What is the best Toro lawn mower for a small yard?

Choosing the right lawn mower can make maintaining a small yard much easier. Toro offers some of the best walk-behind mowers for small lawns. When selecting a Toro lawn mower for a small yard, there are a few key factors to consider:

  • Cutting width – A mower with a 20-21 inch cutting width allows you to cut a small yard efficiently in less time.
  • Weight – A lighter weight mower around 40-50 lbs is ideal for easy maneuverability in tight spaces.
  • Engine power – Look for at least a 140cc engine with 5.5 ft-lbs of torque to handle thick or wet grass.
  • Maneuverability – Compact mowers with shorter wheelbases and tight turning radiuses navigate small yards well.
  • Durability – Toro mowers are designed for residential reliability with cast aluminum decks and steel frames.
  • Features – Look for features like variable speed control, folding handles, and washout ports that make mowing and storage easier.
  • Price – Expect to spend $300-$800 for a high quality Toro mower suitable for a small yard.

Based on these criteria, three of the top options to consider from Toro are the TimeMaster, Super Recycler, and TurboForce models.

Toro TimeMaster

The Toro TimeMaster is an excellent choice for small yards thanks to its innovative dual force cutting system. This TimeMaster model has a 30 inch wide cutting deck that allows you to mow a small yard much faster than other standard walk-behind mowers.

The dual force cutting system uses an auxiliary blade under the mower deck that cuts clippings a second time into smaller pieces for optimal mulching. This allows you to cut grass at speeds up to 4.5 mph while still achieving an even cut and fine mulch. The faster speed cutting significantly reduces mowing time for small yards.

The TimeMaster weighs only 60 pounds but has a powerful 223 cc Briggs & Stratton engine with 8.75 ft-lbs of torque. It can power up thick grass and the oversized rear wheels provide great traction.

This mower has compact dimensions with a 32 inch wheel base that allows tight 22 inch turning radiuses around landscaping and obstacles in small spaces. It also has convenient features like variable speed control, folding handles for vertical storage, and a washout port to rinse grass clippings from under the deck.

The TimeMaster receives top reviews for its ability to quickly cut small and mid-sized yards while leaving behind an impeccable cut. It comes with a 3 year warranty and typical street price under $300.

Toro Super Recycler

For even smaller yard sizes, the Toro Super Recycler is an optimal choice. This mower has a narrow 20 inch cutting deck and lightweight 44 pound body ideal for tight spaces and easy maneuverability.

The Super Recycler uses a 163 cc Briggs & Stratton engine with 5.75 ft-lbs of torque to power through thick grass. The mower height is adjustable between 1.25-3.75 inches in 6 increments to achieve the right cut for your grass type and condition.

It has a compact 35 inch wheelbase with quick 16 inch turning radiuses. The smaller deck and light body allow you to seamlessly maneuver around trees, gardens, and other obstacles in tight spaces.

This model has useful features tailored for small yards like a special washout port that connects to a garden hose to allow you to wash away clippings from under the deck. It also has a rugged steel deck to maintain quality cutting performance season after season.

The Super Recycler consistently earns high ratings for its smooth handling and ability to cut small yards efficiently. It comes with a 2 year warranty and has a typical street price around $329.

Toro TurboForce

For a powerful but affordable option, the Toro TurboForce is a top pick. This Toro mower has a 21 inch cutting deck with rear bagging system ideal for small yards.

It uses a heavy duty 140 cc Briggs & Stratton engine to power through thick and wet grass. The dual blade cutting system creates extra fine mulch for even nutrient dispersion. You can discharge, bag, or mulch clippings based on your needs.

This mower only weighs 42 pounds for easy maneuvering around landscaping and in tight spaces. It has a 36 inch wheelbase with 18 inch turning radius to navigate sharp corners and small yards.

The TurboForce is designed to be easy to use with a Quick Stow handle that folds down in 1 step to enable vertical storage. It also has convenient features like a washout port, adjustable cutting height, and durable steel deck.

This affordable Toro option consistently earns 4+ star ratings for its rugged power and performance cutting small yards. It comes with a 2 year warranty and typical street price around $269.

Key Factors to Compare

To choose the right Toro mower for your small yard, compare models across these key factors:

Model Cutting Width Weight Engine Power Maneuverability Key Features Ratings Price
Toro TimeMaster 30 in. 60 lbs 223cc Briggs & Stratton Tight 22 in. turning radius Dual force cutting system, variable speed, washout port 4.7 stars $300
Toro Super Recycler 20 in. 44 lbs 163cc Briggs & Stratton Quick 16 in. turning radius Washout port, steel deck 4.5 stars $329
Toro TurboForce 21 in. 42 lbs 140cc Briggs & Stratton Tight 18 in. turning radius Rear bagging, foldable handle 4.4 stars $269

As this comparison shows, the TimeMaster is the best option if cutting time is your top priority given its wider deck and innovative cutting system. The Super Recycler is ideal for the smallest yard sizes under 1/4 acre. And the TurboForce is the most affordable Toro that still offers rugged performance.

Conclusion

When choosing the ideal Toro lawn mower for a small yard, key factors to weigh include cutting width, weight, engine power, maneuverability, features, ratings, and price. Compact mowers like the Toro TimeMaster, Super Recycler, and TurboForce are designed to provide optimal cutting performance and ease of use in tight spaces. Consider your unique needs and yard dimensions to select the perfect Toro model that will make maintaining your small lawn as fast and easy as possible this season.