An Overview on the Toro Super Recycler Lawnmower

Toro makes a Recycler lawnmower -- and a premium Super Recycler lawnmower. This overview explains the features of the Super Recycler lawnmower

[@billstiem6035]

Mr. Petersen, you use words as if they are 'specialty' tools. Each 'tool' choice provides clarity and conveys pertinent information. I just listened to your Honda presentation also. Thank you again for an excellent presentation. Kudos from Michigan.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- Michigan is a great State (a bit cold in the winter) -- thanks for the compliment!

[@danield9257]

I just bought a new 2021 super recycler. I can’t wait to get it in the mail. I went over Honda with Toro based on this review. I had a recycler, and it was ok.

[@keithpetersen8114]

The Super Recycler is a great lawnmower -- I am sure you will be well pleased.

[@gaminghowes7598]

@@keithpetersen8114 I just bought a 21386 based on this review. Can't wait to try it out. This is an upgrade from a 2007 Toro Recycler. Hoping there is a difference!

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@gaminghowes7598 There will be a big difference. Glad the review helped. Enjoy your new machine!

[@lakewoest50]

I wonder which one Keith personally likes better between the Toro Super Recycler and the Honda hrx217hya? (I have hills, curves, and about 10 100ft oak trees which are brutal when it comes to leaves.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- Keith says that, due to the hills in particular, the Honda is a better choice :-) .

[@tonymeek8665]

Great video If you had to choose the Honda HRX or the Toro super recycler which would you choose?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Honda, go with the machine that the engine and deck is made by the same company, why go Toro using a Honda engine? Honda is always the best choice.

[@andybub45]

@@Mr_Tecumseh No, its actually not. I learned the hard way. 5 years ago, I bought a HRR216. The engine is great but the rest of the mower has had lots of issues. The rear wheels lock up when you pull the mower back (yes, I have added the updated height adjusters and sanded rust off the shaft - it goes back to locking up a week later). The front wheels are toed out because of worn down height levers, a very poor design. And the blade clutch is wearing out already - this machine is 5 years old. The new Hondas are supposed to be improved, but I worry about those having issues too. I want to love my HRR but I cant. Ill be buying a super recycler with a Honda engine soon.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. In response to your question, due to my property (steep hill in front) it would be a Honda. Other than that, it wouldn't matter.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. Considerable issues with that model series -- we stopped carrying those models almost immediately after the first year of stocking them.

[@timothyreidy7327]

FINALLY! A review by someone who actually knows what he’s talking about! But I wish he would have answered the question about color. Is there any difference between the old red color and the newer black color other than the color? My local Toro dealer has only the black version. Thanks for the informative review.

[@b286guy]

Timothy Reidy They’re the same. Unlike some of the older ones though, the black one has impact absorbers in the handle assembly.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

No difference except the red is nicer and Toro has been using red since the 1950's, stick with the one with the color you know holds up, plus red looks better. Why are they going black now, don't understand it, Toro red is their trademark.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- sorry to be delayed in answering you -- just seeing this now. The mowers are the same. Initially I didn't care much for the black color; but, it is growing on me .... :-)

[@pagodad2036]

I dislike the black color on these mowers. Looks cheap. Wish they would’ve kept with toro red and just did black wheels like their commercial versions. That looks good.

[@alanmodimages]

Hi Keith, you may decline to answer this obvious question :) But you are so thorough in your reviews! I have about 5000 sq yards in Indiana of mostly Bluegrass / Tall Fescue / Cool season mix I have a 20 yr old MTD / Yardman which has held up very well. Starting to show some problems with compression. No real hills except standard roll off for irrigation. Trying to decide on what mower to choose for the next 20 years :) I primarily mulch except when Fall cleanup is necessary or I get overgrown after rain. I love to Mow. Takes about an hour with trimming included. Trying to decide between the Toro Turfmaster, Toro Super Recycler and the Honda HRX217. All seem to be great solutions. I hear whispers about transmission challenges with the Turfmaster, practicality of the Personal Pace with the Super Recycler and less than ideal mulching performance with the Honda. Maybe these are tradeoffs you can't quantify here, but I thought I would ask. Thanks or the great videos!

[@alanmodimages]

I went ahead and bought the 2020 Toro Super Recycler. Toro Engine. All Black. Could not be happier. Keith is right. It handles like a sports car! The cut is beautiful and you can't even see the mulch clippings! Thanks for the great video!

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. At this point in time I surmise you have already made a purchase decision. If not, Honda is now (2024) out of the mower business; although, if you can find one you will be able to get service/parts down the line. The Honda mulches very well. We have zero trans problems with the Turfmaster -- I use one at my property. The only time a Super Recycler might not be advantageous is on hilly terrain. Thanks for you accolade on the video!

[@alanmodimages]

@@keithpetersen8114 Hi my friend! Thanks so much for replying! Yes, I indeed did make a purchase decision back then. I went with the Toro Super Recycler. It is such a smooth and enjoyable mowing experience. My cuts are dramatically improved and even. The personal pace does it for me. It does not feel like the mower is dragging me across the lawn like in traditional self propelled machines. Durability has been great so far (2019 I believe buy). I did not know Honda exited the business. I could always use a wider deck, but I will take the reliability of this Toro anyday :)

[@JeffJohnson-1982]

Hi Keith, I'm wondering why in every video I see I never see anyone adjust the throttle on any of the machines. Are the throttles a fixed unit? Have you had any problems with the aluminum decks....corrosion or breaking? Have had any problems with Toro own motor? Someone was telling me there super recycler machine has ball bearing wheels. I've never seen them on Toro models.Have you? You really give a very informative video on the machines. Great job!

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. Yes, the units run at one fixed speed. No, we have no issues with the decks although it is always possible to crack an aluminum deck (unusual). Zero issues with Toro's own motor. Wheels are not ball-bearing.

[@TheIronDuke502]

Last Evening I was looking at a 21 inch Toro Super Recycler that was painted matte black at a TSC location. Is there any real difference between the red toro recycler and the black toro recycler mower other than the color?. Personally, I like the red toro mower scheme the best. Toro and Snapper mowers will never look right to me painted black. Thanks for your great videos.

[@keithpetersen8114]

I agree -- the red scheme looks better. Thanks for the compliment on our videos!

[@MrFenderbender87]

thanks keith for this awesome review, i own a commercial 2009 toro 21 inch mower and i freaking love it, has a commercial kawasaki engine, cant beat it if u mow tons of lawns.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Those were great mowers. Their getting away from that now.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. True enough -- great mower!

[@rodss1570]

Excellent overview Keith especially describing the blade design and how it affects bagging and mulching. That's awesome that they've designed a machine that excels at both. I have 21" John Deere JX75 that I've owned for 22 years that was designed as a bagging mower... and it bags grass very well. It has a mulching plug but it's not very good at mulching. It's probably not even average at mulching. I'm shopping for a good mulching mower and was told to check out the Super Recycler... that it was pretty much at the top of the list. I too was wondering if there are any significant changes between the red models and the new black ones. For instance, if I was looking at the two models 20382 and 21382 what are any differences other than color? Looking at Toro's website it appears the Super Recycler can come with a few different engines. Comparing just the engines do you recommend the Honda over the Briggs and Stratton and the Toro powered units?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- sorry to be delayed in responding to you -- just seeing this now. Color is the only difference. I have always liked the red; but, the black is growing on me. Honda would be engine of choice -- then, either the B&S or the Toro engine -- no preference either way. Thanks for your complement!

[@jeffd3844]

How does the 2WD do on sloped areas? My lawn isn't flat and has a lot of sloped sections. I wonder at what point 4WD is necessary.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi Jeff -- there is no problem with the 2 WD drive on any average slope -- Toro makes an excellent transmission on the Super Recycler series of mowers. The 4 WD/all wheel drive is available only on the entry-level Recycler mowers -- an entirely different machine design. We no longer stock the Recycler mower models as we had too many customer complaints on that series. I hope this helps.

[@LL-mt2nz]

What are your thoughts on the 60v Super Recycler?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- The Toro 60V Super Recycler is identical to the Toro gas-powered Super Recycler (of course, one uses a gas engine and one uses a battery system). It is a terrific mower -- if you are looking for a good battery mower the 60V Super Recycler heads the list.

[@LL-mt2nz]

@@keithpetersen8114 Thanks so much for your reply. You should make videos about battery power equipment. Your knowledge is second to none.

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@LL-mt2nz Oh boy -- thanks for the accolade! I'm gonna have to go up a shirt size due to a swelled up ego 🙂

[@lindaroberts7961]

Can you still get a toro that the engine keeps running when the handle is released? Both the toros we have have that feature.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Spin stop. Yes, you should be able too, because one of the big box models still offers that.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- yes, Toro makes such a model; however, we had issues with it and don't recommend it.

[@algorel4763]

It’s my favorite mower! I wish it was 25”. 21” is on the small side. I think Toro should offer a 21 & 25”.

[@keithpetersen8114]

We do stock a popular 30" Toro Timemaster -- you can see it here: etpetersen.com/product/toro-20199-personal-pace-30-timemaster-lawnmower/ (the new model is a 21199 at $1099 -- I have to update the website to reflect the change).

[@algorel4763]

I know about the 30”, thanks, but you missed my point!

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@algorel4763 Hi Al -- I recognized what you said -- I was only offering the closest option. I use a 30" Turfmaster (the commercial model) at my home -- we love it -- it reduces the cutting time by 30% to 40% and grooms the lawn really well. I don't know that anyone makes a 25" machine any more.

[@algorel4763]

Keith Petersen That’s a big gap when you think of it 21”-30”. The average home owner would do much better with a 24” Mower. The 30” model is fine, but it borders ride on 30” mowers. Keep in mind, Toro has much tooling invested in the 21” molds. To switch to another size would be costly. The 30” deck is a metal stamping that will rust away over time. I actually have a 33 year old Toro GTS 21” withe the original Suzuki 4 stroke that runs & Runs. This was the predecessor of today’s Super Recycle. When you can design and manufacture a mower that runs great after 33 years, that’s impressive! Go Toro!

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@algorel4763 Yes -- that 21" with the Suzuki engine is a great, durable mower. We had one that I had originally sold to the customer come in here two days ago for routine service. Toro makes many great products!

[@BartStar009]

The $269 Powersmart PSM9422SR is the same as the $499 Toro Recycler and the reviews are excellent. The Powersmart uses a MORE powerful 200cc engine runs at a higher RPM that chops the grass finer

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- thanks for your comment. We found early on that the Super Recycler offered a substantially better designed and constructed product, and stopped stocking the Recycler models. I actually recall a Toro Factory liason guy in our facility at that time who, on his way out after spending several hours with us, pointed to the Recyclers on the showroom floor and said, "Why don't you just let Home Depot carry those" -- which was the same decision to which we had just come.

[@adilrahman1204]

Hi Keith, can you please tell me the height in inches for each letter on the 21382 model?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- Sure -- here is the page from the manual for that: manuals.toro.com/128691/#N66060

[@214noe]

Would you recommend the model that has blade stop technology?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Not sure if the big box model spin stop is the same as the Super Recycler, but if it is stay away from it, saw one that broke, cheaply made and replacement parts are more costly than having one without it, more to go wrong. Also the engine requires a special shaft for that, if you ever have to replace the engine, that one with the special shaft is going to cost more.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- sorry to be delayed in answering you -- just seeing this now. No, we had issues with the BOS (blade-override-system) with Toro -- we don't recommend it. Any Toro, btw, in a big box store is NOT a Super Recycler -- entirely different design and construction -- we stopped carrying that type of model years ago and don't recommend such.

[@marlonmedrano2152]

Great review! Much appreciated!

[@keithpetersen8114]

Marlon -- thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@CuttaSquad]

💯

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Personal pace has been around about 20 years now, not a huge fan of it myself. My 1969 Toro Whirlwind had a wash out port, its nothing new, side discharge is ancient and has been on the recycler since outleast the late 90's. All mowers shut off when you release the bail. Aluminum doesn't rust, however it does deteriorate over time, it turns to dust and it cracks, pros-cons vs. steel. Also when you say the Toro engine, your referring to the Loncin engine which is chinese, why aren't they offering a Briggs on these, not that the new Chinese Briggs are that great. Lastly like you said about the Magnesium deck, same thing is true in general about mowers today, their not built like the used to be. I talked to a guy who worked for Toro who was saying it was a sad day when they stopped making the Toro Commercial 21" walk behind, that was a great mower and I personally owned a 1994 Toro Super Pro Recycler with the 3 speed gear drive, that was a good mower and a neighbor had the one with the Suzuki, the way that thing was built was incredible, the spin stop alone must have cost a fortune to make. They don't make them like they used too and as far as I know their made in Mexico now. I have a 2017 Lawn boy AWD by Toro, its a nice mower, but I didn't pay anything for it. However I saw one where the engine broke right off the frame due to the lack of motor supports, which tells me how cheap their making them now, not impressed. Thats my personal opinion and experience.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- thanks for your input. Yes, the Personal Pace system has been in existence about 25 years. Most people like it -- there will always be those who don't. Toro has actually incorporated that design into their 30" Timemaster mowers and everybody likes that set up. Ditto for their late generation Snowmaster snowthrowers with the Personal Pace. Aluminum decks will powder slightly; but, they don't rust -- almost all cutting decks for years now are stamped steel which will, obviously, rust. Aluminum can crack if, for example, a spinning mower blade hurls a good-sized rock into the deck -- that is, typically, a more rare occurrence. Toro still makes a 21" commercial walk-behind mower. Toro does offer the mower model that was being shown with a Briggs engine -- almost all those engines today (Toro or B&S) are made in China. We have no problem with the engines. FYI -- many better mowers do not stop when the blade handle bail is released -- i.e., the engine continues to run. Honda, as to which we sell a lot of their premium mowers, invented that design over 30 years ago. Most mower manufactures today do not offer the three-fold option of mulching, bagging and side discharge -- a nice advantage to the Toro Super Recycler. The washout port was incorporated, as you say, in the Toro Whirlwind line many years ago and then was eliminated. Now it is back -- a handy feature. As you also mention, the Suzuki--powered (2 stroke) Toro was a solid mower -- close to bullet proof. Customers are still bringing those models in for maintenance -- a tribute to the durability of the machine. All things considered, the new Toro Super Recycler mowers are the best cutting machines Toro has ever made -- lightweight, balanced, smooth, easy-to-use, durable and a beautiful grooming appearance on the lawn. P.S. All entry-level (big-box store) Toro models are MTD or MTD-type machines -- a great remove from the Super Recycler design and construction. The Lawn Boy you reference is a Toro painted green with a LB logo -- it is an entry-level product as just noted. All original Lawn Boys (a division originally of OMC) had 2-stroke engines -- we still have those units coming in here for maintenance -- some of them 45 + years old with magnesium decks ...... :-)

[@Eddies_lawn_maintenance]

How much is the mower

[@keithpetersen8114]

Model year 2021 -- $549

[@andybub45]

I used to think Honda mowers were the best, but after owning one for 4 years, I am no longer convinced. The Honda engine is great, but it has lots of issues with the wheels. The rear wheels wont roll back and the front wheels are bent outward. While some may say this is minor, it is not. It makes the mower much harder to use, and these things shouldnt happen on an almost $600 mower. After seeing how nice these super recyclers are, I am now convinced that Toro has the better mower. If I had to pick one, id get the one with a Honda engine, I just wish they offered a Honda with the spin stop system.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- I suspect you own a Honda with a steel deck. Honda's premium line is the HRX line -- we don't typically have those types of problems with that series of machines. The steel deck machines are not the same level of engineering and construction -- and the wheels will be affected much more readily by impact, etc. Toro has the same type of situation -- i.e., a "big-box store" steel deck line (which we don't carry) and the premium Super Recycler line which, as you indicate, is a very good mower.

[@andybub45]

@@keithpetersen8114 im not a fan of the HRX, I have used my customers HRX mowers and they are very bulky and hard to manuver.

[@ChargingForward]

Nice overview!

[@keithpetersen8114]

Thanks so much -- we appreciate your comment!

[@tedschmitt178]

I’m buying one.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sounds great -- you'll very much like it!

[@MrFenderbender87]

subbed :) this channel is very informative, u need a ton more subs my friend.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- thanks -- kind of you to say that!

[@dpc727]

that machine is junk