Toro Recycler® (22") 190cc Briggs & Stratton Personal Pace® Electric Start Lawn Mower

Wow....is what I say. Living in the Northeast, yesterday was my first opportunity to cut the lawn using my new self paced lawn mower. Everything is just as described on Power Direct website. The electric start is phenomenal! Just turn the key and you are on your way to a beautifully cut lawn. Being self paced is one of several beauties of this mower. Wash port is great feature along with the easy fold handle. And, it is very easy to not only fill the gas tank but also to check and fill the oil. Very conveniently located. I can get very close to my shed (as an example) as there is nothing protruding on either side of the handle. If you use the side discharge, of course this wouldn't allow the same closeness. I always mulch as this is much better for the lawn.

Order was shipped quickly, and it arrived as scheduled. Not to mention the shipping was FREE and NO taxes to pay. Nothing locally could touch this DEAL!

Thank you Power Direct. Keep up the great work!!!

Wow....is what I say. Living in the Northeast, yesterday was my first opportunity to cut the lawn using my new self paced lawn mower. Everything is just as described on Power Direct website. The electric start is phenomenal! Just turn the key and you are on your way to a beautifully cut lawn. Being self paced is one of several beauties of this mower. Wash port is great feature along with the easy fold handle. And, it is very easy to not only fill the gas tank but also to check and fill the oil. Very conveniently located. I can get very close to my shed (as an example) as there is nothing protr... more

I purchased this Toro because my John Deere mower blew the engine after just three years. This was in October, 2012. Here in Maine the stores get rid of their lawn care equipment in September and replace it with snow blowers and plows.

My online search led me to Mowers Direct.com. I couldn't believe how quick they got the mower to me. I ordered it late on a Tuesday afternoon, I was notified it had shipped the next morning, and by noon Thursday FedEX had delivered the mower. It got from Illinois to Maine that quickly- unreal.

The mower does a great job. It produces a nice, even cut and it's very easy to adjust. I got the electric start, and after charging it I now wonder why I didn't get one of these years ago. The manual says to charge initially for 24 hours. Mine took a little longer-closer to 36 hours, but it runs and cuts just fine, and I'd recommend Mowers Direct to anyone who needs a new mower.

So far I'd recommend the Toro as long as the engine doesn't blow in three years like the John Deere did.

I purchased this Toro because my John Deere mower blew the engine after just three years. This was in October, 2012. Here in Maine the stores get rid of their lawn care equipment in September and replace it with snow blowers and plows.

My online search led me to Mowers Direct.com. I couldn't believe how quick they got the mower to me. I ordered it late on a Tuesday afternoon, I was notified it had shipped the next morning, and by noon Thursday FedEX had delivered the mower. It got from Illinois to Maine that quickly- unreal.

The mower does a great job. It produces a nice, even cut and ... more

I am sorry to say that the purchase of a new Toro motor has not been a good experience. The self propelling system simply was not functional as received. I adjusted the cable as per the manual but it does not move as fast as the Toro that I replaced.

This is obviously poor quality control on the part of Toro. It should never have left the factory in such a condition. A brand new, out of the box mower in a non-functioning condition!

I contacted Toro and asked if there was any other adjustment that I could make to improve the performance. The Toro response totally ignored my comment about poor QC and provided no help other than to thank me for requesting the address of a local repair service. That is not what I requested from Toro. This will be the last Toro that I purchase.

I am sorry to say that the purchase of a new Toro motor has not been a good experience. The self propelling system simply was not functional as received. I adjusted the cable as per the manual but it does not move as fast as the Toro that I replaced.

This is obviously poor quality control on the part of Toro. It should never have left the factory in such a condition. A brand new, out of the box mower in a non-functioning condition!

I contacted Toro and asked if there was any other adjustment that I could make to improve the performance. The Toro response totally ignored my commen... more

Hi. Sorry it took so long to send a review but we had snow here until mid-April. I have never sent a review but when something works as well as this machine does you should let somebody know about it. Set up was a breeze. Love the oversize height control arms on the front and back wheels. Makes it easy to move them. I serviced the mower this past Monday and rolled it out to the lawn for a try. Turned the key and it started right up. It is very quiet compared to others. Does a super job of mulching even in taller grass as long as the grass is good and dry when you mow it. Love the personal pace. It really does what it says. If you walk fast it goes fast and if you want to go at a snails crawl it will follow suit.

I have a fairly steep bank behind the house and it walked right up that with no problem while going through some pretty high grass. Plenty of power. One more thing is it is very stingy on gas. I was able to mow the entire lawn in one tankful. My old machine had to be filled up 3 times for the same area. Not too shabby.

Anyways, I think the machine is a great mower and well built. I can't figure out where any negative reviews come from on this. The majority of them are usually "operator error and common sense". Well, thanks again for the great service and I am probably going to get another one of these machines to keep for a backup down the road. Also my wife finally can go out and turn the key on the mower and go!

Thanks, James P.

Hi. Sorry it took so long to send a review but we had snow here until mid-April. I have never sent a review but when something works as well as this machine does you should let somebody know about it. Set up was a breeze. Love the oversize height control arms on the front and back wheels. Makes it easy to move them. I serviced the mower this past Monday and rolled it out to the lawn for a try. Turned the key and it started right up. It is very quiet compared to others. Does a super job of mulching even in taller grass as long as the grass is good and dry when you mow it. Love the pers... more

I replaced an 11 year old John Deere with this. I wanted the battery start due to arthritis. It is now 3 years old. I have not experienced any issues with the battery. Charge it in the spring and go. Have not replaced it. Quality of cut is good but my JD was better. One oddity is that this unit has some drag when pulling backwards. Ya know, like under a tree. You push forward then pull it back. Not a biggie but noticeable.

Replacing the bag is no different than my JD was. You release the handle, motor stops. I grab spring loaded cover with left hand, grab bag handle with right and pull. Reverse procedure to install. I don't see where you would need "3 hands" as others have said. Overall, I don't regret the purchase. Value was very good. Of note is this is not a "Super Recycler". Leaf mulching is not as good as the Super models and I may go that route or the Honda next time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this mower to anyone.

I replaced an 11 year old John Deere with this. I wanted the battery start due to arthritis. It is now 3 years old. I have not experienced any issues with the battery. Charge it in the spring and go. Have not replaced it. Quality of cut is good but my JD was better. One oddity is that this unit has some drag when pulling backwards. Ya know, like under a tree. You push forward then pull it back. Not a biggie but noticeable.

Replacing the bag is no different than my JD was. You release the handle, motor stops. I grab spring loaded cover with left hand, grab bag handle with right ... more

I purchased a Toro 20334 2-years ago. Smooth transaction and great service from mowersdirect.com.

I loved the mower for about 3 months before experiencing corrosion to the battery terminal. The fuse terminal is essentially disfigured from corrosion and the fuses no longer fit tightly. Vibration from normal use dislodges the fuses and disables the electric start. Based on another review from this website, I took the mower in for warranty service to correct the problem. I figured the warranty repair would include replacing the entire fuse terminal. Instead, the Toro authorized warranty shop cleaned the corroded terminal and added what I am calling industrial use Vaseline to improve the contacts. I questioned the repair and was told this is the Toro "service pack" for this defect. The "fix???" worked for 1.5 mowings and now I am back to a non-functioning electric start.

I purchased a Toro 20334 2-years ago. Smooth transaction and great service from mowersdirect.com.

I loved the mower for about 3 months before experiencing corrosion to the battery terminal. The fuse terminal is essentially disfigured from corrosion and the fuses no longer fit tightly. Vibration from normal use dislodges the fuses and disables the electric start. Based on another review from this website, I took the mower in for warranty service to correct the problem. I figured the warranty repair would include replacing the entire fuse terminal. Instead, the Toro authorized warranty s... more

I really can't understand what there is to complain about with this mower. I just bought mine and really love it.

I researched and looked at many models but found this mower to be the best value for the buck. Compared to my old Yard Works, which was a good mower but pushed so hard, this thing makes grass cutting too easy.

I really can't believe I never got one of these before. The closest competitor was the entry level Honda, but it does not have as many features as the 334, and is more expensive.

Who raises their mower legs all the time? I set mine and I don't touch them again. If you mow your grass every week and don't let it get 10 inches long, you will never change the height.

My wife and kids love the mower, now we fight to get to the lawn first.

The only issue I have and agree with, is the handle having no adjustment. I am 6'2" and my wife is 5'8", she does find the position of the Personal Pace not exactly where she would like it, but it's good for me and the kids.

People had mentioned the grass clippings being too large- they are 1/3rd the size of my old mower. I don't get it, do people want a mower they can start and go fishing while the mower finishes the job? It's a mower people- and a darn good one.

I am very happy with the whole experience. I couldn't ask for a better price, and I look forward to years of grass cutting trouble-free.

The mower starts first time, every time. Mine has adhesive over the battery compartment, maybe they changed that on later models. It also has the Briggs motor, which runs like a charm.

If you have a small yard, self propelled is not the answer.

I love this mower... I would buy it again tomorrow.

I really can't understand what there is to complain about with this mower. I just bought mine and really love it.

I researched and looked at many models but found this mower to be the best value for the buck. Compared to my old Yard Works, which was a good mower but pushed so hard, this thing makes grass cutting too easy.

I really can't believe I never got one of these before. The closest competitor was the entry level Honda, but it does not have as many features as the 334, and is more expensive.

Who raises their mower legs all the time? I set mine and I don't touch them again. If ... more

I agree with others on three counts:

1. Battery compartment allows corrosion from wet grass. (My lawn mowing time is 1-hour+.) Fuse and fuse holder contacts require work at least once each year. The first time the fuse contacts were completely disintegrated inside the fuse holder contacts. This year the fuse did not open completely, but resistance went to 1000 ohms. The battery is EXTREMELY difficult to re-install.

2. Height adjustment is very hard to change.

3. The mower is much clumsier to maneuver than the Lawnboy I had before it - but the Lawnboy kept losing the plastic carburetors and the self-propel transmission. (Very costly repairs)

I agree with others on three counts:

1. Battery compartment allows corrosion from wet grass. (My lawn mowing time is 1-hour+.) Fuse and fuse holder contacts require work at least once each year. The first time the fuse contacts were completely disintegrated inside the fuse holder contacts. This year the fuse did not open completely, but resistance went to 1000 ohms. The battery is EXTREMELY difficult to re-install.

2. Height adjustment is very hard to change.

3. The mower is much clumsier to maneuver than the Lawnboy I had before it - but the Lawnboy kept losing the plastic carbu... more

Major issue with battery compartment loading up with rotten grass; it corroded the battery terminal off and corroded beyond use the fuse holder.

The local big box store would only offer to sent to TORO for repair/evaluation. Since I felt myself getting really upset, I decided to just clam up and leave.

I think it is a design issue with the battery/fuse location. I'm going to move the fuse up to the handle bar and try to somehow seal the battery compartment.

It's only been used six times, heck of a retirement present to myself.

MD RESPONDS: This unit comes with a 2 year Factory Warranty from Toro. Before making any changes and voiding the warranty, why not let Toro fix the problem?

We checked the Toro Service Locator, and it shows 5 Authorized Service Centers in your area- Cliff's Precision Saw & Tool, Vashon TrueValue Hardware, Island Lumber & Hardware, JDK Small Engine, & Len's Mower Shop.

We suggest giving the location you choose a call before you take the mower over so you can find the one with the shortest waiting period.

Bring a copy of your receipt and the repair place will submit the Warranty paperwork to Toro for reimbursement should they decide that it is a Warranty repair.

Major issue with battery compartment loading up with rotten grass; it corroded the battery terminal off and corroded beyond use the fuse holder.

The local big box store would only offer to sent to TORO for repair/evaluation. Since I felt myself getting really upset, I decided to just clam up and leave.

I think it is a design issue with the battery/fuse location. I'm going to move the fuse up to the handle bar and try to somehow seal the battery compartment.

It's only been used six times, heck of a retirement present to myself.

MD RESPONDS: This unit comes with a 2 year Factory Warr... more

This mower seems to be underpowered. Where my old Honda, who's engine was still strong but the deck was rusted out, would sail through, this one would bog down.

The Toro did produce finer mulch in heavier grass than the Honda. When the mower would stop due to a clog, it was difficult to get it going again.

Both my wife and I were less than enthusiastic about the Personal Pace feature. It seemed to only work well on flat or slightly down sloping terrain. Corners and uphill proved to be a workout.

Part of the reason was that the adjustment on the handle mechanism needed to be tightened. This helped, but did not fix the problem.

This mower seems to be underpowered. Where my old Honda, who's engine was still strong but the deck was rusted out, would sail through, this one would bog down.

The Toro did produce finer mulch in heavier grass than the Honda. When the mower would stop due to a clog, it was difficult to get it going again.

Both my wife and I were less than enthusiastic about the Personal Pace feature. It seemed to only work well on flat or slightly down sloping terrain. Corners and uphill proved to be a workout.

Part of the reason was that the adjustment on the handle mechanism needed to be t... more

We bought this one because we are old people; we thought it would last the rest of our lives.

The mower is 4 years old but not used much, we have just a small lawn. The pull string keeps breaking- we have replaced it twice and also a part with it.

It is broken now again. I would not buy another. I am sure old people don't have the strength to pull it too hard. When it works it is an easy start- that is why I think there is something wrong with it.

Is there any guarantee?

MD RESPONDS: Toro has a 3 year power train warranty, a 3 year Guaranteed To Start warranty, and a 2 year Full Coverage warranty on this mower.

There should also be a short warranty on replacement parts and service; please give the folks at Toro a call at (888) 384-9939 (toll free).

The electric start option should keep you from having to pull-start the mower; the folks at Toro can talk you through the process when you call them.

We bought this one because we are old people; we thought it would last the rest of our lives.

The mower is 4 years old but not used much, we have just a small lawn. The pull string keeps breaking- we have replaced it twice and also a part with it.

It is broken now again. I would not buy another. I am sure old people don't have the strength to pull it too hard. When it works it is an easy start- that is why I think there is something wrong with it.

Is there any guarantee?

MD RESPONDS: Toro has a 3 year power train warranty, a 3 year Guaranteed To Start warranty, and a 2 year Full... more