Speedwaysales.com has the Toro Super Recycler Lawn Mower (#20057) for $649.99 minus a $75 mail-in rebate for a grand total of $574.99 shipped. Cheapest I see it elsewhere is $766.80.
I've been looking for a new push mower and this one seems to get great reviews all around, including a high rating from Consumer Reports.
You may want to try and have a local dealer match the price.
It would be worth it for the set-up/delivery (free from most local dealers) and peace of mind of having a local to call upon when needs arise.
On a side note, Toro Super Recyclers are GREAT mowers, I've got a 10-year old 20475 (3spd/BBC/6hp briggs) that runs perfect. Do not even TRY to compare to the Toros that Home Depot sells . . . they are worlds apart.
Is it really worth twice the price of a Toro 20017?
That's a serious question, I'm not trying to be a Smart A--. I just don't see off the bat how it's worth that much. Any lawnmower afficianado here that can explain it?
With over an acre, if I were to get above to the $600 range I would be thinking riding mower would be worth $1300 before I spent $600 on a walk behind.
The Toro at Home Depot looks pretty sweet...it has an Atomic® Blade.
Honestly, I can't imagine why that one wouldn't be just as good. Somebody will be quick to say that it won't last half as long, but even if that's true, it costs half as much.
Toddler said: The Toro at Home Depot looks pretty sweet...it has an Atomic® Blade.
Honestly, I can't imagine why that one wouldn't be just as good. Somebody will be quick to say that it won't last half as long, but even if that's true, it costs half as much.
There are some major differences. The SR series has a cast aluminum deck versus a steel deck, a MUCH quieter engine and 3 more years of warranty. Thene there is the little things like grease fittings on the rear axle, heavier construction, and yes, a better cut . . . it takes more than a blade to get a thorough mulch cut.
The SR is basically a commercial quality unit with a VERY slight step down in engine from the Kawasaki's they use in the commercial models. The home depot is overpriced in that it is made from the same components as the stuff at Sears and Wal*Mart . . . it's just painted nicer.
Toddler said: The Toro at Home Depot looks pretty sweet...it has an Atomic® Blade.
Honestly, I can't imagine why that one wouldn't be just as good. Somebody will be quick to say that it won't last half as long, but even if that's true, it costs half as much.
Actually I bought one about three weeks ago. It was marked down to $199 (33% off) as "refurbished, full warranty" and it still had the return papers in it. It said "customer didn't like, check for resale"
So I basically got a brand new $300 mower for $200
I was really surprised at the torque coming out of the tecumseh engine, I was mowing through 2-3' tall weeds without a hitch. Sure, I had it on the highest cut and the side discharger on it, but it went right through it. Did some reading and the Tecumseh engines have been slowly improving over the years. And of course, we all know B&S has went downhill (not way downhill, just not bullet proof like the ones they made 20+ years ago that built their reputation. Especially those cheap-o Intek engines)
deathwish said: There are some major differences. The SR series has a cast aluminum deck versus a steel deck, a MUCH quieter engine and 3 more years of warranty. Thene there is the little things like grease fittings on the rear axle, heavier construction, and yes, a better cut . . . it takes more than a blade to get a thorough mulch cut.
Okay, I could see this if I were out cutting lawns in the suburbs for a living, or had a hangup about how my grass looks.
But since I cut the grass about six times a year, and no matter how "better the cut is" ($300 better?) it will still all look the same after a week, I think I will take the savings.
I can see how the $600 model could be worth it though if it is someone's thing. I figure everyone has there hobbies and things that make them happy, and if you like a nice looking lawn or do a lot of pushing then I say go for it and enjoy
Of course, I hope this is a better engine than the Intek. The aluminum deck is a big plus too.
W
alphawave
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Jun. 20, 2006 @ 11:14a
Hmmm..this site also beats my local mower shops on commercial equipment prices, with free shipping and no sales tax. Thanks for the site!
Sometimes HD has some hondas that got returned out front. I sold my 13 yr old honda to a friend and it still works great.
Acme
Ancient Member
posted: Jun. 20, 2006 @ 11:19a
Since we're sharing, I bought a Toro Recycler about a month and a half ago. I have the electric start one with the Personal Pace. Hands down best mower I've ever used. It actually makes it kinda fun to mow the lawn. I considered the Super Recycler for a little while, but then it occured to me that I am a normal guy with a normal suburban lawn. Buying some mamba-jahamba commercial quality lawn mower to mow my 1/4 acre would be silly and a waste of money. The *guy* in me kept throwing around all the arguments that deathwish made above, but at the end of the day none of those are strong enough reasons to pay twice as much for a frickin lawn mower, at least to me. Especially since the regular Recyclers are SO GOOD to start with. On a scale of 1-10, the Recycler would be a 9.8 in my book. Spending double the money in hopes of getting an extra 0.1 or 0.2 points is crazy. Unless you have cash growing in your yard instead of grass. In which case I'll offer to come hand pick your grass instead of you mowing it!!
I had a top-end Toro years ago - there is a world of difference for those of us who mow 2-3 times a week. The one I had used a Suzuki OVC engine, which was basically a Honda clone. Had electric start that even had a built-in charging system. Yet it started so easy, I didn't need it.
There was one serious flaw with it though, the mower was so heavy that the rear wheel drive system was problematic, and the wheel adjusters were a cronic nightmare. I gave that $750 lawn mower away, bought a nice lightweight 2 cycle Lawnboy (lower grade with the steel deck - but nice otherwise) and use it for trimming. I also upgraded to a rider as I do have a large lawn. Mind you, I went with a decent Wheel Horse (Toro), so I don't have a thing against the brand.
If you mow a lot, once you own or use a truly decent mower - you'll be spoiled!
from a guy who cut miles and miles and miles of grass as a kid/young man.
most important is light weight, easy to handle with good grass collection.
everything else does not matter much at all. A easy to use cheap lawn mower is better than a heavy set fancy one. even a cheap one should last about ten years.
2cents
mlfa
Member
posted: Jun. 20, 2006 @ 3:10p
Stay far,far away from the Toro TimeCutter Zero turns, man I have had nothing but problems and Corporate won't listen. Don't know if this particular model is any good, but I will never buy Toro again. FWIW
RDMustang1 said: Is the 20057 worth $95 more than the 20054?
Yes, however it's more a matter of if YOU need the extra features.
It adds the OHV engine and the traction assist handle (the latter useful for hilly or sloping yards) . . . if you plan to put a lot of hours on it (say, more than 10-15 a month), the OHV engine with the oil filter (and longer service interval) is worth it alone . . . the assist handle OTOH can be bought as an accessory for $30.
alphawave
Senior Member - 2K
posted: Jun. 20, 2006 @ 9:00p
I'd say the OHV engine alone is worth the extra dough. Potentially could add a few years to it's service-life.
I bought a Toro Recycler (or SR?) self propelled from HD about 3-4 years ago but the rear drive drove me crazy so I returned it and got a Troy Built self propelled from Lowes. My Troy Built has front wheel drive. I don't see how anyone can use RWD, unless they just have to for traction w/ steep hills. Also on the Toro, if you don't use the rear discharge, I don't like the big molding thing that's left there.
My Troy Built is no better built than a $100 mower, and I think it originally sold for $500. It has the personal pace type system, but it's way to slow and I often end up disengaging it and pushing it faster manually. Two of the wheel covers won't stay on. 1/4 of the paint has flaked off the deck. The height adjusters are near impossible to use. the side discharge flap seems worthless since it's so hard to open, and only manages to trap grass in it. The stickers were all crooked. Last year or before, it started cutting uneven. I've tried sharpening it, but it didn't help much.
I took it to the recommended authorized repair center (Ace Hardware) once to check the speed and see if they could order me some new wheels or wheel covers, but all they did was glue the covers back on, and try to charge me $40 for that and checking the speed (I didn't pay). Now I can't get to the lube fittings that are behind the covers since they're glued on. The service I got when calling Troy Built was about as bad. Also the engine stinks (typical mower engine burning smell), sometimes smokes bad, the oil cap sometimes comes loose and oil flies out. BS engines often get hard to start after a few years. Do the others? I think the next mower I get will probably have a non-BS engine in it.
Why do you need an OHV on a mower?
I only mow every week or 1.5 weeks, so I don't need anything too fancy, but I would pay double the price for a mower if only because it's quieter (if that's true). I didn't know some were louder than others. Mine (and most) is too loud and does damage your hearing. And if I wear earbuds, I have to turn it up too loud to hear it. And if the more expensive mower didn't have the other problems I mentioned, even better. Does the paint stick better to the aluminum decks?
I thought about buying a fancy new blade. Any recommendations? Someone recommended a Mulch-X once. Anyone use one?
feeth said: Sometimes HD has some hondas that got returned out front. I sold my 13 yr old honda to a friend and it still works great.
I bought a Honda HRT216 (5 HP, 3 spd, qudra blade, bagger, mulcher, side discharge) cutomer return (open box) at Home depot, paid $250 for a $500+++ mower back in the fall of 2004. Called Honda to transfer the 3 year warranty. Starts on the first pull.
Slickone said: I bought a Toro Recycler (or SR?) self propelled from HD about 3-4 years ago but the rear drive drove me crazy so I returned it and got a Troy Built self propelled from Lowes. My Troy Built has front wheel drive. I don't see how anyone can use RWD, unless they just have to for traction w/ steep hills. Also on the Toro, if you don't use the rear discharge, I don't like the big molding thing that's left there.
My Troy Built is no better built than a $100 mower, and I think it originally sold for $500. It has the personal pace type system, but it's way to slow and I often end up disengaging it and pushing it faster manually. Two of the wheel covers won't stay on. 1/4 of the paint has flaked off the deck. The height adjusters are near impossible to use. the side discharge flap seems worthless since it's so hard to open, and only manages to trap grass in it. The stickers were all crooked. Last year or before, it started cutting uneven. I've tried sharpening it, but it didn't help much.
I took it to the recommended authorized repair center (Ace Hardware) once to check the speed and see if they could order me some new wheels or wheel covers, but all they did was glue the covers back on, and try to charge me $40 for that and checking the speed (I didn't pay). Now I can't get to the lube fittings that are behind the covers since they're glued on. The service I got when calling Troy Built was about as bad. Also the engine stinks (typical mower engine burning smell), sometimes smokes bad, the oil cap sometimes comes loose and oil flies out. BS engines often get hard to start after a few years. Do the others? I think the next mower I get will probably have a non-BS engine in it.
Why do you need an OHV on a mower?
I only mow every week or 1.5 weeks, so I don't need anything too fancy, but I would pay double the price for a mower if only because it's quieter (if that's true). I didn't know some were louder than others. Mine (and most) is too loud and does damage your hearing. And if I wear earbuds, I have to turn it up too loud to hear it. And if the more expensive mower didn't have the other problems I mentioned, even better. Does the paint stick better to the aluminum decks?
I thought about buying a fancy new blade. Any recommendations? Someone recommended a Mulch-X once. Anyone use one?
Get the Honda two blade mulching mower from Home Depot. Best mower I've ever owned.
Acme said: Since we're sharing, I bought a Toro Recycler about a month and a half ago. I have the electric start one with the Personal Pace. Hands down best mower I've ever used. It actually makes it kinda fun to mow the lawn. I considered the Super Recycler for a little while, but then it occured to me that I am a normal guy with a normal suburban lawn. Buying some mamba-jahamba commercial quality lawn mower to mow my 1/4 acre would be silly and a waste of money. The *guy* in me kept throwing around all the arguments that deathwish made above, but at the end of the day none of those are strong enough reasons to pay twice as much for a frickin lawn mower, at least to me. Especially since the regular Recyclers are SO GOOD to start with. On a scale of 1-10, the Recycler would be a 9.8 in my book. Spending double the money in hopes of getting an extra 0.1 or 0.2 points is crazy. Unless you have cash growing in your yard instead of grass. In which case I'll offer to come hand pick your grass instead of you mowing it!!
I got the same mower at the beginning of this summer. Great purchase! In the past I usually just cheaped out and got a crappy MTD or Craftsman mower, that always had pitiful mulching performance. The Recycler mulches great, I love the Personal Pace thing, the electric start is nice, but not really required, especially if you mulch since you only really start it once anyways. Maybe if you bag it would be more useful. Overall I'm happy I bought it.
Yep, just bought mine through eBay from those guys. They accidentally had it listed for $589, so I got it for that price minus the rebate is $514 +$5 SH insurance = $519.00. Even before I got off the phone with them, they changed the price back to $599.
RDMustang1, I purchased one of the last Lawnboy commercial with 2-cycle from them about 2 years ago. It came with a missing a handle and bolt that held the bars together so I called them and one was sent within a week. Good guys to deal with along with great price when you don't have to pay tax and shipping for a $800 mower.
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