Toro Timemaster lawnmower setup and review

I bought the new Toro Timemaster lawnmower to use at my house for 2022. This is a pretty unique mower that has a 30" cutting width which is about 50% more than a standard mower
www.homedepot....
Annual maintenance video for the Timemaster: • Lawnmower maintenance ...

[@GripFreak]

Thanks for your review and your initial experience with the Timemaster. Couple of things worth mentioning: 1) be sure to download and read the operators manual. 2) there's several things you should check prior to first use. The correct oil level. The correct tension adjustment on the deck belt. Sufficient tension on the drive engagement cable. Both of these procedures are described in the manual. You may be asking why because it's new? As a small engine mechanic and a certified Toro technician I have discovered incorrect factory adjustments over 50% of the time. Another thing is that most complaints of online reviews are due to operator error and not reading the operator's manual before use. The number one issue is trying to mulch wet grass. First of all you should not be mowing wet grass and specifically if it's thick and high. In mulch mode the grass should be dry and the clippings not over an inch high. If you insist on mowing thick, tall and wet grass then use the side discharge chute and expect to be constantly cleaning the underside of the deck even in the middle of a yard job. Lastly, engagement of the blades should be slow and steady and not forcefully and quickly. Even with proper belt tension this causes slippage and reduces the life of the belt. I hope this information helps and remember that the key to running the Timemaster with little to no issues is proper maintenance according to the manual and proper use of the machine as designed and tested by the manufacturer. The Toro Timemaster is a great residential mower and has been known to perform better than numerous commercial grade mowers. Happy mowing!!!

[@PlatoonGarage]

This is good advice right here. I find most people's dislike of something comes from user error

[@Dave7160]

I bought a used toro timemaster and it works awesome, only thing I had to change was the switch and clean up caked on greass and dirt as well as took the belt cover off checked for good amount of tension and cleaned up grass from the belt cover, and cable tension is great, oil is good and clean, the one question I did have for the Toro dealer guy here is, how can you stop getting grass in the belt cover? I was surpised to even see grass in there.

[@allisong5009]

Best mower ever made. Running this for 2 years as a company and is still much better than our commercial mowers.

[@jackgonez8463]

Thats it im getting it over the turfmaster

[@beatrizteixeira6940]

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

[@toddcastle3926]

This thing is an absolute BEAST! It goes through tall grass and never bogs down and definitely saved me time on my lawn cutting!

[@ionrazvan126]

Cannot resist anymore, probably this week end i get one

[@rong350]

On my third mow (over a 1/4 acre lot), with my new Timemaster, and agree with your assessment, (although I chuckled at the handle issues). I made a couple mods to mine. I removed the pull start assembly and placed it so that the rope pulls directly out the side, (instead of towards the handle). It's only a couple bolts and takes about 5 minutes, and is much less awkward to start. Switched the blue handle at the personal pace bar around to face rearward, (not sure why it's facing forward, as it's awkward). Agree with the comments that the deck needs to be hosed off after each mow (rather than using the flush port). No big deal, just tip it up and hose off. Wish the engine had a throttle, as you don't always need the mower to run at full throttle. I've only used the mulching mode, (installed the plastic plug in the deck), and so far it has done a great job cutting up the clippings without clumping, (even in high Spring grass). If I had a larger, flatter yard, I'd definitely buy the CheckMate stripping kit to really make the cut look like a ball field, (although the cut is very nice as is). I'm coming out of a zero turn 32" walk behind, so it's taking some time to adjust to not having the front caster wheels, and the large rear tires, but I'm adjusting. The plastic rear wheels slip a bit on the hills, but still go up the grades. All in all, the cut is very nice, the quality is great, and the mower runs strong. Hope it lasts as long as my 37 year old Toro 21" two stroke mower.

[@PlatoonGarage]

Great follow up comments here

[@ClarenceMcMurray-jl8zf]

Great review. I pulled the trigger and bought one even though you get a lot of “greats” and a lot of “Don’t do it”. I have a 50/50 shot at being happy so I’m going in.

[@PlatoonGarage]

Mine has been flawless, but it's just a homeowner's review, I don't use it for commercial duty

[@gls3894]

Hands down the best Homeowner mower made. Thanks for the review.

[@tmr8193]

Lmao 🤣 😂 🤣 Hondas the best

[@georgiakid3458]

@@tmr8193 Honda engine good but many problems with rear wheels locking up. No more Honda for me.

[@dalewiley9208]

Nice hands-on review. I've owned this mower since October 2021 and really have only one major complaint and one minor one. Grass sticks to the underside like crazy. I've tried all kinds of under deck treatments and they are marginally helpful at best. The washout port is useless. Therefore, I end up power washing the underside after every mow. Otherwise you are going to need to really work to scrape or wash it down if you let it go for several mows. Also, grass collects under the housing where the belts and pulleys are located. This needs to be blown or brushed out periodically to reduce wear on those parts. I do it after every third mow. And it is heavy as you indicate. However, at 70 years old I can manage it and it saves loads of time. Great job. Thanks.

[@PlatoonGarage]

You make great points. Thanks for commenting

[@gls3894]

I've owned the same Timemaster since 2018 and frankly feel its one of the best Homeowner mowers made. I use it commercially and agree with your assessment of the deck build up. I have found that off the shelf Toro high lift blades(Tractor supply) work the best for mulching, side discharge and bagging. They seem to have the least build up. At least thats my experience with my machine. I only run non ethanol fuel ( bought at the pump, not big box store, much cheaper) and i only use Amsoil. Clean your air filter often and replace regularly. Sold everywhere as this is a Briggs engine. I change my oil a lot. Manual says every 50 hours, I change mine every 30 or so. Its simple to do. Its a $1500 investment (mine was $1100) so a few bucks of prevention will keep this machine going good for many years. Buy a clip-on rpm meter and keep rpm between 2800-3100. I run mine at 3100. If your a homeowner and cut your grass weekly you may want to set rpm at 2800-2900. If it does the job at those rpm's it can add to engine life. My last point, when lifting the mower's rear, as done with curbs etc, be sure to lift with the main handle and not the personal pace slid handle.

[@nickwf70]

I've watched lots of reviews, that was a very good one thanks

[@b286guy]

Very nice! Don’t forget that first oil change at 5 hours ⌛️👍🏻

[@PlatoonGarage]

Good reminder

[@adventurefuel5172]

You gave me the answer I needed. I have a similar hill at the back of my yard, and needed to know how the weight and the drive system worked on an incline.

[@PlatoonGarage]

Goes up and down pretty well. If your hill is really really steep, you might have to push it a bit to help it up

[@daveroski]

One reviewer said he takes the blue thing off the handle so he can put his hands there. I’m buying one this weekend. Can’t wait. Excellent review!!

[@PlatoonGarage]

I could see that. Might have to do that myself one day. Thanks for watching 👍

[@campbellpaul]

Definitely worth it.. Nice lawn and video

[@PlatoonGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@shorelinerach01]

Thanks for this review! Best one I could find! 🙂

[@PlatoonGarage]

Thanks for the kind words

[@bigsonslawncare]

Yes sir may have to pull the trigger this would be a great addition. VA also Chesapeake here. New sub✔️💯🤣

[@PlatoonGarage]

Chesapeake is an awesome area. I've used this a few times now, definitely happy with the purchase 👍

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@PlatoonGarage Awesome I have some back yards with 30+ gates where this mower would be King back there✔️💯👍🏽

[@johnnelwhite]

757 in the building I live in Newport News

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@johnnelwhite Awesome I'm from NN 17th St. Harbor Homes . They torn done now. Small world👍🏽✔️💯

[@seedrank_a]

I'm getting one Friday, thanks for the Video!

[@PlatoonGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@poseidon5003]

This makes my Radley 144cc look like a kids toy.

[@PlatoonGarage]

@@poseidon5003 😂

[@poseidon5003]

@@PlatoonGarage It was a POS emergency buy. The only one left and I HAD to get one. Bought a new place and the lawn was...unkempt and it was in the fall. My awesome Yard Machine's 140cc mower at my old place got stolen in the chaos. The crappy Radley was the only mower left. I'm going to sell it if I can. It's mulching capability is...well it's technically there.....but it sucks. I don't like to bag or side eject, so I either need a better blade or a better mower.

[@PlatoonGarage]

@@poseidon5003 sounds like you have been through a lot. Good luck, if you do buy a new mower, this one has been great

[@poseidon5003]

@@PlatoonGarage I certainly don't need a 30 inch cutting width, but their smaller recycler models look interesting.

[@northernlandscaping]

Great mower, I have the same here in Woodbridge VA, just keep an eyes on your blades

[@PlatoonGarage]

Good tip, I'll keep an eye on them

[@davevangrouw86]

Nice!

[@GunnyPhillips]

Curious how you feel about the mower after having owned it for awhile. I've had mine for about 5 years and it's been a horror show. I'm about to change the blade timing belt for the second time in as many months and have replaced it several times prior. This time it accidentally hit a rock. It doesn't take much. It's a nice mower when it works but be VERY careful with those hills. If the blades get caught on an incline, you'll probably be replacing belts. The gas tank is also laughably undersized. I hope your experience has been better than mine.

[@PlatoonGarage]

wonder if you got a lemon... Just completed 2 mowing seasons with this mower and it's been pretty solid actually. I do plan on replacing the drive belt next spring along with the tensioner as preventive maintenance, but who knows if that is even advisable

[@GunnyPhillips]

@@PlatoonGarage Well, it did end up needing a new engine during the warranty period, so maybe. To be fair, I do believe the mower will be reasonably reliable as long as it is carefully used on level, flat lawns. My lawns are not all like this. Some areas are uneven and rocky. The Timemaster seems to be very prone to timing belt damage if it hits a medium sized rock, etc.

[@thezfamily989]

Shit I'm getting old 😆. You know, you at that age when you watching this kind of videos.

[@PlatoonGarage]

Yep, welcome to that part of your life now 😂

[@mmr0221]

It means you own a property with land that needs to be mowed. Means you succeeded in life. You have more than 95% of the world’s population.

[@mmr0221]

Can you stow it upright?

[@ionrazvan126]

I am not sure but i think you can stow like a battery mower, no leaks

[@JA-jm8bk]

Would you recommend this for a 95 lb., 69 yr.old (fairly active) female, (not ready for a riding mower, yet)? I can use my Honda ,100lb., HRX , but am looking for the higher back wheels for my slightly uneven terrain. My yard has a 17 - 18 degree grade & your comment about the TimeMaster taking the hill easily, attracted my attention. I intend to attach castor wheels on the front to go around garden beds/trees.

[@PlatoonGarage]

The timemaster handles hills very well. The only caveat I can think of is if the grass is damp or wet, going up the hill the drive wheels slip and you will have to help "muscle" the mower up until it gains traction. If you are already able to do this with a 100 lb mower the extra weight probably isn't going to be too taxing. But I'm also almost twice as heavy, maybe someone local to you has one you could check out?

[@gls3894]

HRX are some of the finest homeowner mowers made. DR make a 30" that goes 117 lbs. They had issues in the past with quality control in the manufacturing plant. Generac took them over so it seems those issues have started to be resolved. Craftsman makes a 28" with castors and the Briggs 223 engine but I know nothing more about it. Personally I believe the Timemaster is not for you. Adding castors will void all warranties.

[@silviofontana5144]

do these larger mowers work well in pushing out cut lawn clippings from the side chute. I dont want to use the catcher, have no need for it, just doing large roadside areas and parkland and hope this mower does not block up at the chute.

[@PlatoonGarage]

I've only tested the side exit for a couple of cuts and it worked fine. But my lawn wasn't wet and it wasn't overgrown. The side exit looks a little small so it might get clogged if those conditions exist

[@silviofontana5144]

@@PlatoonGarage awesome info, thanks, I think I will go for a Victa Utility 22 inch cut with a honda 200cc motor with a self drive, it has a large side chute and no catcher which suits my application, thanks for the info

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

nice review, how big is your yard? or the grass part anyhow?

[@PlatoonGarage]

Thanks, it's about half an acre of grass to cut

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

@@PlatoonGarage OK cheerz, would you recommend it for a acre of grass?

[@PlatoonGarage]

@@AaronDav-nq8hk yes I would. Anything bigger I would get a larger mower

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

@@PlatoonGarage OK thankyou!

[@jaysonwichern1943]

What make/model is your watch bud?

[@PlatoonGarage]

@@jaysonwichern1943 it's a GShock. I can't remember the exact model, I think it was a GA1100 or something similar. I donated it a while back

[@Conky88]

Take some grip tape where you filed and then cover it with electric tape for a more comfortable feel

[@PlatoonGarage]

Not a bad idea. Might give that a try actually

[@tedlodholz1039]

The blade belt system is faulty and will smoke until it shreds the belt. This happens about 3-5 hours of use. Time Waster is more appropriate.

[@bobby.lawncare1393]

Carson I do lawn care do you still own the mower

[@PlatoonGarage]

Yep, use it every week

[@veeteeehm4667]

Curious how large your property is? Just bought a home on 0.4 acres and thinking this may be a good option as opposed to a riding mower.

[@PlatoonGarage]

It's about.6 acres. This mower would be great for your sized lawn

[@alexanderjordxn]

That’s awesome I have about .6 of mowing area and have gone back and forth about a rider. I don’t think I need one, even with all the leaves we get in the fall! Looking forward to using this next season!!

[@robynbobyn1576]

GOOD MOWER

[@marcovelazquez3844]

Did you add sta-bil on you're gas tank

[@PlatoonGarage]

No sta-bil added. I only add fuel stabilizer over the winter when the engine won't be run, and the fuel will sit for a while

[@gregoryburkhead7813]

Did they make the gas tank larger than previous one

[@PlatoonGarage]

Same size as before. Run time is about an hour

[@gregoryburkhead7813]

@@PlatoonGarage thanks .. they need a bigger one . My toro 22" has a bigger tank then that

[@PlatoonGarage]

@@gregoryburkhead7813 definitely could use a bigger tank. I've seen some people pull out the foam to add room

[@gregoryburkhead7813]

@@PlatoonGarage ok thanks im trying to wait it out.. thinking they here in the customers what they want.. my back 9010 blower people said what was wrong with it on youtube boom next year fixed all the issue and upgraded it.. then I brought ..

[@michaeldaniels5584]

Just bought 1 myself. I’m in Smithfield. Where you at

[@PlatoonGarage]

Nice you'll be happy with it. I'm in Nova

[@evanmaillie17]

How much gas did it use

[@PlatoonGarage]

I don't know the exact amount, but it burns roughly a tank per 90 minutes. You can easily get an acre cut before filling up

[@evanmaillie17]

Thank you

[@bobfidler1160]

Does it have a side discharge for the grass

[@PlatoonGarage]

Yes it does 👍

[@rayminthecat]

Throw the plastic and the cardboard box onto the lawn and run it over to mulch it up

[@finallythetruthisout761]

Transmission is weak. I am giving mine away.

[@BillySanders-v1t]

Junk, can't keep blade belts. Do not waste money

[@aronjohn6789]

DON'T BUY the Toro Timemastet, you have mechanical problems it will be in the shop more than it will be on the lawn.

[@donaldbollman1049]

I’ve had mine for 11 years. You’re completely wrong.

[@rishikwatt483]

On my third mow (over a 1/4 acre lot), with my new Timemaster, and agree with your assessment, (although I chuckled at the handle issues). I made a couple mods to mine. I removed the pull start assembly and placed it so that the rope pulls directly out the side, (instead of towards the handle). It's only a couple bolts and takes about 5 minutes, and is much less awkward to start. Switched the blue handle at the personal pace bar around to face rearward, (not sure why it's facing forward, as it's awkward). Agree with the comments that the deck needs to be hosed off after each mow (rather than using the flush port). No big deal, just tip it up and hose off. Wish the engine had a throttle, as you don't always need the mower to run at full throttle. I've only used the mulching mode, (installed the plastic plug in the deck), and so far it has done a great job cutting up the clippings without clumping, (even in high Spring grass). If I had a larger, flatter yard, I'd definitely buy the CheckMate stripping kit to really make the cut look like a ball field, (although the cut is very nice as is). I'm coming out of a zero turn 32" walk behind, so it's taking some time to adjust to not having the front caster wheels, and the large rear tires, but I'm adjusting. The plastic rear wheels slip a bit on the hills, but still go up the grades. All in all, the cut is very nice, the quality is great, and the mower runs strong. Hope it lasts as long as my 37 year old Toro 21" two stroke mower.