Toro Lawn Mowers
- Lawnmower Reviews and Ratings -

Toro lawn mowers have been around for almost ninety years. The company was established in 1914 and currently operates in over 80 countries with 2010 sales exceeding $1.7 billion. There are Toro mowers for every conceivable requirement from walk behind lawn mowers, through to large scale Toro lawn tractors that make short work of golf courses and sports grounds. In recent years the company has diversified into irrigation systems and professional maintenance services.

In the course of it's history the Toro Company has grown organically and through acquisitions. For example it's purchase of Wheel Horse from AMC in 1986 saw the emergence Toro lawn tractors and ride on lawn mowers. A few years later Toro acquired Lawn Boy Mowers. It was a move that enabled Toro to ramp up sales of cheaper entry level machines, without detracting from the premium status of Toro lawn mowers at the top end of the market.

Toro Mowers

Toro lawn mowers are amongst the top selling models in all categories. A highly recognizable brand name helps, but innovative features and one of the best warranties in the industry are the key reasons.

Toro Walk Behind Mowers

Toro has been very successful in identifying the key features that homeowners want. These include: reliable ignition systems, sturdy construction, efficient mulching, quick and effective clean-up and ease of adjustment. Homeowners also want to produce lawn striping effects like the professionals.

Toro has responded with proprietary features including:

• 3 year guarantee to start and electric start options
• Caste aluminum decks featuring wheel recesses
• "Recycler Mowers" and "Bag on Demand"
• "Quick Wash" washout ports
• "Personal Pace" self propelled mowers, and
• Lawn striping kits

Toro Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers

Cordless electric lawn mowers are now outselling gas powered rotaries. Until recently Black and Decker, Neuton and one or two lesser know brands had no serious competition. That's all changed with Toro releasing the e-Cycler 36 volt electric mulching mower. We have no doubt that Toro's e-Cycler range will be expanded upon in coming years.

Toro Riding Mowers

Toro has the most extensive range of riding lawnmowers. It's lawn tractors and zero turn mowers are most competitive in the sub-2 acre lawn market.

Toro Lawn Tractors

The top selling Toro lawn mower in this category is the LX423 (42") 20-HP Lawn Tractor. It's a Kohler powered mower with automatic transmission and a top speed of 5.5 mph. At a cost that is well under $2,000 it's an attractive proposition for homeowners with yards up to one and a half acres in size.

Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

The TimeCutter range uses a scaled down version of the technology employed in Toro's commercial and golf course mowers. They are generally a faster and more efficient solution than lawn tractors, especially where there are obstacles and tight corners to negotiate.

The top selling Toro mower in this category is the SS4235 (42") 20HP Zero Turn Lawn Mower. It features Toro's Smart Speed control system that enables users to select a speed range appropriate to conditions. In so doing neither blade speed nor engine power is reduced, and hence the mower can negotiate tricky areas without reducing it's effectiveness.

Summary

Despite a flood of cheap off-shore manufactured alternatives, Toro lawn mowers remain one of the most popular and best selling brands. Through continuous innovation and attention to quality control, Toro has succeeded in maintaining market share and impressing financial analysts.