Toro Recycler 22 Review: Is This Lawn Mower Worth It?

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Overview of the Toro Recycler22 Lawn Mower Series

As homeowners seek the perfect lawn mower, the Toro Recycler22 emerges as a strong candidate, boasting advanced cutting technology and robust engine performance. This comprehensive review examines the Toro Recycler22 lawn mower series to determine if it delivers on its promises and justifies its price point.

The Toro Recycler22 series is distinguished by its range of models, including the All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, and SmartStow variants. Each model is designed to cater to different lawn care needs and preferences, making it essential to explore their differences and ideal use cases.

We’ll analyze the key features that set the Toro Recycler22 apart from its competitors, including its cutting technology, Briggs & Stratton Exi engine, and drive system options. By understanding these elements, you’ll be better equipped to decide if the Toro Recycler22 is the right lawn mower for your specific needs.

The review will cover the engine performance protection and reliable engine performance of the Toro Recycler22, ensuring that it provides the small engine power needed for efficient lawn care. By examining real-world performance across various lawn conditions and terrain types, we’ll provide a comprehensive understanding of the Toro Recycler22’s capabilities.

By the end of this review, you’ll understand the strengths and limitations of the Toro Recycler22 and whether its performance justifies its position in the residential lawn mower market.

The Toro Recycler 22 at a Glance

Understanding the Toro Recycler22’s specifications and included accessories is crucial for potential buyers. This section provides an overview of the key features and what’s in the box. The Toro Recycler22 is designed to offer a comprehensive lawn care solution.

Key Specifications

The Toro Recycler22 boasts impressive specifications that cater to a variety of lawn care needs. It features a robust engine and a durable design, ensuring reliability and performance. Toro delivers replacement parts designed to exact engineering specifications, making maintenance straightforward.

Key specs include a powerful engine, adjustable cutting height, and a spacious grass bag. The mower’s dimensions are approximately 42.1 in. x 24.5 in. x 17.25 in., making it manageable for most consumers to transport and store.

What’s in the Box

The standard Toro Recycler22 package includes the mower, an 18 oz. bottle of oil, a grass bag, and a quick start guide. For the SmartStow model, the package is more streamlined, including just the mower and grass bag. Notably, the side discharge chute is not included but can be requested free of charge when registering the product on Toro’s website.

• The mower comes partially assembled, requiring minimal tools and time for final setup.
• The packaging is designed to protect the mower during shipping, with dimensions that make it easy to handle.
• Replacement parts are designed to exact engineering specifications, ensuring perfect compatibility for future maintenance.

Design and Build Quality

Featuring a sturdy build and thoughtful design elements, the Toro Recycler22 aims to provide a superior mowing experience. The design and build quality of this lawn mower are crucial in determining its overall performance and longevity.

Deck Construction and Durability

The Toro Recycler22’s deck is constructed with durability in mind. It is designed to withstand the rigors of regular lawn mowing, including encounters with twigs, rocks, and other debris. Regular maintenance with proper fuel treatment every fill provides protection to the engine components, ensuring consistent performance over time.

Handle Design and Ergonomics

The handle of the Toro Recycler22 is designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable grip and reducing strain during operation. The Personal Pace self-propel system automatically adjusts to the user’s walking speed, making the mower feel lighter and more manageable.

Weight and Maneuverability

The Toro Recycler22 models vary in weight, ranging from 77 to 85 pounds, depending on the specific configuration. Despite its solid construction, the mower’s weight is well-balanced, making it manageable for most users. The larger rear wheels compared to the front wheels improve maneuverability, making it easier to navigate over rough patches and small obstacles.

Model	Weight (lbs)	Front Wheel Height (in)	Rear Wheel Height (in)
All-Wheel Drive	85	8	10
Rear-Wheel Drive	83	8	10
SmartStow	77	8	9.65

Engine Performance and Power

The heart of the Toro Recycler22 is its Briggs & Stratton Exi engine, engineered for consistent power and reliability. This engine is a crucial component that determines the overall performance of the lawn mower.

Briggs & Stratton Exi 163cc Engine

The Briggs & Stratton Exi 163cc engine is designed to provide reliable performance and is a key feature of the Toro Recycler22. With its robust construction, this engine is built to withstand the rigors of regular lawn mowing.

Fuel Efficiency and Capacity

The Toro Recycler22’s engine is not only powerful but also designed with fuel efficiency in mind. While specific fuel capacity details are not provided, the engine’s design ensures that it meets the necessary performance standards without excessive fuel consumption.

Starting Reliability and GTS Promise

The Toro Recycler22 comes with a 3-Year Guaranteed to Start (GTS) Promise, reflecting Toro’s confidence in its starting reliability. The starting system has passed strictest requirements thousands of hours testing hundreds of engines to ensure consistent first or second-pull starts. Key features include:

• A traditional pull-cord starting mechanism engineered for reduced pulling force.
• A specialized priming system for reliable cold starts.
• A design refined through thousands of hours of field testing to minimize common starting issues.

Cutting System and Performance

The cutting system of the Toro Recycler22 is designed to provide users with a versatile and efficient mowing experience. It boasts a range of features that cater to different lawn conditions and user preferences.

Recycler Technology Explained

The Recycler technology is a hallmark of the Toro Recycler22, enabling it to mulch clippings into fine particles that decompose quickly, returning nutrients to the soil. This technology is made possible by the specialized Recycler deck design, which repeatedly cuts the clippings until they are finely chopped.

Cutting Height Adjustments

The Toro Recycler22 allows for easy cutting height adjustments, providing users with the flexibility to adapt to different grass lengths. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining a healthy lawn, as it enables users to adjust the mowing height according to the season and grass type.

Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge Options

The Toro Recycler22 offers true 3-in-1 versatility with mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities. The mulching function is engaged by default and performs exceptionally well. The included grass bag has a generous 1.8-bushel capacity, reducing the frequency of stops to empty clippings. For side discharge operation, users can request a free discharge chute when registering their mower at Toro.com. Using Toro premium fuel treatment helps ensure clean engine performance during mode transitions, as consistent power is particularly important when switching from mulching to bagging heavier, wet grass.

• Mulching function is standard and performs exceptionally well due to the Recycler deck design.
• The grass bag has a 1.8-bushel capacity, reducing the need for frequent emptying.
• Side discharge operation is optional and requires a free discharge chute, available upon registration at Toro.com.

Drive System Variants of the Toro Recycler 22

The Toro Recycler22 lawn mower is available with different drive systems, each offering unique benefits. This variety allows users to choose the model that best suits their lawn care needs.

Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive Model

The Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive model is designed for enhanced traction and maneuverability. It features a robust drive system that adapts to different terrain types, making it ideal for lawns with varied landscapes. With its all-wheel drive capability, this model provides superior control and stability, ensuring a consistent cut every time.

Personal Pace Rear-Wheel Drive Model

The Personal Pace Rear-Wheel Drive model is another popular variant, offering a balance between performance and ease of use. It features a Rear-Wheel Drive system that is suitable for most residential lawns. Every fill provides protection when using the recommended fuel treatment, ensuring the longevity of the engine.

SmartStow Model with Blade Stop System

The SmartStow model represents Toro’s most innovative Recycler22 variant, featuring a unique storage solution that allows the mower to be stored vertically, reducing storage footprint by up to 70%. The Blade Stop System enables quick stops without restarting the engine, and the SmartStow feature provides protection to two critical areas: storage space and engine integrity during storage. Fill provides protection to the engine, and provides protection two critical areas, making it ideal for users with limited storage space.

Model	Drive System	Weight	Forward Mowing Speed
Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	82 lbs / 37.2 kg	Up to 4.5 mph / 7.2 kph
Personal Pace Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	77 lbs / 34.9 kg	Up to 4.5 mph / 7.2 kph
SmartStow	Rear-Wheel Drive	77 lbs / 34.9 kg	Up to 4.5 mph / 7.2 kph

Real-World Performance

Evaluating the Toro Recycler22’s real-world performance provides insights into its strengths and weaknesses. The mower’s 7.25 ft-lb Gross Torque* Briggs & Stratton Exi163 cc engine is a key factor in its overall performance.

Performance on Different Terrain Types

The Toro Recycler22 handles various terrain types with ease, thanks to its Personal Pace drive system. This feature allows the mower to adjust to different terrain, ensuring a consistent cut. The mower performs well on both flat and slightly inclined lawns.

Handling Wet or Tall Grass

The Recycler22 is capable of handling wet or tall grass, although it may require more effort and potentially multiple passes to achieve the desired cut. Regular maintenance, including using the recommended 4-cycle engine oil, helps keep the engine running smoothly.

Noise and Vibration Levels

The Toro Recycler22’s 4-cycle lawn mower engine produces noise levels typical for its class, measuring approximately 85-90 decibels at the operator position. Vibration is well-managed through the mower’s design, with the one-piece handle and ergonomic grip reducing the transfer of engine vibrations.

Feature	Performance
Noise Level	85-90 decibels
Vibration Management	Effective, thanks to one-piece handle and ergonomic grip

The Briggs & Stratton Exi163 engine incorporates noise-reducing features, including an optimized muffler design. Regular maintenance using the recommended 4-cycle engine oil helps keep the engine running smoothly, directly impacting both noise and vibration levels.

Maintenance and Longevity

To ensure the Toro Recycler22 continues to perform optimally, understanding its maintenance requirements is crucial. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the mower but also ensures it continues to deliver high-quality results.

Routine Maintenance Requirements

The Toro Recycler22 requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes checking and maintaining the Toro SAE 4-cycle lawn mower oil levels, sharpening the blade regularly, and cleaning the mower deck after each use. It’s also essential to check the tire pressure and ensure the mower is properly lubricated.

Replacement Parts Availability

Toro provides a wide range of replacement parts for the Recycler22, making it easy to find what you need. Authorized Toro service dealers can supply 4-cycle engine oil and other maintenance supplies, ensuring you can keep your mower in top condition.

Warranty Coverage

The Toro Recycler22 comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including a 3-Year Guaranteed to Start (GTS) Promise. For specific warranty details, it’s essential to see dealer warranty details. The standard warranty covers the mower for 2 years of residential use, protecting against defects in materials and workmanship.

• The warranty requires proper maintenance procedures and materials, including recommended Toro SAE 4-cycle lawn mower oil.
• Commercial use significantly reduces the warranty period, as the Recycler22 is designed primarily for residential applications.
• Warranty claims require proof of purchase and are processed through authorized Toro service dealers.

Conclusion: Is the Toro Recycler 22 Worth It?

After a comprehensive evaluation, the Toro Recycler22 emerges as a top contender in the lawn mower market. This assessment is based on its exceptional mulching capability, intuitive Personal Pace self-propel system, and the durable Briggs & Stratton Exi engine that provides reliable starting and consistent power.

The Toro Recycler22 proves to be a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking a reliable and versatile lawn mower. Its 3-in-1 cutting system offers flexibility for different lawn conditions, while the All-Wheel Drive model provides exceptional value for those with challenging terrain. Using premium fuel treatment helps ensure extended engine life, contributing to reasonable long-term ownership costs.

Although the Recycler22 commands a price premium over entry-level mowers, its performance, durability, and feature set justify the investment for homeowners who plan to use their mower regularly. Ultimately, the Toro Recycler22 represents an excellent balance of quality, performance, and value, making it a worthwhile purchase for most homeowners with typical residential lawns up to half an acre.

FAQ

What type of engine oil is recommended for the Toro Recycler22?

The recommended engine oil for the Toro Recycler22 is SAE 4-cycle engine oil, which provides optimal performance and protection for the Briggs & Stratton Exi163cc engine.

How often should I use fuel treatment in my lawn mower?

Using a premium fuel treatment every fill provides protection against fuel degradation and helps ensure clean engine performance, as tested for thousands of hours.

What are the benefits of using Toro genuine replacement parts?

Toro genuine replacement parts are designed to exact engineering specifications, ensuring reliable engine performance and maintaining the overall quality of your lawn mower.

How do I maintain the cutting system of my Toro Recycler22?

Routine maintenance requirements include checking and replacing the cutting blade as needed, as well as ensuring the Recycler technology is functioning properly to maintain optimal cutting performance.

What is the warranty coverage for the Toro Recycler22?

The Toro Recycler22 comes with a comprehensive warranty; for specific details, please refer to the dealer warranty details or contact an authorized Toro service provider.

Can I use the Toro Recycler22 on wet or tall grass?

While the Toro Recycler22 can handle various terrain types, it’s essential to exercise caution when mowing wet or tall grass to avoid clogging the cutting system or compromising traction.

What are the different drive system variants available for the Toro Recycler22?

The Toro Recycler22 is available in several drive system variants, including Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive, Personal Pace Rear-Wheel Drive, and SmartStow with Blade Stop System, each offering unique benefits and features.