Does the thought of another summer wrestling with a stubborn, underperforming lawn mower make you sigh? You know the feeling: the engine sputters, the cut is uneven, and suddenly, yard work feels like a chore instead of a satisfying task. When it comes to keeping your lawn looking sharp, the tool you choose makes all the difference. That’s where Toro enters the picture. Toro is a name many homeowners trust, but navigating their wide range of models—from push mowers to powerful zero-turns—can be confusing. Which one truly fits your yard size and budget?
Choosing the wrong mower means wasted time and money. You need a machine that starts easily, handles your terrain smoothly, and gives you that perfect, crisp cut every time. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best Toro models available today, focusing on features that matter most for your specific needs.
Keep reading to discover the perfect Toro companion for your yard, ensuring your weekends are spent enjoying your beautiful green space, not fighting your equipment. Let’s find the Toro that works as hard as you do!
Top Lawn Mower Toro Recommendations
- Use any 60V Max* Flex-Force battery to power any and all of the 75+ interchangeable tools in the Flex-Force all-season lineup, including commercial-grade handheld tools, walk mowers, and snow blowers.
- Push mower with a 2-point height of cut that allows for quick deck adjusting to keep an even cut.
- Advanced bag to reduce blow out and hold more clippings with the large, easy-to-empty mulching bag.
- Push mower that cuts up to 1/3 of acre in 42 minutes or less on a full charge at the start of a button.
- 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart technology for increased runtime and optimized performance.
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE OHV ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 170cc OHV engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY: The robust steel deck covers a wide 21-inch path, reducing mowing time and making it perfect for medium to large yards.
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: BAGGING, MULCHING & REAR DISCHARGE: Switch easily between modes: collect clippings in the 1.4-bushel bag, mulch to nourish your lawn, or rear-discharge for quick and efficient mowing.
- 6-POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Quickly adjust the cutting height from 1.5"" to 3.9"" with a single lever to match grass length, season, or preferred lawn look.
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH LARGE REAR WHEELS: Rear-wheel drive and 10"" large rear wheels offer excellent traction and maneuverability on slopes or uneven terrain.
- Reliable Engine: Experience high performance and longer working life with the 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine, engineered with a stabilized body structure for maximum durability.
- Easy Start System: Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for better starting.
- 21“ Steel Deck: Featuring a 21" durable steel deck built to last through tough yard tasks, the specialized blade delivers finely mulched clippings and a clean, even cut every time.
- Effortless Maneuvering: Designed with 10" rear / 7" front double ball-bearing wheels for smooth control and easier pushing around your yard.
- 3-in-1 Mowing Function: Mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This versatile system lets you nourish your lawn with fine mulch, simplify cleanup with bagging, or power through tall grass with side discharge.
- MORE CUTTING POWER: Powerful 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers reliable performance for thick grass and larger yards. Auto choke and recoil start make starting easy.
- LESS PUSHING EFFORT: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive provides better traction on slopes and uneven terrain, reducing pushing effort.
- WIDER CUTS: Wide 22-inch cutting path helps finish mowing faster, while the durable steel deck and heavy-duty blade are built to last season after season.
- VERSATILE 3-IN-1 SYSTEM: Choose between mulching, rear bagging, or rear discharge to match changing lawn conditions.
- EASY HEIGHT CHANGES: Easily adjust cutting height from 1.5" to 3.9" for different mowing needs.
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern significantly increase overall traction and maneuverability
- Starting made easier with the automatic choke system, no need to prime or choke the engine
- Quickly clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- MAXIMIZE MOWING EFFICIENCY: Features a heavy-duty 21-inch steel cutting deck that covers a wider path in a single pass. Designed to significantly reduce your mowing time, making it the perfect gas lawn mower for quick and efficient maintenance of medium to large residential yards.
- 6-POSITION CUSTOM TRIM: Equipped with a synchronized, single-lever height adjustment offering 6 cutting positions from 1.0" to 3.0". Effortlessly adapt to different grass types, seasonal growth, and varying lawn conditions with a smooth, one-handed adjustment.
- POWERFUL 144cc 4-STROKE ENGINE: Driven by a high-performance 144cc 4-cycle gas engine (3.4 HP, 5.75 ft.lb torque) that delivers relentless cutting power without the hassle of mixing oil and gas. Includes a generous 27.1 fl.oz fuel tank for extended runtime.
- VERSATILE 3-IN-1 MANAGEMENT: Master any backyard challenge with rear bagging, mulching, and side discharge capabilities. Whether you are doing routine weekend maintenance, seasonal garden cleanup, or heavy grass collection, this mower adapts to your lawn’s needs.
- BUILT TO LAST & EASY ASSEMBLY: Constructed with a rugged steel deck and oversized 10-inch front and rear wheels for superior traction and maneuverability. Comes complete with a grass bag, side discharge chute, mulching plug, engine oil, and tools for quick, hassle-free setup out of the box.
- Easy Start Engine: The144cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers a reliable balance of high performance and ease. Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for better starting.
- Side Discharge: Includes a side discharge mechanism for convenient dispersal of grass clippings, reducing clumps for efficient mowing of large open areas and tall, dense grass.
- 18-inch Steel Deck: The durable steel deck is built for long-lasting use, and the specialized blade delivers a clean, even cut for a well-groomed lawn.
- Easy Maneuverability: Designed with 8" rear / 7" front wheels that roll smoothly over the lawn, reducing pushing effort and improving maneuverability.
- 5-Position Height Adjustment: Dual-lever, 5-position height adjustment makes changing cutting heights from 1.5" to 3.9" easy.
- EXCEEDS THE POWER OF GAS: EGO's cordless electric mower delivers up to 7.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque for performance that exceeds gas-powered mowers.
- UP TO 100 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: The EGO electric lawn mower operates for up to 100 minutes on a single charge with the two included 56V 6.0Ah batteries.
- TOUCH DRIVE SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY: The EGO 800 Series lawn mower is a self propelled electric lawn mower. Use the pressure of your palm to engage the self-propel system, and control the variable speed with a dial positioned at your fingertips.
- SELECT CUT MULTI-BLADE CUTTING SYSTEM: Customize your cut with interchangeable lower blades; the battery powered mower includes mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended runtime lower blades, plus an upper blade.
- MOW AT YOUR PACE: The EGO self propelled lawn mower lets you adjust your speed between 0.9 and 3.1 miles per hour.
The Ultimate Toro Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Toro makes some of the best lawn mowers out there. Choosing the right one can make your yard work much easier. This guide helps you pick the perfect Toro model for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Toro mower, certain features really matter. Think about what your lawn needs.
Power Source
- **Gas Mowers:** These offer the most power. They are great for big yards or thick grass. Look for strong engine brands like Briggs & Stratton.
- **Cordless Electric (Battery):** These are quiet and easy to start. They work best for small to medium lawns. Check the battery voltage (usually 40V or 60V) for longer run times.
- **Corded Electric:** These are light and require no gas or batteries. They are best only for very small, flat yards because the cord limits your movement.
Drive System
Does the mower push itself?
- **Push Mowers:** You supply all the power. These are good for small, flat lawns and offer better exercise.
- **Self-Propelled:** The engine moves the wheels. This is a lifesaver on hills or large properties. Look for variable speed control so you can match the mower’s speed to your walking pace.
Cutting Deck Size and Adjustability
The deck size determines how wide a strip of grass you cut in one pass. Bigger decks cut faster. A 21-inch deck suits average yards. A 30-inch or larger deck is better for very large areas. Also, check how easy it is to change the cutting height. You should be able to adjust it quickly for different grass types.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials Toro uses affect how long your mower lasts and how well it handles tough jobs.
Deck Material
Most high-quality Toro mowers use **stamped steel** or **cast aluminum** for the deck. Steel is strong and common. Aluminum resists rust better, which is great if you live in a wet area. Avoid plastic decks unless you have a very small, easy yard.
Wheels and Bearings
Good wheels matter, especially on uneven ground. Look for **ball bearings** in the wheels. Ball bearings let the wheels spin smoothly and last much longer than simple plastic bushings. High-quality wheels are usually made of durable plastic or metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What separates a great Toro from an average one?
Factors That Improve Quality (Pros)
- **Recycling/Mulching Technology:** Toro often uses special blade designs. These blades chop grass clippings many times. This finely chopped grass returns nutrients to your lawn, making it healthier.
- **Washout Ports:** Some models have a port where you can attach a hose to clean the underside of the deck while it’s still on the mower. This prevents grass buildup, which improves cutting performance.
- **Personal Pace Self-Propel System (Toro Exclusive):** This system senses how fast you walk and adjusts the speed automatically. This makes mowing feel very natural.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Cons to Watch For)
- **Thin Plastic Components:** If the engine shroud or handle grips feel too flimsy, they might break after a few seasons of hard use.
- **Underpowered Engines:** If you buy a gas model that is too small for your large, hilly yard, the engine will strain, wear out faster, and cut poorly. Always match the power to the job size.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the mower.
Small Urban Yard (Flat, under 1/4 acre)
A **cordless electric push mower** is ideal here. It is quiet, easy to store, and requires almost no maintenance besides blade sharpening.
Medium Suburban Yard (1/4 to 1/2 acre, some gentle slopes)
A **self-propelled gas mower** with a 21-inch deck works perfectly. The self-propel feature saves energy on slight inclines.
Large Property or Yard with Thick Grass (Over 1/2 acre, many hills)
You need power. Choose a **large deck self-propelled gas mower** (22 inches or more) with a powerful engine and high-quality drive system. Consider a Toro TimeMaster for very large areas, as it cuts a wider path (30 inches).
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Toro Lawn Mowers
Q: How often should I change the oil in my gas Toro mower?
A: You should change the oil once per mowing season, or after every 25 to 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact recommendation.
Q: What is the difference between “Recycle” and “Bag” modes?
A: “Recycle” (or Mulch) cuts the grass many times and drops it back onto the lawn. “Bag” collects the clippings in a catcher bag so you can dispose of them later.
Q: Are Toro electric mowers powerful enough for tall grass?
A: Modern high-voltage Toro electric mowers (like the 60V series) are quite powerful. However, if your grass is consistently very tall or thick, a gas mower will generally handle the stress better.
Q: How do I winterize my gas Toro mower?
A: Before storing it for winter, either run the gas tank completely dry or add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining gas. Always disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
Q: What does “Personal Pace” mean for a Toro mower?
A: Personal Pace is Toro’s special self-propel system. It lets you control the speed just by how fast you walk behind the mower. It feels very intuitive.
Q: Can I use a Toro mower in the rain?
A: You should never mow wet grass. It clumps, damages the lawn, and can clog the deck. Electric mowers should also not be used in heavy rain due to electrical safety concerns.
Q: How long do Toro mower batteries usually last?
A: A fully charged battery should last long enough to cut an average-sized lawn (about 1/3 acre) on a single charge. Larger batteries will last longer.
Q: What is the best way to sharpen the blade?
A: Disconnect the spark plug wire first for safety. Remove the blade and sharpen it using a metal file or a bench grinder. Make sure to balance the blade afterward so it doesn’t vibrate too much.
Q: Why is my Toro mower hard to start?
A: For gas mowers, check the fuel quality, ensure the choke is set correctly, and inspect the spark plug. For electric mowers, ensure the battery is fully charged and properly seated in the compartment.
Q: Are Toro mowers generally easy to repair?
A: Yes. Toro is a very popular brand, so replacement parts are widely available. Many simple maintenance tasks, like changing the oil or blade, are designed to be user-friendly.