Toro TimeCutter SS4200 (42") 20HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower (2012 Model)

Great mower, could not be happier with price, service and mower.

Just got delivery today and was somewhat hesitant about unpacking the beast. I have read reviews about these Toro ZTR mowers for months now, and many people on the various sites have talked about how difficult it was to extricate the mower from the crate/box it comes in because it is so well packed for shipping. So, while I have no idea how well this thing will cut grass yet, I just thought I would give some insight on the unpacking. My advice is to READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE SIDE OF THE (HUGE) BOX. It tells you in three or four languages to cut the heavy duty cardboard box away, disconnect the transmission from the two back wheels (the releases are on the back of the mower push the two keys in and hitch them into the notch) so that the machine will roll freely, cut the two nylon straps holding the mower in place to the wooden crate, and roll the mower off/out of the crate. Rather than remove one of the pieces of wood at each end that keep the wheels from moving, using a loose piece of wood as a pivot, I was able to raise the front end of the crate and roll the mower off, rear first. Frankly, the directions tell you to roll the mower off toward the front. But the rear wheels are much bigger and easier to roll over the wood that holds it in place. I used the weight of the mower and the bigger wheels to get it rolled out of the crate. No big deal. As to Mowers Direct, I don't know how they did it, but they are in Illinois, I am in New Jersey, and the day after the order was sent in over the Internet, they evidently called me to deliver it that day, the second day! By the time I caught the message, it was too late to get it that day, and I got it the next day. That is, the order went in via the Net on April 1st, and today is April 3rd when it was delivered. Don't ask me how they did that, but I'm amazed.

Just got delivery today and was somewhat hesitant about unpacking the beast. I have read reviews about these Toro ZTR mowers for months now, and many people on the various sites have talked about how difficult it was to extricate the mower from the crate/box it comes in because it is so well packed for shipping. So, while I have no idea how well this thing will cut grass yet, I just thought I would give some insight on the unpacking. My advice is to READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE SIDE OF THE... more

The engine is plenty powerful for extended and regular use. I've only bogged it down in thick grass/straw that was a couple feet tall. Even then it didn't cut off-- just let me know I was over-reaching.

I've banged it around pretty well and the engine and mower are tough. I've had some issues with the front caster wheels slipping off/losing pressure and I managed to get a rear flat. But no issues with power or quality of cut. Start out slowly if inexperienced with zero turns, but steering becomes second nature after just a little practice.

DO NOT mow hills that are steep. The mower will not do well on these. The manual recommends not going on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Be cautious with this.

Again, overall--extremely impressed with mower and value.

The engine is plenty powerful for extended and regular use. I've only bogged it down in thick grass/straw that was a couple feet tall. Even then it didn't cut off-- just let me know I was over-reaching.

I've banged it around pretty well and the engine and mower are tough. I've had some issues with the front caster wheels slipping off/losing pressure and I managed to get a rear flat. But no issues with power or quality of cut. Start out slowly if inexperienced with zero turns, but... more

It's a lawn mower- I like it, and the price was right.

I just bought the Mower only two months ago. So far it is good, not any problems; and I am liking this mower.

But I must wait for one year later- then I will say whether it is really good or not?

I've owned my Toro Timecutter for 4 months now. It is an awesome machine for my residential needs and cuts my mowing time in half. The only problem I've had with the unit is when I hit a hillside or ditch at an angle, u-shaped bar that holds the mower deck up off the ground pops out of its holes (block under the chassis of the mower). It is a major issue to get that bar to pop back in. Other than that, this mower cuts great and is pretty easy to drive once you get the hang of it.

The mower arrived much later than expected, several days late so I was already peeved that I had had to lose work for another day waiting on the truck. The mower arrived in good shape except the front tires were flat. You would think "no big deal - just inflate them and off you go. Doesn't work that way. These tires don't inflate because you can't get both sides to touch the rim at the same time - lousy design. Finally had to waste money taking them to a tire shop to get them inflated, then they didn't hold air and back they went until I finally had to fill them with slime. Other than that, the mower works well.

The mower arrived much later than expected, several days late so I was already peeved that I had had to lose work for another day waiting on the truck. The mower arrived in good shape except the front tires were flat. You would think "no big deal - just inflate them and off you go. Doesn't work that way. These tires don't inflate because you can't get both sides to touch the rim at the same time - lousy design. Finally had to waste money taking them to a tire shop to get them... more

I recently purchased a Toro model SS 4200. After using it for the 1st time, I was simply amazed at just how quick and efficient this mower was, talk about good time management! It did take me about an hour of just driving it around my lawn without the blades engaged, the front sidewalk and on the street in front of my home to get the the feel of this mower.

I recommend using it on the slow speed range with the throttle backed off otherwise you will find yourself heading for an object and panicking and wrecking into something. Its also good to just ride it around doing turns so that when you use it finally you will not be creating bald spots on your lawn. Just be patient at first and in time you will be maneuvering your mower just like you see it on the video.

It usually takes me about 3 hours to cut and trim all the areas around my home, not that my lawn is very big, but I have quite a few flower beds and trees in my yard. My previous mower was a self propelled powered push mower which was fourteen and a half years old which broke down. Today it took me exactly one and a half hours to do everything. Beware though of the instructions on the outside of the packing crate when it says you can just push the mower off of the packing crate, not so. This mower weighs 495 lbs. and it took two of us to get it off the base of the packing crate. Shipping to my local area was fast but I had to haggle with the local shipper about time of delivery to my home, they wanted to deliver between 10am to 2pm and I work each day and they have no Saturday delivery. Overall very, very pleased!

I recently purchased a Toro model SS 4200. After using it for the 1st time, I was simply amazed at just how quick and efficient this mower was, talk about good time management! It did take me about an hour of just driving it around my lawn without the blades engaged, the front sidewalk and on the street in front of my home to get the the feel of this mower.

I recommend using it on the slow speed range with the throttle backed off otherwise you will find yourself heading for an object and... more

First off, it is nice to have the selling company inquire as to how I like the product they sold me. Since the question asked for an HONEST opinion, I will do my best to answer in this manner. I have used a 30" Dixon ZTR mower for 26 years. It had a mechanical drive system which I really liked (not hydrostatic). It finally became time to replace the mower after a ramp fell of the back of a pickup and damaged the mower. I would have bought another Dixon but I assume they are no longer manufactured. So, I started looking at big box stores and internet. Not a good time of year to purchase a mower from local dealers because of low winter stock.

I looked at several internet sites and found Mowers Direct to be the most helpful. I had just purchased a Toro leaf blower which I really like so was interested in what Toro had to offer in a ZTR mower. The reviews on MD site were very helpful and I liked the way the various mowers were rated on MD relative to sales I suppose. I did not realize that I could have gotten a 32" model at the time I ordered the mower. For storage space reasons I would have ordered a 32" model and I considered changing the order before it was shipped. But then with the small increase in price for the 42" model with the bigger engine, I said what the heck, I'll go for the 42. Due to my requirements (not a very large yard) I went with the smaller Kohler engine.

Now to answer the question! Please know that I am totally sold on the ZTR and would have no other. I have put ten hours on the mower. It is a very well built, comfortable, easy to operate machine. I like the wide cutting height range. I have no issues with the mower and I have no hesitation to recommend it. I went for the $50 check discount and put that toward the lift-gate truck delivery. Getting it out of the very well built shipping box took about 20 minutes with enough wood for the grandsons to build a fort! Paying by check is definitely a time swap as it takes a week or 10 days longer for delivery. They use R&L truck lines which did a fine job of delivery with excellent tracking.

It was a delight to do business with Mowers Direct and I can certainly see why their business has grown rapidly. I congratulate them for making this transaction a delight and compliment them on their fine websites. Yes, I got paid for writing this...the pay being delightful and excellent service!! When the time comes, I would not hesitate to order from them again.

There are bigger and "badder" mowers made but this mower fills my needs and I do not think there is a better mower made for the money! Thanks for the space!

First off, it is nice to have the selling company inquire as to how I like the product they sold me. Since the question asked for an HONEST opinion, I will do my best to answer in this manner. I have used a 30" Dixon ZTR mower for 26 years. It had a mechanical drive system which I really liked (not hydrostatic). It finally became time to replace the mower after a ramp fell of the back of a pickup and damaged the mower. I would have bought another Dixon but I assume they are no longer... more