Mowers

[frigilux]

I purchased a new Toro mower yesterday: Model 20384 with Personal Pace self-propel system and electric start. Price: $650.00

It is lighter than the 13-year old Snapper it replaces and is easier to maneuver. It's also quieter and doesn't need to be primed. The Snapper was fussy with priming and flooded easily. It also didn't like to restart if the engine stopped mid-mow. You'd have to let it cool for awhile.

The Personal Pace system took a bit of getting used to during the first mow. I was used to leaning into the handle on the Snapper and doing so with the Toro caused it to jump to the fastest propel speed. The mower popped a wheelie a couple of times, LOL. Part of my yard is a hill and the Toro handled it well.

I like the Washout Port for the deck. Connect a hose to it, turn on the water and start the mower. It cleans out the underside of the deck.

I'm using it in the mulch mode---it mulches the grass more finely than the Snapper---so the bag has been removed and put in storage.

The Snapper, an expensive mower which I've paid for again in repairs over the years, needed almost $200 put into it; so I decided enough was enough and sprang for the Toro.[this post was last edited: 6/24/2016-08:34]

 

[countryguy]

I have the Toro Personal pace mulcher also but mine is 7 years old. Mine usually starts on the first or 2nd pull but if I shut it off mid mow, it is hard to start again. The last time I did that I had to remove the spark plug, dry it off and let it sit for about 20 minutes before it would start.

 

[tolivac]

The Toro mower in the picture looks like the one I use to have that was stolen.Agree on sharp,nick free,balanced blades.BUT don't go TOO sharp NEVER file your blades to a knife edge.It will dull or nick quickly.For most walk and ride mowers a 1/32 " edge is best.For large tractor mowers-1/16" cutting edge is good.

 

[volvoguy87]

Hard starting.

I know on many small engines, you should not tip the engine on its side with the carburetor down. Gas (maybe oil sometimes if things aren't right?) can flow out of the carb and get into the air filter. Once this happens, it is hard to start when the engine is hot. Try replacing the air filter and its foam sleeve, if it has one).

David

 

[frigilux]

The Snapper seemed to get oil in the filter no matter what I tried. I'm glad the Toro has a washout port so I never have to turn it on its side (although the manual does state the same thing you advised; to turn it on its side with the air filter up).

 

[volsboy1]

I have been attached to Lawn boy 2 cycle mowers ever sense I had a lawn service when I was 15.I did not know much

about small engines back then.I went through two mowers a summer they kept throwing rods on me.

My Mamaw bought be a new 2cycle  Lawn-boy commercial mower.Then it clicked in my brain, my Green Machine had oil in the gas that is why it could be turned any which way. 

 

My neighbor just likes to preach about everything,and I poke holes in his limited logic all the time.Me leaving lights on when I go work,me watering my grass to long,me using my dryer instead of hanging it outside,me leaving my heat pump on when I am gone.

He caught me in a BAD mood Saturday,he gave me timers for my lights.

He has two identical sprayers for his yard. One has fertilizer in it with a Green cap and one with Round up  weed and grass killer with a Red-Cap.. I swapped the caps on them and threw his daughters toy next to it and walked away..Sunday, I sat on my porch drinking my coffee watching the feel good movie of the year

. Him put fertilizer on his yard.

You know maybe,I should not watch Desperate House wives,I think it's rubbing off on me..

 

 

[frigilux]

So you not only killed his lawn, you're going to let a little kid get punished for it?

 

[countryguy]

My Toro has the washout port but I have never found it to be very effective. I always flip the mower on its side (carb side up) to clean underneath with the hose or using the power sprayer. Afterwards I start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to help dry the underside. It is always hard to start after doing this however.

 

[washman]

Frig do you dig the Toro?

I only used the Husky once right when I got it to sort of clean up the yard from the last mow. Since then, been as dry as a soda cracker around here.

Watch those wheelies, you're not a spring chicken any more!

 

[frigilux]

Have only mowed once; will do so again tomorrow. The Toro is noticeably easier to maneuver around objects---mainly because it is lighter than the Snapper. I like not having to prime it. Poured in the gasoline, pulled the cord once and it fired right up. Finally got around to charging the battery (which is also easier; the charger connects to a cord on the handle) so will try the electric start feature. The Toro is also quieter than the Snapper. Overall, I'd say it's less fatiguing to use and it climbs the hill on the north side of my lawn with no effort on my part.

Check The Fine Print: I live close to a Toro manufacturing plant where they build snowblowers and lawn mowers. Came to find out the nearby plant builds their commercial mowers.  Consumer/Residential mowers are assembled in Mexico.  Oh, well.  

 

[washman]

Ole!

Keep 'em working Frig!