Bought a new Toro super recycler

[JTK]

Model number 21565. I sadly had to replace my Snapper Ninja mulcher commercial series 21" due to it's stamped steel deck completely rotting out after 15yrs. I admittedly could have done better caring for the deck on that machine. That was a nice mower. A bit heavy and not the best mulching machine (as it is sold to be), but I knew snapper hi vacs are more of a bagger going into the purchase back then anyway. This was a ~$600+ mower back then.

The new aluminum decked Toro seems nice. I've only test run it in the driveway at this point. I like the personal pace self propelled system. Everything is pretty basic and simple on it. I got it through my Ace hardware in town. $649+ tax.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Model number 21565. I sadly had to replace my Snapper Ninja mulcher commercial series 21" due to it's stamped steel deck completely rotting out after 15yrs. I admittedly could have done better caring for the deck on that machine. That was a nice mower. A bit heavy and not the best mulching machine (as it is sold to be), but I knew snapper hi vacs are more of a bagger going into the purchase back then anyway. This was a ~$600+ mower back then.

The new aluminum decked Toro seems nice. I've only test run it in the driveway at this point. I like the personal pace self propelled system. Everything is pretty basic and simple on it. I got it through my Ace hardware in town. $649+ tax.

Nice. Post up some pics and let us know how you like it after us northerners switch from blowin' to mowin'.

 

[Allaned]

I had that mower in past (before I aged into a rider) and really liked it. The Personal Pace drive system works well. Mow to your heart's delight!

 

[JTK]

Nice. Post up some pics and let us know how you like it after us northerners switch from blowin' to mowin'.

Will do! I am very much over snowblowing and/or moving it around with my tractor at this point. We recently had enough warm weather that you can see the ground again and my roof is finally 100% free of snow/ice. I'm down to only two snowblowers now. A few weeks back I gave my main backup machine to my brother who wore his 25yr old MTD machine out.

I'm looking forward to having a real mulching machine. The only other Toro super we've ever had in the family is still at my 86yr/old mom's house. It's a 1980s Toro aluminum deck mulcher w/ the 3spd transmission. Still going strong. I've replaced various parts on it over the years.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

I bought my Toro Personal Pace Recycler in 2011 .... $500 plus tax.
It has been flawless. .... still starts on the 1st OR 2nd pull.
The rear wheels have zerk fittings.
I did change the drive belt once, but it was still good.
I also used a file and 'regrooved' the wheels.

Using this mowers 'personal pace' is like taking a walk in the park.

It mulches really good.
In the fall, I'd bring home 15 bags of neighbors leaves and mulch into the lawn.

 

[JTK]

I bought my Toro Personal Pace Recycler in 2011 .... $500 plus tax.
It has been flawless. .... still starts on the 1st OR 2nd pull.
The rear wheels have zerk fittings.
I did change the drive belt once, but it was still good.
I also used a file and 'regrooved' the wheels.

Using this mowers 'personal pace' is like taking a walk in the park.

It mulches really good.
In the fall, I'd bring home 15 bags of neighbors leaves and mulch into the lawn.

In terms of component quality, they're not what they used to be. There's no zerks on this one. All plastic wheels, etc. It's got a generic Briggs 163cc engine on it with lots of plastic. It did fire up brand new on the 2nd pull. These units are designed to be folded/stored vertically with fuel and oil in them, so scraping the deck should be easy. The owner's manual is an absolute useless atrocity.

 

[iahawk]

In terms of component quality, they're not what they used to be. There's no zerks on this one. All plastic wheels, etc. It's got a generic Briggs 163cc engine on it with lots of plastic. It did fire up brand new on the 2nd pull. These units are designed to be folded/stored vertically with fuel and oil in them, so scraping the deck should be easy. The owner's manual is an absolute useless atrocity.

I just rehomed my 20 year old Toro Recycler (regular, not Super) to my Mother's house and bought a new Recycler last summer. My 20 yr old mower has 500+ hours on it, original belt and still starts first pull. I did replace all 4 wheels.

The new one? Well...probably weighs about 2/3 the older one due to all the plastic on it. Not really counting on it to run 20 years without trouble. Oh, and the 'never needs oil change'?.....I couldn't believe the soupy, silver sparkly mess that came out the first few times I changed the oil on the new one. Never needs changing?? Umm..ok.

 

[nickaluch]

I'm going on season two really soon on a Honda gas mower so far no complaints. Panic purchase Honda is out of the gas mower business pulled the trigger when inventory was getting low. Really no interest in a battery mower.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

I couldn't believe the soupy, silver sparkly mess that came out the first few times I changed the oil on the new one. Never needs changing?? Umm..ok.

On my Toro, I changed the oil after 30 minutes and then every hour until it drained out clean looking.
Maybe like 3-4 hours of total run time.

 

[Donald]

I still love my Toro Timemaster.

 

[IndyFan]

I still love my Toro Timemaster.

I had the Super Recycler. Great Mower and it mulched beautifully. It was a 22 inch. I wanted to knock 10 minutes off my lawn mowing, so I picked up a used Timemaster. LOVE it.

A buddy that did commercial work told me to replace some of the plastic parts...I think pulleys, with a metal kit. I'm going to do that when they break. But my yard is not huge, so they may go a good while. I love the machine and it does what it says....cuts time. It also makes a nice mulch, as well.

 

[dbias]

My 99 model toro personal pace mower still runs great. Would definitely get another one if this one doesn’t outlast me.

 

[JTK]

My 99 model toro personal pace mower still runs great. Would definitely get another one if this one doesn’t outlast me.

The one we have from the 80s amazes me. The old Briggs quantum on it runs smooth and super quiet. The engine sits such that the muffler is towards the operator, but it has a deflector on it routing the exhaust to the side. It's a little down on power given it's 40yrs old, and the handlebars and wheels have some slop in them. I have replaced cables, the 3spd shifter assembly, wheel brackets, belts and I believe the fuel tank on it one time decades ago.

 

[nbpt100]

Nice purchase and great price. I have owned a few Toro Super Recyclers and I have always felt they are the best mulching residential mower out there. The Honda Quadra cut mowers are very good too but I think with nice sharp blade the Super Recycler has an edge in mulching. The Honda Engines are superiour but the Briggs are good enough. You are smart to do the oil changes as you outlined. I still own 2 SR's with the Briggs Quantum 190cc engine. Geat flat head engine. The OHV 163cc engine on your's is plenty powerful for most situations. I know the newer wheels are plastic and cheaper than they should be for their flagship mulching mower. It sitll has Ball Bearings wheels not a plain bearring like their other mowers. If you take care of it it should last a very long time with only minor repairs like wheel and cable replacements. With the smart Stow you can easily stand it up on its back and clean the under side of the deck and remove the blades easily for sharpening. The one thing I do not like with this Briggs OHV mower engine is you can not add a fuel shut off valve. At least not easily. Good luck.

 

[nbpt100]

I had the Super Recycler. Great Mower and it mulched beautifully. It was a 22 inch. I wanted to knock 10 minutes off my lawn mowing, so I picked up a used Timemaster. LOVE it.

A buddy that did commercial work told me to replace some of the plastic parts...I think pulleys, with a metal kit. I'm going to do that when they break. But my yard is not huge, so they may go a good while. I love the machine and it does what it says....cuts time. It also makes a nice mulch, as well.

I have never worked on a TimeMaster but have read more than once the drive system is problematic. It must be the plastic parts you are refering to. I did not know they offered an upgrade with metal components. Is it aftermarket? I would like to learn more about this if you can share it. Thanks.

 

[Silverado12]

Congrats on the new mower. I really like my landfill rescue 2007 Super Recycler and I replaced the worn out flathead motor with a 163cc Briggs. It's my favorite mower because the self-propelled system works so well. I've heard the newer ones are made cheaper but plastic parts aren't always a bad thing; they reduce weight and certain types of nylon are very durable. The plastic carburetors are nice too as they don't corrode and there's a replaceable cartridge. Just make sure it's snapped in really well if you ever have to replace it.

 

[JTK]

Here's a Toro oddity I found funny. When I scanned the IR code to register the purchase of my new super recycler, at the bottom of the online form in very small print was a box to check if you wanted a discharge chute shipped to your address free of charge. Sure! I don't mind if if do. It got dropped off at my door today via UPS straight from the Toro mother ship. It's a big bulky thing that hangs in the same manner as the bagger and allows for a rear, left discharge option.

 

[bdc101]

I threw out my 22" Toro in November when it wouldn't start. I tried rebuilding the carb on the Briggs & Stratton motor (for the second time) and broke it while I was rebuilding it. I was so frustrated with that thing not starting that I threw it out.

Thinking about a new 21" mower instead since my yard is pretty small, but don't want to spend $600 and don't want an electric or battery mower. I just used a Honda GCV mower when I was helping out my grandparents and would love to have a mower that nice. But it looks like I'm gonna be out $600 or $700 for something like that.

What do you all think about my predicament? I think I have about 4-5 weeks until the grass is going to be growing here.

 

[IndyFan]

I have never worked on a TimeMaster but have read more than once the drive system is problematic. It must be the plastic parts you are refering to. I did not know they offered an upgrade with metal components. Is it aftermarket? I would like to learn more about this if you can share it. Thanks.

I'll find out what they are when I get a chance. I am guessing they probably are aftermarket, but maybe not. We shall see.

 

[IndyFan]

I have never worked on a TimeMaster but have read more than once the drive system is problematic. It must be the plastic parts you are refering to. I did not know they offered an upgrade with metal components. Is it aftermarket? I would like to learn more about this if you can share it. Thanks.

Got some info. They are the pulleys. He said the upgrades are Turfmaster or Exmark 30 aftermarket pullies. They are commercial pulleys.

Here's the best part.....he made a video! He's got a great YouTube channel with lots of great lawn and garden type content. He works for me and is a brilliant guy.