I’ve been telling you that a residential zero-turn is not designed to pull stuff. Well Toro has upgraded their 2014 models so you can!
This is a press release from Toro and not a review or product endorsement!
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Jan. 31, 2014— Toro’s TimeCutter SS and TimeCutter MX zero-turn mowers help you get the job done fast. In fact, TimeCutter owners tell us they’ve cut their mowing time by an average of 45 percent versus their previous mower*. That means less time mowing and more time doing the things you want to do.
Advances in the 2014 TimeCutter lineup make this time-saving tool even more versatile and productive. Each new TimeCutter SS and MX mower will now come with a tow hitch. Adding this feature takes TimeCutters beyond mowing, giving owners the ability to tow a Brinly-Hardycart, lawn sweeper, sprayer, aerator or dethatcher with the use of Toro’s exclusive Tow Mode.
The key to the TimeCutter’s superior mowing and towing is the innovative Smart Speed feature, which adds greater precision to the time-saving speed and maneuverability you’ve come to count on from the TimeCutter. Smart Speed lets you choose the best ground speed range to fit your mowing and towing needs: Mow & Go for speed and efficiency or Trim & Tow for precise trimming or towing attachments.
Each TimeCutter SS zero-turn mower is quick, dependable and comfortable, with features such as:
- An automatic parking brake that automatically engages whenever the control arms are in the outward position
- Heavy-duty 10-guage frames for superior durability
- Powerful and dependable Toro, Kohler or Kawasaki engines
- Engine guards, deck washout ports and foot assist height of cut adjustment (optional on some models)
- Extra-tall seats on most models that make your time spent mowing more comfortable
- A height-of-cut foot assist pedal makes it easy to lift and lower the mowing deck
- Powerful and dependable Kawasaki V-Twin engine
- An hour meter makes keeping track of service times easier
- Extra-tall seats with armrests make mowing more comfortable
- Floor mat to dampen noise and vibration
Every TimeCutter SS and MX is backed by one of the best warranties you can find – Toro’s three-year limited warranty** with no hour limitation.Several new models can be found in the lineup this year featuring:
- A new, fully featured TimeCutter with a 32” deck perfect for gates
- A new 42” deck TimeCutter with a $2,299 suggested promotional price
- A new Kawasaki-powered TimeCutter with a 42” deck
Toro will also be featuring the powerful new Kohler 7000 series v-twin engine on one of its models. This engine has been made substantially more durable than its predecessor, made quieter, and includes intuitive, easy-access service points and is a perfect fit with the Toro TimeCutter zero-turn mower.Toro also has two new accessories for the TimeCutter for 2014. The first is a step assist kit. It features a telescoping handle and a build-in step to help get on and off the mower. The second is a cargo carrier that attaches to the rear bumper of the TimeCutter. It allows you to haul up to 100 lbs of mulch, soil, garden tools or other objects around. Because it is mounted directly to the TimeCutter, you won’t lose any of your zero-turn maneuverability.
Look for the full line of TimeCutter SS and MX zero-turn mowers at authorized Toro dealers and select The Home Depot stores this spring. Retail prices start as low as $2,299 suggested promotional price for a 42” TimeCutter. Or, buy online at www.homedepot.com. For more information, contact Toro toll free at 1-888-384-9939
Dirk
Boise, ID. Something to note: The 2014 Toro has a sticker next to the hitch that says not to exceed 80 lbs. of “draw power,” warning that doing so could result in hydro failure. Bottom line: I’m still nervous about pulling my core aerator loaded up with two or three concrete blocks. I wonder if draw power means 80 lbs. of horizontal force to pull something on wheels, or 80 lbs. total weight of the item on wheels ,,,
Paul Sikkema
@Dirk, That’s horizontal draw. Put it in the “slow” speed and you will do fine.
Dirk
Boise, ID, Thanks for the advice. The Dixon has been a great mower. I keep spending money keeping it alive, but it may be Toro time.
Dirk
Boise, ID, Wow. This towing ability would be a huge selling point for me. I already have a Brinly 48-inch aerator, but my almost-kaput 1995 Dixon ZTR will not pull it without messing up the worn-out cone drive.
So has Toro changed anything mechanical in 2014 or just started calling “slow” speed “tow” speed? I am very tempted by this, but I really do not want to be damaging a new Toro by pulling a plug aerator with 100-150 pounds of weight on it — even if I would only be doing 1/3 acre of flat lawn once a year.
Thanks for your thoughts, Paul. I really want another ZTR but cannot justify spending more than $2,500 or so based on my lawn size. I would probably go with the 42-inch, 22-hp Kohler model.
This 2014 Toro sounds like my ticket. I just hope it is not too good to be true.
Paul Sikkema
@Dirk, Toro hasn’t changed anything except limit the amount of travel in the controls, but in doing that it limits the transmissions to the best torque range. It also allows owners to learn to use the machine easier.
The Toro will pull your aerator just fine.
Your old Dixon was arguably the best homeowner zero-turn ever. Anyone could use it because the trannys slipped during a turn. You never scuffed your turf. But if you tried to pull ANYTHING, mow a hill or mow a ditch the cones wore uneven and it took a mechanic with special gauges to readjust it. I just gave up on one last year myself.
There are plans for General Transmissions to manufacture an “automatic” cone drive in the next year or two. It may just revolutionize the zero-turn market like the Dixon did so many years ago.