Name: Toro 60V eTimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower
Brand: Toro
Rating: 10 (1 reviews)

March 5, 2024March 19, 2024

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

toro timecutter metal cutting deck on the battery zero turn

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.

July 1, 2023March 15, 2024

Gas vs Battery Powered Riding Mowers: 2024 Buying Guide

Gas vs battery powered riding mowers is a question nobody would have contemplated 10 years ago. Heck, even five years ago. Battery powered riding mowers have made significant improvements that make them a better choice for homeowners.

In order to maintain your lawn, you need the right kind of lawn and garden equipment. If it’s time for you to upgrade to a riding lawn mower, you’ll have a lot of choices to make.

How much horsepower do you need? How big should the cutting width be? Do you need a zero-turn or a lawn tractor? You’ll also have to decide whether you want a gas or battery powered rider. This final decision may, in fact, be the most important. Let’s break it down.

My experience with gas and battery riding mowers

When I was a kid and it was my older brother’s turn to mow the lawn, I remember my parents screaming at him for having the speed all the way up to “bunny” when it should have been on “turtle”. The mower was dang fast and my brother took every chance he could to max that thing out.

And at the risk of sounding old, they don’t make them like they used to. But there are still some great brands out there that make awesome riding mowers. Between zero turns and lawn tractors, you can get a high quality piece of equipment that is still made with serious care. I’ve had the pleasure of using dozens of different mowers and have found consistencies across some that have stuck with me over the years.

Choosing between gas and battery powered riding mowers

While gas mowers have long been the only choice, battery power is fast becoming nearly as popular (for homeowners). You may be wondering whether it’s best to buy a gas powered mower or if battery power is best.There are several reasons to focus your attention on the type of fuel your riding mower uses including price, performance, and durability and most notably – maintenance.

Here are a few pros and cons for each fuel source you should take note of:

Pros of Gas Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

All the commercial folks and really anybody above 55 rolls their eyes at me any time I put a piece of content out about electric riding mowers. And that is for one simple reason: the majority of the riding lawn mowers in use today are equipped with a gas engine. They’re strong, effective machines that can operate for long periods to accomplish large scale mowing tasks.

One main pro is that as long as you have gas, you can cut all day long. Not a single electric or battery powered tool can say the same. Any batteries will require downtime for recharging. If you run a commercial landscaping company, you better have a solution for this or you will struggle to put food on the table.

Cons of Gas Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

One of the biggest drawbacks of operating a gas-powered riding lawn mower is the noise. These things are dang loud. But, that’s just the beginning. Because it burns gas and oil, the mower also releases toxic exhaust into the air, harming the environment.

Yeah, I get it. Your riding mower probably isn’t putting enough exhaust out to cause the polar bears to lose their homes, but it definitely isn’t helping. The other difficult thing about gas mowers is the maintenance schedule. These things are practically cars. In fact many of these cost more than many cars I’ve purchased. But maintenance on them can be complex. New filters, new tires, oil changes, spark plugs, and batteries (yes, even gas-powered lawn tractors and zero-turns have batteries).

All the maintenance is costly, but also just plain annoying.

Pros of Battery Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

As you can imagine, a battery-powered riding lawn mower is much quieter than a gas mower. That means you can keep the lawn mowed without disturbing the neighbors or your family.They’re perfect for smaller lots in cozy neighborhoods. Eco-conscience homeowners may also find this option attractive.

One reason I like battery powered riding mowers is that I can pop in some Airpods and rock out. I also like that I don’t smell like gasoline and exhaust when I am done.

But my absolute favorite part of battery powered riding mowers as compared to gas is the lack of maintenance. There is no oil to change, there are no spark plugs, filters, or really anything else. And after a long winter, these just require a quick pop of the battery and you’re good to go.

If you’re a homeowner, it kind of makes a LOT of sense.

Cons of Battery Power for Riding Lawn Mowers

Despite the many benefits of battery power, there are some negatives. First, batteries have a much shorter life than a tank of gasoline. Therefore, it takes longer to get the same amount of work done. Once the battery runs out, it takes time to recharge. Batteries are also super expensive, so despite not having to fill up gas anymore, you still have to shell out a good chunk of change for new batteries. Oh – and they need to be charged, too.

For residential and commercial landscapers, this is a huge problem. Landscaping companies live off of moving from job to job and going quickly. Stopping to charge batteries is going to present a major problem if they can’t find a way to keep them charged and ready to go. And that gets expensive and requires a custom trailer build or some sort of super amped up (literally) rig.

Gas or Battery Powered Riding Mower: My recommendation

Knowing the key differences between gas and battery power riders is important. After reviewing the information here, you can make an informed decision that suits you. For me, I recommend a battery powered riding mower for homeowners and a gas powered mower for landscapers. I think battery technology will only improve, so over the long term I think the battery wins out. In fact, some states like California are banning gas powered lawn tools in general.

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.

June 28, 2023March 15, 2024

7 Keys to Maintaining A Riding Mower: 2024 Update

Your riding lawn mower, much like your car or truck, requires regular maintenance to perform at its peak. Neglecting your riding mower can result in unreliable operation, expensive repairs, and endless frustration.

No matter what make, model, brand, or size your riding mower is, there are some key maintenance tasks you should be performing on a schedule. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned lawn mower, follow these tips to keep your riding mower running smooth.

My Experience Using Riding Mowers

Top tips for maintaining your riding mower

Let me break out the must-have riding mower maintenance tips that you shouldn’t forget if you spend the big bucks on a riding mower. Not all of these apply to every brand of riding mower, but these are generally good rules to follow.

Use Your Riding Mower Correctly

Whenever operating your riding lawn mower, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it runs safely and efficiently. Avoid mowing over debris that can harm you or the mower such as branches, metal, toys, and trash. A quick walk around the yard will help avoid costly repairs.

This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen riding folks basically use these as golf carts and take them all over the road and even off-road. Tip number one: use it to mow lawns.

Keep Track of the Oil

Oil is literally the lifeblood of your lawn mower’s engine. Literally. It must be maintained at the proper level at all times. Make sure you check the oil before every use to avoid expensive engine issues later. Oil changes are necessary for all gas-powered riding mowers.

How often to change the oil on your riding mower depends on the mower’s engine:

No oil filter? Change the oil every time you reach 25 hours of use.
Oil filter? After 100 hours of use, change the oil.

Use High-Quality, Low Ethanol Gas

You won’t use low-grade gasoline in your car, and you shouldn’t use it in your riding mower either. But, be careful about the fuel you use. Your car can handle E87, but it’s got too much ethanol for lawn equipment. Opt for E-10 to protect your mower’s engine.

Or if you’re a purist who only loads your truck with pure gasoline like me, then treat your mower the same. It will save you money in the long run even if it feels more expensive up front.

Keep Your Mower’s Engine Clean

Dirt and debris go with the territory when mowing your lawn. When it gets lodged in the spaces inside your ring mower’s engine, it’s more than a nuisance. Debris can block the airflow, causing your engine to work too hard, brush away dirt and remove grass clippings, leaves, and other debris after every use.

You’d be surprised at what can pop up and launch into parts of your mower that you wouldn’t normally expect. If you lift the hood up after a mow, you can find dirt, pollen, and small rocks. Mix that with some moisture, heat, and time and you start to get some serious problems. A quick wipe down can prevent a lot of trouble.

Keep a Clean Machine

Regularly wash your riding lawn mower using a hose or pressure washer and a mild soap and give it a good hand dry, just like your car. Be sure to get all those grass clippings from the blade area that have become stuck, otherwise they’ll hinder the mower’s performance.

The deck wash port here is the black nozzle.

Many of these riding mowers have a deck wash port where you can connect your hose, run some water, and it will circulate water through the deck. This makes super quick work of cleaning out your cutting deck, which can be a really easy task to ignore. I mean it is generally the last thing I want to do after I’ve spent an hour mowing my grass. I want to water my grass, not my mower.

Lastly,clean the wheels to maintain good traction. I recently had a friend mow on a hill and the machine fell over, nearly killing him. Serious stuff here.

Store Your Riding Mower Properly

How you store your riding mower after each use, an in the off season, can impact its performance.Take care to keep it out of the harsh elements to protect the mower body and engine.Never leave your mower outside and don’t cover it with a tarp, or it’ll rust and corrode.. Store it in the garage or a weather-proof shed for maximum protection.

If you don’t have either, get a nice tarp and keep it covered. Whatever you do, keep it dry and try to keep it out of the sun. A car port or something similar can also work in a bind.

Use Your Best Judgment

Using a riding mower makes lawn work easy and fast, but you have to take care of it. Follow the tips above and remember, if the weather is comfortable for you, it’s also a good day to mow. On the other hand, leave your rider to rest when it’s hot and muggy or the engine, and you may overheat.

Why we review lawn tools

March 4, 2023April 3, 2024

Our Ranking of Crazy Powerful Gravely Zero Turn Mowers

Gravely zero turn mowers are some of my favorites for two reasons: they’re made in America and they are freakishly powerful. The best Gravely Zero Turn mower is the Compact Pro 34 Kawasaki because it is the perfect size for homeowners.

Gravely has been around for about 100 years and is probably the most dedicated company we’ve looked at to the art of cutting grass. They’re engineer-led, good salt-of-the-earth Midwesterners, and were founded by Ben Franklin (Gravely).

But boy, do they have a lot of mowers. If you’re a homeowner or a landscaper, you’re probably wondering where to start. Today, we are going to break down which ones are the best zero turn mowers for every type of rider – homeowner, landscaper, and even an electric one.

The Best Gravely zero turn mowers are:

For Homeowners: Gravely Compact-Pro 34 Kawasaki
For Commercial Landscapers: Gravely Pro-Turn 152 Kawasaki
For Residential Landscapers: Pro Turn Z 48 Pro
Best Electric: Pro-Turn EV 48

Gravely Zero Turn Mowers: Ranked

Gravely offers a suite of sweet zero-turns, but some are designed for landscapers and others for homeowners. Let’s break down which ones are designed for who, and which mower is the best for each type of rider.

Gravely Zero Turn for Homeowners: Gravely Compact-Pro 34 Kawasaki

The Gravely Compact-Pro 34 is a great zero turn for homeowners. It has a sweet Kawasaki engine that delivers nearly 16 horsepower. I love when zero-turn mower manufacturers outsource the engine. It means the experts work on their areas of expertise.

Gravely is a monster and worldwide leader in constructing ridiculously good zero turn mowers and Kawasaki are the kings of small engines. Needless to say, the two combine forces and make a freakish mower.

Here’s why I like this zero turn mower for homeowners specifically:

It can fit through gates as narrow as 36 inches. This is great for me as I have a gated backyard that wasn’t mean for a 54 inch zero-turn. This thing squeaks right in and can mow my backyard without having to take apart the fence every week.
It has a toned down engine, but still provides best-in-class horsepower and is pound-for-pound a super strong mower.
It has the features that you would expect from a Gravely zero turn still, like nice armrests, a high-back seat, and amazing construction.
The warranty on this bad boy is really good. A four year warranty with no hour limit on the first two years, meaning they stand behind their build quality.

While this mower is awesome, it is really heavy. If you truly do have a smaller yard and need to do a lot of maneuvering, the weight of this mower concentrated over a small area can cause some tearing up of the grass. Try spacing out your passes and following any bare spots with a weed eater.

All-in-all, this is a great option if you want the power of a zero turn but don’t need the crazy width provided by a bigger boy.

Best Gravely Zero-Turn for Commercial Landscapers: Pro-Turn 152 Kawasaki

I am cracking up looking at the specifications on this mower. It is a freak of nature. I normally review residential landscaping mowers, but man – this thing is a different type of beast.

What immediately struck me about this mower is the speed. It’s about 50% faster than most residential zero-turn mowers and can get you up to 10 MPH. That reminds me of The Waterboy when the girl tricks out his lawn tractor and he goes super fast in it.

But there’s a LOT more to like about this mower. It has a 52 inch cutting deck, massive rear wheels, and a heavy-heavy-duty fabricated metal deck with 7 gauge steel deck that comes with a lifetime warranty. If I’m a commercial landscaper who has had a deck crack in half, I’m buying this sucker right now.

Of course it has a hydrostatic transmission, a 22 or 23 HP Kawasaki engine (depending on which model you buy), and a constant belt tension system. This means you don’t have to adjust the tension on the belt, it does that for you. The coverage hour on it is over 5 acres.

10 inches wider than this massive Toro TimeCutter zero turn.

But my favorite part of this is that they’ve thought about you and me. It isn’t just the machine all day running around – we are on these mowers, too. It comes with a great high back chair with suspension, AND molded armrests. That makes a huge difference when you’ve been outside for 9 hours and working all day.

With commercial mowers, the warranty is 5 years – freaking crazy. The entire deck and frame has a LIFETIME warranty. Holy crap!

Best Gravely Zero Turn for Residential Landscapers: Pro-Turn Z 48 Pro

The main difference I look for in residential zero-turn mowers compared to commercial zero turn mowers is a little less horsepower, maintenance, size, and money.

Don’t get me wrong – I love some power. But I don’t need a massive 50+ inch cutting deck and crazy horses if all I’m doing is knocking out a couple neighborhoods. You get a deck that’s too big, then you lose some of the agility that helps you move around a garden bed.

It’s always good to pair a residential zero-turn with a nice push mower to help get the nooks and crannies that you won’t get with the big dog.

Wish I took these pics but I can’t do it this well.

Here are a few other things we like about this Gravely Zero Turn:

Nearly 4 acres coverage hour
Still has freakish construction (10 gauge steel haha)
8 MPH forward speed
Ridiculous suspension
Extremely high back chair with bulky arm rests

It’s a great combo of having power enough to do big jobs, but not sacrificing comfort and luxury.

Best Electric Gravely Zero Turn Mower: Pro-Turn EV 48

Today I learned something new. I thought most electric lawn tools had a limit. That idea has been shattered into one trillion pieces after seeing this one.

This dang electric zero turn goes 11 MPH? That’s enough to make me yell at it to slow down as it drives past my house!

Unlike many bigger electric riding mowers, the Gravely FusionCore battery system allows you to actually pull out and replace the batteries so that you can get back to work if they die. And believe me – these are the biggest lawn tool batteries I’ve ever seen.

But here are the other things I like about this electric zero turn mower from Gravely:

Two brushless motors (one by each rear wheel)
No exhaust, less noise
Goes 11 (ELEVEN!) MPH forward
An LCD display on-board
5.3 Acres of coverage per hour
7 Gauge steel – lighter than usual but still really durable

This is hands down the most intense battery-powered zero turn that I have ever seen. Most battery powered zero turn mowers are all hat and no cattle – big, sleek designs but not the performance to match.

Gravely, with their All-American muscle, has pulled it off. Frankly, I’m rooting for them. Keep manufacturing and innovation in the good old U.S.A!

Final words about Gravely zero-turn mowers

Gravely’s zero turn mowers are American-made muscle machines. Most folks think zero-turns are a one-size fits all for landscapers and that simply isn’t true. Gravely has dozens of mowers all with unique features that fit different types of work.

While I wish I could sell one of these to you – you have to reach out to a local dealer to get a chance to buy one.

Why we review zero turn mowers

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. Blade size is 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 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 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 – especially if you’re a commercial landscaper.

February 28, 2023April 3, 2024

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:

Power comparison
Comfort
Cutting Experience
Winner: Toro TimeCutter SS4225
What to look for in a zero turn mower

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.

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.

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

Feature	John Deere Z315E	Toro Timecutter SS4225
Horsepower	20 HP V-Twin	22.5 HP V-twin
Engine type	Briggs & Stratton	Toro
Speed	7 FWD, 3.5 REV	7 FWD, 4 REV
Transmission Type	Hydrostatic	Hydrostatic

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.

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

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.

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.

Feature	John Deere Z315E	Toro Timecutter SS4225
Power		Winner
Comfort	Tie!	Tie!
Cutting Experience		Winner
Price	Winner

Why we review lawn tools

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

Cost and value

February 1, 2023April 30, 2024

4 Electric Riding Mowers That Made Me Rethink Everything

Electric riding lawn mowers are an excellent way to stay on top of yard work without having to pay for gasoline. You’ll also love not dealing with the headache-inducing maintenance that some gas-powered lawn mowers require.

As the shift to all things electric grows, so does the supply of electric riding lawn mowers on the market. If you’re dead set on buying an electric lawn mower or even still on the fence, read on to see the best electric riding lawn mowers – I bet we can do some convincing.

We tried our best to stick with just pure electric lawn tractors, but couldn’t resist throwing in a zero-turn in our top picks.

Best Electric Riding Mowers, Ranked:

Greenworks CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Club Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower
Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers: 2023 Ranking

Finding the best electric riding mowers wasn’t too tall of an order. A few of these we’ve used personally and frankly, the market still isn’t very large. The bold companies that have put these out there are making a big bet on the future – and I think they’ll be right.

1.) Greenworks CrossoverT Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Greenworks dubs itself the “final evolution of lawnmowers.” When you see the specs and features of the CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower, you’ll see why. My favorite thing about this mower is that it cuts up to 2.5 acres on a single charge and only takes 90 minutes to recharge.

Holy smokes, those are some great numbers.

Not only that, but this electric riding mower comes with six 8.0 Ah batteries and three dual-port turbochargers. Again, you can use these same batteries on any of your Greenworks 60V products.

Aside from its quick recharge time, the CrossoverT is super comfortable, with padded seats, foldable armrests, and advanced back support. Moreover, you won’t waste any energy thanks to innovative microchips that monitor the grass quality in real time. The mower boasts high-torque rear-wheel drive that lets you climb 15-degree inclines – basically better than my car.

I also love that there’s built-in theft protection – the perfect way to protect your precious investment. To add the cherry on top, the CrossoverT requires absolutely no maintenance other than recharging and sharpening the blades as needed.

Why this mower made our list:

Runs for up to 60 minutes with the included 8.0Ah batteries
90 min charge time (!)
Cut like a professional with SmartCut Technology that auto-adjusts and senses grass thickness
Features a high-padded seat and armrests
Designed with an integrated cargo bed that can hold up to 200 lbs. of yard supplies, like big bags of mulch

The folks at Greenworks absolutely crushed it with this riding mower. While it isn’t a zero-turn, it’s a great, affordable electric lawn tractor that absolutely slaps. They sell these at Tractor Supply Co (we have no affiliation) for $4,500 MSRP.

2.) EGO Power+ Electric Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Delivering all-electric power comparable to a 22 HP engine (like the one on this Toro zero-turn mower), the EGO Power + Zero-Turn Lawn Mower never fails to deliver. Compared to other electric mowers on the market, this EGO product stands out because it holds six batteries – four of which are included. It also has swanky features like premium LED lights, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth technology. Not bad.

It still delivers some serious cutting width, up to 42 inches (about twice the average push mower). This is on the lower end of zero-turn mowers and about average for regular riding mowers.

With an adjustable hydraulic seat (WITH ARMRESTS!), you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay comfortable as you accelerate up 7 MPH (or 8 MPH in travel mode). The EGO zero-turn mower can cover up to two acres on a single charge, and recharging only takes a few hours. Given its premium features and three driving modes (Control, Standard, and Sport), some might call this product the Bugatti of electric mowers, and rightfully so.

Summarizing what we loved about the EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Mower:

Supports up to six batteries for longer run time
It boasts the electric equivalent of a gas-powered engine with 22 HP
Can cut up to two acres of lawn without a recharge
Comes with three different driving modes: Sport, Standard, and Control
Features a premium LED interface that gives you complete control over the mower
It has a separate charging cord that allows you to charge all the batteries at once
You can pop a battery off and straight into your EGO blower or EGO weed eater

These things are absolutely sick, but they come at a cost. If you’re dedicated to electric riding mowers, then you’re going to have to show it at the cash register. You can grab this one from Lowe’s (we have no affiliation) for $5,500. This is on the higher end for a zero-turn mower, especially one with limited run-time, but it’s still great for a homeowner with less than 2 acres.

3.) Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower

You may have seen the LT42E posted up outside of Home Depot next to its gas counterpart, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E might not seem like the most innovative electric mower, but it provides great bang for your buck. This all-electric mower can mow two acres (roughly 1 ½ hours) on a single charge. It also doesn’t fade as the battery power starts to decline, meaning you won’t have to re-mow areas of grass – most lithium Ion batteries operate this way.

Recharging the battery takes around four hours, so it’s not as fast as the Greenworks CrossoverT, but still reasonable. When it comes time to recharging the battery, you can use a standard 110-volt outlet.

There are two brushless motors that fuel the mower’s steel direct drive and twin-blade cutting deck. And since the mower is completely electric, you’ll never need to shift between gears – just push a button and get ready to rumble. You’ll also enjoy a comfortable ride with a premium adjustable cut-and-sew seat. Since this mower isn’t the cheapest product on the market, you’ll be glad to know you get a three-year limited residential and four-year limited battery warranty.

The highlights:

Mow up to two acres without recharging the 3000Wh lithium-ion battery
Comes with a (somewhat) fast charger that only takes four hours to recharge the battery
Features four-gauge wheels for anti-scalping and a 1” – 4” cutting range
Forward speed of 5.5 MPH and reverse speed of 3 MPH
Comes with a three-year limited residential warranty and a four-year warranty on the battery

This mower is great for a mid-size homeowner’s lawn. I wouldn’t let it do anything super heavy duty, but it is definitely well constructed.

One downside of this mower is that Cub Cadet doesn’t have a ton of battery-powered items, so you won’t gain any economies of scale with this battery.

You can check out the price of this one exclusively at Home Depot – where they seem to be selling a lot of them.

4.) Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

Ryobi turns it up a notch with its 100 AH Electric Riding Mower. This low-maintenance mower has no filters, spark plugs, or belts. It can run up to 2 ½ hours per charge (approximately 2 ½ acres). It has a sleek black and yellow design paired with a comfortable, well-adjusted seat.

This one made our list of the crazy Ryobi mowers, coming in at #7 and being the only riding mower.

If you want to mow at seven in the morning without waking up your kids, this Ryobi mower will do the trick with its quiet cutting and cruise control. The mower features three cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. It comes with a three-year warranty, and if you ever run into issues, you can take the mower to one of 300+ service centers nationwide.

This is definitely the lightest-duty mower on this list, only able to boast a 38 inch cutting deck, but still with an impressive run time. It also is the lowest price, so is actually one of pound-for-pound strongest electric riding mowers on the market.

Summary of why we liked this mower:

Get up to 2 ½ hours (2 ½ acres) per charge despite having a smaller cutting deck
Quiet cutting keeps you from waking up your neighbors (this is a negative if you don’t like them)
12-position manual deck adjustment – wish this was electric but still nice
Get the job done quickly with a maximum speed of 7 MPH
Comes with a three-year limited warranty for extra protection

All-in-all, this one is a really good value if you are more price sensitive. It isn’t quite as comfortable as the others, but will definitely get the job done.

This one is available for just over $3,000 at Home Depot , which is a crazy good value.

The Bottom Line on electric riding mowers

If you’re considering investing in an electric riding lawn mower in 2023, you can’t go wrong with the EGO, Greenworks, Cub Cadet, and Ryobi brands. These companies offer some of the most inventive electric riding lawn mowers that make mowing fun – not a chore.

And that’s what it’s all about, right?

Why we review lawn tools

What We Look for in Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

There are various things we consider when looking at electric lawn mowers that make or break their performance. Before pulling the trigger on one of these, make sure you’ve done your research (or just keep reading our recommendations).

Battery life on electric riding mowers

The ideal electric lawn mower should have a good runtime (ideally two hours or more). It shouldn’t take more than four hours to recharge the battery. If an electric mower has a low runtime and high recharge time, cutting your lawn will become a much more difficult feat.

Further, you should be able to pop off one of the batteries and use it with a blower, trimmer, or other lawn tool. This is how you can save some serious money – buying the tool-only version of other tools in the same battery line.

Comfort

Additionally, an electric riding lawn mower should have a comfortable and adjustable seat. After all, you’ll ride it for at least an hour a week – you don’t want dreaded back pain. It sounds ridiculous to make this a sticking point, but it HAS to be comfortable if you are sitting on this bad boy for a while.

Easy to use and control

Moreover, we look at the different cutting options the lawn mower offers. The electric riding lawn mowers we hand-selected have multiple cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. Lastly, the riding mower should be easy-to-use and relatively maintenance-free.

It’s also really cool that riding mowers can double as little ATVs that pull trailers around your yard.

January 16, 2023April 3, 2024

4 John Deere Zero Turn Mowers That Last Forever (Almost)

The best John Deere Zero turn mower is the John Deere Z330R zero-turn mower – which is great for residential use for those of us with bigger lawns. John Deere isn’t as big in the commercial space, so this one is the perfect size and price for homeowners.

They’ve been dominant in the lawn care and agricultural spaces for as long as I can remember. The true patriarchs of modern lawn care. John Deere’s zero turn mowers however, have become less popular over the years. I am seeing them appear on landscaping trailers less and less these days.

Today, we are going to break down the best John Deere Zero Turn mowers and who they appeal to the best. Let’s get started!

Our favorite John Deere Zero-Turns, ranked:

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z515E Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z530R Zero Turn Mower
John Deere Z735M Zero Turn Mower

John Deere Zero Turn Mowers: Our Ranking

Let’s dive right in. John Deere has three series of zero turn mowers with varying sizes and configurations within each one. I’ll do my best to touch on the differences of each different zero-turn mower.

Looking for something smaller? Check out some John Deere lawn tractors. Electric? Consider our list of great and surprising electric riding mowers.

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero Turn Mower

I checked out all of the John Deere Z300 series zero turn mowers and landed on this one as the best. Frankly, it wasn’t even close.

The Z300 series is the smaller of the three series that John Deere zero turn mowers offer. They’re all basically for residential use and start at relatively low power output and work their way up. At the highest end of the Z300 series, which is the Z330R, you can expect to reasonably cut around 4 acres before you need to step up to the Z500 series.

The Z330R from John Deere is by far the best. I know it sounds petty and I’ve referenced it in other articles, but a surprisingly large portion of my decision making comes down to the arm rests. It’s a huge differentiator if you’re out there for more than 20 minutes and makes the experience way, way better.

But here are a few other, probably more important things that we liked about this zero turn:

23 HP engine, putting it above most other residential zero turns like the Toro TimeCutter
48 and 54 inch deck options (we would do 48 for residential)
Accel Deep mower deck made with 10-gauge steel
Hydrostatic transmission
Fast forward speed at up to 7 MPH

One thing I don’t love about this zero-turn is the manual operation of the blade height adjustment. A few of the newer competitor zero-turns have a nice little onboard dashboard with electronics that allow you to quickly make adjustments to blade height, with gas level indicators and other bells and whistles. You won’t get any of that on the Z330R or any of the Z300 John Deere zero turn mowers.

Coming in at just around $4,000, these zero-turn mowers aren’t cheap. One thing I love is that these are made locally in Tennessee and come with a 3 year or 200 hour warranty, so you can rest assured that this one will last you for quite a while.

You can build your own zero-turn from John Deere’s website and at Home Depot (for a great price).

If you’re interested in learning more, we compared this one’s little brother to a Toro zero turn.

John Deere Z515E Zero Turn Mower

The Z500 series of zero-turns steps up the power and is designed for commercial use. The easiest way to spot the difference in a residential and commercial zero turn mower is the rollover bar.

The Z515E is the base model for the Z500 series and is the entry point into the commercial Z500 series by John Deere. While it has many features of the Z300 series, it has slightly more power and was designed with the landscaper in mind.

A few things I like about the Z515E:

24 HP V-twin engine
4 year warranty (instead of 3)
An operator station that gives you a full dashboard with controls right by your side including a fuel gauge and hour meter
Total height adjustment on the steering control levers
Dual cup holders and a storage compartment
Ability to connect to the MowerPlus app for maintenance schedules

This zero-turn has a bunch of features I’ve never seen on other mowers. It’s pretty sweet. The first thing that caught my eye was how advanced the control panel was. It seems like everything on this mower was designed to create a comfortable mowing experience, including the adjustable height levers on the steering control. Most other mower brands don’t have that as an option and if they do, definitely don’t advertise it well. I’ve always just stuck with the initial setting and dealt with it.

A few other things that stick out to me are the accommodations made for comfort. Dual cup holders and a storage compartment can really help you feel like you can make it through the day as a landscaper. These are the small things that have helped landscaping teams feel like you’re investing in their well-being and giving them the equipment to thrive.

At just under $5,000, this one is definitely an investment you’ll have to make in a really nice residential landscaping mower. It can be bought and customized on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z530R Zero Turn Mower

The Z530R comes with a few more bells and whistles than the Z515E. One of the key differences between the two is the ComfortGlide system available on the Z530 that isn’t on the Z515.

The ComfortGlide system allows for forward and backward seat movement when going over major bumps. It basically lets you feel like you are floating. ComfortGlide absorbs way more shock than the standard steel seat springs and drastically improves the mowing experience.

The Z530R series also comes with a foot lift and foot pegs, mats on the floor of the mower, and premium control levers that make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Just a few bells and whistles separate this one.

Otherwise, it is very similar to the Z515E from a power point of view.

At around $5,600 for the 48 inch mowing deck – you are paying a 10% premium for some cool features related to comfort that the 515E does not have. If you are reading this and going to be the one doing all the mowing, then this might be a worthwhile investment to get a more comfortable ride.

You can grab it right on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z735M Zero Turn Mower

The Z735M is a huge step up from the Z300 and Z500 series John Deere zero turn mowers and is a true commercial landscaper’s dream. Let’s walk through a few of the features that make this one stand out dramatically when compared to the other two:

25 HP V-twin engine that has ridiculous torque and cast iron cylinders that last forever
A ton of mower deck updates including a PRO mower deck that:
- Is extremely deep which allows for air induction (pulling up the grass before cutting it)
- Super wide discharge area so you can take on a ton of volume even when it is wet
- Raised and reinforced front deck edge that lets you evenly pull in grass
- A welded step for you to use when getting on board that sits on top of the deck
- An optional mulching attachment which lets you pick where you want to put the clippings
Adjustable seating and storage which rivals most minivans
ComfortGlide suspension
Adjustable foot platform so tall freaks like me can fit just fine alongside short kings

They make their own engines, which is unique.

When you’re going big like the Z700 series, you might as well get a 54 or 60 inch cutting deck that can cut down on your mowing time.

I’m not the only one is who raving about this mower – a ton of other folks who bought it online have left extremely positive reviews despite it being a nearly $10,000 mower.

Most are saying it’s comfortable and smooth (thanks to ComfortGlide) and note how much time it has taken off of their mow, like cutting it in half.

John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers: Bottom Line

John Deere’s zero turn mowers are a bit on the pricier side but all have two things in common: they’re extremely well made and are attentive to the details. The small things in these machines add up to really put them in a league of their own when compared to competition.

Of course we all want power, speed, even cuts, and reliability. But the thought John Deere puts into things like cup holders, arm rests, ComfortGlide seating, steering handle adjustments, and more make you feel like they’ve mowed a lawn or two in their day.

Why we review zero-turn mowers

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. Always feel free to leave a comment or request a review using the form you see at the top of this page.

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. Blade size is 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 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 feels a lot smoother).

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. If you own a landscaping company, you can depreciate these bad boys over time (ask your accountant).

John Deere and Gravely make great American-made mowers.

John Deere’s Accel Deep Mower Decks

The Accel Deep mower deck is found on John Deere’s zero turn mowers and is a really cool differentiator that helps you perfect your mow. Here’s how it works.

It basically is a single block of well-constructed metal that helps maintain the structural integrity of the deck. This deck also has a steel reinforced bar that keeps it together even more.

The deck also comes with super easy to adjust anti-scalp wheels which help you move between different types of terrain.

But my favorite part is the depth of the deck, which allows increased airflow that stands the grass up like it’s being pulled by a comb. A few Toro mowers also have this feature and it allows for a super even cut without missing any spots.

You can read more about it from Hutson, Inc who wrote a long form post just on this topic.

November 11, 2022April 2, 2024

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:

Zero-turn Toro mower
Toro mower for medium sized yards
Toro mower for smaller yards
Battery powered Toro mower

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.

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….

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.