Residential lawn mowers are essential tools for maintaining a neat and tidy-looking yard. There are so many different models on the market. However, two of them stand out from the rest: Toro Lawn. Mower and Honda Lawn Mower. Both have their advantages regarding performance and reliability, but which one should you choose?
In this post, we’re diving deep into Toro and Honda lawn mowers to provide honest comparisons that will help you decide which model is best suited for your needs. Read on to learn more!
Toro Lawn Mower Comprehensive Review
Having the right tools can make all the difference when maintaining a well-kept lawn. The Toro Lawn Mower is a popular choice among homeowners. In this review, I will share my experience with this product, evaluating its design, performance, and overall effectiveness in lawn care. So let’s dive into the details and see if the Toro Lawn Mower is worth the investment.
Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing the Toro Lawn Mower, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and solid build quality. The sturdy materials used for the mower’s construction give an impression of durability and reliability, which is always appreciated when investing in a lawn care tool.
The lawn mower comes equipped with a user-friendly control system, allowing easy cutting height and speed adjustments. It also features a mulching capability and the option for bagging clippings or discharging them from the side, making this product quite versatile.
Performance Evaluation
- Ease of use – The Toro Lawn Mower is designed for convenience, with easily adjustable settings and simple maneuverability. The padded handle provides a comfortable grip and the self-propelled feature makes pushing the mower on uneven terrain or hills a breeze.
- Noise levels – The Toro Lawn Mower is relatively quiet, which is particularly appreciated for those with close neighbors or noise restrictions. While it’s not completely silent, the sound output is significantly lower than the other gas-powered lawnmowers I have used.
- Overall Effectiveness – This mower does an excellent job cutting grass evenly and thoroughly, leaving behind a well-kept lawn. I found the mulching feature especially effective, as it allows for the efficient recycling of grass clippings and helps maintain the yard’s health.
Comparisons and Drawbacks
Compared to other lawnmowers I’ve used in the past, the Toro Lawn Mower outperforms many of its competitors in terms of ease of use, cutting performance, and noise levels. However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of.
The Toro Lawn Mower’s fuel efficiency could be improved – this might be an essential consideration for those with more extensive lawns looking to save on gas consumption. Additionally, some users may find the lack of an electric start option inconvenient compared to other models that offer this feature.
Recommendation
Overall, I highly recommend the Toro Lawn Mower for individuals with small to medium-sized lawns who value ease of use, quiet operation, and excellent cutting performance. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option on the market, its versatility and overall effectiveness make it well worth the investment for those needing a reliable and user-friendly lawn mower.
Honda Lawn Mower Comprehensive Review
The Honda Lawn Mower is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and robust option for lawn care. This review will provide an in-depth analysis of this product’s design, performance, and overall effectiveness so that you can make an informed decision on whether it’s right for your needs.
Initial Impressions
Once unboxed, I was immediately impressed with the quality of materials used to construct the mower. The Honda Lawn Mower is built like a tank – it feels solid yet lightweight, instilling confidence in its durability and longevity. Additionally, the ergonomic design makes using the machine comfortable even during longer sessions of lawn care.
Performance Evaluation
Ease of use – Setting up and operating the Honda Lawn Mower is straightforward and hassle-free. The adjustable settings provide a great level of control, allowing you to customize the mowing experience according to your preferences. Additionally, the self-propelled drive system makes maneuvering this machine on slopes or uneven terrain effortless.
Noise levels – This mower operates with significantly less noise than most gas-powered models, making it an ideal choice for those living near their neighbors.
Overall Effectiveness – I found the Honda Lawn Mower to be highly effective in cutting grass evenly and thoroughly, leaving behind a well-manicured lawn each time it was used. The mulching capability also proved to be very useful for efficiently recycling clippings and promoting the healthy growth of the property.
Comparisons and Drawbacks
Compared to other models in its class, the Honda Lawn Mower is superior in ease of use, cutting performance, and noise levels. However, it does have its drawbacks – mainly related to fuel consumption.
This mower can be relatively thirsty compared to other options on the market. Additionally, some users may find the lack of an electric start option inconvenient compared to other models that offer this feature.
Recommendation
Overall, I highly recommend the Honda Lawn Mower for those looking for a reliable and robust product with excellent user-friendliness and quiet operation. While more fuel-efficient models are available, none can match this mower’s performance or overall effectiveness in lawn care. For those needing a reliable and powerful tool for maintaining their yard, the Honda Lawn Mower is well worth the investment.
Honda vs. Toro Lawn Mower: Which should you choose?
We are here to settle the Honda vs. Toro lawn mower debate by comparing two models: the Honda HRX217HZA and the Toro 21-inch Super Recycler. Both these models are rotary mowers as opposed to cylindrical ones.
Plant expert Deborah Looi explains that while a rotary mower uses a high-speed rotating blade to cut grass upon impact, cylindrical mowers have bottom plates which trap the grass and exposed edges to cut it. Generally speaking, the intensity of the cut is better with a cylindrical mechanism, but for long grasses, this type of mower won’t work.
To determine which model is best for your lawn, we break down the battle into four categories: performance, features, price, and maintenance. To get an accurate picture of their relative advantages, we will also refer to Deborah Looi’s insights. So let’s find out who comes out on top in this Honda vs. Toro lawn mower debate. Furthermore, discover our verdict and pick the best mower for you.
Toro vs. Honda Mower: Product Comparison
We take two product lines from both companies to compare. The Honda HRX217HZA and the Toro 21-inch Super Recycler.
Honda HRX217HZA
The Honda HRX217HZA is a premium walk-behind mower, and it’s worth the splurge for its extended features. Its hydrostatic speed control and Roto-Stop blade-stop system guarantee an excellent result. Plus, its powerful engine provides a smooth cut and easy push.
This mower stands out from the competition with its 4-in-1 system: bagging, mulching, discharging, and shredding leaves as you go. If you want to keep your lawn pristine all season long, this Honda model will surely deliver.
- Dimensions: 65.6(d) x 42.2(h) x 23.1(w)-inches
- Weight: 106lb
- Blade length: 21-inches
- Engine displacement: 200cc
- Max cutting height: 4-inches
- Min cutting height: 0.75-inches
- Mower type: Self-propelled
- Start type: Electric start
- Warranty: 5 years residential/lifetime deck
Positive Points
- Twin blades for finer cutting
- Powerful engine
- Electric key start
Negative Points
- Expensive
- Overkill for small lawns
- Heavy
Toro 21378 Recycler Mower
The Toro Recycler Mower is a powerful yet compact machine that can get your lawn looking immaculate in no time. This gas-powered mower enables you to easily dispose of cut grass clippings due to its nimble design.
It’s designed for small gardens, up to around half an acre, and is perfect for those on a budget as it offers great value for money compared to other mowers. With its advanced cutting system, it will even reduce the amount of time necessary to feed your lawn.
This is an excellent choice if you are seeking an affordable and efficient means of keeping your garden beautiful.
- Weight: 68 lbs
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Max cutting height: 4 inches
- Min cutting height: 1 inch
- Mower Dimensions: H 59″ x W 23″ x D 44″
- Mower type: Gas
- Start type: Recoil/pull cord
- Engine displacement: 150cc
- Warranty: 2-year full coverage, 3-year guaranteed-to-start
Positive Points
- Nine cut levels
- Mulching features
Negative Points
- Not suitable for larger areas
- Not suitable for hilly lawns
Performance
When it comes to lawnmowers, performance is critical. You want a machine that can cut through thick grass and provide an even trim no matter what kind of terrain you have. The Honda HRX217HZA and the Toro Super Recycler are two popular choices for consumers looking for a reliable mower with all the right features.
The Honda HRX217HZA has a 201cc engine that provides plenty of power to make cutting through tough grass simple and easy. An electric self-charging key and auto choke system ensure that your mower starts every time without struggle. Its durable NeXite deck prevents rusting and dents so that you can enjoy your mower for years.
The cruise control feature allows you to maintain an even speed up to 4mph, while a dual micro-cut twin blades system ensures ultrafine cuttings and seven grass-cut height options for precise trimming. You can switch between cutting, mulching, bagging, and discharging with the VersaMow system.
The Toro Super Recycler has a 163cc engine that is less powerful than its Honda counterpart but still able to tackle challenging terrain and conditions. It also has a lower variety of mow heights and uses an electric cord start which may take a moment to respond. Its high-traction wheels and fertilization option, in combination with Personal Pace auto drive, are great features though it could use more power overall.
Overall, we think the Honda HRX217HZA is better for anyone with a half to full-acre grass plot. If you have a smaller lawn of up to half an acre, the Toro Super Recycler would be a more suitable option.
Features
The Honda HRX217HZA mower is the ultimate in convenience, with its cruise control, RotoStop feature, and ergonomic Quick Release handle that even folds over for simple storage. It also features a manual fuel shut-off valve to make maintenance easier.
The four-in-one VersaMow and clip director system makes switching between mulching, bagging, discharging, and shredding your clippings a breeze. Plus, it has a large 2.5-bushel bag that minimizes the need to empty multiple times during each mowing session.
For those who don’t care so much about most of the bells and whistles, the Toro Super Recycler offers excellent features such as the vortex air intake system, SpinStop technology, Personal Pace Auto-Drive, and flexible suspension technology. It also boasts commercial-grade aluminum construction on the deck and sealed ball-bearing wheels to ensure a comfortable and durable ride.
Overall the Honda is best for those who want the most features for their money, while the Toro Super Recycler is excellent for those who don’t need all the extras. Both models offer a great combination of convenience and performance, making lawn mowing much more accessible.
Price
When choosing the right lawn mower, cost is an essential factor. Think about the initial price and how much you will need to spend on fuel and other maintenance costs in the long run. How do these two models measure up regarding Honda vs Toro?
Generally speaking, walk-behind mowers like these may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on their type, fuel used, and brand. Therefore, consider your budget carefully before making any decisions.
• Electric – $80 – $2000
• Gas – $100 – $600
When purchasing a lawnmower, the upfront cost is only the start. Gas or maintenance costs can add up over time. Electric mowers are generally more affordable to run than gas models like the Toro and Honda, but according to Expert Deborah Looi, investing in one may be worthwhile if you’re mowing an area larger than 1/3 acre of flat land.
The Honda HRX217HZA will set you back around $1200, while the Toro Super Recycler has an initial price of approximately $999 with additional fuel costs between $10 – $20. Depending on your needs and budget, an array of accessories and safety gear can also be purchased alongside either model. Ultimately, both mowers offer great value, but if you have the budget, the Honda HRX217HZA may be worth considering for more extensive gardens.
Care & Maintenance
Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your lawn mower running smoothly year after year. Proper care is essential when selecting a new model, from sharpening the blades to changing the oil. The best brands will provide digital and physical product manuals, tutorials for individual models, compatible maintenance kits, a warranty breakdown (including coverage length), and other helpful resources.
The Honda HRX217HZA and Toro Super Recycler offer five-year warranties—putting them at the higher end of the average—but Honda takes it one step further with online manuals and how-tos that simplify replacement parts and even storage.
Toro provides parts listings and a physical manual but not much else regarding support. The Super Recycler does, however, sync with the MyToro App, which provides manuals and how-tos, plus automatic maintenance reminders to help you stay on top of upkeep.
Given Honda’s comprehensive customer care and maintenance resources, they come highly recommended. But if you’re looking for an app-based approach to keep your lawn in check, the Toro Super Recycler is a great choice.
Summary
Whether you’re looking for power or have a more extensive lawn, the Honda HRX217HZA mower is an excellent pick. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or just getting started with lawn mowing, the Toro Super Recycler might be more up your alley.
When selecting the right model for your needs, Deborah Looi recommends considering a few key factors: ‘The type of mower (rotary vs. cylindrical), the size of land being mowed, and what kind of power source will work best.’ Taking these things into account can make sure that you get the perfect machine for your needs.
Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.