Honda v. Toro

[undguy]

Probably a Ford v. Chevy topic, but I am in the market for a new self-propelled mower and have narrowed it down to a Honda and a Toro, each about $400. I have two concerns: (1) the Honda has a 160cc engine and the Toro a 190. Will I notice a difference? (2) some of the reviews I have read say the Toro does not do a very good job of mulching, and I mulch 95% of the time.

I appreciate any opinions.

[Morton]

My Toro mulcher is 22 years old now and going strong ... Only cost has been regular maintenance ... replaced tha battery pack once ... and replaced the drive wheels that got worn to a slick.

The QOC and mulching capabilities is dependent on many things such as how sharp you keep blades, design of the deck, how wet the foilage is when you cut, maintenance as in cleaning, how high the lawn has grown between cutting, etc.

Both will do a fine job from the onset although your personal mowing and maintenance habits will determine how long either would meet your expectations.

Once you decide on one for mulching ... look at the other features that could affect your use. Blade brake options, will the engine keep running and not the blade if I am in bagger mode, availability of parts if needed and warrenty / service after the sale.

Morton

[brown1317]

I have a Toro super recycler. It's 10 years old and still starts on the first or second pull. Mulches great too. Would recommend it.

[Fraid Knot]

Get the Toro with the Honda engine. Best of both worlds IMO......

[Burr]

I've had my Honda for 18-20 years now. Not really sure how it runs, my wife starts it, mows the lawn, and it's done before I get home. lol...

A bit more honestly, the Honda mulches real nice. Mine is so old, it has a smaller motor than the one your referencing, and yes, it can get short on power when it gets thick, and mulching. Never a power problem if using the discharge. I've liked my honda.

[larrym]

on my third year with a Honda mulcher. Starts and runs well but did have some issues with the automatic choke that the dealer took care of. If you mulch one can't let the grass get to long however, even with frequent mowing, I've not been happy with the mulching of the Honda. Grass bunches and lays in a windrow along the left side of the mower. I also mow at three inches and even with sharp blades it does not do a clean job of cutting. Seems like there is not enough suction under the mower deck to stand the grass up for even cutting......looks ragged when I'm done. I would not buy another. Had an older non muching snapper before and it did a nicer job in my opinion.

[wiredog]

HONDA!! The best there is. Both mower and snow blower. Honda = BMW, Toro = Yugo. Wiredog

[Catch'nRelease]

Both makes have been consistently ranked at or near the top by Consumer Reports for many years. Some models fare better than others.

I have a Toro, about 8 years old, and it did have starting issues right after the warranty ran out (naturally). The repair man at the local hardware store did a nice job fixing the carburetor, and it's started ever since...but it typically does take about 4-6 pulls before it catches and I need to keep the air cleaner very clean. Also the electric start no longer works - it turns the engine over just fine, but for some reason won't start it (?). So I just start the mower manually...Once going, it does a nice job of mulching as long as the grass isn't too long, and as long as it's dry. I mow every 3-4 days, using the middle height setting, so the grass always looks great.

[Apple Guy]

My Honda lawnmower is about 6 years old and starts on the first pull. I am bias. Two Honda cars, two Honda snowblowers, and a Honda lawnmower. I vote for the Honda.

[Explorer]

First Toro I used for 21 years, gave it to a friend who is still using it.
Second Toro is a personal pace self propelled mower. Have had it for five years now.
Would Highly recommend it. You need to test drive both models. You will love the Toro