do not use old gas; stale fuel is a common cause of no-start or rough running.
- If the mower will sit, use a fuel stabilizer and follow the storage steps.
- Never store gasoline for long periods; rotate your fuel supply.
Higher octane mainly helps engines designed for it (high compression). Most walk-behind mower engines are designed to run correctly on 87.
| Fuel choice | What you get | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 87 octane (regular) | Correct performance for most mower engines | Everyday mowing |
| 89 octane (mid-grade) | No meaningful benefit in most mowers | Only if it is the freshest fuel available |
The manual’s storage guidance focuses on preventing fuel-related starting issues:
- Add stabilizer on the last refuel of the season.
- Do not store fuel (especially unstabilized) for extended periods.
- Run the engine until it stops to help dry the fuel system for storage.
For step-by-step seasonal prep, use how to winterize a lawn mower.
Using the right fuel and storing it correctly reduces varnish buildup in the carburetor, prevents hard starting, and helps your Toro mower run smoothly all season.
Last updated: February 2026
What to do with an old gas lawnmower?
For a Toro 20070 gas walk-behind mower, we recommend draining or running the fuel out first, then disposing of the mower through a local bulky-item pickup, metal recycling program, or small-engine drop-off. Handle gasoline as household hazardous waste and never pour it out on the ground.
- Run the mower until it stops to use up fuel in the tank.
- If you must drain fuel, remove it with a hand fuel pump (never siphon by mouth).
- Let the engine cool completely before transporting or storing.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and secure it on the retaining post before any maintenance or handling.
- Wipe off heavy grass buildup under the deck so it is cleaner to transport.
For model-specific safety and storage steps, follow the owner's manual.
- Bulky-item pickup: Schedule with your local waste hauler.
- Household hazardous waste (HHW): Take old gasoline and oily rags to an HHW collection site.
- Metal recycling: Many scrap and recycling centers accept walk-behind mowers once fluids are removed.
- Donation or repair: If it still runs, consider donating it or repairing it for continued use.
The Toro 20070 manual guidance for storage is to avoid storing gasoline long-term and to dispose of unused fuel properly. Use this quick reference:
| Item | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline in tank | Run engine until it stops, or pump fuel out | Reduces spill and vapor risk |
| Old fuel | Dispose through HHW or approved local program | Gasoline vapors are hazardous |
| Spark plug wire | Disconnect and secure before handling | Prevents accidental starting |
| Storage before disposal | Cool, clean, dry area | Helps prevent leaks and corrosion |
Old fuel is a leading cause of hard starting and can create spill and vapor hazards during transport. Taking a few minutes to run the engine dry and disconnect the spark plug wire makes disposal safer and helps you comply with local rules.
Last updated: February 2026
Why are Toro mowers so expensive?
Toro mowers (including the Toro 20070 walk-behind mower) typically cost more because you are paying for durable build quality, proven cutting and drive designs, and long-term serviceability. Over time, that usually means fewer breakdowns, more consistent performance, and easier access to replacement parts and maintenance procedures in the owner's manual.
- Heavier-duty materials and tighter manufacturing tolerances that hold up to vibration and impacts
- Better cut quality features (deck airflow, baffles, blade design) that improve mulching and bagging
- More robust self-propel and control components (cables, brackets, hardware)
- Serviceability: parts diagrams, standard fasteners, and replaceable wear parts
- Warranty coverage expectations for residential use (the manual for this mower family describes a 2-year full warranty for residential use and a shorter commercial-use warranty)
| Cost driver | What it means for you | What to do about it |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-grade components | Longer life under normal mowing loads | Keep up with tune-ups and blade care |
| More complex assemblies | Smoother operation, better cut | Inspect and adjust linkages/cables periodically |
| Parts and labor economics | Repairs can cost more if neglected | Replace wear parts early instead of after damage |
- Follow the starting and maintenance steps in the owner's manual; correct procedures prevent unnecessary wear.
- Keep the blade sharp and balanced; a dull blade increases vibration and stresses the crankshaft and deck.
- Clean grass buildup under the deck; buildup hurts airflow and cut quality.
- Avoid hitting roots, edging, and rocks; impacts bend blades and can damage adapters and drive parts.
- Store fuel correctly for off-season periods; stale fuel is a top cause of hard starting.
If your mower starts to feel “cheap” (poor cut, vibration, or uneven bagging), these are typical culprits:
- A worn or bent blade such as the lawn mower blade 108-9764-03
- Loose or missing hardware such as the lawn & garden equipment lock nut 3296-73
- Bagging issues from a damaged bag such as the lawn mower grass bag 107-3779
A mower’s price is not just the engine and deck; it is the total cost of ownership. When you maintain a Toro 20070 correctly, you usually get more seasons of reliable mowing, better cut quality, and fewer “mystery” problems caused by neglected wear parts.
Last updated: February 2026
