Best Reviewed
Lawn Tractors
- Best lawn tractor overall John Deere X304 *Est. $3600
- Best light-duty lawn tractor John Deere D110 *Est. $1600
- Best riding mower Weed Eater One *Est. $700
- Best zero-turn mower Snapper 150Z ZT2142 *Est. $2600
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- 4.5-inch maximum cutting height
- Excellent ratings for cutting evenness
- Fast
- Steers with two levers
- Not for hilly lawns
- Reports of problems with axle
- Bagging, mulch kits cost extra
Professional reviewers and homeowners agree that the Toro TimeCutter Z4200 hits the sweet spot among zero-turn mowers: excellent performance and ease of handling at a reasonable price. It's not the biggest or most powerful zero-turn mower, but the 42-inch deck outperforms bigger decks for even cutting. Owners say it can cut mowing time in half, compared with regular lawn tractors. The Toro Z4200 can move up to 7 mph, and its zero-turn steering means it makes turns without leaving any circle of uncut grass to go over again. The only drawback is that, like other zero-turn mowers, it's not safe on slopes steeper than 10 degrees. If you have a hilly lawn with lots of obstacles, reviews recommend the John Deere X304 (*Est. $3,600) instead.
We found the most objective tests of the Toro TimeCutter Z4200 at ConsumerReports.org, where it's compared with eight zero-turn mowers, including a more powerful (and expensive) Toro. The Toro Z4200 has been tested here for several years in a row, and ConsumerReports.org now publishes owner-written reviews and ratings, too. Owner-written reviews at HomeDepot.com and MowersDirect.com add more details, and some of these reviews are based on more than one season of use.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Toro TimeCutter Z4200 is ranked with nine other zero-turn mowers, based on extensive objective tests. Ratings include evenness of cut, overall handling and ease of use. ConsumerReports.org also publishes owner reviews and ratings of the Toro Z4200.
Review: Mowers and Riders, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2010
Nearly a dozen owners review the Toro Z4200 here with enthusiasm, giving it the highest possible ratings and praising it for cutting mowing time in half and making mowing fun. One says it bags well when equipped with the extra kit.
Review: Toro 42 In. Deck, 19 Hp Kohler Courage Twin Cam, Zero Turn Mower, Contributors to HomeDepot.com
The Toro TimeCutter Z4200, this retail site's best-selling zero-turn mower, earns mostly positive reviews from nearly a dozen owners reviewing it here, including one who says it's easy to get on from his wheelchair. One owner notes the lack of an hour meter and adjustable footrest, and two report breakdowns and problems getting timely repairs.
Review: Toro TimeCutter Z4200 (42") 19-HP Zero Turning Radius Lawn Mower, Contributors to MowersDirect.com
4. My3cents.com
An owner complains that it took Toro a month to resolve a serious problem with a nearly new Toro Z4200. It's worth noting that other owners recommend getting parts and service at an independent Toro dealer.
Review: Toro Mower Company Complaint -- Resolved!, Contributor to My3cents.com, May 2008
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