Residential Mower Toro TimeMaster VS Commercial Mower Toro TurfMaster

[@kenlong5033]

Hi Naylor. I have a TIME MASTER and I agree with all you have said on the video. The TIME MASTER is mainly meant for the residential home owner. I mow once per week with my TIME MASTER. The 3 year warranty is pretty sweet as well. At 74 years old the Time Master is a good fit for my almost 10,000 sqft property. An upgrade from a 21 inch mower.

[@iitypicaltylerr]

Awesome hearing you’re own personal experience!

[@EdenLawnServices]

I have a 2018 Timemaster. Used commercially since new. Tires are bald and she keep chugging along. Had to replace a few items but for the money, it has been a great machine!!!

[@willieslawncareservice.8436]

I use the time master for residential on my commercial properties , Transmission last me 5 years Then I went on Amazon and got one for $59, And it's working great , Why spend all that money on commercial mower. When the time master is good enough.👍👊

[@M.TTT.]

After the pulleys blow up, upgrade to the trufmaster metal ones and yea, its a decent mower.

[@gregorywillis8400]

Perfectly said!

[@mustangshelby4423]

All i get is time master and we use it everyday all day and we get 3 to 5 years out fo them for home owners it use they are a beast they go head to head with the commercial ones is worth buying them for landscaping business .

[@rickg1020]

Thanks for taking the time to do this, I have a Timemaster (like it a lot) but am going to buy the Turfmaster too for heavier daily use. Cuts great too.

[@LewisC2K24]

Where i work we have 2 toro timemasters , since 2018 they have ran flawlessly

[@jimmyc1409]

Thanks for the comparison of home vs commercial toro 30 “ mowers. As new to the business with little money to buy new equipment, I think I would buy the commercial version. Good to see you on you tube this season.

[@Apistevist]

I'm in the same boat, been looking at the Scag SFC30, it's priced around 2,500 US and has an hour meter, better cut height adjustment and optional front caster wheels.. The damn thing is 215lbs though and a TurfMaster is only 170, TimeMaster ~140.

[@Rose_19911]

but that’s the more expensive one? lol

[@EuroYardService]

The secret to get around the heavy weight of the Turfmaster is to never let it stop moving while mowing. Always keep at least one wheel rolling especially when taking your turn. Use the power of momentum! The lower you mow, the better the striping will be.

[@jimbo5635]

I have a timemaster, great mower. Only complaint is gas tank it way too small

[@tyler350]

I have a time master. Five yards for the last four years still runs and cuts good. Regular maintenance is key. Three of my yards are on hills, I have adjusted the drive cable and replace the drive belt this year still a little sluggish on the hills. I thought the transmission was the same on all the 30 inch machines. Did toro upgrade the commercial units in the last couple years?

[@LawnCareRookie]

Yes sir. The HDX is a new Kohler engine and a bigger transmission, in 2019 👍

[@terrybarney5279]

I bought a Timemaster 3 years ago and love it. I wanted a second 30” mower so at the end of last year I bought Turfmaster. Today, I just got back from the dealer, got full refund on the Turfmaster and came home with a Timemaster. Yes Turfmaster is a tank, but IMO, not a not the Cadillac I was expecting. As others have mentioned, maintenance is the key.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Ayye, brother. Good to see you rocking and rolling again.

[@shawnexotics7828]

From experience if you are a solo guy yes the time master would be a better option but if you are running a crew yes use the turfmasterb

[@johnrus7661]

Contrary to popular belief, they are the same trans, just with a bigger pulley so the gear ratio is lower but more torque.

[@M.TTT.]

so then it must be a decent bit slower too edit: ah yea he mentions that.

[@johnrus7661]

@M.TTT. It is, but I don't use the max speed on my Timemaster anyway. So ultimately for me personally, it is not a problem.

[@M.TTT.]

@johnrus7661 ah yeah, I sometimes mow fast, but idk if I ever hit max speed. I'd have to try out a turfmaster to see it's top speed. When I did mow this one hill, I just tried to go from the top down, back and forth. Not straight up and down.

[@M.TTT.]

online says timemaster is 4.5mph and Turf is 4.0, so doesn't seem a ton different.

[@johnrus7661]

​@M.TTT. Not at all. Residential use, the Timemaster is more than adequate. The Turfmaster is a bit heavier and can handle more hills. And because of the lower ratio supposedly it stays cooler and doesn't pop seals. Loose oil and self destruct. That's why some drill a hold and put a screwed in plug in the trans, so you can top off the oil. Doing that the trans will last a lot longer.

[@shadwell749]

I got the Timemaster over the turf mainly because the personal pace just wish it could pull a hill

[@M.TTT.]

I think you can swap the turfmaster transmission in. Its slower, but should pull better.

[@brentyoung2310]

I have a 2016 time master . Great mower . But I have to replace the blade engagement cable twice a year cause it constantly breaks.

[@LawnCareRookie]

Dang

[@M.TTT.]

using OEM genuine Toro cables? The aftermarket ones are junk. If you keep breaking them, the cable may be adjusted a little too tight.

[@Dr777cl]

Thanks For Filling Me In. Great Video 👍 👍

[@stephenmacdonald4443]

I had a toro turf master and i had to give it back after half a season it could not handle long grass not enough blade power i think it bogged down . We mow grass fortnighly on contracts and anywhere it was wet and grass long and it could not do the even narrowing the cut to about 2 thirds and nah , always keen to find out the best mower between normal 21 inch cut and 48 scag type mower.

[@LawnCareRookie]

Yeah, I open the side cute when it's tall and wet grass. Every mower has it's limits to mulch properly. Deck size and engine power... My 48 with mulch kit bogs down at certain points.

[@TheLawnFellas]

I used the Toro TimeMaster last two years and I love it. It will drag me up a hill I did a video on this with a simple adjustment it definitely added more power to move even faster

[@grf8321]

Please tell me how you did it. I love mine but have a bit of a hard time with hills and tall grass.

[@barbcarpenter5016]

Wow really I might try tightening my self propelled cable

[@barbcarpenter5016]

I believe he tightened the self propelled cable​@@grf8321

[@M.TTT.]

@@barbcarpenter5016 adjusting the self propel cable is normal maintenance as the belt wears/stretches, definitely check it once in a while.

[@gti189]

Hello just started a business I’m an owner operator. I am not handy and avoid maintenance. Besides oil changes what is the next most necessary maintenance in your opinion to keep my timemaster for a few years strong. I am comfortable buying a new one every 3 years or so because it is so affordable it pays itself off in 2 weeks

[@LawnCareRookie]

Congrats! I would say just keep under the deck clean and the blades sharp 👍

[@rick3747]

I own a Timemaster. I cut my half acre every 6-10 days. My only complaint is the dense rubber wheels. Air tires would be better to reduce wheel marks on lawn like riders.

[@tomdorazio681]

How long does it take you to mow half an acre? I’ve got about 1.3 acres but only mow 50-60%, the rest is meadow and hedge row. Im basically wide open on a gentle slope. Few trees, large shed, fire bit, house, and swing set is all I have to mow around. I’m seriously considering a timemaster so I can bag where my son plays. I’m hoping it won’t take a ton of time to do the whole half acre+. I’ve got an old garden tractor I can mow with too but can’t bag with it.

[@rick3747]

@@tomdorazio681 Hi, it takes me 40 minutes to 70ish minutes depending on which way I cut the grass for striping.

[@tomdorazio681]

@@rick3747 good to know thanks. I ended up going with the time master. I haven’t had to actually mow yet though. It’s so damn dry here. I played around with it though and I think it’s going to work well.

[@rick3747]

@@tomdorazio681 I love my Timemaster. It is not perfect but it works great. It even stripes good even without a striper but I got one for free so I use it. Save $200 and enjoy the way the Timemaster stripes. I cut at "C" at 3.25" and my semi-dry lawn looks good. Just make sure you change the oil after the first 5 hours. Not everyone does even though the owners manual suggests it. I use regular wal mart super tech lawn oil. I didn't buy Toro synthetic oil. If you need anything else, just ask.

[@normanortega3439]

I never owned a turf master and have two time masters for my buisness only because the dealers that are here in dallas tx say they break down alot and I've heard from other companies the same thing so i didn't risk it but they look legit I've just heard so much about them it kept me away an when scag came out with there's I was close to getting one as well but I seen like 8 of them in the shop being worked on along with alot of the turf masters an never seen a time master being worked on other then mine because I wasn't doing maintenance but that was a rookie mistake on my end

[@HiTek3]

You see more of them in the shop because there are so many of them out there getting worked HARD in commercial use, bounced around on trailers, left out in the sun and rain, banged into with zero-turns when loading up for the next job, etc. If you want to run a serious business you have to have serious equipment.

[@ryantrickey979]

Used time master for commercial use….went through two pulleys and two belts. Not one problem with the turf master

[@victorrippe5845]

You have to upgrade the pulleys and they will hold up commercial work

[@davidsolis2149]

Are you sure? Cuz I’m about to get one 😅

[@M.TTT.]

@@davidsolis2149 the stock pulleys should last a while depending how much you use it. Probably years, but never know if you happen to get a bad one. If one lets go, you'll be out of commision until you replace the pulley(s), timing belt, and probably blades, if not more parts.

[@BryanTee80]

Kawasaki or Kohler engine on the Turfmaster? Looking for feedback please.

[@LawnCareRookie]

@@BryanTee80 newest Kohler engine, hdx model

[@josh_g2186]

I have a 20 turf master with the Kawasaki engine. I like it

[@DulinCutAndTrim]

I am a fan of the timemaster but the best thing you can do to keep that machine running is to take off the blue blade break safety. If you forget to pull that lever you’ll break the whole mechanism and the blades won’t go

[@earthnotaglobe8472]

First thing i removed . Good point .

[@alejandro78311]

The time master is the best mower, very easy to make turns I had the new exmark 30 it was too heavy but the worst thing very hard to turn specially in hillsides because both wells spin at the same time not like the time master.

[@mlintonlawncare]

Great video! I have the Timemaster and love it. Replaced a couple belts but nothing major so far. On my 3rd season with it.

[@anthonym5041]

Time master is $1500 where I live. Is that good price?

[@herbb8412]

That’s what they are going for in NE Indiana right now $2500 on the turfmaster. Just checked them out Saturday

[@logdon17]

A year or 2 ago I would say $1,000 is the right price. In today's new economy, $1,500 is the going price. I just picked up a new one last month and paid $1,500.

[@marcusweaver9728]

Yes that’s the new Biden economy price

[@brlyjo]

@@marcusweaver9728 you're irritating. Like a bad smell.

[@rileymilner4113]

I have turfmaster for my business it’s good mower, bit more power be good and its not best on long grass even if grass , up to your ankles it will struggle on mulch mode. I find it doesn’t cut short enough i always get asked by customers to cut shorter even its on 2 inches. Here in Australia people want their grass cut very short customer said other day can u cut grass same as honda second last settings i said its toro they don’t cut that short im sorry I rather cut higher and more regular then very short.

[@LawnCareRookie]

Definitely different mowers for different customers, situations, and grass types.

[@buckbenelli8]

The problem is dirt, wet grass accumulates under the pulley shroud. You have to unscrew and clean it constantly or everything degrades. It’s a stupid design meant to self destruct. Planned obsolescence?

[@andrewb2111]

I'm looking at a new turfmaster hdx with kawasaki engine. Anyone know if the blade tip speed is higher on the commercial version?

[@AatakFearless]

Hello we just got a mower an exmark but it’s pretty much the same as toro 30in. The mower we got seems like it’s hard to turn to the sides do you have an idea on what that could be?

[@LawnCareRookie]

That's just how it is because of the heavy duty weight. The trick is to lift the front up a little, by pulling back on the back wheels and turning only on the back wheels. This allows them to pivot in opposite directions creating an easier turn at the end of each pass.

[@AatakFearless]

@@LawnCareRookie i know what you mean. But for some reason this new ones feels different possibly because of the parking brake. The older models didn’t have it so it was easy to turn

[@brentyoung2310]

I have a 8yr old time master love it but..... I had to replace the transmission once, engine once, blade engagement cable every season once or twice . I would definitely go with the turf master

[@hubertmichael9432]

How many properties do you cut weekly?

[@cesarvidales-td4lb]

What type of glasses are you wearing?

[@LawnCareRookie]

Toro Eyewear

[@cesarvidales-td4lb]

Thank you sir what’s the model number ?

[@LawnCareRookie]

@@cesarvidales-td4lb Field, matte black frame and silver lens

[@nuttermudder4630]

Thanks for the comparison. I was looking at a Turfmaster but bought a FW15 instead - dealer is closer. with an accelerator bagger attached bagging isn't a problem but it costs more than the Turfmaster. Switching from mulching, discharge and bagging on the Toro is way easier but the FW15 is easier to use - don't have to lift the front to turn. Also the GX390 has quite a bit more power than the Kohler on the HDX.

[@AlexanderCrump]

I bought the FW15 last year after doing tons and tons of research. I really wanted the caster wheels and I liked the beefiness of the FW15. But after about an hour of use I realized I made a huge mistake. I am a small guy and we have an acre lawn that is hilly. I was completely worn out after trying to manage the FW15. My arms and hands were soaked with sweat I was working so hard and I could not maintain grip on the handles. Every turnaround at the end of a run was a tremendous chore. Luckily the dealer took it back without any hassle. I was tremendously disappointed that it did not work out for me.

[@nuttermudder4630]

@@AlexanderCrump I found that if you don't try to muscle it around it is easy to operate - just treat it like a commercial walk behind and do k turns at the end of the row. On hills lock the casters

[@AlexanderCrump]

@@nuttermudder4630 I was so, so disappointed. I really wanted that machine and was so happy to have it delivered but I just couldn't see how I could live with it. I don't understand how my experience was so different from everyone else's. My regular mower is an AWD 22-inch Husqvarna walk behind that weighs a ton so I am used to working with heavy equipment. I honestly had a really hard time controlling the Ferris and it almost got away from me a couple of times. I never did figure out what to buy instead of the FW15. I am considering the Toro Turfmaster with the Kohler engine. A 5-inch cutting height is a necessity which narrows my options way down.

[@AlexanderCrump]

Another dealbreaker with the FW15 is its low-clearance rear axle. I have a brick edging around my driveway that is easily cleared with the Husqvarna if I straddle the border (half on driveway, half on lawn). The first time I rode the FW15 up on the brick border it hit high center and scraped the axle. This was even with the cutting height set on the highest at 5 inches. The axle stays the same low height regardless of cutting height setting. The axle also dragged on some oak and poplar tree roots in the yard which I absolutely could not live with.

[@nuttermudder4630]

@@AlexanderCrump maybe SCAG 30"?

[@RedRockMaintenance]

Had a turfmaster long ago. Hated it. Had no power. I did love it was 30”. Only good thing it had going for it

[@LawnCareRookie]

They updated it. The one in the video is the new one with the Kohler engine. HDX. Came out in 2019...

[@nikgotro770]

Very helpful video thanks

[@RocketBadger]

Does anyone know if it's possible to retro-fit the Turfmaster fuel tank on to the Timemaster?

[@DizsLLS2197]

How big is the turf master fuel tank

[@LawnCareRookie]

1 gallon

[@darkwar12345]

Just bought a 2021 turf master hdx litteraly brand new for $1500

[@GC-kk4et]

How?

[@seanboate9960]

Let’s really spell out the differences but first what’s the same? Same deck Same top motor plate Same basic belt and control design What’s different? 1) The wheel height adjustment, The Turfmaster is a heavier all metal design. The timemaster adjustment arm springs break easily if used a lot. 2) The pulley wheels for the blade timing belt. The turf master has beefier wheels and replaceable bearings. The toro stamped wheels are very susceptible to dirt and go bad easily 3) The blade belt brake arm. The turfmaster has a large pivot point with all metal bushings. The timemaster uses just the plate and some nylon bushings that wear out quickly. 4) Engine. The Turfmaster has the Kohler CV224 with 11ft pds of torque. The Timemaster has the B&S at 10ft pds of torque. The Kohler is pressure and splashed lubed engine while the B&S is splash only. 5) Transmission, The turfmaster has a larger pulley on it so it it is slower but torquier than the Timemaster. Overall their isn’t much different and most better commercial turfmaster parts can be used on the timemaster due to the same deck and engine plate design. The main items that can’t be replaced (at least cost effectively without a donor mower is the wheel height design. That and the various plastic pieces on the timemaster.

[@logdon17]

Anyone else have a Timemaster and have cut quality issues? I bought one last month and compared to my 21 inch Honda the cut quality is way down. I always mow when the grass is dried out and only a couple inches tall so not sure why it was leaving so many blades of grass standing. Love the bigger mowing deck and power but on the grass in the Boston area it does not cut great.

[@harryharry3193]

best cut quality of all the mowers I ever tried. honda's...nahh....recycler side discharge? very good. super recycler...very good. time master better than all of them. Side discharge is better than mulching. if you have bad cut quality, your deck maybe clogged...or dull blades. I dont get the fascination with mulching....i never am happy with the cut. side discharge is superior, or bag it for the best cut, but you lose the organic matter. hope that helps you

[@rickg1020]

I have used Hoda HRX217 for years, just bought a Timemaster. Toro has a much better cut and donnt need to go over it twice.

[@wasdwasd12321]

My time master blew piston ring at around 10 hours lol what the

[@LawnCareRookie]

🫤

[@csmlawnandlandscape7619]

I would never own a Toro "personal pace" anything for residential or commercial use... had one and hated it. Last thing I need is a mower that I have to push on the handle to get moving along. Over time that mower is going to turn into a full time push mower... especially on hills.

[@rebfan9200]

I bought a TimeMaster last year. I totally agree with you, the personal pace sucks!! It's hard for me to keep a steady pace slow or fast. The TurfMaster self propel seems like it would be much better, but I don't want the extra weight.

[@LawnCareRookie]

If you wanna go full bore, you can grab the blue reference handle while pushing drive handle down

[@rebfan9200]

@@LawnCareRookie Yes I get that, but that's way to fast to cut grass. Do you like the personal pace better than the TurfMaster?

[@LawnCareRookie]

@@rebfan9200 kind of. It's all or nothing with the turf master... Which is good for open yards. But we use it in small backyards with small gates. A lot of turning and obstacles. So controlling the speed is kind of necessary. But that's what they expect with residential and not with commercial. That's why the make them each that way. I honestly would just use the time master for me business but I think it wouldn't last the daily abuse from employees...

[@marcusweaver9728]

I’ve had a time master since 2015. The engine mount bolts have backed out and needed to be replaced twice. I’ve had to replace all the engine and drive engage wires, I’ve also replaced the rear height selector equipment. One time the propeller blades collided and the shafts and blades needed to be replaced. Due to the fact that I’ve never spent more than $100 on maintenance at a time it makes it worth it to just repair and keep using it as opposed to replacing it. I also don’t want to replace it at this time as it was always $999, but now due to the Biden inflation it is 50% more at $1499.

[@brlyjo]

How to say your don't know what you're talking about without saying it....I'll bet you don't have a degree in economics, or understand cause and effect in all circumstances.

[@charlieblessing487]

@@brlyjogovernment spending 😂

[@brlyjo]

@@charlieblessing487 Government spending IS out of control.

[@Jeepsteve1982]

I don't have a degree in economics either. In fact I'm just smart enough to realize how much better off i was under Trump than i have been under Biden. Anyone who voted for that idiot owes the rest of us a MASSIVE apology.

[@Jeepsteve1982]

And I'm not even saying i blame you. You were fooled. That's understandable. I just hope you've learned your lesson. Otherwise, don't lecture us about the need for an economics degree in order to be qualified to complain about our increasingly dire situations.

[@RobertFrancis-ir6rh]

Time master

[@johnatkinson4543]

Needs swivel wheels up front.

[@normanortega3439]

I seen some videos on people who tried it out, if you don't have much customers with hills it looks like a great idea if your not cutting horizontal

[@LawnCareRookie]

Wheels usually have a locking option for hills on the brands that have them.

[@LawnCareRookie]

Would be helpful for sure

[@paulb2769]

TurfMaster is to damn heavy and should have castor wheels to make turning much easier !!!!

[@jawswill8052]

Bro I didn't know you're in my area!

[@LawnCareRookie]

What's your area?

[@jawswill8052]

@@LawnCareRookie I'm 23112.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

My wife loves the Timemaster. She will easily put 500 hours on her mower each season. We buy a new Timemaster every year! Would love to try a turfmaster but it seems to heavy for her to use all day, everyday over the summer.

[@DulinCutAndTrim]

Which is why I’m always asking if you got spare parts! I know you got them laying around somewhere! Lol 😂

[@retired55.]

The cub cadet 33 is way better

[@davidsolis2149]

That’s a 37inch mower

[@M.TTT.]

@@davidsolis2149 its a 33" lol

[@normrubio]

why wouldn't a mower last years with maintenance? Are manufacturers building these like shit or with shit parts? If so why charge so much?

[@LawnCareRookie]

Not sure what the right answer for you is, but residential does last for years if used only once or twice a week by the same person. It's not intended to be used daily by multiple people. That's where commercial comes into play. Bigger and stronger engine and heavy duty parts to stand up to more wear and tear/abuse. Everything is more expensive due to inflation and shortage of parts and labor...

[@ijarvis2702]

𝓅𝓇o𝓂o𝓈𝓂 ❤️

[@romaroma955]

🇺🇦🤝👍

[@wadeshull8227]

You couldnt give me a Toro for free

[@LawnCareRookie]

Wow 😳

[@ommah3667]

Turf master all the way. Timemaster are junk

[@LawnCareRookie]

They are definitely better for residential once a week.

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Time master is a waste of money

[@LawnCareRookie]

Why is that? So many people swear by it. Even some in comments...

[@melmatrix2k12]

Timemaster is Better than the turf master and much lighter😊

[@davidsolis2149]

How?

[@melmatrix2k12]

@@davidsolis2149 I have both it cuts better lighter weight and just more user friendly