Toro TimeCutter Review

TimeCutter review

Toro TimeCutter overview

The Toro TimeCutter is Toro’s lever-steered residential zero-turn, and it is the one most people think of when they want a first zero-turn that still has a 10-gauge fabricated deck. The model currently easiest to buy is the 42-inch MyRIDE (75747), which Toro lists at $4,499 through dealers. Larger 50 and 60-inch versions exist, but most of the ones we checked on Toro’s site are marked discontinued, so the 42-inch is the practical choice today.

If you are searching for a Toro TimeCutter review, the question usually is whether it is a better buy than the TimeCutter MAX or the TITAN. The short answer is that the standard TimeCutter is the smaller, lighter and lower-priced of the three, with less fuel capacity and smaller tires.

Engine and power

The 42-inch MyRIDE carries a Kohler V-twin rated at 22 hp gross and 725 cc. The California-legal 42-inch uses a Kawasaki V-twin at 23 hp and 726 cc, and the older 50 and 60-inch machines used either a Kawasaki 23 hp or a Toro commercial V-twin at 24.5 hp and 708 cc.

Toro prints a footnote on each page that actual engine output is significantly lower than the gross figure, which is normal across the industry. Treat the horsepower as a way to compare engines within a brand, not as a measure of cutting power.

Drive, steering and ride

Drive is dual hydrostatic and rear-wheel, with Hydro-Gear ZT2100 transmissions on the 42-inch and ZT2200 units on the 50-inch MyRIDE. Top forward speed is 7.0 mph, with a 5.5 mph trim setting and a slower 4.0 mph tow setting. You steer with two wrap-around levers fitted with Pro-Control dampers, so there is no steering wheel on the models we verified.

MyRIDE suspension is the key comfort feature. It isolates the operator platform from the frame, which smooths out bumps on rough ground. The seat is a high-back design with armrests and the tractor has a cup holder.

Deck and cutting

Every TimeCutter we checked uses an IronForged deck made from fabricated 10-gauge steel. The 42-inch has two blades and the 50-inch has three, with side discharge. Cutting height runs from 1.5 to 4.5 inches and is set with a foot pedal. Toro’s Smart Speed system is meant to keep blade tip speed steady as ground speed changes.

Other useful details are a washout port, a toolless belt cover, electric start and compatibility with the MyToro app.

Size, weight and limits

The 42-inch weighs 589 lb and uses 11×4 front and 18×7.5 rear tires, with a 3-gallon tank. That tank is small for bigger lawns, and Toro recommends the 42-inch for up to about 2 acres of flat ground with obstacles. The 42-inch is not CARB compliant, so it cannot ship to California.

Warranty is 3 years for residential use. Choose the TimeCutter if your lot is under two acres with trees and beds to trim around, and step up to the MAX or TITAN if you want bigger tires, a larger tank or more deck.