Tag: Toro

Posted on

Gas vs. Electric Toro TimeCutter: Which is Better?

Toro electric Timecutter 60v

If you haven’t heard, Toro released a new 60V electric TimeCutter – a modern twist on their classic gas-powered Toro TimeCutter SS4225. 

Bottom Line: While the gas-powered Toro TimeCutter is better for commercial use or very large yards, the new 60V electric TimeCutter is better overall – providing a quieter, easier ride and even moving a bit faster.

Luckily, I got my hands on both mowers for a nice side-by-side comparison of both gas and electric Toro TimeCutters. While they look nearly identical, they have some stark differences that you should be aware of before you pull the trigger. Let’s dive in:

If you want to read more about my favorite Toro mowers – read this.

Which TimeCutter is more powerful – gas or electric?

While you might expect the gas version of the Toro TimeCutter, the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 (our full review here), to be more powerful – I think you’d be surprised. I’ve tested the TimeCutter against other zero-turns like the Cub Cadet ZT1 and it’s proven to be one of the most powerful mowers each time. 

But the electric TimeCutter, the 60V eTimeCutter, felt just as strong. I tested both of these in my backyard and my neighbors backyard and cut grass, wet grass, went over sticks, and even mulched leaves. The eTimeCutter did a bang up job. 

While I think that on the upper end of power the gas version is probably more powerful, you wouldn’t notice a difference in power between the two mowers on a day-to-day basis. Basically, if you’re a normal homeowner and use the electric version of the TimeCutter, you’ll be fine. 

One important note – my friend and I did a drag race comparison of the two mowers and the electric one is faster by about 1.5 MPH. It has some serious zip and acceleration that blew my hat off my head (not kidding). 

The gas Toro TimeCutter is more comfortable

As much as I wanted the electric TimeCutter to be more comfortable – it just wasn’t. The gas TimeCutter SS4225 comes with armrests and a crazy suspension system called MyRIDE. The MyRIDE suspension system connects the footplate and the chair in one unit. The unit is connected to a core suspension spring that is pretty bouncy – but in a good way. Basically it has the seated component of the mower separated from the rest of the mower in a way that I’ve never seen before. 

It only makes sense when you’ve stepped onto the mower. Once you’re on it, you can really appreciate the MyRIDE suspension system’s ability to make the bumps and turbulence basically nothing. If you’ve ever been in a car with a great suspension system, like a Ford Raptor or similar, you will get the same feeling. 

What about the eTimeCutter?

The eTimeCutter surprisingly doesn’t have much of a suspension system at all and doesn’t have arm rests. Boo! It looks like the eTimeCutter was built on the body of last year’s gas-powered TimeCutter – the same frame and suspension system they’ve used for the past few years. Not bad, but not the upgrade that the gas version got. 

The battery system on the new eTimeCutter is great

The eTimeCutter comes with 4 60V 10 Ah batteries, which is a ton. These are huge and come with cool handles that allow you to pull it out of the back of the mower with ease. It takes a lot of battery to run a zero-turn, so I’m not surprised to see the massive batteries on this one. 

You can get around two acres of cut time with the batteries fully charged. Obviously if you compare this to gas, the gas mower reigns supreme as you can just quickly fill it up with more gas. 

But when it comes to run-time, it doesn’t matter as much as you would think. If you have a 42 inch zero turn mower, then you probably aren’t mowing more than two acres at a time. For example, if you have a three acre property, I wouldn’t use anything less than a 52 inch zero turn like the Ariens IKON XD 52.

So – if you have between 1-2 acres, I recommend the electric version just because it is easier to maintain. 

My overall recommendation: Gas or electric TimeCutter zero-turn? 

The recommendation is dynamic: if you are a normal homeowner, the eTimeCutter is supreme because it requires no maintenance and is just as good for under two acres. If you have more than two acres or are a professional landscaper, then the gas version is better.

But if you are meeting the requirements to get a gas mower, why wouldn’t you go with a bigger one from someone like John Deere or Husqvarna?

What we look for in zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. 

Cutting width

Blade size and cutting width are important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade. 

Transmission type

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it sounds cooler).

Cost and value

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time when compared to a riding tractor or push mower. Zero turn mowers are an upfront investment, but reap a huge return over time.

Posted on

I Tested The New Toro 60V eTimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower

I tested out the new Toro 60V eTimeCutter zero-turn mower and it was a mind-boggling experience. Compared to gas-powered zero-turn mowers like the original gas TimeCutter SS4225, the brand new Toro 60V eTimeCutter was an insanely fast, quiet, easy-to-use ride. 

I highly recommend you try it sometime. 

Anyways, this was one of the most interesting and invigorating reviews we’ve done. I really liked a LOT about this electric zero turn mower, but think it is only good for a specific audience.

Pros of the Toro electric zero turn mower:

  • Extremely easy to use and turn on
  • No maintenance
  • Quiet
  • Super fast
  • Super clean cut

Cons of the Toro eTimeCutter:

  • Limited battery run time
  • Long battery charge time

Testing the Toro 60V eTimeCutter zero-turn mower: My Review

I was super excited to test out the new Toro 60V eTimeCutter because I had the identical Toro TimeCutter SS4225 gas zero-turn mower right next to it to compare. This made it super fun to not only try out a brand new electric zero-turn, but gave me a better understanding of how and why Toro designed this new mower. Here’s my experience:

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter is easy to use

The first thing I noticed when I got the Toro 60V eTimeCutter was how easy everything is to use. It came with a bunch of batteries (more on that later) that I simply pop in, turn the key to the ignition, and start moving. 

I’m not saying that normal zero turn mowers are difficult to use, but the normal thoughts of fluid levels, maintenance schedules, or even the noise that the mower was about to make didn’t enter my mind. I simply turned it on and backed it out of my garage. 

When you are actually running this electric zero turn full speed it feels just like any other zero-turn mower – extremely responsive steering bars, all of the same features and functionality – but just electric. After using the original Toro TimeCutter, the experience is way better. I can use this zero-turn with headphones and don’t smell like gas after. 

The electric Toro TimeCutter has decent battery life

Toro isn’t known for their battery lineup, but they have slowly made a transition to electric tools through their 60V lineup. I’ve also reviewed their Toro SmartStow Recycler mower as well – one of their battery powered push mowers.

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter comes with 4 (!) 10 Ah batteries but room for up to six. These 10 Ah 60V Toro batteries are massive and come with really convenient handles that let you pull them in and out of the charging port of the eTimeCutter – which is on the back of the mower where the engine would normally be on a zero turn mower. 

I ran this in my yard and my neighbors yard which is a combined 1.2 acres or so of land. The battery did totally fine. After I mowed, my friend and I actually raced the gas and the electric Toro TimeCutters and the electric won! 

All that to say – the eTimeCutter’s battery run time is advertised to cut around 1.3 acres. This varies wildly depending on several things like grass type, yard shape, weight of the operator, and moisture. I easily got 1.2 acres out of it plus a race without even thinking about the batteries. I think the batteries can go even longer than advertised, especially if you buy a few more and get all six battery ports in the mower filled up. 

The charge time is a different story for the Toro 60V eTimeCutter batteries. The batteries take almost four hours to completely charge. This charge time is totally okay if you are just mowing your yard and can charge them overnight, but if you mow multiple lawns – this isn’t the mower for you. 

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter provided a great cut

The cut quality on the electric Toro TimeCutter is top notch. I honestly expected the electric version to be a little bit weaker (not sure why), but the cut was perfect. I went through my lawn after I cut it with the zero turn just to see if I missed any spots. The lines were perfectly smooth and even which was an amazing surprise

One thing that struck me as absolutely wild about this mower is that it was extremely fast. My friend and I did a little drag race comparison with the classic gas-powered Toro TimeCutter and the electric one pulled away pretty quickly. It gets up to 7 mph compared to 5.5 on the gas version. 

Which is better: Gas or electric Toro TimeCutter?

Honestly, I liked the electric version of the TimeCutter better. It provided a quieter cut, there were no emissions, and it was faster. If you’re a homeowner and willing to shell out the money, the electric version is a whole lot more fun, quiet, and easier to maintain than the gas version. 

The gas version of the Toro TimeCutter is more comfortable – it has a nice suspension system and arm rests (which are super underrated). The gas version is also a bit cheaper, too.

How much does the new electric Toro Zero Turn cost?

The 60V Toro TimeMaster will come in at around $6,500 once it hits the market this Spring. 

We asked Toro for their thoughts on this mower

We reached out to the experts over at Toro and they are super excited about the new 60V Toro TimeCutter. 

Sean Stebar, a Product Manager at Toro, let me know that they are super excited about the battery lineup coming out of Toro. The zero turn has “removable battery packs that can be  shared from one piece of Toro battery-powered equipment to another, giving a user power to do big jobs 365 days a year regardless if it’s cutting grass, trimming hedges, or even throwing snow.”.

While batteries are a relatively new concept to Toro, I’ll be excited to see what they can pull off in this space. 

My final opinion on the new 60V TimeCutter from Toro

While Toro’s electric zero turn is a bit expensive, it is the first step towards their electric future and makes me extremely excited to see what’s next. I particularly liked the handles on the battery system, the quiet operation, and the speed and control this mower had. 

While it is a bit pricey, I think it will last a long time with its brushless motor and classic TimeCutter frame. 

My recommendation: If you have the money, it is well spent on this mower.

Posted on

Toro Ultra Blower Vacuum and Mulcher Review: 2024

The Toro Ultra Blower Vacuum and Mulcher is a great mid-range blower if you want a step up from more basic blowers. Most folks think you can’t get a good electric blower these days and that you need to grab an expensive battery-powered blower to get any real power.

I’m here to tell you that these corded electric blowers have been around forever – and for good reason. This has been my main blower for about a year now and I’ve come to love it.

Bottom Line: The Toro Ultra Blower / Vacuum combo is a budget friendly option that makes leaf clean up in small yards extremely efficient. You can grab yours at Amazon for a super low price.

Jump ahead:

My experience using the Toro Ultra 260 MPH 340 CFM blower and vacuum combo

I first bought this unit a little over a year ago and after several uses I noticed a burning smell and saw smoke coming from the connection between the extension cord and the unit because I did not have the proper gage extension cord, stressed below. 

I got a replacement and the right cord and I’ve been using it without any issues ever since. This blower works fantastically for me during the fall or whenever I need to get debris off of my lawn, and the vacuum/mulcher works fine with a little set up. 

Toro Ultra Blower and Vacuum Combo: Features

Let me break down a few things I was looking at on this Toro blower before I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. 

Power and Performance Capabilities of the Toro Ultra blower

This blower boasts around 340 CFMs of air at around 260 miles per hour. If you don’t quite understand the difference between CFMS and MPH, then read this. 

This blower should be adequate for most lawns, but if you have a lot of trees that dumb a TON of leaves, I would recommend you buy a stronger blower.

A super powerful alternative.

For example, if you live on over half an acre or have a ton of really big trees in your yard, then I would look for something with at least 500 CFMs and a wider opening. This blower has a flat nozzle that is great for blasting away small piles of leaves or scraping away wet leaves or grass clippings, but will be inefficient for HUGE piles.

If you want something with some more CFMs, there are some great corded electric blowers that have more OR you can opt for a really nice high CFM battery-powered blower like the EGO 765.

Versatility of the Toro Blower and Vacuum combo

This blower is corded, so you can really only go as far as your cord can. Do not underestimate the importance of having a long cord, it’s better to have a little extra than to not be able to use your blower on the edges of your yard. 

But with a longer cord, it is imperative to get the proper gage. Below is a chart of the best gages for each cord length:

Extension Cord LengthMinimum Wire Gage (A.W.G)
25 ft (7.6 m)16
50 ft (15 m)16
100 ft (30.5 m)14
150 ft (45.7 m)10

This product’s main selling point is that it is 3 in 1, a blower, a vacuum, and a mulcher, full marks on versatility! It performs best as a blower and works decently as a vacuum/mulcher. Although if you plan on buying this purely for the vacuum/mulching side of things, I recommend you give this one a pass for a more specialized product.

Noise Level on the Toro Ultra Blower Vac

This blower comes in at about 70 decibels, which is equivalent to a kitchen blender or a washing machine. This level of noise will not be harmful to your hearing, but it may wake up light sleepers.

Vacuuming and Mulching Capability on Toro’s Ultra Blower

The Toro Ultra Electric Blower Vac boasts being 3 in 1, but is it really? The vacuum and mulcher are basically the same, the only difference being what you do with the bagged leaves. On the leaf blower side of things, it’s great and works as it should. But on the other hand, the vacuum/mulcher could use a little work due to its problem with rocks.

After a few uses, I came to realize that the vacuum/mulcher is very good at picking up everything you don’t want in there. The tiniest of pebbles can get caught in the blade and either jam it or damage it. I advise you to refrain from using this as a vacuum/mulcher unless you pick up any debris that it may not like before vacuuming.

Battery version of the blower is kinda nice.

One other alternative is to blow all the leaves into a large pile and THEN use the vacuum function to get them up instead of trying to vacuum as you go. This avoids the potential for any damage from rocks jamming up the mulching function.

Finding the best cost for the Toro Ultra Blower and Vac combo

The Toro Blower and Vacuum Combo comes in at a really good price on Amazon – under $120. I believe this is just about the right price for this blower, considering the value you’re getting from it with the 3 in 1 tools. 

In fact, compared to most battery powered leaf blowers, this Toro blower is absurdly cheap. While you may still get looks from your neighbors for using an old-school corded blower, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a better deal. 

A few quick tips I learned the hard way

I wanted to share a few quick tips for those that are about to go grab this blower from Home Depot. I learned these the hard way after using this blower for the first time.

Usage

Before using, be sure to secure the plug firmly into the blower and the wall in order to prevent any mishaps. Also be sure there are no obstructions in your yard that the cord may get tangled on. Make sure there is no sitting water near for the cord to land in.

When using the vacuum/mulcher, be sure not to pick up anything that the blades won’t be able to handle, such as wood, rocks, and large sticks.

After Use

After using the blower, you can just turn it off and unplug the cord and you’re done. With the vacuum/mulcher, you’ll need to empty the bag and possibly clean off the blades after unplugging. One advantage to the unit is it is easily disassembled to be stowed away if you need extra garage/shed space. 

My Recommendation: Toro 260 MPH 340 CFM Ultra Blower Vac

My experience with the Toro ultra blower vac has been nothing but great. It gets the job done, has a good price point, and has all the features you’ll need. I recommend this one for anybody that is a first time homeowner, has a smaller yard, or is looking for a great swiss army knife solution on the cheap.

If I was doing it all over again, I don’t think I could find a better leaf clean up tool that fits the needs of my yard for a better price. 

Grab yours at Home Depot for a great price or on Amazon for a really good price as well.

What I look for in a corded blower

Corded blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are two basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? You have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Reliability

It’s important to have reliable equipment – hands down. For homeowners, having a blower that can easily start and requires minimal maintenance is key. The engine doesn’t get as much use as a professional landscaper, so hopefully doesn’t require the same maintenance schedule. For professional landscapers, you need to have a blower that starts quickly and isn’t a headache requiring frequent tinkering and minor replacements.

Looks cool but not as reliable!

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Posted on

5 Battery Mowers with Durable Metal Cutting Decks

My favorite battery powered mower with a metal cutting deck is EGO’s new aluminum deck mower. I’ve used this battery powered mower extensively and it is easily the best value for the money. I also made a full YouTube review video highlighting the top battery mowers here.

Battery-powered mowers with metal cutting decks simply provide too many benefits and have the best comparison to their gas-powered counterparts. I love them for a lot of reasons, which I will get to – and have also used dozens of battery powered mowers. You can grab the number one choice, the Greenworks 80V mower here.

So here are my favorite battery mowers with metal decks:

  1. EGO 56V LM2200SP Walk-Behind Mower
  2. Greenworks Pro 80V Battery Powered Mower
  3. Milwaukee M18 18V Battery Powered Mower
  4. Dewalt 20V Max Self Propelled Mower
  5. Toro 60V Recycler Battery Mower

Honorable mention, but a little expensive: Stihl RMA 510 V battery powered mower.

5 Sweet Electric Mowers with Metal Decks

Alright y’all – let me start with my very top choice. I’ve been reluctant to name this electric mower brand number one because I had an initially rocky experience, but after using dozens of others AFTER this one, it turned out to actually be the best for the price.

1.) EGO 56V LM2200SP 22-Inch Walk Behind Mower

Folks this new mower from EGO – the LM2200SP – is the best electric mower on planet Earth. It is the newest EGO mower and has a nice 22-inch aluminum cutting deck that makes it the most durable EGO mower. The LM2200SP also comes with Touch Drive technology and Select Cut (two blades). Touch Drive technology is simply an easy way to control the speed of the self-propelled mower.

Aluminum rules.

We don’t just sort mowers by the best seller and then regurgitate the specifications to you. We are actually going to break down exactly why this one is our absolute favorite. 

If I could draw up the perfect lawn mower in a lab, this one would be darn near close. It has all of my favorite things including:

The only EGO mower with a metal deck – which rockets it up the list in my opinion. Metal decks are way more durable, temperature resistant, and provide a little more weight to keep the mower balanced. 

  • Of course it has the brushless motor and 56V battery system with a massive 10 Ah battery
  • Easy push button start that gets you going
  • Folds in half for storing in the winter or tight spaces around the garage or shed
  • A top run time at over an hour! (70 minutes)
  • More powerful than the average gas push mower at 11.1 lbs of torque

This mower is incredible and easily gives any mower – gas or electric – a run for their money. You can check the price here on Amazon.

2.) Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Electric Mower

I love the Greenworks Pro 80V electric mower, although I didn’t always. The first one I purchased had some sort of error that made it difficult to learn. But I swapped it out and had a great experience with the replacement. 

Greenworks makes this mower with a nice 21 inch steel cutting deck that looks and feels like a gas-powered push mower. A few other things I like about this mower:

  • A really nice dashboard that shows you battery life and allows you to toggle the speed of the self-propelled function
  • A brushless motor
  • It also has a turbo button that allows you to amp up the power (literally) to take on thicker grass
  • Great battery life
  • An 80V battery lineup that can also accommodate their 80V blower

This one has really grown one me, to the point of it being my go-to every weekend mower. Yeah, that’s right. I own 11 push mowers and this is the one I grab every time.

You can grab yours on Amazon for a great price or get it at your local Costco if you’re a member.

3) Milwaukee M18 Battery Powered Mower

Honestly, the Milwaukee M18 mower is the best battery powered lawn mower I’ve ever used. 

It has everything I look for in a mower: a steel deck, really great battery life, batteries that can be used across hundreds of tools, supreme power, and all the bells and whistles. I got to use it extensively when I did a full review of it on Youtube.

My favorite thing about this mower is that it is built solid as a rock. It is heavier than most electric mowers on the market, which I actually like. Some of the lighter electric mowers have a propensity to bounce around with every little divot in the grass. With the M18, you will have an experience extremely similar to a gas powered mower.

You’re probably wondering, “If he is so obsessed with this mower, then why is it not number one?”. And that would be a great question.

The only – and I mean ONLY – downside to the Milwaukee M18 mower is that it has a hefty price tag. If you don’t own the batteries already then you can expect to pay well over a grand for this bad boy. 

Don’t worry – it goes on sale from time to time at Home Depot if you want to check it out.

4.) Dewalt 20V Max 21.5 inch lawn mower

I gotta say, I love Dewalt. They make some great tools – from their sweet Dewalt weed eaters, their leaf blowers, and even their air compressors – all of which I’ve had the opportunity to review.

Their mower is really well built. They made it to mimic a gas-powered mower and it actually looks exactly like one. It has a lot to like, including:

  • A wide 21.5 inch steel deck which is right in the gas-powered range
  • Some nice functionality, like a self-propelled function and increased torque when you get to thicker patches of grass
  • Some cutting heights that give you a lot of range for short grass like Berumuda

But my favorite part is that it comes with two massive 12 Ah batteries. This gives you an absurd amount of run time. I’m talking well over an hour of run time.

Where most mowers fall short and die after about 30-45 mins, this one will lap them completely and get you on to your next task faster. The mower is dang sweet and comes in at a reasonable price point if you grab it at Home Depot online.

5.) Toro Recycler SmartStow Battery Mower

Toro’s 60V Recycler Mower has a lot of really great bells and whistles. Frankly, it has all the features I would want in a battery powered mower. It has:

  • A steel deck
  • A nice 6 Ah battery
  • This cool function that pulls air up so you can cut the grass better
  • Patented LawnVitamins mulching system
  • Personal Pace technology, which adjusts the speed of the mower on your ability to push the mower

But it also has a few downsides. For example, Toro doesn’t have a huge selection of battery tools. That means you don’t get the upside of buying a battery kit and using it across power tools and outdoor power equipment. 

I also felt like some of the features of this mower were a bit gimmicky. The “Vortex” air flow technology doesn’t really seem to do anything. The Personal Pace feature was kind of annoying and unsettling, and the batteries took FOREVER to charge.

This is a good option if you already own a Toro battery or are for some reason a Toro loyalist. Otherwise, there’s a reason it is number five on this list.

You can check the price at Home Depot here.

My experience with battery powered mowers with metal decks

When it comes to evaluating battery powered mowers, I’m VERY seasoned. For starters, I filmed a Youtube video of me testing out five of the most popular in a head-to-head matchup. On top of that, I’ve done countless other Youtube reviews of battery mowers. 

Given all this personal experience with electric mowers, I feel pretty confident that I can tell you exactly what you should be looking for in an electric mower. And most importantly – what to avoid. There is a lot of garbage and marketing gimmicks out there, so let me break down for you exactly what to look for.

What I look for in battery powered mowers

If you’re looking for a new battery powered mower (which you are), you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and people throwing acronyms at you. If you’re like me, you will tune them out.

Below are my recommendations:

Battery-powered mower brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.

Some brands I trust off the top of my head are: Greenworks, Milwaukee, Makita, Toro, EGO, and Kobalt. SOME Ryobi mowers, although myself and others have had some problems with reliability. Brand quality matters, but it’s also important to look at the specs on each.

Metal where it matters: the deck 

Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.

Battery interoperability.

 A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. You’ll see a bunch of these brands that have battery lines that work with a ton of tools. Milwaukee, Makita, and Dewalt are all great options because you can use them for all lawn tools AND power tools – saving you a ton of money on extra batteries.

If you have more questions, check out our purchasing an electric lawn mowers, where we break this down into a lot more detail.

Self-propelled or not

Self-propelled mowers are lawn mowers that slowly crawl forward when mowing the lawn. They propel forward the mower, taking off a lot of the “pushing power” required by traditional push mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are ALWAYS more expensive because they have the additional power and functionality that makes life easier. They have their place, but because of the cost can often seem not totally worth it.

Why we started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Posted on

3 Powerful Corded Leaf Blowers For a Low Price

Corded electric leaf blowers aren’t all the rage. Everyone wants to talk about the cool cordless battery powered leaf blowers.

But some of us don’t mind corded leaf blowers. In fact, they have many benefits, which I’ll get to later. Yes, corded leaf blowers still have a place in the American garage. Today, I’ll break down my favorite corded blowers and where to grab them.

Let’s get started. Here’s my list of favorite corded electric blowers:

  1. Toro PowerJet F700 Handheld corded electric blower (most powerful)
  2. Ryobi 135 MPH 440 CFM corded electric blower
  3. Toro Power Sweep corded electric blower

How I tested these corded leaf blowers

Corded leaf blowers are one of those things I used to use all the time when I was a kid. My dad would have me plug in our old Toro blower into the wall and force me to blow out the garage. Needless to say, I’ve been using corded blowers in some capacity ever since. 

It took about 20 years of pulling cords out of the wall before I realized there were better options out there. Oh – and one big benefit of corded leaf blowers as compared to cordless – they are WAY cheaper and still extremely powerful.

When I am testing out a corded blower I am evaluating ease of use, power, and price.

Powerful and Cheap Corded Electric Leaf Blowers (Ranked)

Let’s jump straight into our ranking of the best corded electric leaf blowers on the market. My go-to place for lawn tools is Home Depot, but I know a lot of folks are loyal to Lowe’s or even Amazon. 

Toro PowerJet F700 Handheld Corded Electric Blower

The Toro PowerJet corded blower was NOT creatively named. It is what it says it is – a dang PowerJet. At 725 CFMs, this blower is one of the most powerful electric blowers – period. I’ve spoken highly of the EGO 765 battery blower, but this one is honestly close despite being ⅓ of the price.

The massive CFMs on this one combined with the wide mouthed nozzle make for a blower that has lower airspeed but pushes big piles of leaves. If this had a more narrow nozzle, the MPH would be super high. 

EXTREME POWER.

This blower is a really good deal for a few reasons:

  • The price is absurdly low
  • It’s great for big piles of leaves
  • It has a cool adjustable speed knob
  • The cord can be “locked-in” so it doesn’t pull out

You can grab this one for less than $100 at Home Depot.

Ryobi 135 MPH 440 CFM Corded Electric Blower

Ryobi is a super well known brand in the lawn tool space. We’ve used a bunch of their lawn tools, especially their 40V battery lineup of blowers. The difference between their average cordless blower and their corded blowers are not very stark – until it comes to price.

But this Jet Fan blower has equal specifications to a lot of their battery blowers. For example, it has 440 CFMs and about 135 MPH, which is almost exactly like their middle-of-the-line battery blower that’s super popular. 

A really sleek looking blower.

With 440 CFMs and 135 MPH, you’ll get less power than the blower above but still a pretty acceptable range of both elements of power. Most of these handheld corded electric blowers are super simple and don’t have a ton of bells and whistles. This one is no exception, but does have a two-speed switch and a nice soft-grip handle. It still has the ability to keep the cord plugged in and wrapped around to prevent it from pulling out whenever you want to take the extension cord to the max.

This one is an even lower price than the one above and is available at Home Depot.

Toro PowerSweep 7A Handheld Electric Blower

The Toro PowerSweep was my first handheld electric blower, so I have some serious nostalgia talking about this one. In fact, I still own it and will pull it out in my garage every now and then. You know why? Because when the batteries die on my dang battery-powered blower, then I can still rely on this one to get me through the job.

No bells, no whistles.

Yes, it doesn’t have many bells and whistles or really much power for that matter. But it has been with me for years. YEARS. It weighs in at under 5 lbs and doesn’t have a single bell or whistle on it.

This is a bare bones blower, but it is cheaper than dirt (literally. This blower costs under $60 and has lasted me for the past 7 years. That’s a pretty good investment if you asked me.

This Toro corded blower can also be bought at Home Depot for a great price.

Corded vs Cordless Electric Blowers

Corded and cordless electric blowers are great options. Heck, I own both types. I use my favorite battery blower as my main blower, taking it deep out into the yard. But the batteries eventually die. When I am in my garage or close the house, I’ll sometimes still whip out my corded electric blower for some light work.

They can be used together or alone. As we’ve seen throughout this article, corded blowers can still be way more powerful than a lot of cordless blowers – and are significantly cheaper. When it comes to overall performance, I still prefer cordless blowers due to their convenience and portability, but I do think there is a big space for corded blowers to still be relevant. In fact, I would recommend a corded blower for new homeowners and those that own townhomes.

What to look for in an electric d blower

Corded leaf blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM 

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why I review electric lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Posted on

Toro Power Sweep Blower Reviews: 6 Years Later

The Toro Power Sweep comes from a household brand known for creating top notch tools for landscaping, lawn care, and other home equipment. Oh yeah, and the sales to back it up – including one from me who bought this a few years ago for my first house.

But does this budget conscious product live up to the powerhouse name?

The Toro Power Sweep boasts nearly 1,300 reviews on Home Depot with an average 4.7 out of 5 star rating. Not too shabby for a $60 blower. This is the main reason I bought it back when I was a lawn tool noob.

At first glance, this puppy seems like a great buy. Lots of reviews, high rating, low cost. What’s not to love? 

This was the first blower I ever owned. When I was a new homeowner, not making a ton of money, and needed to purchase several tools on a budget, this was an easy decision. But that was nearly 6 years ago. So does it hold up? 

Let’s get started:

Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM Review

You’re standing at Home Depot (or maybe shopping online) and want to figure out whether or not this thing is garbage. Well – its been sitting in my garage since 2017 and I still use it every week – so here are my thoughts.

Mine is obviously the older model but still works great.

CFMs and Power

CFM is basically the performance of the blower when combined with MPH. How efficiently does it move leaves and debris around?

I gotta be honest, while the Toro Power Sweep served its purpose for me when I was on a budget, it comes clocking in at only 155 CFM. For comparison sake, EGO has two blowers that boasts 765 CFM & 650 CFM. Nearly 5 times as powerful! And I’ve been using this thing for six years! 

At 160 MPH, you’re still getting good speed but it’s in a concentrated, flat nozzle instead of a large, round nozzle. If you put a large, round nozzle on this blower it would basically be a hair dryer.

It’s a classic case of you get what you pay for.

Yes, it’s cheap and serves its purpose. But if you live in the Southeast like me, you spend a lot of time blowing leaves in the yard. You blow the yard, then turn around and it seems like there’s a fresh layer of leaves laid everywhere.

Looking back, I think I would have bit the bullet and spent more money to save time in the yard.

However, if you live in Texas, Arizona, or other areas where you don’t have a lot of trees and just need to blow grass clippings or debris out of your garage, this blower is still a great value.

Usability & Reliability

A big positive for the Toro Power Sweep Blower is that it’s very lightweight. It’s only 4.6lbs and since it’s not that powerful, it won’t have a lot of pressure pushing against your shoulder to keep it steady. 

This can come unplugged if you don’t use the anchor back there at the top.

On the reliability side of things, like any other corded blower, as long as you have access to an outlet, you have power. However, if you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you’ll need a very long extension cord to be able to cover your entire yard. 

Not to mention, most people’s preference now is to cut the cord and go battery powered when it comes to electric tools. At this point in my life, there are few things more annoying than accidentally pulling the extension cord out of the wall and untangling the cord.

But then again – I’ve used it for six years and haven’t had any issues with reliability. It just won’t die. There’s also a great Toro Ultra 3-in-1 blower like this that is awesome.

Cost and where I bought this blower

This blower comes in at a whopping $59 from Home Depot which is hilarious. Much like the Costco hot dog, the price on this thing is somehow immune to inflation because that’s how much I paid for it back in 2017.

Simple to use – just a single button.

My Experience: Toro Power Sweep Review

Drum roll please….. It’s a strong maybe. 

If you don’t have a lot of trees that drop leaves and don’t have a large yard, then this is a great buy and it’s super cheap.

BUT…

If you have a large yard or (not and) you live in an area where it’s raining leaves everyday in the fall, pass on this one and get something stronger, like the EGO 765 CFM Blower.

They’re more expensive, but you’re buying your time back. 

And what’s the point of spending time working on your immaculate lawn if you don’t have enough time to sit back and enjoy it at the end of the day?

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started the Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And they aren’t cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Yeah, we’ve review a lot of blowers with our face.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Toro and Innovation

Something that many of you may be scratching your head around is….what is Toro? They’ve been around since 1914 and started out by building the top engine for US farm tractors during the industrial revolution. ‘MERICA!!! 

Shortly after, in 1922, they started specializing in golf course fairway care equipment, and fast forward 100 years, they naturally branched into home lawn care equipment.

One of the greatest GOATS of all time.

Needless to say, Toro has been around quite a while, has established itself as a top seller in the marketplace, and has found a niche in electric lawn tools. 

Check out our review of a popular battery powered Toro Mower here.

They offer low price, medium-to-high quality products that….work. Toro is super popular in some of the big box stores like Home Depot. 

What to look for in an electric blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are two basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Reliability

It’s important to have reliable equipment – hands down. For homeowners, having a blower that can easily start and requires minimal maintenance is key. The engine doesn’t get as much use as a professional landscaper, so hopefully doesn’t require the same maintenance schedule. For professional landscapers, you need to have a blower that starts quickly and isn’t a headache requiring frequent tinkering and minor replacements.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Posted on

5 Surprising Battery Lawn Mowers at Walmart

The top battery powered lawn mower at Walmart is the EGO cordless self-propelled mower. This mower at Walmart has an extremely sturdy build, provides a super even cut, and comes in at a great price.

Before we dive into the full ranking of mowers at Walmart, we will break down exactly what you need to look for in a battery-powered mower. Mower reviews are our bread and butter since we have gotten our hands on dozens of mowers, run a landscaping company, and are absolute nerds about this stuff. 

5 Battery Lawn Mowers at Walmart: Ranked

When we walked the aisles at Walmart in preparation to write this post, we weren’t all that impressed. Then we went to Walmart’s website – and man were we impressed. Some SERIOUS selection that’s better than Amazon and rivals Home Depot and Lowe’s. Don’t sleep on Walmart!

Let’s jump right into it. 

Top All-Around Mower at Walmart: EGO Cordless Lawn Mower 21” Self-Propelled

I’ll get right to the point – Walmart sells the EGO mower series on their website and they are one of our favorite all-around battery-powered mowers. EGO is a huge brand and probably the most powerful, gas-like brand on the market. We’ve done a ton of writing on EGO’s Select Cut series and a ton of their other mowers. 

We like EGO’s 21” self-propelled mower for many reasons, although it isn’t perfect. If you’re looking for EGO’s best mower, check out our battery powered mowers list – they have one on there with a steel deck.

EGO has some bangers.

Without the steel deck, this one is still the top dog at Walmart. It feels different than most battery powered mowers because it is flat out strong. The self-propelled function on this is heavy-duty and the overall mower just feels indestructible. 

Plus, EGO has a ton of other lawn tools and only uses one 56V battery series. That means you can save big on other EGO tools.

Use the same battery here, too.

You can grab it from Walmart’s website or even on Amazon.

Best Budget Mower: Hart 40-Volt Cordless 18-inch Push Mower Kit

When you’re looking for a cheap lawn mower, you want something that will get the job done without breaking…or breaking the bank. Luckily you’re at Walmart and surrounded by inexpensive things. 

We picked the Hart 40V 18-inch push mower because it combines the simplicity of battery-powered mowers without the bells and whistles that jack up the price. The crazy thing is – this Hart mower at Walmart is really well done. 

Some of the great features we like about the Hart 40V 18 inch push mower:

  • 40V Hart battery can be used with a ton of other Hart 40V tools, saving you money when you buy the “tool-only” version
  • Super easy to turn on and maintain (just push a button and no maintenance required)
  • The battery can cut up to ⅓ of an acre – not bad!
  • 18 inch width is perfect for smaller yards and actually helps you be more nimble
  • It’s dirt-cheap at just over $200

One downside to this is that it is so light that it can almost be hard to steer. Yes – we’ve used a few similar Ryobi mowers and it is great that they are light, but they get jostled around by bumps or thick grass. 

Lastly – this Hart mower has a great 5 year warranty + a 3 year battery warranty. This isn’t some cheapo crap mower!

Best Exclusive Walmart Mower: Hart 40-Volt 20-inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

This is really the best Hart mower as they are the biggest exclusive-only brand at Walmart, meaning you can’t buy Hart mowers anywhere else unless it is second hand. 

Actually pretty sweet.

But the Hart 40-Volt 20-inch brushless self-propelled mower is a dang beast. If it looks familiar, it is basically the Ryobi 40V classic self-propelled mower with a new paint job. And that’s not a bad thing. We love that mower. We own that mower. 

Look familiar?

Here are some reasons we think the Hart 40V 20 Inch Mower is great from Walmart.

It’s got a brushless motor, meaning it produces less friction, has more torque, and a much longer life. Basically, it’s going to have a super durable motor. It can take on a little bit more than the smaller 18 inch one above, letting you get up to ½ an acre on a single charge. One other upgrade that’s noteworthy is the ability to fold down really quickly and store easily.

Oh – and it’s got a self-propelled function that is sweet. This thing has all the good parts of just about every mower. Only thing I would request is a metal deck – otherwise it’s perfect.

Best Mower Combo Kit at Walmart: Greenworks 40V 14” Mower/Blower/Trimmer Kit

If you’re a first time homeowner or just in need of a lawn tool rehaul, you can get a total replacement kit and save a bunch of money. Now I wouldn’t recommend this for the most intense lawn tool obsessors because it isn’t exactly heavy duty, but it is easy on the wallet.

The Greenworks 40V Mower/Blower/String Trimmer kit has the essentials you need to get your lawn started. I recommend this kit for small lawns for a few reasons. Primarily: the tools are small (relatively). 

The 14 inch mower is not going to get you very far if you have anything more than ¼ of an acre. The String trimmer has a 12” cutting swath which is on the low end, and the blower isn’t about to knock anyone over.

Pretty good deal!

Just because they aren’t all the most powerful doesn’t mean that you can’t get the job done. It’s an amazing starting point for most new homeowners. Also, Greenworks has a good reputation for putting out quality tools and their 40V battery lineup can be used with a bunch of other tools – so it’s a great initial investment. 

The total cost of the kit is equal to most individual mowers – so this is an absolute steal. Bundle and save! You can get it from Walmart or on Amazon for a great price as well.

Best Premium Mower: Toro 22 in. 60V Flex Force Battery Self-Propelled Mower

On the total other end of the spectrum, Toro mowers are sold at Walmart online and well – it’s tough to beat them. I put the Toro Flex Force mower in the premium section because it is pricey, but worth it. 

Couldn’t take a better pic if I tried.

Toro’s 60V Flex Force Mower is the biggest mower on this list with a 22 inch steel cutting deck. It has some other great features, too, like:

  • Largest voltage carrying the most power
  • Big old steel cutting deck
  • Little holes in the steel deck that pull air through, causing the grass to stand up for an even cut
  • Self-propelled
  • Brushless motor

This mower has one downside – Toro’s 60V lineup isn’t super developed. With Hart, Greenworks, and others you can reuse the same battery across a bunch of tools to save money. Toro’s just not there yet.

Reviewing the top mowers at Walmart

Never thought I would be recommending a mower from Walmart, but I’m not beneath it. Truth is – they have the same dang mowers as any other place + a few extras. If you’re in the market for a new battery mower, Walmart is as good of a place as any. 

If you’re not looking at Walmart, check out some other great battery powered mowers!

Why we started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Battery mowers are our bread and butter.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for when buying a battery-powered lawn mower

If you’re looking for a new battery powered mower (which you are), you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and people throwing acronyms at you. If you’re like me, you will tune them out.

Below are my recommendations:

Battery-powered mower brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.

Some brands I trust off the top of my head are: Greenworks, Milwaukee, Makita, Toro, EGO, and Kobalt. SOME Ryobi mowers, although myself and others have had some problems with reliability. Brand quality matters, but it’s also important to look at the specs on each.

Metal where it matters: the deck 

Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.

Battery interoperability.

 A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. You’ll see a bunch of these brands that have battery lines that work with a ton of tools. Milwaukee, Makita, and Dewalt are all great options because you can use them for all lawn tools AND power tools – saving you a ton of money on extra batteries.

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers, where we break this down into a lot more detail.

Self-propelled or not

Self-propelled mowers are lawn mowers that slowly crawl forward when mowing the lawn. They propel forward the mower, taking off a lot of the “pushing power” required by traditional push mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are ALWAYS more expensive because they have the additional power and functionality that makes life easier. They have their place, but because of the cost can often seem not totally worth it

The Walmart and Hart relationship

If you are looking at mowers at Walmart, you may be wondering where the heck the “Hart” brand came from. Well, it turns out that Hart is an exclusive brand at Walmart manufactured and owned by the same folks that do Ryobi, Milwaukee, and a bunch of others – Techtronic Industries.

Exclusive.

I don’t totally know, but I think Ryobi and others have non-competes with Home Depot, so Techtronic is getting around it by launching a brand that is basically the same, but a different name. 

Should you be concerned or wary? No – not really. It looks like they basically copy and paste their Ryobi models over to Hart. 

Well – you’re in luck because we have reviewed a TON of Ryobi mowers so this should be a breeze.

Posted on

5 Lawn Mowers Designed for Bermudagrass: Ranked

The Toro Recycler SmartStow is the best lawn mower for Bermudagrass because it has super adjustable cutting heights that let you cut bermudagrass down to its appropriate low height plus a super wide deck.

Personally, I hate Bermuda grass. I have some nice tall fescue and live in a transitional zone.  My neighbor has Bermuda so that they can be “different”. Okay.

Anyways, I consider Bermuda grass a weed. But my friends just south of me and one of my The Lawn Review colleagues live in Texas – which is home to a lot of Bermuda. And he gave me his list of the best mowers for Bermuda grass.

So, let’s add some background on why this is important and get right to it.

Here are the best lawn mowers for Bermudagrass:

  1. Toro Recycler SmartStow Battery Mower
  2. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mower
  3. Dewalt 20V Max 21.5 inch Battery Mower
  4. Toro TimeMaster 30 inch Mower
  5. EGO Power+ LM2021 Mower

Honorable mention but a tad pricy: Stihl’s new RMA 510 V electric mower.

5 Lawn Mowers for Bermudagrass

As you can see – with Bermuda grass, you have to be a little bit more selective about what you want in a mower. This is exactly why we spent dozens of hours researching and testing the mowers that are going to be super tailored to Bermuda lawns. Let’s check it out.

Toro Recycler SmartStow 22 inch Battery Powered Mower

We ranked the Toro Recycler SmartStow 22 inch battery powered mower as the best mower for Bermuda grass for a few reasons. First of all, Toro is a well-known name that makes some freakishly popular and powerful mowers. 

This one is flat out sweet – and a good price.

But there are many more reasons than just the fancy name. As we referenced earlier in this article, this one has everything you could want in a mower for bermudagrass. Like these key features:

  • A slightly wider deck at 22 inches (the standard is usually 18-21 for push mowers)
  • Bagging ability (most have this, though)
  • I like that it is battery powered because you won’t have to run to get gas if you are mowing more than once per week.
  • It can cut between 1 to 4 inches, getting you great results for your 1.5 inch bermuda grass
  • Toro created this airflow technology that pulls the air up on grass, allowing it to be more evenly cut – this mower has that.
  • It stores super easily, folding in half and being placed in a tight spot in the garage to get you through the dead season of bermudagrass, which seems to last forever

Toro nailed it with this mower. You know they had bermuda grass folks in mind when they created it – which makes sense given how popular these are in the South. 

You can grab this one from Home Depot for a great price – check the most recent price here.

Check out our top mowers at Home Depot.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Mower

What can we say? We are obsessed with this mower and have featured it on all of our favorite battery powered mower posts. 

The reason?

It’s a freak of nature. And we also love that it is the only mower that Milwaukee makes. We frequently joke that they just decided to put all their chips on this hand and walked away from the table a winner.

Just an absolute unit.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel mower is great for Bermuda grass and has a lot of the same features as the Toro one above, but also costs about twice as much. It has bagged discharge capabilities, 1 to 4 inch height adjustment (that is single point, by the way), a wonderful self-propelled function, an extremely efficient brushless motor that accelerates faster than any other mower, and more torque than most gas mowers.

Yes, it is the cream of the crop and the perfect mower for any of you that already own an M18 battery-powered tool. 

This one is quite expensive though. Milwaukee is definitely a premium brand and hands down has the best mower on this list – but the price is steep.

You can check the most recent price at Home Depot, where it is exclusively sold, right here.

Dewalt 20V Max 21.5 inch Battery Mower

The Dewalt 20V Max mower is one that definitely surprised me. I know Dewalt has been in the power tool business for a long, long time, but are relatively new to the lawn tool space. 

The reason this one isn’t higher up on the list is that Dewalt simply doesn’t have a massive line of lawn tools. They have this 20V brand but also have a 60V line. So you don’t get the same efficiency and battery savings that you do with other brands like Ryobi.

My son likes this one.

But there’s still a lot to like about the Dewalt battery-powered lawn mower, like:

  • 21.5 inch deck gives you a little more width for cutting Bermuda grass
  • 10 Ah batteries – which is INSANELY high
  • Self-propelled function
  • 1.5-4 inch cutting heights – so you’ll have to drop it way down for Bermuda
  • Sweet metal cutting deck
  • Reasonable price – even better if you already have a dewalt 20V Max battery

This really is a great mower, with one of the main downsides being that it’s really hard to find replacement blades because of the unique size. If they get dull, you can sharpen your mower blades instead of buying a new one.

This one is also available at Home Depot for a great price – even less if you get the tool-only version.

Toro TimeMaster 30 inch Mower

Some of you are getting super mad right now because I haven’t featured any gas-powered mowers….until now!

The Toro TimeMaster 30 is the Ray Lewis of mowers. It’s absolutely massive and packs a ridiculous punch. Yes – the 30 in TimeMaster 30 is how many inches wide it is. And if you’re thinking that the width is like a riding mower, then you’d be exactly right. It’s extremely wide.

The TimeMaster is a gas-powered masterpiece that’s amazing for Bermuda lawns. The cut height ranges from 1.25 to 4.25 inches and everything in between. This level of detail is unmatched. Here are some other bells and whistles on the TimeMaster that truly set it apart.

  • 223 CC Engine
  • Self-propel function with traction assist
  • Spin-Stop  function that means you can deactivate the blades but keep the engine running. Great if you have to move a rock out of the way without having to stop and restart the mower.
  • Two side-by-side cutting blades
  • A cool deck wash port that allows you to connect your hose to a tube and it will clean out the deck.
Yeah its massive.

The only downside to this mower is the price. It is the Cadillac of push mowers which means it carries a Cadillac price tag. It does occasionally go on sale so you can check the price here at Home Depot.

EGO Power+ LM2021 Mower

I had to put this EGO mower in here in the ranking of great mowers for Bermuda because we just love EGO products. And we recommend this mower the most because it has a steel cutting  deck whereas most other EGO mowers don’t.

We like this EGO mower for bermuda because it is a great battery-powered lawn system that can be used all across your bermuda lawn. From EGO’s weed eaters to their super powerful blowers, you’ll be covered once you get into this system.

EGO steel deck mower.

It’s also got a great run-time and charges quickly, so you can mow a larger area and do it more often without worrying about trips to the gas station. Great for bermuda grass. 

This one is available at Amazon for a super good price relative to most other EGO mowers.

Bottom line on mowers for Bermudagrass

It’s not hard to find a good mower for Bermudagrass – but since you are going to be mowing more often than most folks, want to collect grass clippings, and need a short cut, there are some mowers that are just flat out more suited for you.

Looking for a mower somewhere else? We were surprised to see some of these at Walmart.

Why we started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Reviewing mowers is what we do.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Why is Bermuda grass different for mowing?

Truth is, you can roll any old mower out there and it will get the job done. But if you want not only good-looking green grass but HEALTHY green Bermuda grass, then you should be careful how you cut it. Here’s what to look for:

Flexibility with cutting heights

Bermuda needs to be cut at a height of 1 to 1.5 inches. That’s short. For example, I cut my fescue lawn at about 3 inches. You’ll want to grab a mower that can cut that low but also has more intervals between 0-2 inches that let you customize it based on your needs. Getting a mower that has wide intervals may not allow you to mow with any real sensitivity.

Bagging capabilities

Most of the time, I don’t recommend bagging your grass while mowing. I let the clippings fall into the yard and provide nutrients to the soil. Bermudagrass grows like a weed (and I consider it one), meaning it grows really quickly. If you aren’t bagging the clippings, you’ll find that fungus will begin to thrive in your lawn. 

A wider deck

Bermuda grass grows really quickly. My neighbor is out there about 1.5x a week mowing his lawn (conveniently when my daughter is trying to take a nap). If you have a small mower, say 16-18 inches, then you are going to be out there making a LOT of passes. Getting a mower with a slightly wider deck will help make you a lot more efficient while mowing.

Posted on

Toro vs. John Deere Zero Turn Mower: Battle of the Giants

The Toro TimeCutter is the better mower when compared to the John Deere Z315E. Toro and John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are two of the most popular options on the market. You pull up to any old Home Depot and these bad boys are parked right outside, glistening in the sun. 

When it comes down to the two zero turn mowers, we decided to compare the most popular, readily available ones on the market: the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 and the John Deere Z315E.

So, we decided to take a look at both of them separately. Since the demand for mowers will grow in the next few years, this is the perfect time to look around for the best ones on the market. Read on, as we are giving zero-turn mowers more than just a place to shine here – we are providing them with an incredible spotlight!

Jump ahead:

Toro Timecutter SS4225 vs. John Deere Z315E Zero turn mower: Comparison

As we deepened our research, two names that often came up were Toro Timecutter SS4225 and John Deere Z315E. Having to compare these two models means entering an important battle. There is so much at stake at both ends (mostly your wallet). These two models are considered some of the best zero-turn mowers on the market, and they are constantly in demand.

Power comparison: Toro vs John Deere Zero Turns

Let’s start with the John Deere Z315E zero turn. Considered an entry-level model, this is a zero turn made for the modern homeowner with over an acre of land. The cutting-edge technology and the sleek design are visible right from the start – with the classic John Deere green and yellow just to make sure your neighbors know what’s up. What makes this mower increasingly popular is its power, wrapped up in such compact dimensions. This mower has a 20 HP V-Twin engine manufactured by Briggs & Stratton.

Nice 20HP Briggs and Stratton engine.

When we talk about power, this thing can move at up to 7 mph forward or 3.5 mph in reverse – that’s what I’m talking about baby.

Moving on to the Toro Timecutter SS4225. The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 features a 22.5 HP V-twin engine, slightly more powerful than the John Deere.The engine itself is manufactured by Toro. It has similar speeds as the John Deere and is also the homeowner’s model of Toro mowers.

The TimeCutter is also a beast.

I give the edge in this battle to Toro. I like John Deere’s engine being manufactured by Briggs and Stratton, but Toro has been at this game for a long time. They also have a little over 10% more horsepower than John Deere. 

Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225

FeatureJohn Deere Z315EToro Timecutter SS4225
Horsepower20 HP V-Twin22.5 HP V-twin
Engine typeBriggs & StrattonToro
Speed7 FWD, 3.5 REV7 FWD, 4 REV
Transmission TypeHydrostaticHydrostatic

Comfort and Rideability comparison between John Deere and Toro mowers

One of the things that makes the Toro Timecutter SS4225 better than any other type or model is comfort. This is an exceptionally important thing to consider, and the designers of this model have clearly mowed a yard or two. Once you pick up this model, you will realize you are dealing with a high-backed seat and even a cup holder! And let us tell you, right from the start; you could get used to this.

My son loves the TimeCutter.

One thing I love about the TimeCutter is that the seat feels like an old leather recliner. 

This John Deere came with an hour meter (most don’t).

However, John Deere Z315E isn’t too far behind. Slightly more stiff, the John Deere Z315E has a nice little control panel and a few of the same features as the TimeCutter. In fact, it has an adjustable seat, colored controls, and excellent visibility forward and on the sides – making operating comfortable and super easy. 

Winner: It’s a tie!

Cutting experience on both the TimeCutter and the Z315E

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 has a bunch of features that make it a super smooth ride:

  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Smart Speed technology – allows you to quickly adjust the speed without the blades being impacted. It’s like the windshield wipers that slow down or speed up when your car does.
  • A step-through front end which makes onboarding really easy
  • Really easy to maintain (like all Toro models)

The John Deere is also pretty sweet though, with some really unique features:

  • Built in TN (Go Vols!)
  • Accel deep deck – pulls air up in the deck causing the grass to stand up for an even cut
  • Easy adjustable deck height with the flick of a toe
  • Automatic parking brake when steering levers aren’t engaged
This deck is a beast on the John Deere.

Both of them don’t have hour meters showing how long you have been cutting. When it comes to the John Deere model, the hour meter is optional. Toro makes you buy a separate one.

SmartSpeed technology.

I picked the Toro here because the SmartSpeed technology is pretty advanced and the maintenance schedule is easier. I also like that it comes with a 300 hour, 3 year warranty compared to John Deere’s 200 hour, 3 year warranty (although neither have an hour meter to keep you honest).

Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225

Price comparison: Toro Timecutter vs. John Deere

At the end of the day, when you get different products, naturally, you pay a different amount of money. The John Deere comes in a couple hundred dollars less than the Toro, although both have prices that vary wildly depending on when you buy.

The final ruling: Toro Timecutter SS4225 vs. John Deere Z315E Zero Turn Mower

Both of these powerful mowers incorporate cutting-edge technology that any garden owner would love to have. To be completely honest, making our final ruling here is difficult since we loved both models. Though we have to admit – the cup holder of Toro Timecutter SS4225 may have won us over a little bit.

You can check the price of the Toro TimeCutter (and buy it online actually) at Home Depot.

The John Deere, a slightly cheaper alternative, is also available online for a great price at Home Depot and at Lowe’s.

FeatureJohn Deere Z315EToro Timecutter SS4225
PowerWinner
ComfortTie!Tie!
Cutting ExperienceWinner
PriceWinner

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What we look for in zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. 

Cutting width

Blade size and cutting width are important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade. 

Transmission type

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it sounds cooler).

Cost and value

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time when compared to a riding tractor or push mower. Zero turn mowers are an upfront investment, but reap a huge return over time.

Posted on

4 Timeless Toro Lawn Mowers That Will Last Years

The best all-around Toro Mower is the classic Toro Recycler, followed by the Toro TimeCutter for zero-turn enthusiasts. Toro lawn mowers are the absolute classics of the lawn care world. The Tom Brady of lawn mowers. The classic muscle car, ‘69 Corvette of lawn mowers.

Why?

Go on a little drive this Sunday afternoon and tell me what you see. If you go through any neighborhood I guarantee you will see at least a few of these either being pushed around or stored in people’s garages.

So let’s get started. Click a link below to take you right to the section you are looking for:

The 4 Best Toro Mowers

Toro has historically been the market leader in lawn mowers. They’re well known to everyone, but have struggled to keep up with the changing landscape and the young brands (this is where my Tom Brady comparison comes in).  

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s highlight the amazing, well-known mowers they do have. 

The Best Toro Zero-Turn Mower: Toro TimeCutter SS4225

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is a zero-turn mower with a reputation for being top of the line. In fact, these are super popular among residential homeowners, but also with commercial landscapers. You RARELY see those two overlap as they are looking for different applications, but the TimeCutter SS4225 appeals to both.

Why?

Well not only does it have the comfort and affordability that attracts homeowners, but it also has the durability and power that landscapers are looking for. Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t.

My son trying out the Toro TimeCutter.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 boasts a 22.5 HP V-twin Toro engine (I think that is where the 225 in the name comes from) in addition to a 42 inch cutting deck (where the 42 comes from in the name). This is serious power. For comparison’s sake, a number of riding mowers come in at 16-18 horsepower. This is a huge step up. Even the Cub Cadet ZT1, a hot competitor, comes in at only 22hp.

The SS in SS4225 stands for SmartSpeed, which means that it allows you to slow down when making tight maneuvers so that you can make sharp, smooth cuts around garden beds. 

The nice new deck on the 2024 Toro TimeCutter.

Guys, I can’t highlight enough how well this zero-turn mower was engineered. There’s a reason it is one of the most popular zero-turn mowers on planet Earth. 

Quick summary of what I love about the TimeCutter:

  • Extremely comfortable
  • High horsepower, well-made engine
  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Durability
  • Deck washout system + cup-holders

The Toro TimeCutter can actually be bought online from Home Depot – check the price and make up your mind!

Best Toro Mower for Medium-Sized Yards: Toro TimeMaster 30

If you ask anybody who has worked for a landscaping company what the best push mower is, the TimeMaster 30 is going to be on their list. 

The Toro TimeMaster 30 is a beast. It may be one of the higher end push mowers on the market, costing over $1,000 (thanks Biden!) but it is totally worth it.

The TimeMaster 30 has TWO blades on it across a 30 inch cutting deck! That size of a cutting deck on a push mower is competing with the cutting decks on riding lawn mowers and lawn tractors. Y’all….

Yeah…that’s a PUSH mower.

But the TimeMaster has a ton of bells and whistles as well. You can tell a true lawn pro designed this one. For example, it has a feature where if you let off the gas, the engine will keep running. Sounds small, but in reality it’s extremely helpful.  There’s nothing worse than mowing a lawn, having to stop to move a stick or rock, then going back to your mower to pull the cord until it starts again. That’s exact situation is what you avoid by using the TimeMaster 30.

Also can we revisit how massive the deck is on this? Most push mowers are between 18 and 24 inches. 30 inches allows you to get an extra FOOT on each pass. Those things add up over the course of a mow and will save you some serious time. 

This thing is huge.

Lastly, Toro has made maintenance a breeze on this mower. It has a strict “no oil change” policy. Instead of changing out the oil, you just add more. I actually have no clue how this works other than burning oil off, but I’m not here to ask questions. I am here to have the best mowing experience of my life. 

I also love the deck washout system, which is also found on the TimeCutter above. You can connect your hose to the deck of the mower and it is designed internally to funnel the water in such a way that it cleans out the entirety of the deck.

It’s the details for me!

Quick summary of what I love about the TimeMaster 30:

  • Massive cutting deck
  • SmartStop function
  • Self-propelled
  • TWO blades

The TimeMaster is for sale exclusively at Home Depot and it’s price often changes – check it here.

Best Toro Mower for Small Yards: Toro Recycler

The Toro Recycler is your all-American lawn mower. This is the mower you see in everyone’s garage or shed with the classic “TORO” print on the collection bag on the sides. If you’ve seen it (which you definitely have), then you know what I’m talking about. Sadly, the newer versions don’t have that. BUT that’s a good sign because the old ones clearly last FOREVER.

IYKYK!

At 22 inches, the Toro Recycler is THE perfect width for lawns on the smaller side. I’m not talking townhouse mower small, but probably up to ½ acre or so, which is what most of us have here in America. 

The Toro Recycler has all the well-engineered parts that make the TimeMaster so incredible. It has the personal pace self-propelled function, the no oil change philosophy, a deck washout, and a well-made engine. 

It even has a really cool feature that is front-wheel drive for the self-propelled function. This function is wonderful if you have to mow over steep banks or hills. Instead of the rear wheels having the self-propelled motor, which results in spinning and getting stuck, the front wheels have it. This makes it so the mower creeps over any inconsistencies in the lawn and is particularly useful for hills. It helps pull the mower forward instead of pushing from behind.

Just an absolute classic.

The other unheard of bell and whistle that comes with this mower is their vortex technology. I’ve never seen this on any other push mower. Basically, the mower has this airflow opening that flows air from the ground up through the blades, causing the grass to stand up. It’s like using Electric Shave or whatever that makes your hair stand up before you shave. What in tarnation?

The Toro Recycler comes in two varieties, one with the front-wheel drive (called high-wheel drive) and a classic rear-wheel drive. Both are for sale at Home Depot.

Quick summary of what I love about  the Toro Recycler:

  • Great size for the average yard
  • Nice FWD self-propelled function
  • Vortex technology that lifts the grass before a cut

Best Battery-Powered Toro Mower: Toro Recycler SmartStow 60V

It flies under the radar completely, but the Toro Recycler SmartStow 60V mower is one of the best battery powered mowers ANYWHERE.

Yeah, we have all heard of EGO, Greenworks, Ryobi, and all the other battery powered brands. But the Toro 60V should be right at the top of that list as well.

Here’s why: it basically has all the same features as its gas counterpart. Yes, that means an incredible steel deck, the vortex airflow thing, front wheel drive self-propelled functionality, and the ability to fold in half like a lawn chair for easy storage.

Photo cred: Toro. I mean you can’t beat that pic.

Honestly, I can’t imagine what else I would add to this mower to make it any better. The only drawback when compared to some of the big name battery brands is that the Toro battery line is generally underdeveloped. Brands like EGO have hundreds of tools built around a single battery line, making it easier to get more of those tools and use the same battery. 

But as a standalone piece of equipment, Toro absolutely knocked it out of the park. I actually like that they don’t have 1,000 different mowers like Ryobi does. They go with the one shot, one  kill method. Milwaukee has a mower that is built the same way. 

Milwaukee’s mower. Just built different.

This one is definitely expensive, though. The main downside is that it is over $700. This is high for most battery powered mowers, but actually pretty reasonable when compared to some of the higher-tiered gas mowers.

All around a good buy. They sell it at Home Depot for a great price.

Final words: Toro mowers legacy

Toro mowers are world-class. You can’t go wrong with really any of their mowers and I’ve yet to see a decline in quality.

Like I mentioned earlier, I guarantee your grandpa had a Toro mower sitting in his garage that could crank up in one pull even after 15 years. These things last. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Our testing methods are extreme.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Toro lawn tools

Toro is a well known company that serves lawn equipment for homeowners. Toro also is one of the preferred products for golf courses, sports fields, and agriculture. They clearly know what they are doing.

I’ve reviewed other Toro equipment, like their recycler push mower. One thing that stood out to me in that review is their engineering. I truly believe they have quality equipment and there’s a few ways to tell. The first is how heavy and solid their equipment is. Their quality stands out to me as top tier. 

Unmistakable brand.

Another thing I noticed when reviewing the recycler mower is the attention to details. The mower just grinds and grinds and grinds until it produces a fine consistency that feeds your lawn. Other mower manufacturers do not put considerations like this into their products. They even have a patent for the fine grass clippings that nourish your yard.

Things I look for in mowers

Knowing what to look for in a mower varies on the type of mower.

  • Zero-turn mowers: For zero-turn mowers, I am looking for comfort. If you have a zero-turn mower it is because you have a big job in front of you. You’re going to be sitting in this thing and steering it precisely for a while. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable. I also look for things like a hydrostatic transmission to allow for longer transmission life. Lastly, I want durability – reinforced casters and a deck that won’t crack under pressure. 
  • Push mowers: Push mowers have less to worry about as they are a much less costly investment. Still, push mowers can come with some great bells and whistles that make them way better to use. One of these is a self-propelled function, which I love on gas-powered mowers. Deck width is also important – if you have a medium-sized yard, then a wider deck is better. For smaller yards, a narrower deck. Otherwise, easy height adjustments, deck cleaning ports, and easy-start engines are must-haves.
  • Battery mowers: Battery powered mowers have a lot more room for error. For one, you have a super finite battery life that will take you out of the game if you kill too much battery. Gas mowers at least refill easily and then let you get on your merry way. But with battery mowers, you will see many made with a plastic deck. Avoid these unless they are super duper thick. I also generally avoid self-propelled functions on these because they crush the battery life. Lastly, you NEED to buy one with a brushless motor. 
Exit mobile version