Toro TimeCutter Z4200® (42") 19-HP Zero Turning Radius Lawn Mower

This Toro model literally runs circles around my Poulan riding mower. Once you get used to the hand lever controls, it's a snap to maneuver. The only down side was trying to get the mower out of its crate. The instructions from Toro did not work as advertised and I had to make some ramps from the removed wood to roll the mower out of the crate. The Toro engineers should rethink the removal process or provide ramps.

As an aeronautical engineer, I pride myself on being able to figure out complex processes but uncrating this mower took over two hours after I deduced that, using their instructions, the mower's rear wheels would be trapped between two 2X3's. I read that another buyer used a sawz-all to extract his mower but, lacking this power tool, I had to be more resourceful.

All in all, Mowers Direct was a pleasure to do business with and I will be looking to them for future accessories.

This Toro model literally runs circles around my Poulan riding mower. Once you get used to the hand lever controls, it's a snap to maneuver. The only down side was trying to get the mower out of its crate. The instructions from Toro did not work as advertised and I had to make some ramps from the removed wood to roll the mower out of the crate. The Toro engineers should rethink the removal process or provide ramps.

As an aeronautical engineer, I pride myself on being able to figure out complex processes but uncrating this mower took over two hours after I deduced that, usi... more

First I must say that writing a review is a very cumbersome event.

So I bought my mower a 42" Time cutter model #74360 at a local big box store. It was a close out and whom ever put it together overtightened a screw and cracked the plastic so it was discounted even more.

Got it home and I had some issues getting it to run. That little lever in the back has to be in the middle. No big deal. Ran it for a couple weeks and I love it. I have roughly 12 acre of grass and I can do it after work and still sit down for dinner before dark.

I can get very close to the fence and trees thus making weed eating even less of a chore. I found the lack of a bag a big deal so I ordered one and the process was easy as can be.

Got the bagger part #79324, the hitch #79318, cover 490-7516, mat 79315, and HOC 79313.

So lets start with the bagger. Absolutely love the ease it goes on. It picks up everything. Only complaints I have is 1) there is no gauge window so I don't know how full it is. 2) The fact that the 42" and 50" mowers use all the same parts but the first piece and the kit comes with both. Seems like a lot of waste.

The hitch I have yet to use and I do not think I will as you cannot use it with the bagger on. Taking the bagger on and off each time I want to tow a trailer is not for me. I guess I will have to make my own.

Cover is on my mower but it only covers a chunk of it as it is not made to go over the bagger. I think its better than nothing. It does cover the motor, seat and all that which is important. It is of heavy material and I suspect it will last a very long time.

The mat I absolutely love. I live in Oregon and it is wet. The mat makes getting on and off the mower a lot safer. Also makes cleaning the unit a whole lot easier.

The HOC, is a foot control that raises and lowers the deck. My yard has trees in it and as such branches. Also with kids, who knows what's in the yard.

The HOC makes it a breeze to raise the deck and keep your hands on the controls. What I like best is the HOC just picks the deck up to full height but doesn't mess with the height when you let go. So if you have it set on 2 and you use the foot control it raises the deck and as soon as you release it, it goes back to 2. Very nice feature.

Only thing I wish Toro made was an affordable hour meter. I know they make one but for the cost I can buy 4 aftermarket ones.

Also would love a light kit. I am now getting home around 5-6pm and its getting dark. Definetly be a great thing to have.

First I must say that writing a review is a very cumbersome event.

So I bought my mower a 42" Time cutter model #74360 at a local big box store. It was a close out and whom ever put it together overtightened a screw and cracked the plastic so it was discounted even more.

Got it home and I had some issues getting it to run. That little lever in the back has to be in the middle. No big deal. Ran it for a couple weeks and I love it. I have roughly 12 acre of grass and I can do it after work and still sit down for dinner before dark.

I can get ve... more

I bought this mower a few days ago based on the review it received in Consumer Reports.

Full disclosure: I have only used it one time but was very impressed with the speed of the mower. No, I didn't buy it to race it, but the less time I spend mowing the more time I have for other honey-do's. I can already see this mower will cut my mowing time in half. It is as advertised in my opinion.

Buying online isn't a scary thing for me as I only use companies attached to Amazon or another reputable online retailer. Free delivery and no tax make it even better.

Not to mention that Mowersdirect.com was able to beat any price I could get locally by several hundred $. I probably saved about $500-600 buying through this website and have every bit as much a TORO as I could have gotten at Big Box"we don't match Internet prices" Store, and I can still sit down comfortably this morning.

If you don't have to sit in it first and are comfortable buying online I would highly recommend this company. The mower arrived as advertised and very quickly (ordered last Thursday - mowed last night).

I bought this mower a few days ago based on the review it received in Consumer Reports.

Full disclosure: I have only used it one time but was very impressed with the speed of the mower. No, I didn't buy it to race it, but the less time I spend mowing the more time I have for other honey-do's. I can already see this mower will cut my mowing time in half. It is as advertised in my opinion.

Buying online isn't a scary thing for me as I only use companies attached to Amazon or another reputable online retailer. Free delivery and no tax make it even better. more

Bought from a local dealer with almost as good a deal as MD. Added an hour/RPM meter from ebay for less than $15 including shipping. Put it in that little flat area behind the cup holder.

Also got a quarter inch (ID)outboard motor primer to save the starter. I noticed the starter had to work extra hard to get the gas to the carb after a week of sitting. Do yourself a favor and spend the $20 for a primer. Works like a champ.

I mow about 2 acres and it is a blast. At least it's a blast when I can get my boy off it.

MD RESPONDS: Please be aware that adding non-Toro accessories may void your warranty. Since this model has a generous 3 year Factory Warranty, it's a good idea to touch base with the folks at Toro before modifying your mower.

Toro's (toll free) Tech Support number is (888) 384-9939.

Bought from a local dealer with almost as good a deal as MD. Added an hour/RPM meter from ebay for less than $15 including shipping. Put it in that little flat area behind the cup holder.

Also got a quarter inch (ID)outboard motor primer to save the starter. I noticed the starter had to work extra hard to get the gas to the carb after a week of sitting. Do yourself a favor and spend the $20 for a primer. Works like a champ.

I mow about 2 acres and it is a blast. At least it's a blast when I can get my boy off it.

MD RESPONDS: Please be awar... more

The wheel tracks are terrible. While mowing in the third notch if moved to two and a half the mulching is not effective.
Had I known the above I never would have bought it.

I had a Simplicity before, it did a great job. I guess I should have stayed with the same brand. I guess I'm out $2500.

MD RESPONDS: The 74360 mower has a generous, 3 year Factory Warranty. Simply click the Customer Service button at the bottom of our website and select Service Centers. Then click on the link for the Toro Service Locator.

There are at least 10 Authorized Service facilities in the Canfield area. We suggest you call around to find the shortest turn-around time, then discuss your situation with the mechanics. They should be able to set up your mower so it performs up to your expectations.

The wheel tracks are terrible. While mowing in the third notch if moved to two and a half the mulching is not effective.
Had I known the above I never would have bought it.

I had a Simplicity before, it did a great job. I guess I should have stayed with the same brand. I guess I'm out $2500.

MD RESPONDS: The 74360 mower has a generous, 3 year Factory Warranty. Simply click the Customer Service button at the bottom of our website and select Service Centers. Then click on the link for the Toro Service Locator.

There are at least 10 Authorized... more

Same here. I bought this Z4200 74360 from a big box store in May, 2010. Over the next 5 weeks, I had intermittent starting problems.

Thinking it was the seat kill switch, I bought a new one and changed it. Same thing. THAT'S IT! I disengaged the rear wheels pushed it to load it onto my truck. Just for grins I tried to start it. BINGO! When it is running it runs like a deer!

MD RESPONDS: Toro Zero Turn mowers usually come with a very generous 3 year warranty for homeowner use.

Please be aware that attempts to repair or modify the mower yourself may VOID your warranty!

You can give Toro Tech Support a call, toll free at (888) 384-9939; or you can go to their web site at www.toro.com to find frequently asked questions, and the closest Authorized Service location.

Same here. I bought this Z4200 74360 from a big box store in May, 2010. Over the next 5 weeks, I had intermittent starting problems.

Thinking it was the seat kill switch, I bought a new one and changed it. Same thing. THAT'S IT! I disengaged the rear wheels pushed it to load it onto my truck. Just for grins I tried to start it. BINGO! When it is running it runs like a deer!

MD RESPONDS: Toro Zero Turn mowers usually come with a very generous 3 year warranty for homeowner use.

Please be aware that attempts to repair or modify the mower yourself may ... more

I recently purchased this mower second hand. I've had a blast using it and it's cut my mowing time in half. I'm sure it will be down to a third when I learn to actually drive it.

As noted by another individual, powering down helps with the steering for those of us who are driving on learning permits.

I also sat confused for half an hour when I couldn't get is started (Also a problem noted by another individual here).

After actually reading the manual discovered I had shut it down with the blades still engaged, which should not be done and will prevent any restart. Once the blades were not engaged it started right up. Huh! Imagine that.

Replaced air, oil and oil filter with ease. One annoyance was that the manual notes that to drain the oil one must simply "Open the oil drain valve" but they don't note how or exactly where that might be. After fiddling about for a few minutes I tried turning the entire external valve where I knew the oil should drain and out she poured. Why don't they say "Turn the entire external drain valve clockwise"?

Lots of power. You will be left wishing for more lawn to mow.

I recently purchased this mower second hand. I've had a blast using it and it's cut my mowing time in half. I'm sure it will be down to a third when I learn to actually drive it.

As noted by another individual, powering down helps with the steering for those of us who are driving on learning permits.

I also sat confused for half an hour when I couldn't get is started (Also a problem noted by another individual here).

After actually reading the manual discovered I had shut it down with the blades still engaged, which should not be done and wi... more

I just got my Toro Z4200 mower last week and thought this would be a nice accessory to reduce slippage when getting on and off the mower. I also wanted to protect the floor pan from getting scratched up and rusted.

I ordered this on a Saturday and it was delivered to my home on Tuesday with standard shipping! Great customer service from Mowers Direct!

As for the floor mat itself, I wanted to write this review because the pictures and description do not do justice to the quality of the product.

It is made of heavy gauge rubber and appears to be 2 layers bonded together. The bottom layer has circular cutouts to fit over the raised areas in the metal floor pan of the mower.

The top layer has a raised "hash" pattern to enhance traction. Also not mentioned in the descriptions of this product, both here at MD and at Toro.com, is that that the mat has an adhesive backing to mount it to the floor pan.

It seems to be a very strong adhesive and I imagine it is a one-shot deal to get it mounted straight. I peeled the backing off only at the front at first, got that lined up, and then rolled it back a little at a time. It worked for me.

Once mounted to the floor pan, the mat looks like it came with the mower instead of being an add-on. I had originally thought of getting some kind of rubber mat at the local home center but this product is so much better than anything else I could have found.

If you are thinking of buying this, hesitate no more!

I just got my Toro Z4200 mower last week and thought this would be a nice accessory to reduce slippage when getting on and off the mower. I also wanted to protect the floor pan from getting scratched up and rusted.

I ordered this on a Saturday and it was delivered to my home on Tuesday with standard shipping! Great customer service from Mowers Direct!

As for the floor mat itself, I wanted to write this review because the pictures and description do not do justice to the quality of the product.

It is made of heavy gauge rubber and appears to be ... more

Mower comes ready to rock n' roll - just add gas.

I was surprised how easy it would be. I ordered the mulching kit, so that took a little over an hour to get that set up, but all is very straightforward.

If you've never driven one of these things before, the steering takes some getting used to - I had to throttle down a bit so as to not zig-zag across my lawn.

You can make really quick turns though and get into nooks and crannies in your yard, sometimes turns are so sharp and fast that you dig into the yard. I am guessing that is also something you learn as you go.

So far so good - I've mowed three times and am very pleased.

Mower comes ready to rock n' roll - just add gas.

I was surprised how easy it would be. I ordered the mulching kit, so that took a little over an hour to get that set up, but all is very straightforward.

If you've never driven one of these things before, the steering takes some getting used to - I had to throttle down a bit so as to not zig-zag across my lawn.

You can make really quick turns though and get into nooks and crannies in your yard, sometimes turns are so sharp and fast that you dig into the yard. I am guessing that is also something y... more

I've only cut the grass once (been raining too much) and this mower cut my half acre in half the time relative to my last riding mower.

I love the zero turn capability as I can now stop and make a 90 degree turn on the fly, rather then backing up with the old riding mower. It does take some getting used to the controls, especially to go straight!

My only pet peeves so far are the lack of an adjustable foot rest for normal height people (5'5"), and no hour meter.

Even with the seat all the way forward, my feet do not touch the foot rest. And, for the $5 in parts they should include a hour meter instead of making it an additional item purchase for 80 bucks.

The freight was one day late but worked out well. Always nice to have a business next door with a forklift to do the offloading!

Packaging was very well done and arrived with no damage at all!

MD RESPONDS: Please be aware that we say this model arrives in 2 to 5 business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, weekends and holidays are excluded.

You placed your order on March 12th (Friday) and received the mower on the 5th business day after, the 19th (Friday).

Thank you for your business!

I've only cut the grass once (been raining too much) and this mower cut my half acre in half the time relative to my last riding mower.

I love the zero turn capability as I can now stop and make a 90 degree turn on the fly, rather then backing up with the old riding mower. It does take some getting used to the controls, especially to go straight!

My only pet peeves so far are the lack of an adjustable foot rest for normal height people (5'5"), and no hour meter.

Even with the seat all the way forward, my feet do not touch the foot rest. ... more

I am disabled and in a wheelchair. I purchased the Toro zero turn radius 42" cut, 19 horse power engine and the Toro cover for the mower.

Delivery of the product was very quick and efficient. I received the product ahead of the original delivery date and the freight company driver was very nice and very careful with the product.

It was easy for me to get from my wheelchair onto the mower. The mower cranked on the first turn of the key and was just so easy to operate. It gave me back the chance to get out and cut my grass with ease.

I would recommend that everyone should get their mowers and products through Mowers Direct, because they have low prices but quality products and service.

I would just like to thank Mowers Direct, and everyone that works for your company, for giving me back the chance to to purchase my mower for such a phenomenally low price and be able to get out to cut my grass.

I am disabled and in a wheelchair. I purchased the Toro zero turn radius 42" cut, 19 horse power engine and the Toro cover for the mower.

Delivery of the product was very quick and efficient. I received the product ahead of the original delivery date and the freight company driver was very nice and very careful with the product.

It was easy for me to get from my wheelchair onto the mower. The mower cranked on the first turn of the key and was just so easy to operate. It gave me back the chance to get out and cut my grass with ease.

I would re... more

I bought my Toro 42" 21 H.P. mower from Mowers Direct. It was delivered to the door, with free shipping and no sales tax. I then bought the Mulching kit, which I recommend.

It runs great, cuts great, and is a blast to operate. The one thing that I have to watch though, is the slope of my back yard. Part of it is very steep, and you have to be careful not to try to cut it across the slope.

I learned the hard way that the front steers like a shopping cart and will dart to the low side of the hill. After I got on to it and started mowing up and down instead of sideways, it was fine.

I have been looking for a "roll bar" for it, but have not been able to find one. Another thing I would like is a "wheelie bar" for the back since the hill is so steep, and I don't want to tip over backward. (maybe I will make one).

The 21 HP motor is very powerful and never shows any sign of strain no matter how steep the hill.

I bought my Toro 42" 21 H.P. mower from Mowers Direct. It was delivered to the door, with free shipping and no sales tax. I then bought the Mulching kit, which I recommend.

It runs great, cuts great, and is a blast to operate. The one thing that I have to watch though, is the slope of my back yard. Part of it is very steep, and you have to be careful not to try to cut it across the slope.

I learned the hard way that the front steers like a shopping cart and will dart to the low side of the hill. After I got on to it and started mowing up and down instead ... more

I received a brand new Z4200 on May 21st from Home Depot. It wouldn't start. I hooked a battery charger to it, and after charging for a couple hours, I got it started, and mowed with it for approximately 2 hours. It worked fine.

2 days ago, I tried starting it again. No go. I hear a relay click, but the motor won't turn over. While troubleshooting, I found battery acid everywhere! There was lots of corrosion. The brand new battery apparently has a crack, and was leaking acid. I cleaned everything up with baking soda and water, and got a new battery from Walmart. Guess what - click - it still won't turn over.

GRRR. So, I called Toro. They said - take it to nearest authorized repair shop. That's 65 miles from me!!
But I called the repair shop - they said they're hopelessly backed up - and IF they took it (which they won't), I wouldn't expect to see it for at least 2 months! And, they said they don't do warranty work - especially since it was purchased at Home Depot.

So I called Home Depot, where it was purchased. The Garden dept manager was SUPER!! He said bring it back, he'd give me a brand new one.

Yesterday I took it to Home Depot, and as expected, he gave me a no-hassle exchange of a brand new one from the floor. I took it home, and tried it out. Guess What!! Click - won't turn over. So I put a battery charger on it overnite - and tried it again today. CLICK - won't turn over!! ARGHH!!!

What now??? For my money, this brand new Z4200 is worthless!!

MD RESPONDS: For warranty assistance, please contact Toro directly at 800-348-2424; or select the Contact tab at www.toro.com.

I received a brand new Z4200 on May 21st from Home Depot. It wouldn't start. I hooked a battery charger to it, and after charging for a couple hours, I got it started, and mowed with it for approximately 2 hours. It worked fine.

2 days ago, I tried starting it again. No go. I hear a relay click, but the motor won't turn over. While troubleshooting, I found battery acid everywhere! There was lots of corrosion. The brand new battery apparently has a crack, and was leaking acid. I cleaned everything up with baking soda and water, and got a new battery from Walmart. Guess ... more

I purchased this mower last September at Home Depot. I had used it a total of about 7 hours and mowed the yard 4 times when the blades quit engaging when I pulled PTO switch.

I called Home Depot and their solution was to bring it to them and they would send it back to the factory, sorta like it was a toaster. They said would take about a month.

Since this was definitely not acceptable I called the factory and they gave me the name of some local dealers that may, or may not, do warranty service work. I finally found one that would do the work but it would be at least 2 to3 weeks.

Now I have to hire someone to mow my yard with a practically new $2500.00 mower sitting in the repair shop. Needless to say I am not exactly satisfied with the performance or the service of my Toro Z4200 when I see my neighbors $800.00 Murray working fine.

I purchased this mower last September at Home Depot. I had used it a total of about 7 hours and mowed the yard 4 times when the blades quit engaging when I pulled PTO switch.

I called Home Depot and their solution was to bring it to them and they would send it back to the factory, sorta like it was a toaster. They said would take about a month.

Since this was definitely not acceptable I called the factory and they gave me the name of some local dealers that may, or may not, do warranty service work. I finally found one that would do the work but it would be at le... more

I have severe allergies and have taken shots for a long time- I have not mowed in almost 20 years.

I found a mask that would allow me to work outside, so decided I wanted to buy a mower.

I went on Consumer Reports and saw this model had a very high rating. All you are getting with a John Deere is green paint and the name.

This mower was less money and there is really nothing complicated about it once you learn to drive a zero turn. If I can do it anyone can!

I would not know how to run any other mower after this one. I am thinking about going out to try to trade this one in for a 50 " cut this week. I like it so much I want to mow the fields beside me as well.

I HIGHLY recommend it!

I have severe allergies and have taken shots for a long time- I have not mowed in almost 20 years.

I found a mask that would allow me to work outside, so decided I wanted to buy a mower.

I went on Consumer Reports and saw this model had a very high rating. All you are getting with a John Deere is green paint and the name.

This mower was less money and there is really nothing complicated about it once you learn to drive a zero turn. If I can do it anyone can!

I would not know how to run any other mower after this one. I am thinking a... more