A perfectly manicured lawn is a point of pride, and the right self-propelled mower makes achieving it effortless. Toro has long been a trusted name in lawn care, consistently innovating to reduce the work and increase the satisfaction of yard maintenance. Their self-propelled models are engineered to do the hard work for you, seamlessly adjusting to your walking pace so you can focus on a clean, even cut.
Whether you prioritize the deep, nutrient-rich mulch of the Recycler series, the pro-level stripes of the Stripe models, or the raw power of gas, there is a Toro self-propelled mower built for your lawn’s specific needs. This roundup cuts through the noise to present the best options available this year, helping you find the perfect machine to conquer your grass with ease and precision.
The Best Toro Self Propelled Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Cut
- Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler with Personal Pace
- Toro Recycler 21466 22-Inch 60 V Battery Self-Propelled Mower
- Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Self-Propel Lawn Mower
- Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Dual Blades, Self-Propel Mower
- Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler with Personal Pace Mower
- Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Recycler Self-Propel Lawn Mower
- XIKOBY Brake Cable for Toro Timemaster 30″ Mower
- Toro 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
- Toro 21″ Super Recycler Self-Propelled SmartStow Mower
Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler with Personal Pace
This cordless mower offers exceptional flexibility by allowing you to choose your battery and, consequently, your runtime. It is compatible with recommended 60V MAX 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, and 7.5Ah batteries, making it a great option if you already own Toro’s 60V outdoor power equipment.
The standout feature is the Personal Pace system, which automatically adjusts the mower’s speed to your walking pace. There are no levers or adjustments to make; you simply walk, and the mower matches your speed. Furthermore, the Recycler Cutting System processes grass clippings into ultra-fine “Lawn Vitamins” that decompose quickly to naturally nourish your lawn for a greener, healthier look.
Toro Recycler 21466 22-Inch 60 V Battery Self-Propelled Mower
Experience a self-propelled mower that truly adapts to you. The Personal Pace Auto-Drive system eliminates knobs and levers, providing intuitive speed control directly from the easy-to-steer handle. This model also includes the innovative Super Bagger, which is designed for easier lifting, stable pouring, and simple cleanup.
At the heart of its performance is the supercharged Recycler Cutting System with Vortex Technology. This engineering advancement creates a powerful airflow that boosts cutting performance, ensuring a clean and even cut while effectively managing clippings, whether you are mulching or bagging.
Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Self-Propel Lawn Mower
For those who desire a lawn with a professional, striped appearance, this mower delivers. It features pro-level striping capability that will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. The self-propel system smoothly matches your speed, making it easy to create those crisp, clean lines.
This model is also designed with user comfort in mind, weighing up to 25% less than many other battery-powered mowers. Its patent-pending engineering not only contributes to the lightweight design but also ensures the best possible grass lay-down for a pristine finish after every mow.
Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Dual Blades, Self-Propel Mower
This model combines the coveted striping ability with an advanced cutting system. It features dual blades that surgically cut and recut grass clippings, turning them into fine “Lawn Vitamins.” This results in a superior mulching performance that nourishes your lawn, reducing the need for additional fertilizer.
Like its sibling, it offers the flexibility to choose your battery for a customized runtime and includes the self-propel system for effortless operation. This mower is built to handle any grass type, providing a clean, well-manicured cut with less work required from you.
Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler with Personal Pace Mower
Reliability is key with this battery-powered mower, which features a push-button start for instant activation the first time and every time. It is equipped with dual LED headlights, allowing you to mow from dawn until dusk with clear visibility. The low-maintenance nature of battery power means no more oil, spark plugs, or pull cords.
You also benefit from the intuitive Personal Pace Auto-Drive system, which represents the evolution of self-propel technology. It automatically adjusts to your walking speed with no knobs or levers to fiddle with, making mowing a simple, one-handed task.
Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Recycler Self-Propel Lawn Mower
This 21-inch model offers a practical balance of power and maneuverability. It gives you the freedom to select your battery for a runtime that suits your lawn size. The self-propel system provides the power to move the mower, while a 2-point height-of-cut adjustment allows for quick and even deck leveling across your entire lawn.
When it is time to bag, the advanced mulching bag is designed to reduce blow-out and hold more clippings. It is also easy to empty, streamlining the cleanup process after you finish mowing.
XIKOBY Brake Cable for Toro Timemaster 30″ Mower
This is a replacement part designed for Toro’s popular 30-inch TimeMaster lawn mowers, including models like the 21199 and 21200. It serves as the brake cable and blade engagement cable, a crucial component for the safe operation of the mower.
Constructed from premium steel, this cable is built for excellent durability. Key improvements over the original part include a heavier-gauge spring hook at the belt pulley and a steel-wrapped end at the operator handle, making it a robust and reliable replacement option for maintaining your wide-area mower.
Toro 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
For those who prefer the traditional power and runtime of a gas engine, this self-propelled model is a top contender. It brings the proven performance of the Recycler Cutting System to a gas-powered platform, mulching grass clippings into fine particles that act as natural fertilizer for your lawn.
It is equipped with the Personal Pace system, providing effortless control over your mowing speed without any manual adjustments. This combination of reliable gas power, superior mulching, and intuitive self-propelled operation makes it a consistently popular choice for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn.
Toro 21″ Super Recycler Self-Propelled SmartStow Mower
The Super Recycler represents the peak of Toro’s gas mower engineering. It features an advanced version of the Recycler system for the most thorough mulching performance, producing ultra-fine clippings that virtually disappear into the turf.
A key benefit is the SmartStow design, which allows the mower to be stored vertically in an upright position. This saves a significant amount of storage space in your garage or shed. Combined with the effortless Personal Pace self-propel system, this mower offers premium performance and unmatched convenience.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Next Toro Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Choosing the right self-propelled lawn mower can feel like a big decision, and I get it. You want something that makes the job easier, not more complicated. Having spent a good amount of time with Toro mowers, I can walk you through the key things to think about before you buy one of the 9 best Toro self propelled lawn mowers this year.
First, let’s talk about drive systems. This is the feature that does the pushing for you, and Toro offers a couple of main types. The standard front-wheel drive is great for flat, even lawns. It pulls you along and is generally easy to maneuver. If your yard has any hills or uneven terrain, you should really look at a model with rear-wheel drive. The rear wheels provide better traction and control, making it much easier to handle slopes without slipping. Some of the higher-end Toros even feature Personal Pace, an intuitive system that automatically matches the mower’s speed to your walking pace. It sounds like a small thing, but it makes mowing feel completely natural.
Next up is the engine. You will see two main measurements: horsepower (HP) and cubic centimeters (cc). For most residential lawns, you do not need the absolute biggest engine. A mid-range engine, say around 160 to 190 cc, is plenty powerful for typical grass cutting and will handle occasional thick patches without trouble. Think about the size of your yard. A larger property might benefit from the extra torque of a bigger engine to maintain consistent power over a longer runtime.
Then there’s the deck construction and cutting width. Mower decks are typically made from steel or aluminum. Steel is durable and common, while aluminum is lighter and resists rust better. The cutting width determines how wide a path you mow with each pass. A wider deck, like a 22-inch instead of a 21-inch, means you can finish the job slightly faster. Also, pay close attention to the height adjustment. A single lever that adjusts all wheels at once is a huge time-saver compared to fiddling with four separate levers.
Finally, consider the grass handling options. Do you want to bag your clippings for a clean look, mulch them finely to feed your lawn, or discharge them to the side? Many of the best Toro self propelled lawn mowers offer all three capabilities in one machine. If you prefer mulching, look for a model specifically designed with a mulch-enhancing blade and deck to chop the clippings very finely. Your decision here will depend on your personal preference and your lawn’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Toro’s Personal Pace and a standard drive system?
This is one of the most common questions I see. A standard self-propelled drive system usually has a set speed that you control with a lever or button. You have to manually adjust your walking speed to match the mower. Toro’s Personal Pace is different. It’s a variable-speed system that uses a lever you push with your hands. The harder you push, the faster the mower goes. It automatically senses your walking pace and adjusts the drive speed to match you. It feels much more intuitive and requires less effort on your part, especially when starting, stopping, or navigating around obstacles.
Are Toro self propelled mowers good for hilly yards?
Yes, absolutely, but you need to pick the right model. For any significant slope, I always recommend a rear-wheel drive Toro. The rear wheels provide the pushing power and better traction, which prevents the mower from slipping or losing grip on an incline. Front-wheel drive models can struggle with hills because the front wheels might lift or slip. So, if your property has hills, focusing on a rear-wheel drive model from the list of the 9 best Toro self propelled lawn mowers this year is your best bet for safety and performance.
How often do I need to perform maintenance on my Toro mower?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your mower running well for years. After every use, I make a habit of cleaning off any stuck grass from the underside of the deck. For the engine, you should change the oil at least once a season or after every 50 hours of use. The air filter should be checked and cleaned or replaced regularly, especially if you mow in dusty conditions. The spark plug typically needs replacement once a season. And of course, keep the blade sharp! A dull blade tears grass, leading to a brown, unhealthy-looking lawn. I sharpen my blade a couple of times per season.
Can I mulch with any Toro self propelled mower?
Many Toro mowers are designed as 3-in-1 machines, meaning they can bag, mulch, or side-discharge clippings. However, not all models mulch equally well. If mulching is your primary goal, you should look for a mower that is specifically advertised with a “mulching mode” or includes a dedicated mulch plug. These models often have a special deck design and mulching blade that chops the grass clippings into tiny pieces that can fall back into the turf as natural fertilizer. Using a standard mower without these features for mulching will likely result in clumps of grass left on your lawn.
What is the benefit of an electric start on a gas mower?
As someone who has pulled a recoil cord many times, the benefit of an electric start is simple: convenience. With the push of a button, the engine starts right up, every time. This is especially helpful if you have trouble with the physical pulling motion, or if you need to start and stop the mower frequently while cleaning up your yard. It eliminates the frustration of a stubborn pull-start on a cold morning or after the mower has been sitting for a while. It’s a feature that seems like a luxury until you have it, and then you will not want to go back.