Does the thought of tackling your lawn fill you with dread? You want a yard that looks neat and tidy, but the right tool can feel like a mystery. Toro makes great lawnmowers, but which push mower fits your yard best? It’s easy to feel lost staring at all the different models, features, and prices.
Choosing the perfect Toro push mower means balancing power, size, and your budget. You don’t want a machine that’s too small for your yard or too complicated to use. Finding the right balance saves you time and effort every time you mow.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Toro push mowers available today. You will learn exactly which model handles your grass type and yard size with ease. Get ready to discover the perfect Toro partner for your weekend yard work!
Top Toro Push Mower Recommendations
- Gas Powered Engine: A 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for easy start, delivers strong power.
- 2-in-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulching and bagging capabilities in 1.
- 21" Cutting Blade: The heavy-duty blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
- POWERFUL 170CC 4-STROKE OHV GAS ENGINE - This self propelled gas lawn mower is built for strength and efficiency, providing reliable starting and consistent power to cut through tall, thick grass in medium and large yards.
- 21-INCH CUTTING DECK WITH 3-IN-1 FUNCTION – Versatile lawn mower design supports side discharge, mulching, and rear bag collection, making it the perfect push mower for yard, garden, and landscaping maintenance.
- SELF PROPELLED DRIVE WITH HIGH-WHEEL DESIGN – Large 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels make this gas powered lawn mower self propelled easy to maneuver across uneven terrain, hills, and slopes.
- Choose Your runtime- choose your battery. Recommended 60V Max* 4.0Ah, 5.0 Ah, 6.0 Ah and 7.5 Ah batteries.
- Self-Propelled 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.
- 【Easy Yard Maintenance】21-inch Cutting width gas lawn mower, effortlessly tackling small to medium yards.
- 【Powerful Engine】Gas lawn mower is powered by a reliable Briggs & Stratton 140 cc gas powered engine that is designed to provide longer engine life, low vibration, and easy maintenance; Prime N' Pull start makes it easy to start the mower every time
- 【3-In-1 Lawn Mower】 3-in-1 steel deck with mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging provides versatile mowing options; 16-gallon bagger is included; Ergonomic handle maximizes user comfort during use
- POWERFUL 144CC 4-STROKE ENGINE- Powered by a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine, this gas lawn mower starts effortlessly thanks to its auto choke system, while the forced air-cooling mechanism keeps it running efficiently for long-lasting use—an excellent pick for those seeking a dependable lawn mower gas powered option
- HEAVY-DUTY 21" STEEL CUTTING DECK- A clean, even cut is delivered every time by the 21-inch heavy-duty blade and reinforced steel deck, allowing you to finish faster—exactly what you’d expect from a high-performance lawnmower or gas push mower
- EFFORTLESS MANEUVERING WITH LARGE WHEELS- Designed with 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch high rear wheels, plus 1.5" wide treads and double ball bearings, this push mower makes maneuvering simple and effective, even across uneven ground.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Toro Push Mower
Choosing a new Toro push mower can make yard work much easier. Toro is a well-known brand that makes reliable lawn equipment. This guide will help you pick the best model for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Toro push mower, several features make a big difference in how well the mower works and how easy it is to use.
Engine Power and Type
- Engine Size: Look at the engine’s horsepower or torque rating. Bigger yards often need more power.
- Starting System: Most modern Toro mowers use an electric start, which means you just push a button. Older or cheaper models might use a pull cord. Electric start is much easier.
Cutting System and Deck Size
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. Wider decks (like 22 inches) cover large lawns faster. Smaller decks (around 20 inches) are better for tight spaces.
- Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge: Check if the mower can do all three. Mulching cuts grass into tiny pieces that feed your lawn. Bagging collects the clippings. Side discharge shoots them out the side.
Adjustability and Ease of Use
- Cutting Height Adjustment: You need to change how high or low the grass is cut. Single-lever adjustment is the easiest. Some cheaper models require you to adjust each wheel separately.
- Handlebar Design: Toro often uses “Quick Stow” handles. These let you fold the handle up quickly so you can store the mower in a small space, like a tight garage.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your mower lasts and how much it weighs.
Deck Material
Most Toro decks are made of heavy-gauge steel or aluminum. Steel decks are tough but can rust over time, especially if you live where it rains a lot. Aluminum decks resist rust better and keep the mower lighter.
Wheels and Bearings
Look for large rear wheels. They help the mower glide over bumpy or uneven grass. Ball bearings in the wheels make them roll smoother and last longer than plastic bushings.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few details really boost the quality of your mowing experience.
Quality Boosters
- Personal Pace Self-Propelled Drive: This is a famous Toro feature. You walk behind the mower, and it matches your walking speed automatically. This feature is fantastic for hilly yards.
- Washout Ports: Some models have a garden hose connection point on the deck. You connect a hose, turn the water on, and the underside washes clean. This prevents grass buildup, which improves cutting performance.
Quality Reducers (Things to watch out for)
- Plastic Parts: Too many plastic components on the wheels or height adjusters mean they might break sooner.
- Lightweight Frame: While a light mower is easy to push, a frame that is too light might vibrate too much during operation.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how often you mow. This helps narrow down your choice.
Small, Flat Yards (Under 1/4 acre)
For small, easy lawns, a standard push mower (non-self-propelled) with a 20-inch deck is perfect. You save money and get great maneuverability around flowerbeds.
Medium to Large Yards (1/4 to 1/2 acre)
If your yard has gentle slopes or you just want to finish faster, select a self-propelled model. The Personal Pace system is ideal here. Look for a 21- or 22-inch deck.
Hilly or Uneven Terrain
Self-propelled is a must. Ensure the model has good traction tires. If you have very steep hills, consider Toro’s all-wheel-drive options, though these are usually more expensive.
Toro Push Mower Buying Guide FAQ
Q: Do Toro push mowers come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Toro typically offers a good warranty on their engines and the mower deck. Always check the specific model’s paperwork, as warranty lengths can change.
Q: What is “Personal Pace” technology?
A: Personal Pace means the mower drives itself, but it only moves as fast as you walk. You push the handle forward to go faster and ease up to slow down. It makes mowing feel very natural.
Q: Should I get a gas or electric (battery) Toro mower?
A: Gas mowers offer more sustained power for tough, thick grass. Battery-powered mowers are quieter, require less maintenance (no oil changes), and are easier to start, but you must recharge the battery.
Q: How often should I change the oil in a gas Toro mower?
A: For a brand-new mower, you usually change the oil after the first five hours of use. After that, check your manual, but most users change the oil once per mowing season.
Q: Are Toro mowers hard to push when the engine is off?
A: Non-self-propelled models can feel heavy, especially if they have full bags. Self-propelled models roll easily because the drive wheels are designed to disengage when the engine is off or the drive bar is released.
Q: What is the advantage of a steel deck over an aluminum one?
A: Steel decks are often thicker and might handle hitting hard objects (like small rocks) slightly better without cracking. However, aluminum decks are lighter and will never rust.
Q: Can I use any brand of oil in my Toro mower?
A: You must use oil that meets the viscosity requirements listed in your manual (usually SAE 30 or 10W-30). Using the wrong type can damage the engine over time.
Q: How important is the bagging capacity?
A: If you hate raking clippings, a larger bag means you stop to empty it less often. If you mulch everything, bag size matters less.
Q: How do I store my Toro mower during the winter?
A: Clean the deck thoroughly. For gas models, either run the fuel tank dry or add a fuel stabilizer. Store it in a dry place, ideally with the handle folded down to save space.
Q: What makes Toro different from other push mower brands?
A: Toro is famous for its durability and its user-friendly features, especially the Personal Pace drive system. Many users feel Toro mowers offer a better balance of power and ease of use.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!