Toro TimeCutter SS5000

1. MowersDirect.com

The Toro TimeCutter SS5000 is a recommended pick among zero-turn mowers at this large retail site, and it's also a Best Seller at the site. The staff review calls it a "grass mowing monster," notes that the 50-inch width adds stability and recommends the SS5000 as "rugged and reliable." About two dozen owners also give this model a fairly strong rating; most give it high praise, but two received defective mowers from the start.

Review: Toro TimeCutter SS5000 (50") 22HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower (2012 Model), Editors of and contributors to MowersDirect.com

2. HomeDepot.com

Nearly three dozen owners review the Toro TimeCutter SS5000 here; nearly all these reviewers say they'd recommend it to a friend. One uses it to cut 15 acres. Owners confirm that it cuts mowing time in half, and the mower also earns praise for comfort, power and quality of cut.

Review: Toro TimeCutter SS5000 50 in. 22HP Smart Speed V-twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

3. Amazon.com

The Toro TimeCutter SS5000 earns ratings at both extremes from the handful of owners reviewing it here, but the negative review -- reporting lots of problems with build quality -- covers an older model. Two other owners give this mower top ratings, praising its fuel efficiency, ease of handling and comfort.

Review: Toro TimeCutter SS5000 (50") 22HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower (2011 Model) - 74630, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. TractorReview.com

At the time of our report, only three owners review the Toro TimeCutter SS5000 here, but two of those reports are decently detailed. One notes that it easily cut grass that had grown two feet tall. The only drawbacks noted are that an hour meter costs extra, and the deck doesn't raise and lower via a foot pedal.

Review: Toro TimeCutter SS5000, Contributors to TractorReview.com

5. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org puts the smaller 42-inch mower in the Toro TimeCutter SS series through objective tests, comparing it with 16 other zero-turn mowers. Each mower earns an overall rating plus separate ratings on handling, ease of use plus performance in each of three cutting modes: side-discharging, bagging and mulching. The "ease of use" rating is especially significant since it covers the Smart Speed feature on the Toro SS mower.

Review: Lawn Mowers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

6. YouTube.com

This short video demonstrates the features of the 2011 Toro TimeCutter SS5000 very well but doesn't show it in action. It is useful to see the controls up close with an explanation of how they work.

Review: 50'' Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Lawn Mower SS5000 22HP Kawasaki, SLE Equipment, Jan. 31, 2011