2020 Toro TimeCutter Mowing Problems 

do you have the Kawasaki or Toro engine? BTW, great video photography :)

The Kaw

Mine has the Toro Commercial engine, and it does a really nice job.

I would not expect that with the Scag. It has the 4-point deck lift.

@c ball The Toro TIMECUTTER has a nice step on platform up front, so there is no need to step on the deck.

You say more often is that once a week or twice or more? What setting is 1/3rd?

@@WWStudio360 I don’t have the mower to tell you what setting 1/3rd but id say do one good cleanup/cut then do maintenance once a week for the best looking yard

​@@WWStudio360 1/3 is regarding how much of the grass to cut off at one time to not shock it so if your grass is 6 inches tall you only want to cut 2 inches max

Each deck is different. A 42 or 50 will not cut exactly the same as the 54. In fact, When I owned the lawn service I only used 60 inch decks on my zero-turns because they cut more evenly than the 48-52 inch decks of that time. So, you may not be experiencing the same issues with your 54 as I have had with this 50. So - please don't assume I am getting paid by someone to knock one mower down over another. Yes, I have mowers that I don't like but the TimeCutter is definitely not one of them!

This mulch kit is great. Toro knows how to make a deck/mulch kit that works properly. Just remember - to mulch cool season grasses properly you need to mow at least 3 1/2 inchs and only mow one third of the grass stalk. Right now my lawn is in the fast growth season so it's growing at 3/4 inch a day. So I'd have to mow 3 times a week if I was mulching properly. So - I've taken the mulch kit out and won't reinstall it until my lawn slows down later this summer.

My order of preference, Ariens Ikon XD - It's the best but- the deck doesn't stick out much for trimming. Install a new gate and get the 50 inch... Cub Cadet ZT2 - Tougher than the ZT1 Toro Timecutter - I really like the Smart speed on the Timecutter. Cub Cadet ZT1 - Actually a very good mower - especially compared to everything else but the three above. Husqvarna - if you can't say anything good - say nothing at all.

@@PaulSikkema Thanks very much for your input. I'm going to take all that into consideration. I trust your judgement!

You will absolutely hate using a 36 inch ZTR on multiple lawns. They don't have proper traction and will tear up the turf - no matter what you do. You do realize the ZTR is wider than the 36 inch deck and you'll have to run on the uncut grass if you are trying to stripe? I strongly recommend starting off with a TimeMaster or a used Toro commercial Pro walk behind instead.

What I like about the IKON: I really like that the deck sticks out the left side a lot. It really makes trimming around small objects easily. I like that there is nothing sticking out on the deck on that side so I can get right up to a chain-link fence and not worry about getting stuck in it. I like the larger tires and it makes a real difference mowing slopes and turning on slopes. Watch this video to see if mowing: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G0EqRCce7xE.html. I like how it sits but I did raise the seat up 4 inches so my 94-year-old father could get on and off it easier. I also like that you can step on the deck to get on and off if you need to. (because of the 4 point deck support) What I like about the Toro: I like the deck cutout for the bagger. Even with the 3-point deck lift, it cuts very evenly (better than the Cub Cadet) It rides a little better because of the larger front casters. I work with a large Toro dealer and he says if the electric brake module fails it will be in the first year. It's under warranty. He hasn't had any return after that. (I have an Exmark and I did go through 3 brake modules in the first 4 years, but I haven't had the last one fail now in three years. I actually think it was because I wasn't keeping the underside of the mower frame clean enough) I like the IKON XD a lot. Personally, if I wanted a Toro I'd move up to the Titan series.

@@PaulSikkema Thanks very much for your response and advice. I appreciate it. I will take everything you said and make my decision from there.

What's your top priority? Comfortable ride or the best mowing experience? The Toro with MyRide is the most comfortable riding mower. It cutts well and you'll be very happy with it. The Ariens IKON XD has larger rear wheels so it has a little better traction for slopes. The deck hangs out the left side farther for trimming. And - it handles taller grass better than the Toro deck.

@@PaulSikkema so in your opinion better overall ride Toro and better performance Ariens? All things considered in this price point are both expected to last around the same time frame with good maintenance? Sorry so many questions new to the ztr world and trying to make a good decision

@@PaulSikkema and thank you so much for sharing your opinion and wisdom !!!!!

Yes, both are excellent mowers. I can highly recommend both of them!

10 years ago stamped decks generally did cut better than the fabricated ones - especially on lawn tractors. But today the fabricated decks all mulch as well or better than the stamped ones. That said, the Toro mulch baffles on the 42 inch stamped deck is only one piece by the discharge chute. Just two bolts hold it in. I own the equivalent ExMark deck and I take the baffle out in the spring when the grass is growing faster than I can keep up with it. Once the growth slows down I install the baffle and leave it in the rest of the year. (I don't bag - I mow at 4 inches and mulch the leaves)

@@PaulSikkema Did you use the mulch kit blades with the baffle? Many have said they get better results with the standard blades and the baffle.

@@PaulSikkema BTW, the Toro stamped deck mulch kit (139-3265) has 2 internal baffle parts...1 near the discharge and 1 more around the other blade. Are you saying that by only removing the one at the discharge it side discharges just as well as if both baffles were removed, or that it will side discharge good enough?

I use the standard blades. The standard blades give you better lift so I like that they will pull more debris out of the lawn in the fall. There is one other option for chewing leaves - gator blades - the ones with the teeth on the back sail - make dry leaves disappear.

I have the fabricated deck and that has the other baffle installed from the factory. It wraps around the back of the blade and helps get the grass out of the deck when side discharging.

Yes, they are working correctly. Why? Many people complain about their shoulder hurting from using a ztr. Their shoulders hurt because they have to keep constant tension on the lap bars when going forwards. So, Toro and many other brands are now installing stronger hydraulic dampeners so the lap bars stay in place while you are mowing - releasing the tension on your shoulders. Experienced operators of commercial equipment insist on this feature.

I haven't heard anything about this with a Toro. Having the same problem with two machines is even more baffling. There are two reasons why you would be killing grass. 1. From the mufller. If the exhaust is blowing straight down is may kill the grass but with the deflector in place that won't happen. Run the mower in place for a few minutes and then shut it off. Don't move the mower. Is it killing grass directly under the muffler? If it's not you can try removing the deflector and bending the sides up a 1/2 inch or so. Just a slight bend should get the air moving out instead in down. 2. Gas leaking. After sitting in the spot is the grass dying somewhere else - like near the left rear wheel? When filling your gas tank don't fill it up all the way. Look inside the fill tube and only fill it to the bottom of the fill tube. Gas can leak out the tank vent if it's filled to full. (I also had an issue with mice chewing a gas line and another time where the float in the carb was sticking) Other than that I'm stumped...

Good point! I have bagging blades on the Exmark and it makes a world of difference on that fine bluegrass.

All Toro decks are offset. So on a 3-blade like this one the middle blade sets slightly ahead of the other two. The other two are moved in so there is about a 1/2 inch overlap between the cut of the blades. The blades can never touch.

The TimeCutter HD is a nice mower. It will be the last mower you need to buy for a residential lawn.

Just got a brand new time cutter 60" deck for $5,000 at tractor supply. That's including the 400.00 warrenty

@@bcrusher1979 sonhow did you end up liking it? Im thinking about getting a toro 42 inch timecutter to mow yards for extra money

Yes that's to much we paid. We paid less than $4,000 with taxes for a 56" timecutter after rebate.

@@bcrusher1979 Just purchased a 2021 Toro TimeCutter 54" with MyRide for $4500 . Love it.

Yes, this mower's height settings were accurate when I received it. I suggest talking to your local dealer and asking them what can be done to get yours adjusted correctly.

Paul Sikkema thanks. Good to know. I’ll have to ask.

Maybe the lever mechanism can be adjusted to get more height out of it.

Primarily Blue Grass with some Fescue and perennial Rye mixed in.

No. And I don't recommend ANY residential mowers to try to make money with. That said, A 42 inch residential mower is designed for about 250 hours of use. That's 25 hours a year for 10 years. Take very good care of it and it will last a little longer. So, if you buy the Timecutter you need to charge enough so it's paid off and a little more money made to put a deposit down on the next one. A commercial mower is designed to last 1500-4000 hours. They are much easier to pay off and make a good living with.

@@PaulSikkema thank you for the advice. It's always good to ask questions especially from someone as knowledgeable as yourself. Unfortunately I already bought the toro 42 zero turn.

Make this list a habit and you'll get by until you can afford a commercial model. Change your oil on schedule, clean out the air filter every day and replace it every 50 hours. Carry an extra set of deck and transmissions belts with you and know how to change them. If there are grease zerks on the front wheel rims and forks - grease them at least once a week. Blow the top of the deck off every day you mow. Clean the underside of the deck every day. Check the blades and spindles for grass wrap every day and remove it - it will tear out the spindle bearing seals. You'll probably want to put at least 1/2 quart of Slime in each rear tire right away. amzn.to/3rYSFmb Sharpen your blades every 25 hours. Put them in a vise and sharpen them with a Mill Bastard file. The edge lasts longer than grinding: amzn.to/3cEVq5G Replace the blades every 50 hours or as needed. Carry an extra set in case you hit something. DON'T pull anything over 250 lbs and if you are mowing slopes let the transmissions cool down every hour.

@@PaulSikkema thank you very much. I really appreciate it. I'll follow that list religiously.

I can't agree with you on this. There are many fabricated decks that will cut this cleanly at 8-10 MPH.

Thanks "Mr. Obvious." The mower had less than 2 hours run time on it. The blades were factory sharpened. That said, If you buy a 42 inch Toro be sure to get the fabricated deck. It's one of the best cutting decks around.

Here is my full walk-around review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Cu4-Nbk04Xs.html. Toro's deck is deeper than most in that price range.

flip up your seat and find the two wires going into the seat bottom. Reach in and wiggle the plug that those wires are connected to. Most of the time the seat safety switch comes loose and that causes the issue you describe.

@@PaulSikkema dang paul ... i think they may have cured it ... mowed for about 5 minutes and had no problem. thank you so much !

Yes, and sometimes I'll use the big landscape bed or the grass bed. In other words I very seldom mow it the same two times in a row...

@@PaulSikkema I like the design it leaves behind that way

If it just stopped I suspect that the drive belt from the engine to the two transmissions broke or fell off. Look under the rear of the machine and the belt is in the top pulley.

@@PaulSikkema you nailed it. The drive belt fell off. It was a little difficult to access the belt but slipped on ok once I released the tension spring. Thanks for the advice!

If it happens again in the next 50 hours talk to your dealer. The idler tension spring may be bad or there may be a stick or rock stuck in the pulleys.

@@PaulSikkema that's good advice. Thanks for all your help.

I'm not a southern grass expert but The Lawn Care Nut is! I'm sending you over to his channel. Subscribe and go through his playlists to find the best mower for your grass (it will be a Toro) and how to take care of your Bermuda. ru-vid.com

Paul Sikkema Thank you Paul.

Paul. If you disregard the type of grass, fescue or Bermuda, because I have both. Which mower, ZTR or a riding lawn tractor for residential of the 42-48 inch variety, which would do the best job and be the easiest to operate in your opinion?

If you want the best cut and get done the quickest a ZTR is the best choice ($3000 range) . A lawn tractor is the easiest to use. But, spend about $2100-2500 on the lawn tractor so you get one that will cut well and have enough power to cut the Bermuda.

Paul, you got me leaning back to a ZTR now. If you can recommend one that bags well and has a good complete bagging system that is easy to put on and take off multiple times a season. I’m an old John Deere guy but absolutely can’t handle the bulky suitcase weights they require for the front. Is a Timecutter 42 or 48 my best bet for bagging or does the Ariens bagging system out do the Toro? Or is there another you have in mind? Thanks!!!

There are actually three ZTR's to look at in this choice. 1. The Ariens Edge 42 is a very lightweight and compact ZTR. It works great for smaller lawns and smaller people. 1/3rd to 1/2 acre, 100-170 lbs, under 5" 8". It's short but has large rear wheels so it's very agile and won't tear up your lawn. 2, The Toro Timecutter 42 also cuts very well. It is a little longer so it's rides a little smoother but because it's longer and has smaller wheels it can be harder to turn on slopes and rough areas. It works best on fairly flat lawns. 3. Ariens Ikon XD 42 It has the longer, larger frame and the larger rear wheels so it has excellent traction in more conditions that the other two. I'm a larger guy and it fits me the best of the three. I can easily recommend it for 1 acre lawns.

@@PaulSikkema Very good information. Thank you so much!

Flip your seat over. In the middle of the bottom of the seat there is a wiring plug. Remove than and reinsert it. Sometimes they come loose. If that's not the problem, get it back to the dealer. It's probably the electronic safety switch.

The mower should be able to do this out of the box. That said, hi-lift blades are a good choice.

@@PaulSikkema you’re right, and my timecutter is also not as good as my early 90’s scag 48 but convenient to ride on

Yup.

Yes

Would happen to be safety switch or switches

Yes, it does stripe well. No Striping kit.

The simple answer is "you get what you pay for." The Titan deck is basically a commercial deck so it is deeper and has better airflow than the TimeCutter deck. The Timecutter deck on the other hand is a residential deck. It cuts well for weekly mowing (1-3 inches) but like all residential decks it falls short if you are trying to cut longer or thicker grass. The residential decks also don't work well at speeds over 5 MPH. (Yes, the mower can go faster but everyone conveniently leaves out the fact that the residential decks can't cut well as fast as the ZTR will travel) It's even worse with lawn tractor decks. 3 MPH is about the fastest they will cut well.

Toro does ALL service through your local dealer. Like almost all L&G companies their online/phone service is poor to none. So, Use their dealer locator on Toro.com and find a local "servicing dealer." You can also try asking the HOME DEPOT store manager what local dealer they use for mower and snow blower support.

Did toro service your mower?

I hope you have good liability insurance. Sorry, I can't recommend raising the chute. Why? It is one of the most dangerous things you can do with a mower. NEVER mow with pets or people in the same yard. Remember - the blade tip speed on most zero-turns is 18,500 ft.min. That's 210 MPH! Like you, I've mowed in all conditions and luckily I've never harmed a pet or homeowner but my crews and I still have encountered enough problems with stuff shooting out of the mower that I could never suggest ANYONE runs with the safety chute up. Just three examples. 1. One of my crew was mowing a road ditch and picked up a rock with the mower. It was just a one inch rock but it was thrown over 100 feet and broke the front window on the house. (the chute was down) 2. I was mowing along a driveway at a electric substation and the mower through a metal rod through the side window on my truck. It lodged in the seat. 3. One of my first mowing gigs was mowing a 20 acre high school and sports complex. Because of safety for the students we had to mow the complex at night. Because of that we couldn't always see debris in the lawn. We quickly found out that with the chutes up the mowers would shred a softball but would throw a hardball 200-500 feet!

That a good choice, But, this mower is brand new and the mower and blades have less than 2 hours run-time. My point of the video is if you mower is not mowing well you are probably going too fast - slow down and it will cut a lot better.

It should work out of the box - that said, hi-lift blades will help.

I recently bought one of this and I'm not happy with it, .... doesn't cut as I expected.

Really? How's it going now that Alamo Group owns the name? At least they are now being made in Gibson City, Illinois!

Sorry, I like it a lot. I just wanted to let you know that it's not the machine that is the problem - it's how you are using it....

I've been using Gator blades since they were introduced in the mid-90's. Yes, they are great blades for dedicated mulching and chewing up leaves in the fall. But, they don't always work when side discharging. If the grass is too tall or the blades are too thick (like crabgrass) they will not cut it into small pieces. In this case, Instead it makes little grass balls which leaves an unsightly mess all over your lawn.

Paul Sikkema love your channel. any chance you can provide us your opinion with blade comparison and show us how each cuts?

That's a great idea! I had an article over at todaysmower.com but for some reason I deleted it a few years back. I'll create another one over there. Please head over there and sign up for the newsletter and you;ll be the first to read it.

Good ideas! In this case the mower is brand new with less than 20 minutes total runtime. So, factory sharp blades, no grass buildup and the grass I'm cutting is dry.

Yes, Oregon blades are great blades. Be aware that using the Gator Mulching Blades when side-discharging sometimes the blades don't cut the grass into fine particles - they just shred it and you can end up with little "balls" of grass all over your yard. This mower cuts the grass as well or better than the Ryobi. The Ryobi would also have issues cutting the grass this tall.