does anyone here own a Toro TimeMaster?

FanOfFanboys

looking to purchase one. I want to spend less time cutting grass. 30' deck would be perfect. Riding/stand-up mowers would be too big.

WeberWho

I can't say anything about that specific Toro model but my parents have a commercial one that has to be pushing 30 years old. Half the paint has flaked off but the dang thing starts 1st or second pull every year after sitting all winter long. Obviously maintenance has lots to do with it but that mower doesn't owe anyone a dime. 

Jolly_Roger

I have a friend who bought one for the same reason you have.  He found it too heavy and bulky for his taste.  He had deep regrets.  He has a lot of gardens to navigate around.  I think you'd be alright if you had a wide open lawn and just straight back and forth is all you do.

alaskanassasin

How much grass are we talking about?

FanOfFanboys

alaskanassasin said:

How much grass are we talking about?

just under 1/2 an acre. I could certainly get by with my current push mower but if I can save X minutes every weekend that would add up. especially since we cut grass most of the year here. Between Nov. and February I bet I cut the grass 5-6 times. 

FanOfFanboys

Jolly_Roger said:

I have a friend who bought one for the same reason you have.  He found it too heavy and bulky for his taste.  He had deep regrets.  He has a lot of gardens to navigate around.  I think you'd be alright if you had a wide open lawn and just straight back and forth is all you do.

that is something to think about. wonder if I can rent one prior? I do not have much to cut around that is small. 

ryantt

I got to demo the TimeMaster a few years back and it wasn’t to bad.  It did a good job, but wasn’t any better than a typical consumer model.  I would suggest stepping up to a commercial mower, yes it will be more expensive, but you can’t argue with the results.  Also keep in mind if you’re mowing just your property it will last a lifetime.  

Here are some stripes with an EXMARK 

RgrimesMD

I have one.  Just about an acre of yard to mow, pretty hilly so I end up push mowing more than riding.  Timemaster is great for straight line mowing, but it sucks for embankments and tight radius stuff.  Retrospectively, I wish I would have bought a regular size push mower

FanOfFanboys

ryantt said:

I got to demo the TimeMaster a few years back and it wasn’t to bad.  It did a good job, but wasn’t any better than a typical consumer model.  I would suggest stepping up to a commercial mower, yes it will be more expensive, but you can’t argue with the results.  Also keep in mind if you’re mowing just your property it will last a lifetime.  

Here are some stripes with an EXMARK 

Man, the Toro would already be at the top school of my budget since it's $1,100. How much more for the one you're talking about?

ryantt

@FanOfFanboys your looking at about 2200-2600 for a 32-36 inch walk behind belt driven.  The truth is it will last you forever so in the long run it only stings at first.  

Check with your local dealers, see what they have to offer. One thing I would suggest is getting. A Kawasaki motor.    

Dobie

I’ve had one for a few years now, maybe 5-6? My previous home was a good size corner lot without a lot of things to navigate, it cut a good 20 minutes off the mow and was worth it to me. Florida st Augustine can be thick and tough the mower could have a bit more power but is adequate. The lot was flat with long lines the extra width shines. The personal  pace feature works well once you get used to it being rear wheel drive. It moves at your speed, no preset speeds. I haven’t done a thing to it except change the oil and air filter etc. starts on the first pull, no choke to mess with. The drive has got noisy, it works but I know the gears in there are worn. It’s also heavy, I’m a big man and weight lifter so I can manage it but some could not. If you have to back it up it’s all on you. For the lot I have now it’s overkill and I will run it until it fails and then probably get a smaller Toro again, I do like the person pace system. My current lot slopes about 4 feet in elevation and it handles it fine but it’s small. I didn’t need a rider and it’s was about twice the price of a good 22 inch and worth it to me. When it’s 100 degrees out shaving 20 or 30 minutes off is nice. 

alaskanassasin

The best advice I can give you is check out your local Toro dealer. There are plenty of small business toro dealers that will give you much better customer service now and when you have problems. They may also let you demo a unit. If you buy it at a box store and need parts or service they will send you to that independent dealer anyhow. If you don’t have many obstacles go with a 42”

ColbyLang

One huge thing to consider is weight. The ExMark 30” walk behind weighs almost 200#. Huge difference between that and a Honda Home Depot special. May rut your yard as the tires aren’t very wide

Eoin

I'm just replacing my ride on, which was stolen. I thought about the Timemaster but I'm going for a Husqvarna commercial grade walk behind. It has a decent travel speed (3 mph), aluminium deck, mulch only (all I need) and a Honda engine.

GregW

I have a new commercial Honda self-propelled bagger. It replaced the same type mower that I retired from service after 27 years of trouble-free service. The old mover was passed down to my niece, she will undoubtedly get many more years of service out of it. 
The new mower was around $1300, a real bargain considering how long it will last in a homeowner situation. 
For reference, I have about 1/2 acre of lawn that I maintain.

thetrim

I have a $375ish Husqvarna that does all I need.   

I use it for the front and part of the side yard and a Troy Bilt Pony (don’t like it) for the rest.  

FanOfFanboys

thetrim said:

I have a $375ish Husqvarna that does all I need.   

I use it for the front and part of the side yard and a Troy Bilt Pony (don’t like it) for the rest.  

don't disagree. I have a lawnmower now that does what I need. But sometimes we want more and if I can save 10-15 minutes when cutting grass, especially when it is 90+ degrees, that has a huge value. More time with family, on the lake, and less time cutting grass

thetrim

FanOfFanboys said:

thetrim said:

I have a $375ish Husqvarna that does all I need.   

I use it for the front and part of the side yard and a Troy Bilt Pony (don’t like it) for the rest.  

don't disagree. I have a lawnmower now that does what I need. But sometimes we want more and if I can save 10-15 minutes when cutting grass, especially when it is 90+ degrees, that has a huge value. More time with family, on the lake, and less time cutting grass

Any idea how much time that mower would save vs. a traditional self propelled?

Dobie

thetrim said:

FanOfFanboys said:

thetrim said:

I have a $375ish Husqvarna that does all I need.   

I use it for the front and part of the side yard and a Troy Bilt Pony (don’t like it) for the rest.  

don't disagree. I have a lawnmower now that does what I need. But sometimes we want more and if I can save 10-15 minutes when cutting grass, especially when it is 90+ degrees, that has a huge value. More time with family, on the lake, and less time cutting grass

Any idea how much time that mower would save vs. a traditional self propelled?

25-30%