BEFORE YOU BUY A 22" TORO RECYCLER 21445 LAWN MOWER, WATCH THIS! (Full Review)

[@GarageGear]

Here is a LINK to the TORO LAWN MOWER used in this video! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉 Toro 22" Recycler Lawn Mower 21445 liketk.it/4DYW6

[@sean6077]

My 15 year old 22" Toro Recycler is still going strong. Starts on 1st pull. I change the oil, filter, and plug at the beginning of every grass cutting season. I run it with ethanol-free gas. I put a new blade on it about every 3 years or so. The only other parts I've had to replace are the drive belt, 2 front wheels (they got slick and didn't really pull anymore), and the self-propelled cable (broken piece that connects it to the handle. Deck has VERY minimal rust as I don't cut grass when it's wet. And I clean it after every use (I use my blower to blow off the grass on top and from underneath).

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Sean thanks for sharing my friend!

[@bobbydavis9618]

Just purchased my Toro Recycler! Got my side discharge adapter in about a week, so far I’m very pleased with my new Toro!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Bobby!

[@douglaslippertindy]

Another thorough, helpful review. “No oil changes?” Good Grief. Very good of you to point out that no small engine mechanic would ever support that idea.

[@GarageGear]

Can’t name a single one that would support that Douglas. My guess it’s their way of competing with the latest battery nonsense. lol!

[@avipatel3775]

agreed. All it really means is that the mower burns a lot of oil so u don't have to change but instead have to add to it 🤣

[@adriantomlin2902]

Aw hell no! I change my oil on all my mowers! I don't care what the manufacturer says or how awesome that fancy schmancy that engine oil.

[@lee9399]

That's because they want to get paid. I bought my Toro Recycler (the cheaper one) from a local retailer and I was told the same thing. I was also told that if I used the non-ethanol gas I wouldn't need any maintenance on the mower at all. I also bought a Stihl weedeater. I was told from the same retailer that if I used the Stihl gas, that would never need servicing either, but just buying the gas I got an automatic 4yr warranty just because.

[@MrKuhmillion]

I have a 9 y/o craftsman with Briggs/Stratton that is no oil change and it's still plowing through. Wheels are bald, bag has a gap now, and the self propel has stopped working this Spring. Looking for a replacement will either be this Toro or the Ego.

[@officialnotonlyjames]

the engine in this does NOT bog down thats for sure, I came back from a months vacation to my grass being up and over my knee height and getting an hoa violation notice, my old murray lawn mower broke down and I had to quickly get a new lawn mower and so I looked at this exact toro model. fit all my needs and my old murray was 140cc briggs and this is 150c. the old one would bogg down on some half a shoe lengths grass easily and this new toro definitely does not. it cut through the knee height grass with bogging only once AND the grass was WET.

[@GarageGear]

@@officialnotonlyjames thanks for sharing this James

[@davidschultz1607]

I just bought a used Toro 22” Self-propelled, Recycler, it must be a few years older than the one you reviewed. Used all your tips on checking a mower over, got it for $100😊 My does have the “Vortez” vents, but no actual snorkel on the top of the deck.

[@GarageGear]

@@davidschultz1607 wow! Not a bad price my friend! Glad the videos helped you out! 👍

[@eduardobahena1653]

I bought this same mower back in late 2022 and it’s been nothing but problems. It starts up fine and then sputters out after a while. I made sure to clean the carburetor and still nothing changed. Even took it to get looked at and only worked for a few months.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this with the community Eduardo

[@berettaguy7445]

After seeing the plastic transmission on this Toro, I bought the Honda (HRN216VKA). I know lawn mowers (like everything else) are not built as well as they used to be, but by today's standards, the Honda appears to have the edge on the competition. The engine for sure is superior when compared to a Briggs or Kohler. I've got 6 pieces of gasoline outdoor power equipment; all are powered by Honda engines, and none have given me any trouble. Interestingly enough, a replacement (plastic) Toro transmission is $97; a replacement (metal) Honda transmission is $60.

[@GarageGear]

@@berettaguy7445 hmmm interesting price comparison lol🤔

[@RollingInMy5pt0]

Relax virgin

[@summerforever6736]

Honda has. A plastic cam gear

[@berettaguy7445]

@@summerforever6736 It's resin, and it seems to work.

[@KennethStearns-nv1wm]

I've had my Toro 22 inch recycler for 10 years now, change oil regularly and spark plug just once. Still starts on first pull. Is washed out after every use. Mine is rear wheel drive, works better then front Wheel drive since it gets heavier on drive wheels as the bag gets fuller. Front wheel drive looses traction as bag gets heavier.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing sharing Kenneth

[@berettaguy7445]

Do you have any difficulty pulling the mower backwards? I'm referring to resistance from the transmission? Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

@@berettaguy7445 rear wheel drive toros with personal pace have a lot of issues with this nowadays

[@5714sqd]

I have just ordered this model. My Craftsman slash Husqvarna slash Poulan mower at eight years old, decided to break the grass catcher door. Can I get a replacement? No, why? The manufacturer discontinued the door, and there is not one available in North America. So much for customer service. Thanks for reviewing this unit. Great video.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate the positive feedback! Enjoy the mow my friend!

[@Laserwurks]

I purchased mine today. Wow Wow Wow 👌 cutting my yard used to be exhausting for this guy going on 75 years this fall. In the heat and humidity of tallahassee Florida. Now it's a walk in the park. I didn't purchase a riding mower because I have to many fruit trees and hedges to cut under and a round.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome laserwurks! Glad to hear you’re happy with your purchase!

[@fernherrera29]

Bought this to replace my Ego electric mower. After using it a year I definitely prefer the simplicity of gas. No needing to charge battery and remove each time after mowing.

[@GarageGear]

The charge anxiety is real lol! Thanks for watching!

[@WJCTechyman]

Wow, that's funny to see, "the simplicity of gas" usually people say the opposite. I prefer my gas machines as well as the mower is also recyclable at the end of life. You really can't do that with Lithium batteries.

[@stanblackburn700]

I, too, once had an Ego. And the battery was horrible. It would pop out and the mower would die if it hit a bump. Forget it it if the grass was damp -- half an hour at best. I got rid of it after one season.

[@JT-sl3ui]

I’m completely opposite. I just replaced my 21 year old Lawnboy. A real Lawnboy. Not a Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engine after Lawnboy sold out to Toro. It was a Silver Series with a 6.5 HP 2 stroke engine. A 3 in 1 but I always used the bag. Recently went to Ace and bought the EGO 2135SP. Holy efffin crap! I’m completely impressed! What an incredible machine. EGO now offers 5 year warranty on battery & include free 5ah battery with purchase. Mower came with one 7.5ah battery. Super light and I barely use the SP even on hills because it’s so easy to push. It definitely outperforms the Lawnboy. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@chadchapman7986]

I just replaced a 40V green works with a 21" recycler and it goes right through grass that would make the GW die every time. Took TWO batteries to get through 10 min. mow. Filled the bag & never missed a beat. Just waiting on the rear/side discharge chute that should have been included.

[@robertsevert]

Great video, the super recycler deck also needs to be cleaned, work at a power equipment shop and have seen decks rotted through in a few years if not properly clean from grass build up.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks my friend! And thanks for sharing!

[@tommak6516]

regarding changing oil, I got a mower out of a dumpster with Briggs engine, guessing it was 15+/- years old, it started/worked, NEVER changed the oil. It burnt oil every time I used it. I would just replenish with drain oil from my car. This used mower lasted 25 more years before it crapped out. My lawn is a good size. (I did have to sharpen the blade occasionally.) So much for "changing of the oil" theory.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing tom

[@tomg6149]

Bought one a few weeks ago. Starts easy, looks good and that's about it. Mulching doesn't work good at all. The clippings left are too big and it blows clippings out around the rear shield. It also leaves clumps on the ground as you go. Also, the bag is quite small. If I could do it over again I wouldn't.

[@GarageGear]

@@tomg6149 thanks for sharing this with the community Tom!

[@TroyHanson-ch6nm]

Love my toros mowers an snow blowers.. Work and service all my own stuff an wont buy anything but toro good quality products easy to get parts for even years later. The engineering is some of the best I've worked on easily my fav brand

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Troy!

[@stanblackburn700]

This is my mower (sans stowing feature), and I have mowed many lawns with it (I even run a small mowing business). It is a work horse. The only gripes I have are that the Briggs is underpowered (mine is the 160CC) and the Toro Atomic Blade is mediocre at best. I still love the mower, though.

[@GarageGear]

The Briggs is definitely underpowered! Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@LuisFlores-wd3jy]

I have the same one kind of and had it for 3 years, I never changed oil or clean fliter , I’m just seeing how many years will it last with no oil change see if toro is right , I’ll do a video about it after 5 years of use . I do rinse when done using

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing luis!

[@applianceman6009]

I got a 1999 Toro 20022 that my uncle gave me. It still runs and cuts perfectly. It was also made in the US rather than Mexico.

[@GarageGear]

Once they went across the border the quality took a nose dive!

[@applianceman6009]

Toro has been making certain mowers in Mexico since 2002.

[@davecharvella4854]

As usual, great job JB! I just received my new Honda HRX217 VKA (had recall fix performed), slapped on an hour meter and am ready to mow! I'm in Western NY too, and unfortunately, nothin but rain this spring. So, not ideal mowing conditions, to say the least! My previous mower was a Honda also, and after twelve years, I decided to treat myself and purchased the HRX. I'm in my 70's, so why not! Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

You’re ready to go for this season Dave! How are you liking it after a few mows.?

[@davecharvella4854]

@@GarageGear Actually assembled the mower and installed hour meter on Monday, and got to mow on Tuesday. And, it's been raining on and off (more on than off) ever since, including as I'm writing this reply! Three weeks ago, we had snow on the ground and since then, we've gotten ~ 6" of rain. So, based one mow, I'm loving the mower 😁

[@WJCTechyman]

The HRX series is a good machine. I got an older HRX217HYC last year for CA$100. It is 11 years old and looks pristine. It's to be a backup to the HRC216HXC I bought brand new three years ago as I mow commercially. Mine has the blade brake clutch and hydrostatic transmission, so it's a more premium version of yours.

[@littlejimmy7402]

I have a 10 year old honda HRX series. It's a great machine for Kansas. I blew the engine on a Toro recycler, grass grows thick and damp here. The deck is kind of shallow, bogging down was an issue.

[@turtle522]

I've had my 20333 for 8 years this coming August. I'm hoping to mow another 10 or 11 years (at my age). So I imagine I will be buying another one to get there. Buddy bought a 21462 end of season last year. That's the model I have in mind. His rear discharge chute fit my 20333. Not perfectly but worked fine. I kind of like the chute like that. Thanks for the reviews. I put an hour meter on mine after watching a previous video of yours. 40 hours since 7/1/2023.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome turtle! Thanks for sharing my friend !

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I just got a mower off the curb the other day, and im pretty certain it has the same engine on it. (it's a craftsman mower).

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON FLINT! All set for spring now! 👍

[@howiemook7701]

Purchased one end of last season . So far pretty good . Agree with you about the oil changes . They make it easy enough buy tipping it on its side to change . I use the self stow to clean out bottom . Great feature !

[@GarageGear]

Saw a video where a mechanic showed the oil after no oil changes after a few years. Wasn’t good. Engine had all kinds of issues. Thanks for watching HOWIE!

[@howiemook7701]

@@GarageGear I make sure it’s changed and ready to go at the end of the season .Same for the snow blower.

[@everybodysjonathan]

I have this same unit, 53 hours on the meter for one season and I really like it. Has a relatively quiet engine and light weight for those who don’t have a trailer and need to lift it. It does have trouble maintaining a straight line on inclines but I think that’s just an issues with front drive mowers in general. The only issue I had was a rear wheel falling off. Put some Teflon tape on the axle threads and never had an issue again. I use rain x under the deck with good results. The paint is nearly all gone but no rust. So far no issues with the transmission, however the z. Bend in the drive cable has cracked. Already have my replacement for when that part fails.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you sharing this with the community my friend!

[@jadamec]

I got a "Super" Recycler, 4 yrs old and was curious if you've seen what my complaints are with Toro. #1 being the ridiculous amount of grass clipping squirtin out the left side, and getting caught in the wheel tracks. I either have to go over these with the mower to clean up. Or when I'm done and cleaning up with a blower, look like an idiot blowing off my lawn to get the clumps out. And #2; having a small city lot with obstacles, maybe 15% of my cutting is done pulling the mower backwards. Which for some unknown reason completely defeats any mulching capability, looks like the front of the deck is open and just dribbling all the clipping out the front ? Great Channel by the way !

[@GarageGear]

Hey jada I did not see these issues with my toro. It usually mulches quite well. Do you have the mulch plug in place? Also is your blade as sharp as it could be?

[@jadamec]

@@GarageGear Yea, My dealer yells at me because y blades are kept sharp. Not Knife sharp, but Ax sharp for sure. plug is in. Dealer has no answers, "Never heard of that." Toro". won't answer back. obviously a problem, seen others complain of it in KZbin world. Can kinda fix the clippings clumping in the left wheel tracks. I made a skirt for the side, Heavy canvas backed with rubber. {a old printing blanket} But it doesn't last long. Sorry I got rid of my old Craftsmen, should've just put on a new motor, Never had problems with that. Thanks for the reply !

[@GarageGear]

@@jadamec you got it my friend!

[@dkdanis1340]

10:35 It makes perfect sense. They have really good air filters and quality oil with additives. Meaning that the oil will stay pretty clean overall. As the engine slowly burns old oil you keep adding new one. After some time old oil will get replenished by the new one. Some people didn't change oil on lawnmowers that do require oil changes and they still lasted for years by just topping it up. So if engines that do require oil changes last for years without one (just topping up) i don't see any doubt about the b&s because it's optimized for that from factory. Plus avg home owner only mows few times a month so the oil itself won't have as many heat cycles etc compared to bigger engines that do require oil changes from factory (cars, trucks).

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing DK

[@FlippinOPE]

Nice review JB, I’m a Toro guy but I’m really struggling with their newer vortex deck styles. I’m able to buy/sell the other style recycler/super recyclers all day.

[@GarageGear]

Hey flipp do you flip mowers?

[@FlippinOPE]

@@GarageGear Yes, I’ve been flipping all outdoor power equipment primarily lawnmowers and snowblowers for over 10 years now. I made some vids of it on my channel.

[@joemiller2629]

I think the vortex system is just a gimmick too. My 2012 SR that I bought new in 2015(thanks dealer)has a 1/4 gap under the Honda engine which I believe will pull in just as much air without clogging.

[@sledder07]

Part way through the first season the paint started pealing off the underside of the deck in strips. The underpowered engine bogs down and stalls no matter how dry the grass is while mulching. Huge regret buying mine.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this with the community Barry!

[@jdgoerke13]

Everyone dogs the power smart I use one with my lawn care, for about a year now and not one problem. Even can put it on its side with out leaking gas.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing jd

[@juanluciano401]

Great video, good information. Toro has faultered with me considering I purchased 3-4 of similar mowers ,registered for warranty. Time had passed, but definitely not more than a year anyhow I had a problem to where the handle rusted out where the controls were located. Reached out to toro, where their response was that was a cosmetic issue. That they wouldn’t warranty the issue of a rusting handle. Anyway just wanted to put toro on blast, but I will never spend another penny on a toro product.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Juan. Love putting toro on blast for their quality issues.

[@lunaticred1277]

I have always ran a little Marvel Mystery oil in my mowers. And they seem to run forever. Oiling the top rings on a aircooled engine seem like a smart thing to do.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Luna

[@ICUP570]

I switched over to marvel from seafoam a while back. I use it in everything now. It works great.

[@xsiveone]

The thing I don't like about my Toro is that it starts at 1.25" and goes to 4.25". My favorite height for my Tall Fescue lawn was 3" with my old Snapper. 3.25" is a little long and 2.75" is a little short for me.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeffg2866]

I am a new owner of this Toro Lawnmower. Fingers crossed it lasts a long time. Which lubricant can I use for the bottom and top of the deck? Would Wd40 suffice for keeping the grass, etc, from letting stuck?

[@GarageGear]

Congrats on the new mower! Wd40 helps but needs to be sprayed on often!

[@StlrNtn95]

I bought this mower a couple of seasons ago. I actually purchased it because it did not have a ton of features. My pea brain tells me those features are future problems. So far, I just change the oil, and I drain the fuel going into winter.

[@GarageGear]

Glad this mower is working out great for you so far! 👍

[@smallblock412]

Decent mower. I fully agree with the "no need to change the oil" gimmick. That's asking for trouble. Also that engine is on the smaller side for its size. Cutting dry grass should be ok. I do personally prefer RWD.

[@GarageGear]

I agree with you on all points, my friend. Tall grass is this things enemy.

[@gunsandrotors8704]

Agree!! Changed my oil after the first and second lawn cut when new. Then once or twice a season.

[@WJCTechyman]

I never understood the store system with Toro, I mean, yeah, it takes up less space when you can store it upright but by how much? The bagging system on this machine looks useless as I saw the tiny little slot on the back for the clippings. It's one of the things I like about my Honda mowers. The Hondas have big bagging discharges and perform incredibly well. It's a shame we won't see them anymore in North America. The side discharge is an optional part from Honda for the commercial grade machine but I bought it at the same time as the mower so I can't complain. The HRX models were kinda neat with the VersaMow Clip Director as you could mulch, discharge and bag and do a combination of those as well out of the box, no chute needed.

[@GarageGear]

It is a shame we won’t be seeing them here it the US anymore WJC. They had a good thing going!

[@roberts3138]

Great review and spot on.. having purchased one 2 weeks ago. I had no intention of registering .. thanks 😉

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Robert!

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey nice tutorial These new Toros are breaking down. Engines locking up. Not sure what is causing failure ? Owners not totally fully filling with oil , plastic engine components breaking. It be nice to hear from other owners. We tell the owners to change out oil as Toro indicates in maintenance. Now doing a 30 minute engine run oil breakdown should definitely be done.

[@GarageGear]

I’ll be keeping an eye on my neighbors mower. Would like to see how she holds up over time!

[@dammit7045]

After watching this video, I am now 50/50 on buying this mower. Thank you for the review

[@GarageGear]

@@dammit7045 you got it my friend! 👍👍

[@berettaguy7445]

How's the suction? I have a lot of leaves to deal with in the fall. Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

Decent deck suction on these mowers!

[@berettaguy7445]

@@GarageGear Comparable with a Honda HRN? I"ve got one, but looking for something a bit lighter. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

@@berettaguy7445 weight between the two is about the same and so is the deck suction! 👍👍

[@rogeralan6260]

JB, Good morning from West Michigan. Nice review - thanks. BTW, after watching your review of your buddy's Honda 217, I bought one. I love it and I think it will probably be my last mower. The grass has just started to grow here, and it gave me a great looking smooth cut. I did the "Dirty Thirty", too. (yuck) Thanks, again.RG

[@GarageGear]

Hey Roger! You landed a great one my friend! That mower will serve you well! Smart to do the dirty 30 too! 👍

[@WJCTechyman]

I just used my HRX217 on a couple of lawns this past Thursday (April 18, 2024). It had rained for almost two days straight and when I got to these lawns (it was supposedly a swamp before being a neighbourhood and these lawns are right beside each other) it was so wet back there my shoes soaked through. Anyway, the mower bagged with no performance loss in that wet flooded grass and, for the most part, made a decent cut. I don't know if my Commercial Honda would have performed as well due to the smaller engine than the HRX but either way it did incredibly well considering.

[@The_Mace]

Toro social media team, during the first half of this video: "Wow! A positive review from JB!" Toro social media team, by the end of this video: "Nope, JB is still not on the Christmas card list."

[@GarageGear]

I did get a mysterious fruit cake this past Christmas… card read … you suck! _ _ R O Management. Couldn’t figure out who it was from. 🤔 now I think I know. Thanks for the help solving that mystery mace! 😂👍

[@The_Mace]

@@GarageGear 🤣🤣🤣

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I just recently received a free Exmark 21 inch commercial mower from someone who switched over to electric and the thing is really nice. I am planning on selling it though because I could get a good amount of money from it.

[@GarageGear]

Oh wow! Score!!! They’ll be wishing they still had that Exmark that’s for sure! What’s the model number BCSERK?

[@dougcutler4948]

Older models would stop bagging with even a little bit of grass buildup. Hopefully the Vortex helps prevent that.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a common issue with these mowers.

[@DakotaLowry-i4l]

I love mine but here in texas it doesnt cut worth a crap with the standard gator style mulching blade it wont cut weeds like clover for example if its life depended it i swapped it for a universal high lift blade works wonderfully almost a john deere or honda cut quality now

[@GarageGear]

@@DakotaLowry-i4l thanks for sharing my friend

[@robertsharp7017]

Hello Trying to decide which one get. Tora or Honda. Leading to the front wheel drive. My yard is medium size. My Home Depot or Lowe’s have them. Any information much needed thanks

[@GarageGear]

I’d go Honda if you can get one! I have a video coming out on remaining Hondas next week.

[@garyalensr]

Sup JB? Hope you're having a great Saturday? You always produce great content brother. I gotta say these Toros are definitely good looking mowers and cut fantastic, but for some strange reason I just can't bring myself to splurge for one😅 I still have my 2001 3 n 1 Poulan Pro with the Quantum engine. Self propelled still works perfectly. I do maintain the snot out of it. It gets the oil changed every season and tuned every season. I only use the highest quality oil and NGK plug. I also clean the deck and wash it off and dry it every single time I cut my grass. Hell it still has all the decals intact. I dunno maybe when I'm retired I'll treat myself to one of these "rich people" 😂😂😂 mowers. Sorry for the long comment, have a great weekend and keep the awesome videos coming my friend😊

[@GarageGear]

Thank you appreciate you Gary! A lot of work goes into each video! About ten hours or so. I would keep that mower running as long as possible. Chances are good it will outlast all the new stuff out there. Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@garyalensr]

@@GarageGear Imma try and keep it going for another 23yrs.

[@davidba7418]

Ace has this one on sale. Would this be a good for to start a lawn care businesse? I was thinking about the AWD. But the FWD is only $411 right now.

[@GarageGear]

@@davidba7418 yeah, this would be a good starting mower.

[@moparchargergang2050]

Great review , I like that it’s a simple mower , I was thinking to use this as a budget lawn care business setup to start, do you think it would handle it? Is there another simple Toro with higher cc’s ? What’s the next level above this mower that’s front wheel drive?

[@GarageGear]

Hey mopar. Everything above this unit is rear wheel drive. If you have a rider of some kind and just need to get around some trees or something for your business this mower could work. Keep in mind the wheels are plastic and it is a homeowner model.

[@starview7045]

Great video as usual, and just in time for spring. Curious as to whether you saw any oil or gas leaks in the upright/stow position? Keep up the good work!!!

[@GarageGear]

No leaks at all starview! Appreciate you my friend!

[@anthonyferrara2222]

Isn’t rear wheel drive better all around when using the bag since the weight is all in the back?

[@GarageGear]

@@anthonyferrara2222 rear wheel drive is usually better for overall handling of the mower! Moving the bag weight too! 👍

[@AAa-qd8hb]

HELP. (Question for anyone). I love my old Toro AWD (all wheel drive) mower with BTAH (blue traction assist handle) but the new Toro AWD mowers (21472) have baby carriage handle without BTAH. How do I add BTAH. Thank you. Toro's BTAH (Blue Traction Assist Handle) converts Toro's PPM (Personal Pace Mowers) (which requires a person to push Toro's heavy mower forward before the self-propelled drive kicks in) to ((easily without effort) controlling Toro's self-propelled drive with just your fingers and hands without moving forward). This is needed on steep hills where you need the AWD Toro mower to pull you and this powerful AWD mower up the hill without any effort on your part. The powerful Toro AWD mower can do this only with BTAH and not by Toro's PPM (extra exercise mode). Without BTAH you end up pushing this heavy Toro mower up the hill even with AWD. It is a shame that Toro has gone (woke not work) with this useless new Toro curved baby carriage handle. IMO. Thank you for your help and understanding this Toro (back breaking) mower issue.

[@GarageGear]

Hey AA! I’m confused does your old mower no longer work?

[@AAa-qd8hb]

@@GarageGear Yes, my old Toro AWD (with BTAH) mower still works great but it is getting old and I need a backup AWD mower now before the USA dollar becomes worthless.

[@GarageGear]

@@AAa-qd8hb you might be able to buy one separately and see if you can modify it to fit the new handle bars.

[@AAa-qd8hb]

@@GarageGear I have ordered the new style traction assist handle from Toro for $70 (including tax and shipping). Expensive part for a twisted piece of black metal. I will give you an update after I have used it on my new 2024 Toro AWD mower for your subscribers on KZbin. Thank you for your help. P.S. I hope someone starts making a cheaper clone of this expensive ugly twisted part.

[@stevensmith1911]

I have the same older one, 6.5 hp, that is over 25 years old and still going strong. It has the no longer made Tecumseh engine. Mine needs priming, does this one?

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! No priming needed on this one.

[@earllinkous6909]

I have a 6.5 hp also, 22 years old. It seems to have started seeping oil from crank seal, wondering if there is a quick fix for this?

[@GarageGear]

@@earllinkous6909 oil leaks usually aren’t quick fixes. You will most likely have to replace the crank seal.

[@alexkoenig4332]

Hey JB, question for you. Do you think in the smart stow position you could pressure wash the deck, or might it fall over?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Alex! I wouldn’t recommend it if you have a really strong pressure washer. If you hit the top just right she could fall back. Side lying is probably best for that! 👍

[@LL-mt2nz]

I use a pressure was with a low pressure nozzle. It won’t tip over. I have the SR but same idea. You wouldn’t want to force water anywhere it shouldn’t go.

[@GarageGear]

@@LL-mt2nz sounds like a good plan

[@thanos9846]

Nice channel, I've watched quite a few of your videos. Any other recommendations for an equal/better mower at that price point? Say $500 +/-? My 20 some year old Craftsman/Honda mower is about ready to kick the bucket. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

@@thanos9846 the Honda hrn216vka is $550 and a better mower with fewer issues and some better features. I would give it a look

[@snowy800123]

As much as I love using my snow blower. I can't wait for lawn mowing season. Another 2 months to go!

[@GarageGear]

You’ll get there my friend! 👍

[@brandon_burbach]

Thanks JB! We had grass growing here in Minneapolis last week but now it's snowing again 🤦🌨️

[@GarageGear]

Can’t escape winter my friend! Flakes will fly on the Fourth of July lol!

[@stevepelino5986]

Great review on this mower. I agree with you for the price it’s a nice machine. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Steve! Thanks for watching

[@escapefromny2012]

I'm confused about the oil changes you mentioned, because the specs on Lowe's website says this model 21445 never needs an oil change.

[@GarageGear]

@@escapefromny2012 that’s a gimmick! You should change the oil once a season these if you want it to last!

[@DJNoMask]

@@GarageGearI think you have worked your way up to something like a Reel Rollers Revolution 26 or a Toro Greensmaster

[@GamerNxUSN]

Someone had a 163cc super recycler that still had the side chute on the deck for 300 bucks in my area, do you know what years had that side port on the deck?

[@GarageGear]

Probably within the last several years. Those are good mowers.

[@GamerNxUSN]

@@GarageGear so they only recently went to rear side discharge chute?

[@GarageGear]

@@GamerNxUSN yeah only recently. Must have cut costs for them.

[@anthonyelectric6045]

Thanks JB for the great review. What’s your favorite mower? You might have said this in the past but I’d figured I’d ask. Looking for a well built mulch mower like this one but better quality?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Anthony! That’s a tough one! My my favorite it probably the John Deere jx75/jx85. Although they are mediocre mulchers. The old super recyclers and toro commercial mowers are probably the best mulchers. Got one of each in my garage so I can mow depending on my mood lol! 😂 all those mowers are bulletproof!

[@anthonyelectric6045]

@@GarageGear thanks for sharing. I like the bagging on the video Toro and the steel deck etc. I’ll check out the others you mentioned. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@GarageGear]

@@anthonyelectric6045 you got it my friend!

[@thomasarloszynski8198]

🛎️🛎️🛎️🧐 if Lowe’s sides, stacks Toro lawnmower should I buy one and if I did, should I return it?

[@GarageGear]

I just responded to this

[@BELCAN57]

Any known problems with this engine? I purchased a Toro years ago, and it had a huge problem with the carburetor jet plugging up on a regular basis.

[@GarageGear]

Hey belcan! The only things I’ve heard about them are they are underpowered, carb issues if not drained or stabilized in the off-season and issues if oil is not changed. If you maintain them and run them on ethanol free gas you should be good! 👍

[@gregoryeditor6500]

Great Review but replacing the wheels would be a challenge for me. After I have my right knee surgey I will give it some thought.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Gregory! Believe it or not they are super easy to swap out. One bolt holding them on. Good luck with your knee surgery!

[@gregoryeditor6500]

@@GarageGear Thanks, yesterday I cut my backyard for the first time I had to put the wheels up higher becase the grass was so long and I added a little oil DID NOT CHANGE IT AND IT STARTED AO THE 2ND PULL

[@ITAngel]

Between a gas mower and an electric mower, which one is the best for below $700? Sadly, my Honda lawn mower from 2008 is finally dying cracked body leaking oil, and I am in the market for a new one. I paid about $749.99 for my Honda mower from Home Depot in 2008. Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Hey IT! I would grab a remaining Honda! No way would you get 16 years out of any battery mower!

[@ITAngel]

​@@GarageGear Oh boy, I see. Well, dang. I grabbed a Ryobi 40V HP Whisper AWD for $700. My wife was concerned about the plastic housing body. Plus the amount of plastic on the unit. To be honest, a lot of the parts are plastic, but it still feels almost like a heavy gas lawn mower and it has 2 batteries. I am worried it will not last 10 years. I am storing the batteries in the house, but the unit is in a shed that does get very hot in the summer.

[@barpatron]

What are the Pros and Cons of FWD and RWD with the self propelled drivetrains?

[@GarageGear]

This is a loaded question. Simple answer is front wheel drive usually has one speed and plastic gears that wear quick. Rear wheel drive models are easier to drive and many have metal gears

[@benjamink1403]

How well does this work when cutting seaweed on the sea floor? I was swimming in the ocean and noticed no one had mowed under there in a while

[@GarageGear]

Perhaps I should give that a shot. 👍😂

[@benjamink1403]

@@GarageGear I'd recommend mowing the Atlanic seafloor, THEN mowing the Pacific. Everyone always starts with the Pacific for some reason

[@jaybooth4815]

Great review JB! Pretty decent mower but I'm not a fan of front wheel drive especially when you're uding the bag. The weight lifts the front wheels up. As far as not changing the oil...seriously Toro? Just wondered what height setting you used? What's up for the weekend? Cheers my friend!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jay! I agree’ I prefer RWD! I mow at 2.5 all season long except for the first and last mow! 2 inches first mow to stimulate growth and clean up the crap. Last mow is short for winter to prevent snow mold! Busy weekend filming! Bike rides here and there! You?

[@jaybooth4815]

⁠just running several errands today. I usually cut at 3 inches, especially in spring, mulching most of the time. I do taper it down to 2 inches in the last couple of mows . Like you to keep the snow mold down. Enjoy the rest of the weekend my friend. A bit chilly and windy for bike rides. Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

@@jaybooth4815 definitely cold out! Winter isn’t allowed back here until November

[@telecatsermaster]

Just got one today…. Apparently im registering. Need the side chute.

[@GarageGear]

Yep definitely get the side chute!

[@theequalizer707]

I have a older recycler which is a great mower. About to potentially go get this one.

[@GarageGear]

Yeah! Not a bad choice.

[@barneyfyfe8313]

Fix your old one. The new ones are problematic.

[@alphaboy1872]

Had a Toro and moved to an XMARK 22" Commercial mower with a Kawaski motor. Not have looked back.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a beast of mower!

[@MrAlternation]

could you possibly do a video on adding a hour meter to the 22 recycle Toro?

[@GarageGear]

I’ll see what I can do! 👍

[@MrAlternation]

@@GarageGear awesome!

[@mikemac6085]

I had my craftsman mower over 10 years never changed oil starts first pull every time and never sprayed bottom with wd40 no rust 😅😅

[@GarageGear]

@@mikemac6085 thanks for sharing mike

[@kanyeeastlolz]

JB, are you planning on reel mowing this year? Would love to see some videos on this!!!!

[@GarageGear]

My grass type is not great for reel mowing. My lawn is best mowed taller. And even the smallest bumps can be trouble for a reel mower. Love the idea though

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

I had a mower Toro never change oil had to change it 3 times to get rid of the grey

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the heads up mike! 👍

[@ieatcantaloupes1232]

I’m looking on facebook market place for lawnmowers to start a lawn mowing business around my neighbourhood. Do you think a recycler would do the job or should I look more for a super recycler?

[@GarageGear]

The older super recyclers are a little better at cutting and better built! I would try to find them if you can. Avoid the current models though

[@ieatcantaloupes1232]

@@GarageGear most of the old super recyclers don’t have bags. Do you think that would be a problem?

[@ieatcantaloupes1232]

@@GarageGear And the super recyclers are hard to come by. Would a regular toro recycler be sufficient?

[@GarageGear]

@@ieatcantaloupes1232 you can still get bags for them. I would go with an older one if you can.

[@GarageGear]

@@ieatcantaloupes1232 they are okay. I would just keep them clean.

[@mred9972]

Ok sorry but after unexplainable situation it was corrected so far so good

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing mred

[@mikeflowers874]

Would have been nice if they put a oil drain plug in to make oil changes easier.

[@GarageGear]

True but this is a budget mower. Perhaps on something higher up the food chain.

[@harrycrafter18]

Why would they remove the side discharge door off the side of the deck and make you register it to regain that ability in my opinion in a worse way? It doesn’t make sense to me

[@GarageGear]

@@harrycrafter18 it all comes down to production costs. However they figure it!

[@jasond4ZS]

Which push mower do you stand by?

[@GarageGear]

@@jasond4ZS for new homeowner mowers Hondas are great! There are lots of good commercial ones out there

[@jasond4ZS]

@@GarageGear Thanks. Not a new homeowner. Never had so much trouble as this year with 2 year old Craftsman. All the new ones I see have so much plastic on them and look cheap but price says otherwise. My first priority is always American Made gas mower. These box stores pushing more and more battery mowers.

[@GarageGear]

@@jasond4ZS I know your pain my friend. Too much cheaply built nonsense out there. You may want to consider something commercial grade if you want it to last.

[@amifree5682]

Hello JB and everyone. Is the Toro Recycler Max 22-in #21485 good to buy? It's $499 now at my local Lowes. Thanks a lot.

[@GarageGear]

Still trying to get more info on these. Wondering what the max is all about? I smell a gimmick.

[@amifree5682]

@@GarageGear Yeah, do agree with you. I think the difference from others is just the smartstow. Anyway, I'll listen to your advice on this one 🤩

[@GarageGear]

@@amifree5682 I’ll see what I can dig up on it.👍

[@johnbelliveau4704]

Hi JB, "you bet your bippy", that is a blast from the past!! Be Well my friend.

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah a guy I knew in high school said it all the time! lol! Thanks for watching as always John!

[@gcraig0001]

Didn't notice any sort of speed control or choice of speed. I prefer the system that automatically adjusts to your walking speed, but of course that adds more cost and a higher price. Most mowers I've ever dealt with that didn't have that feature did at least have a user controlled choice of speeds. If this is a one speed only system, as the video implies, that would be a deal breaker for me.

[@GarageGear]

That’s all you get is one speed with this one craig! Thanks for watching

[@TboneSRT]

is the honda hrn216 worth 100 more? in the market for a new mower

[@GarageGear]

I would say so! Mines been great

[@uploderpilot]

If you buy a toro recycler off the shelf at a big box store.... home depot or lowes...it will self-destruct somewhere between 4 and 5 years of using it. The one you want is the Toro Super Recycler..... typically not carried in stock at most big box stores. You can order it from them, though. Typically, many in stock equal scam. Few in stock mean amazing...... almost like they WANT to sell you a $500 mower every 5 years instead of an $800 mower every 10 to 15 years.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@mikepodorski4272]

Unfortunately, affordable mowers are to a price point. My first mower was a Toro 20042 Super Recyler that cost $500 back in 2000, which would be $925 today. I know I say today's mowers are junk, but you can't make a mower affordable without cutting corners. Especially now that the engines have to be more emission friendly. In our throw-away society, most people won't pay $900 and understand that it will be a better value in the long run. Companies, for the most part, build what customers demand.

[@GarageGear]

Spot on Mike! Shame the way things ate nowadays!

[@WJCTechyman]

The most affordable mower my Mom bought at one point was an MTD (rebranded YardWorks for Canadian Tire) side discharge unit with a PowerMore 140cc engine. For its simplicity, it was a dream to use as it was light and started pretty easily with the auto choke system. The auto choke on that mower was a wind vane design that when the mower was started it opened the choke butterfly. You could usually get it started within one or two pulls and the fact that it was based on Honda's GXV140 engine.

[@kyled159]

Was $500 affordable in 2000? What mower for $1000 today would you recommend?

[@GarageGear]

@@kyled159 you could either look at a high end Honda or start looking at something commercial

[@josephschuster1494]

Excellent analysis, Mike! I purchased my Lawn Boy Gold Series mower in 1998 for the “outrageous” price of $475…still purring to this day. The bottom line: you get what you pay for, pure and simple.

[@TheLawnLover]

I wonder why they don't just include the aide discharge chute in the box when you buy it lol

[@GarageGear]

Must be cutting costs! How’s all the new equipment treating you Justin?

[@TheLawnLover]

@GarageGear it's going well! My first try with a battery mower and I have actually been impressed with it haha. Still throwing my Timemaster into the rotation too since I love that mower lol

[@TheLawnLover]

@GarageGear it's going well! My first try with a battery mower and I have actually been impressed with it haha. Still throwing my Timemaster into the rotation too since I love that mower lol

[@GarageGear]

@@TheLawnLover gottcha my friend. Let me know how that battery mower works for you over the next couple of months.

[@WJCTechyman]

@@GarageGear But the fact that you have to register your mower is puzzling. I could just buy the side discharge outright for my Honda commercial or HR214 from the 1980s and that's how I bought it, with the commercial mower when I ordered it.

[@timraber6575]

I picked up the rear wheel drive model last year. I was told by the dealer the transmission has metal gears. The price was just $50 over the front wheel drive and it came ready to use. I called Toro to register the mower and two weeks later, discharge chute came in. Then the next week I got another discharge chute. I mow about four yards per week and it’s holding up well. This my second one. Deck on the first one was rusting out after 5 years. I still would like a side discharge.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Tim!

[@michaelpawelski8444]

I love my TORO recycler max, spend a little more on a rear wheel drive personnel pace mower and pass on this model.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing michael

[@Anunnaki-z7i]

This one is not your father's Toro, lol. Cost cutting measures across the board. The fact that they advertise a no oil change required is incredible. Those who follow that advise will be replacing their mowers every few years. This is just another tactic to increase sales. As always you provide great sound advice.

[@GarageGear]

Definitely not your dad’s old mower for sure! Thanks for watching !

[@earthsciteach]

Just bought one today. My back yard will put that plastic transmission to the test.

[@GarageGear]

Let me know how she does for you! 👍

[@bedvyr]

Coil died after 1 year. 6 week wait to see the repairman with minimum $80 inspection fee. 2nd coil failed in 6 months and the third appears to be failing. I tried an aftermarket coil and it didn't make any difference. The engine also suffers from unreliable automatic choke and throttle controls. The chokes are notorious and neither are adjustable. Nobody seems to sell it anymore and parts are very difficult to find.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@momwoods8726]

What about carb leak while in stow position?

[@GarageGear]

I wonder if you have carburetor issues to begin with! Does it leak in the normal position?

[@nickyj3571]

Im not a fan of the FWD. I have one and its makes me cut crooked it pulls to fast. Half the time i don't use it except for hills

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@cbac796]

Was wondering if you can put the height adjusters between the pegs?

[@GarageGear]

@@cbac796 yes you can! 👍

[@allaboutyarn8240]

Out of the box, my new mower's front wheels are locked. Toro is no help. They refer me to either Toro engine manufacturer or Briggs & Stratton. The third choice is help to find a local authorized Toro repair shop. I am not a mechanic, so this is a real bummer.

[@GarageGear]

That is a bummer. Wonder what’s up with them. Keep me posted

[@box420]

yeah i didn't buy a toro because they didn't have a side discharge. i wanted to be able to mow the grass even if its wet.

[@GarageGear]

This model has it you just have to register the mower. Usually get the chute in a week. What model did you go with?

[@xballplayer4556]

Very honest review

[@GarageGear]

Keep it real on this channel! Thanks for watching ball player!

[@CodyCanon-l1n]

I bought a 2002 model I paid 225 it’s in great shape did I pay to much

[@GarageGear]

@@CodyCanon-l1n not if it’s in great shape and working order!

[@jackallen5240]

hOW DO YOU SLOW THE SPEED DOWN ITS A LITTLE FAST FOR ME WHEN MOWING.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jack! You cannot on this model. One speed it all you get on this budget mower.