Sponsored Links

Toro TimeCutter Z4200

*Est. $2,700

Reviewed May 2009
Toro TimeCutter Z4200

Best zero-turn lawn mower

pros
  • 4.5-inch maximum cutting height
  • Excellent ratings for cutting evenness
  • Fast (up to 7 mph)
cons
  • Steers with two levers
  • Not for hilly lawns
  • Bagging, mulch kits cost extra
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

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. Owner-written reviews at HomeDepot.com add more details, and some of these reviews are based on more than one season of use. (ConsumerReports.org has also tested this model for several years in a row.) The review at MowersDirect.com carries less weight because this is the first year the editor has covered lawn tractors -- but his recommendations of other products have been right on the mark.

Where To Buy
 
 
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The Toro TimeCutter Z4200 is ranked in comparison with eight other zero-turn mowers, based on extensive objective tests. Ratings include evenness of cut, overall handling and ease of use.

Review: Mowers and Riders, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2009

2. HomeDepot.com

More than 10 owners reviewing the Toro Z4200 give it five-star ratings, 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 Model 74360, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

3. MowersDirect.com

This is a new retail website, but other sites operated the same company selling different products have a good track record among consumers. A slightly more powerful model in the same series, the Toro Z4220 (*Est. $3,000), earns a higher recommendation here -- but the Z4200 still gets a five-star rating, with a glowing review from an owner.

Review: Toro TimeCutter Homeowner (42") 19-HP Zero Turning Radius Lawn Mower, Jon Hoch

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

Lawn Tractors Runners Up:

Husqvarna YTH2348 *Est. $1,800

2 picks by top review sites.

Cub Cadet iSeries ZTT 42 *Est. $2,700

2 picks including: Consumers Digest, TractorByNet.com…

Cub Cadet 1000 Series *Est. $1,650

2 picks by top review sites.

Craftsman Revolution 28933 *Est. $3,000

2 picks by top review sites.

Craftsman 28990 *Est. $2,000

2 picks by top review sites.

Sponsored Links

Back to top