Starting with the right tools and equipment is key to maintaining a tidy and well-groomed lawn, and selecting the appropriate lawn mower is typically the first step towards achieving the pristine yard you desire. With a reputation spanning more than a century in the industry, Toro is an exceptional choice when it comes to dependable mower brands.
However, with Toro offering a diverse selection of mowers, selecting the ideal one for your landscape can be challenging. Beyond deciding on the optimal mower type for your lawn, factors such as fuel type, engine power, drive style, cutting width, and additional features must also be considered. The sheer volume of mowers available can make finding the right one seem like a daunting task.
To simplify your shopping experience, we are dedicated to providing straightforward guidance. If you are in the market for a Toro lawn mower, peruse our recommended products listed above. For general tips on selecting the perfect Toro model, continue reading our shopping guide.
BEST RIDING TORO LAWN MOWER

Do you have a larger yard than your neighbors, making mowing a time-consuming task? The Toro TimeCutter is the solution, reducing your mowing time to less than half! Pros: Smart Speed technology 4 to 7 mph / 3,600 rpm Comfortable handcrafted seat
Cons: More expensive than walk-behind mowers Smaller deck than other riding mowers
If you desire a Toro riding mower but have a property less than an acre in size, consider the Toro TimeCutter zero-turn riding mower, which provides a practical solution for all of your lawn cutting needs. This compact riding mower comes equipped with a 42-inch wide deck, top speeds of up to 7 mph, and an impressive zero-turn feature. It also boasts a handcrafted seat for added comfort. Notably, the 22.5 HP motor is more fuel-efficient than most riding mowers.
Who should consider purchasing it? The TimeCutter has a smaller deck compared to large commercial zero-turn mowers but is twice as wide as the average push or self-propelled walk-behind mower. If you have a lawn half an acre or larger, the TimeCutter is an excellent option for significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to complete your mowing tasks.
Toro TimeMaster 21199

For those with a sizable lawn and a generous budget, the 30″ Toro TimeMaster is an excellent choice that can save you a considerable amount of time. Featuring dual cutting blades powered by a robust engine, this lawn mower is equivalent to having two mowers operating simultaneously as you walk behind it. While the TimeMaster is heavy, it comes equipped with the Toro Personal Pace self-propelled drive system, making it effortless to maneuver. As Toro’s premium homeowner lawn mower, it delivers maximum performance.
Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340

The Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 is a reliable and popular self-propelled lawn mower that performs as well as other quality models on the market. One standout feature of this machine is its ability to be stored upright, which can save valuable space in a crowded garage (similar to the Egos). At around $450, the Toro is an affordable option that offers intuitive self-propulsion and exceptional mulching performance, on par with other mowers in its price range. While the Egos provide gas-free convenience, and the Honda offers superior cutting quality, the Toro’s unique space-saving feature makes it a recommended choice over many similar models.
Toro 22 inch Smartstow Variable Speed High Wheel Mower 20339

The Toro SmartStow Variable Speed High Wheel Lawn Mower boasts a SmartStow feature that allows for upright storage, reducing storage space requirements by up to 70%. Its 11-inch high rear wheels make mowing uneven terrain a breeze, as well as navigating complex landscapes and obstacles. With self-propulsion and variable speed, maneuvering in tight spaces becomes effortless. The mower comes with a two-year full coverage warranty, and easy access has been provided for servicing the blade and cleaning the under-deck. The 3-in-1 feature enables you to bag, mulch or side discharge, providing flexible performance for all types of mowing conditions. Additionally, a 3-year Guaranteed-to-Start (GTS) warranty ensures that the mower will start on the first or second pull, making starting up a breeze.
Toro Super Recycler Series 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Toro runs deep in the residential lawn mower sector and our favorite among them is the Super Recycler series. Getting the best of all the technology Toro has to offer, our top recommendation (model 21565) includes the Personal Pace drive system and the Smart Stow design that allows you to vertically store the mower even though it’s a gas model.
It uses a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine that produces 7.25 ft-lbs of torque and just under 17,000 fpm blade tip speed.
Toro touts a commercial-grade construction on this model and includes a lighter aluminum deck rather than steel. In addition to that, you get outstanding cut quality, especially on the mulching side (you better with the name Super Recycler!). Wrapping it up, the Personal Pace drive system adjusts to your walking pace so there are no levers or dials to adjust.
How we picked and tested
After years of evaluating lawn mowers, we’ve determined that a self-propelled electric cordless model is the most convenient option. Compared to gas mowers, cordless mowers are easier to start, maneuver, and store, as they don’t require gas, oil changes, or spark plugs. They’re also quieter, emit fewer fumes, and have fewer emissions. Though cordless models have some limitations with run time and charge times, recent models have closed the performance gaps between cordless and gas models.
However, there are many capable gas mowers available as well. To help you select the right mower for your needs, we’ve identified several key criteria that matter most:
- Rear-Wheel Self-Propulsion: Self-propelled mowers make lawn care easier by taking the burden off the user. Rear-wheel drive is preferred over front-wheel drive because it provides better traction, especially as the grass bag fills up. While self-propulsion features add to a mower’s cost, we believe it’s worth it.
- Performance: We assessed how well mowers cut grass and promote turf health through long-term testing and comparison of new models against our established recommendations.
- User Interface and Features: We considered the ease of use, adjustability, and convenience of push-bar height, mowing deck, self-propulsion controls, and bag removal.
- Cost: While gas mowers have lower upfront costs, they carry long-term costs, including supplies and maintenance. Cordless mowers have a higher upfront cost but avoid these long-term costs. Additionally, cordless investments may offer affordable expansion into other outdoor tools.
- Charge and Run Times: For cordless models, we considered battery capacity, as charge and run times can make or break a user’s experience.
- Owner Reviews and Reputation: We focused on well-regarded models from major brands with comparable warranties.
Overall, while we recommend a self-propelled electric cordless mower for most people, there are many factors to consider when selecting a mower that meets your specific needs.
FAQs
Who makes Toro lawn mower engines?
All new Toro residential use walk behind mowers use a Briggs & Stratton engine.
Should I buy a Toro riding mower or push mower?
To mow 1 acre will take 1.5 hrs with a 19″ push mower.
Toro’s TimeMaster 30″ mower will probably mow 1 acre in 45ish mins.
That same 1 acre will take 15 – 20 minutes with a riding zero turn mower while you sit back and enjoy the mow.
Should you buy a riding mower will depend on your budget and how much you value your time.
Given these mowers start at $3k brand new you will want to entertain the idea of buying used.
Buying a used Toro zero turn mower will save you 1 hr every time you mow your 1 acre lawn. More time is saved the bigger your lawn.
Does Toro make Troy-Bilt riding mowers?
No.
Troy-Bilt is a brand owned by MTD Holdings, which is owned by Stanley Black and Decker.
Troy Bilt mowers are made by MTD Holdings in Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.