2020 Toro TimeCutter Mowing Problems

[@PaulSikkema]

Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!

[@c-LAW]

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

[@PaulSikkema]

The Kaw

[@PurpleCollarLife]

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

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@PurpleCollarLife]

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

[@dannywalker1635]

Your grass was still too heavy with moisture to lift properly during that first cut. When you slowed your pace the blades stayed over the grass longer and were able to do more lifting. From what I see that TORO is an awesome machine. Those speed selections make that mower very versatile . Good job with your videos.

[@BrightStone-production]

I have a 2013 Toro 42 inch zero turn, it is awesome. Yep, have had it for 10 years now. I find it cuts better when I lower the deck. I would say if you lower the deck one notch you may see better results. I also put mulching blades on mine and it works like a charm. In the fall with the leaves, it cuts up the leaves into tiny pieces, great for the yard to natural fertilize it over the winter. It may look a little brown over the winter, but it will be worth it when the grass comes back in the following Spring.

[@craig9069]

Great video Paul. I purchased a toro mx 5060 back in 2013 with the Kawasaki 23hp had the same problem with the grass clumping up, so I got rid of the black discharge deflector. It throws the grass further, but I am careful of my surroundings with blades being exposed. Overall I am happy with my Toro.

[@raybowles8587]

Your slower speed cuts great, and its running a lot faster than my old time cutter can cut grass that high. I say your new one cuts twice as good as my older one.

[@ericjemens1987]

I have a set of Oregon gator blades on mine I've never had an issue after that

[@seagnatprepper9613]

had this exact problem. the solution was my blades ... 2 were ok but the third blade had come loose and was just spinning ... i didn't realize it til probably 2 or 3 cuts ... problem cured.

[@tylerforgey1044]

Mow more often. You should never cut more than 1/3rd of the grass blade and you'll also be able to mow at max speed.

[@WWStudio360]

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

[@Who_tf_cares420]

@@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

[@michaelbradley770]

​@@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

[@markschommer7407]

Mines growing very fast too here in Appleton Wisconsin. I tend to take it slower if its grown a lot.

[@briantodd2376]

Looks like bluegrass from the close up shot. If that’s the case bluegrass grows thick and if it was damp like you said I can see why you had to slow your cut speed down. Not the mowers fault.

[@yumpinyiminy963]

I used to love your channel but I think you got to sponsor related. I recently bought a Toro 54" Time cutter, My Ride. I love it and have none of these issues.

[@PaulSikkema]

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!

[@tcisraels8566]

After getting off my time cutter I was shocked to see an area of grass had died . Only off for a minute or two. Recommend : turn engine off or move to driveway to avoid dead patch of grass.

[@SuperFunny65]

My Toro Titan MyRide 60" does the same thing. I have to go real slow, but still leaves two strips of grass where the blades meet in the deck. My 1986 Craftsman ZTS 7500 cuts a lot better. I am returning my Toro.

[@markbrisec3972]

I'm eyeing the cheapest 36" Toro Timecutter as a first zero turn mower for my small landscaping business. I know it's a residential unit and not meant for a hard commercial use but I recon I'll be putting around 3 hours a week on it during the 10 month season. With that usage time, I hope it will do just fine. I'm not in a position to buy anything pricier anyway. Hopefully Timecutter will make me some extra money so I'll be able to invest in a serious 36" stander mower from Ferris or Wright. I need the small deck option given that most of my customers have back yards with narrow doors. Oh yes, one more interesting information. I'm from Europe and the cheapest Timecutter with a 22HP B&S engine cost 5200$. You guys would pay around 3 grand for it. For the amount of money I'm paying this Toro I could be upgrading to something commercial from your side of the Pond.. Lucky pricks... Foor example Timemaster is around 1900$ here. I've seen it sell for 1000$ in US... SOmething to think about.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V]

Would you recommend this one or the ariens edge zero turn mower?

[@sethc6663]

Thanks for the tip, this is covered in the manual as well. _Using a Slower Cutting Speed , To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed in certain conditions_

[@ksteimy1]

Paul what are your thoughts on the mulch kit for this machine. I am planning on picking up a 75750 this weekend and i was thinking of installing that kit at that time

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@HM-wf7ig]

IT looks good. Whats going wrong? Maybe slowing down a little... Owner of a 5075 from NL

[@jakeb7372]

I just got a 42" Timecutter yesterday. When I am going forward and I let go of the control arms, they stay in position and the mower continues foward. Is this supposed to happen? My last zero turn would return to neutral when letting go of the control arms.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@gearheadaddict7183]

Thank you my friend.. I own 3 Ariens 52 ikon Xd and an Exmark 60 We all appreciate your time and knowledge in the mower specs You take your it easy buddy

[@tougenokaibutsu]

got any pics of under the deck? It looks like it has terrible suction.

[@PaulSikkema]

Here is my full walk-around review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaaXXoGYoJVnjtU. Toro's deck is deeper than most in that price range.

[@tonymontana897]

Maybe you can try high lift blades or the gator style when you're ready for blade replacement. That grass you have looks very soft and needs to be cut at a lower travelling speed.

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@mellowjammer]

Hey Paul, great as always. Need a 42" zero turn for small yard (old stiff guy with leg issues!). Cut quality is paramount to me. Plan to mulch mostly but want to be able to bag in the fall and of course if grass is moist or overgrown due to rain causing mowing delays. Which machine can handle these 2 modes without reconfiguring deck baffles etc.? (I know I'll need a bagging kit) Thought about John Deere Z345R with it's flip lever mulch selector accessory, but frame seems lightweight, plastic bushings in the front casters and the historically problematic Briggs Intek V twin with plastic intake manifold, etc. Toro Timecutter seems like a good option with heavier duty parts and better engine options, but once you install the mulch kit on the deck are you stuck with mulching only? I've seen many bad comments about the Cub Cadet decks with their 3 point attachment which seem to vibrate too much and provide an unsatisfactory cut compared to many others. Any other mowers to consider? Also heard that the stamped mower decks are better for mulching than the iron forged (or any fabricated deck for that matter) with a mulch kit added. True?

[@PaulSikkema]

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)

[@mellowjammer]

@@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.

[@mellowjammer]

@@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?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@bernardcaillouet5565]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@retiresoon5639]

Watching dozens of videos on the Toro and this is the only one complaining of the cut quality...lol

[@jameshastings1571]

Any preference between this mower with the my ride or the ariens xd50. Which do you like best ??? Thanks ahead for any input. I love both of these mowers and I’m trying to decide between the two.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@jameshastings1571]

@@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

[@jameshastings1571]

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

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@seagnatprepper9613]

Now I have a problem I haven't been able to solve. My toro keeps stalling out on me .. could be when i turn on the blades and could be when I put it in gear ... gas is good .. new spark plugs .. new air filter ... any suggestions? ...Thanks .. Nat

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@seagnatprepper9613]

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

[@jeremybuff4401]

I’m having a huge problem with my Toro Timecutter 42” (75742) burning the grass from the muffler heat. Just hopping off for 15 or 20 seconds to open a gate, or pause in the lawn for a few seconds to grab a quick drink, burns a 8x12” spot in the lawn. Totally kills it. After having it a week, I called up my Toro dealer and they replaced the entire mower for me. But the new one is doing the exact same thing. The deflector is in place, directing the exhaust to the back right. The built in heat shield is in place. Do you have any thoughts? To me, this is a serious design defect that’s making me regret purchasing the Toro. The only thing is... I’m seeing very little info out there about this problem. Am I crazy?

[@PaulSikkema]

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...

[@jae2222222]

What type of grass that you are cutting in this Video sir ?

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@scottmurray2961]

I have mowed the church a pretty good size church for 5 years with a walk behind 50" cut plus plus I'm over 4 to 5 yd a week / I don't mean to be a smart ass but you might check and see if your blades are razor sharp /I am really really interested in getting me a Toro 0 turn 42" for next year I don't know if I'm gonna get this year but by next year I probably will own one / I don't know if I'm gonna buy a 2021 or if I'm going to wait till next year and get a 2022 who knows what kind of new options the 2022 will have

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@YukonHawk1]

Hi Paul....Hope all is well. Well, you were the first person I came to on KZbin for new mower advice. My Cub Cadet SLTX 1050 bit the dust after 11 year and 450 hours on the Kohler engine. (engine still purrs) The trans-axle sprung a leak and the cost is over a grand to fix. Not worth it. So I am in the market for a zero turn mower. I am torn between the Toro Time Cutter and the Arien's IKON XD-52. Both machines seem to be built like tanks. I am leaning more towards the IKON XD only because it has a 4 point deck system versus the 3 point on the Toro. Also the IKON has a mechanical brake where the Toro is electric which is something else to break. I also noticed that the deck seems to stick out further on the IKON more than the Toro, which to me makes trimming easier. Being a first time ZTR purchaser what mower would you recommend? Both have a strong dealer presence in my area and each have a great reliability records. My property is 1.50 acres of mowing area with some slight hilly terrain. Some area are rough and get can bumpy. Any advise is welcome. Thank you.

[@PaulSikkema]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWGoooV5mMpqrqc. 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.

[@YukonHawk1]

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

[@JimBland-mf2dh]

Replaced brake control module .. an still have problems once take off it once to die

[@JimBland-mf2dh]

Would happen to be safety switch or switches

[@gonerydin4225]

I looked at every mower I could find locally in this type. I wound up with Deere ZTrak because of the full service dealer network and I get about $250 retiree discount. Next choice would have been Ariens then Toro. Really they are all good.

[@staningram8897]

Hi Paul, love your reviews. I need a small (42") ZTR due to gate and shed sizes for 3/4 acre lawn, mostly flat with a lot of mulch beds. Top concerns are mulching leaves in the Fall (side discharge other times) and easy maintenance. I'm considering the Toro Timecutter, Ariens Ikon XD, Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1. Perhaps a Husqvarna also, I have all those dealers near by. Any thoughts on what you would choose? Thanks!

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@staningram8897]

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

[@cjsawinski]

Paul... I’m looking at either a new Timecutter HD with 54” deck (about $5,000 after taxes) Or a used 2018 timecutter MX 5075 (50” deck) for $2,500 I mow almost 2 acres, 1 acre is basically field that may only get mowed every other week but would mow field more often with one of the above mowers. Any advice for me!?!?

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@bcrusher1979]

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

[@rjskum688]

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

[@Nana-vx6mt]

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

[@alanhayes6929]

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

[@rjskum688]

Would you recommend a toro timecutter 42 inch for a guy who wants to make money on the side on the weekends? Also what are your thoughts about buying it from a big box store?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@rjskum688]

@@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.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@rjskum688]

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

[@JFabrication]

Try a higher lift replacement blade?

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@JFabrication]

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

[@HDK8305]

Between this mower and Ariens Edge 42 which mower is better?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@HDK8305]

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

[@MG7316]

What are you cutting on 4?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes

[@jacobmorissette2367]

Are you able to get the full 4.5” HOC on it? I max out at about 3.75-4 and given the available adjustments, I certainly don’t see being able to get another 1/2”+ out of it.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@jacobmorissette2367]

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

[@jacobmorissette2367]

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

[@geedubb-q1u]

Seeing seed heads on the grass leads me to believe you need to cut more often. That’ll cause clumping and stragglers. I’ve got almost 2 acres and can easily mow twice a week in the rainy season and maybe once a week when it’s dryer.

[@YukonHawk1]

Really nice lawn.

[@stevedodsonsr.9464]

When grass is that tall no mower in the world will look like it does when it moves shorter grass. You have to mow at a higher height at a slower speed and then cut It again at a lower height.

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@johngaspar4425]

Have you ever cut the whole lawn in a circle- going around 8:38 and just keep going around?

[@PaulSikkema]

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...

[@johngaspar4425]

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

[@rickt2419]

Thank you for the video! Are the blades synchronized, so horizontally the two blades are aligned/leveled with overlapping cut but the blades would never hit/touch each other (of course unless the belt breaks during operation); or perhaps the blades (not synchronized) are horizontally leveled do come close by say 1/4" apart?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@victoralvarez4852]

Is the worth the money ?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yup.

[@thomko2715]

Great video

[@danyalvv7993]

Every time I turn on the blades my machine turns off completely?anyone know how to fix?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@KUBBI7488]

i never mow so fast i go medium speed or slower!

[@teeb9969]

Yeaup grass too wet with dew and grass too high. Cut when dry, and cut more often. Instead of 1ce week try 2 times a week itll give u a better cut bc the blades wont have to fight wetness and overgrown grass

[@leeadams2021]

Hi Paul. I purchased the TimeCutter 75750 you featured in the video in par because of your recommendation. I've had the mower about three weeks and today when I was mowing it just stopped moving. I mowed down a slope and then began to mow along the flat part of the yard at the bottom of the slope. I made one run on the flat part, turned around, got about 15 feet and then it just stopped moving. The mower, deck, and parking breaks operate normally but the transmissions will not engage at all. I check all the electrical connections and they seemed fine. Do you have any idea what is going on? I plan to contact my local dealer as well.

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@leeadams2021]

@@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!

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@leeadams2021]

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

[@legotech7]

Your grass was too high to cut and too wet with that particular mower to do its job properly. I have the same mower, and I am very happy with how it cuts my grass. I usually cut at at 2 inches and at the length , depending on the weather I won't have to cut it for at least 2 weeks.

[@douggracy2909]

Thanks for your great reviews Paul. I just found you recently as I am looking for a mower. Can you recommend some? I have about a 1/2 acre lot that is flat and a corner lot with sidewalks. It is all Bermuda and I want to be able to do periodic bagging and scalping. Don’t know if a ZTR or lawn tractor would be better. Don’t know much about Bermuda yet either as I just bought this property. Any advice you could give would be great! Thanks Doug

[@PaulSikkema]

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. kzbin.info

[@douggracy2909]

Paul Sikkema Thank you Paul.

[@douggracy2909]

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?

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@douggracy2909]

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!!!

[@klamb3293]

I have the same problem with my 2022 timecutter

[@markrussell1390]

grass just too high

[@stevenprice5942]

Sounds like your blades are worn out to me

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@tomwerner5391]

Looks like is stripes really nice! Are you using a striping kit or is it standard?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, it does stripe well. No Striping kit.

[@c-LAW]

My Toro zero turn 54" (Toro engine) was failing. couldn't get warranty support from Toro or home depot where I purchased. Homedepot was great before the sale, after the sale --- not much. DO NOT BELIEVE ME, try finding and calling Toro (if you can) warranty support and see the loop they send you. Grass taller than 6-8" does not cut well; missing parts (bolts, cotter keys); the belt guards fell off within the first hour; starting and running problems in summer weather (no low temperatures).

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@snoopfurlow1275]

Did toro service your mower?

[@kennethlowe6337]

Get hi lift blades

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@tcrwild8422]

Raise shoot make sure blades are sharp and let her hang wide open that’s the secret my friend the slower you go the more she builds mounds of grass etc, I have mowed millions of acres in my day with all kinds of mowers

[@PaulSikkema]

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!

[@NickJacobs1986]

That grass is just too tall. I would of cut it at 4.5” inches for the first cut on the slowest speed (which is still pretty fast btw). Then cut it again at 4.0” again on the slower speed so it’s cutting evenly! Also if you read your owners manual, it tells you to check the level of your deck before your first mow. This is an awesome mower and Toro is a reputable brand, I own one myself with the Kawasaki engine, just got to take it slow and not rush it especially when your grass is taller to start with.

[@karenanney]

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

[@hamiltoncooper1654]

Maintain your equipment.

[@travisthuvu]

one huge mistake he’s making... doesn’t have gator blades. that would have fixed his issue

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@travisthuvu]

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

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@dbarr8261]

If you don't like it, Ill take if off your hands.

[@PaulSikkema]

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....

[@JuiCe5248]

Sharpen your blades, clean the deck, and stop cutting wet grass

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@bigjoe2458]

double cut it it always looks better

[@runnningonempty]

DIXI CHOPPER!

[@PaulSikkema]

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

[@calvinnapier9977]

Good video as always Paul! I used to use Craftsman blades but I started using Oregon blades what a difference. When you need blades maybe give a set a try Paul. Also I've been watching videos on the new Ryobi battery zero turn and have been impressed. Go check it out, guys going fast and still cutting good! Watch "Ryobi Zero Turn ZT480e Electric Riding Mower Cut Quality" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/haHHfqSBhJebe5I

[@PaulSikkema]

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.

[@jeffhooker7316]

My toro 48” titan model # 74830(2014) out cuts the toro 50” timecutter model #75750(2021) I would think it would do better since it’s newer. But I’m wrong. Very disappointed in the timecutter

[@PaulSikkema]

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.