Comments about Toro Z4200:

First day I got it, drove it over a low retaining wall. No damage or injury, but the problem is that if one rear wheel drops into a small hole, you'll be in a quick spin that you may not be able to control before an accident happens. Also, on slopes, even slight slopes, loss of control is common - especially if grass is even slightly moist. Buy this mower is for flat lawns only. It is great for that.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Great mower everything good quality except front tires are not heavy duty enough. Put tubes in them to solve flat problems. Looses tracton on slopes. Would rate a stong 5 if not for the traction problem.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I mow about 1 and 1/2 ac. Level ground.

You can't get at grease fitting and air valves. Front tires are tubless and are always soft or flat.

Seat has almost no support and you slide around on any slope. Seat attached by "punched" tabs. One snapped off and there is no way to repair it.

Over all I found this machine to be very light duty and disagree with CR's reccomendation for large lawns. This is Poor choice unless you just want fun.

Toro has not answered any of my contacts

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have owned this since Sept 09. I love it and look forward to mowing my ¾ acre yard each week. During peak growing times, I mow twice a week and enjoy it. There are several drawbacks. Slopes are dangerous and cannot be handled. Sometimes there is a problem starting, turn the key and nothing, 3 seconds later it fires up. Replaced capacitors at recommendation of dealer (who went out of business) and it was okay for two weeks. Same problem again and another dealer basically laughed at me for feeling the delay in ignition was a concern. Neighbor liked mine so much, he bought one and he is a tight wad.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have one warning. Do not get near a slop like a ditch bank. Because of the inherent design they will easily slide into a ditch. Luckly it was a very small ditch.. My fault but beware. Probably a problem with all zero radius mowers because of the way they turn, etc.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

So far, I am very satisfied with thei mower. Easy to use and maintain. Price was much less than comparables.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I love the mower, but, it was definitely hard to get used too, particularly steering across slopes. It cuts well at high speeds and really reduces mowing time over conventional mowers.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

This tractor cuts unevenly on steep enbankments. It will make quick work of an acre; but I wouldn't recommend it for yards much bigger that that. I have used it for mowing and towing for a few years and it is very reliable. I wish it came with "slime" filled tires because changing a flat is a pain in the butt. It is a very good value.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have used my "mower" to mow and tow for two years and it is very reliable. If you fill the tires with slime you won't ever have to deal with changing tires.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

We have a large lawn and a LOT of leaves in the fall. We use this to mulch the leaves in the fall and cut the grass in the warmer weather. It is fast! Much faster than our last tractor. It has great reliability too. Last spring we ran over the trailer hitch with this lawn tractor and while the hitch lock was mangled, the blades on the tractor were fine!

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I mow around several free standing shrub beds as well as twenty plus trees, and it cut my mowing time in half over my previous CR top rated lawn tractor.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have never owned a zero turn mower,it was easy to learn and I cut my lawn very quickly. It actually looks like I have a landscaper. worth the money to upgrade to the 22hp Kawasaki motor and high-back seat(Toro 4235).

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I mow my mostly level and flat 1-1/3 acre lawn with over 200 trees. It takes about 4-1/4 hours including washout. I still have to do some mowing with a push mower to get between some of the trees. Still, it mows very quickly and has saved a lot of time doing a not-so-pleasant chore.This is my first riding mower, and I did not expect it to require so much maintenance. Be sure to grease the front wheel bushings frequently. I disassembled them at the first scheduled interval and found the bushings were already showing wear grooves. The mower deck collects several pounds of clippings and dirt on its top, and is a chore to clean off.On its maiden voyage, I ran over a small tree branch expecting it to easily chop it up, like my push mower would have. Instead, the branch rode up on top of the deck and derailed the traction belt from the driven pulleys. This caused the belt to go up in smoke before I could kill the engine.[...]

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have purchased the Toro 4235 - which is the same exact deck and mower as the 4200 - only difference is it has a 24hps Kawasaki engine. I am very displeased in the report that it has very good mulching, I purchased the 150.oo mulch kit to only be horrified how it leaves a 4-6" line of grass on the discharge side of the mower. It does not distribute very well either without the mulch kit. I have emailed Toro - for them to tell me everything in the manual which I had already tried. I have never received a follow up on my reply. Very displeasd TORO customer. Would NOT reccomend this mower. Although all other features are nice - the whole reason I purchased this mower because of the claimed mulching features.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

The initial use of this zero turn lawn mower by those who are inexperienced can be very tricky. Do not attempt to learn how to use this machine near any people or objects that can be run over. Find a wide open area free from any obstructions and begin to get a feel for the machine WITHOUT the blades engaged. Mow up and down hills only when the ground and grass you'll be mowing are completely dry. After the first hour of use the operation of the mower will become more intuitive. I've used this mower for approximately 2 hours and have become pretty proficient for a beginner, I still have trouble navigating around small obstacles. This machine is a billy goat compared to your standard lawn tractor. The low center of gravity gives it an amazing feeling of stability up and down hills, and to a lesser extent even across hills of a 15 degree grade or less. I prefer the 22 HP Kawasaki engine over the Kohler and The Briggs and Stratton. Having had both the Kohler and the Briggs the Kawasaki is a smoother and quieter option. I gave the Toro a 4 star rating only because I haven't had it long enough to see how reliable it will be.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

If using as a mulcher, you may have to slow down on thick areas because it will leave clumps. The plastic protectors over the front wheel bearing keep popping off letting debris get into the bearings. When transporting, you have to tie down the seat or it'll jump around. Otherwise, the mower advantages outweigh the disavantages. Starts up everytime, quick response, and loaded with safety features.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Great machine. Could use a more comfortable soft seat.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I used this mower commerically. Great cut for a lawn tractor. When you do get used to steering, this mower is easy to handle. Mulch Kit I think was around $150. Bagger was $300.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

FAST & MANUVERABLE AROUND OBECTS. NOT VERY GOOD ON STEEP SLOPES OR WET GRASS, LOSS OF CONTROL.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I love my Toro Zero Turn. It cuts fast and evenly.
Switching between the mulcher or Clipping Pick-Up System is easy.
Downsides are: a tendancy to skid when turning, and must always mow uphill or level in order to steer.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

This was a second year with my TORO, I have about 2 acres on a steep hill. When I first bought this TORO, much of the base of the hill had grown up into heavy weeds and briers. I actually needed a bush hog to knock it down, but I ventured in with this TORO. It worked magnificently. There was a 1/2 acre of nothing but honeysycle and briers. It went thought it as if it was built for it.

This year, after a tough breaking in year. it cut as smooth as if it was brand new. It cuts evenly and smoothly. The steering is great and precise and the ride is very smooth. I would recommend this mower to anyone for any use, I didn't give it 5 stars solely due to me not asking for a tire more suitable to hilly terrain. Even though these tires have worked perfectly and a "treadier" tire would cut up the lawn on zero turns, I guess I'm trying to turn her into a little tractor.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

great mower-cuts clean at about 8mi. an hr. uses little gas and is easy to handle. I cut about an acre and a half in about 2 hrs. - used to take me over 3.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

expensive, but glad i sprung for it. 2-1/2A lawn takes 2/3 the time (decks about the same size).

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I use it to cut a 1/2 acre lot with scattered trees to mow around. The slope in the front of my yard was difficult to learn how to mow particularly around trees. I learned that cutting up and down the slope was easier than trying to cut across the slope. This mower is more suitable for flat surfaces.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I bought this mower last year and I have run it through it's paces. The Kohler engine makes it a work horse that I don't have to worry about. The yards I cut, have tons of trees, shrubs and other obstacles that made cutting a real pain. This zero turn is great. What use to take two hours to cut, now takes just a little over 1 hour. The wash out port on the deck is a great feature. It keeps the deck good and clean after each cut so you don't have to worry about grass build up on the underside of the deck where it can cause major problems down the road.
The only cons that I have are that one of the bearings has become quite noisy. It has developed a high pitch whine to it. This is not really a concern because it's covered under the 5-year warranty. I just haven't taken it in for replacement.
The other con that I have, is that you can tear up a yard if you're not careful with the drive system. This mower has plenty of power and if you're too rough or aggressive with it, you can spin the tires and tear up your grass. You just have to learn to finesse the mower when making tight turns.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the baring.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I stated before the problems with the axle breaking at the wheel connection. One of the main problems appear to be that the axle is made out of cast iron. Anyone knows that this is a weak material to use in this type of use. Furthermore, almost impossible to weld. The actual connection is very sub par and has a type of a screw that join the wheel and axle, along with this spot weld from the factory. I would consider this to be a factory fault and defect[...]

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I have owned this mower for about a year and am VERY pleased with it, the Kohler engine has not disappointed me in any way, and just like the recommendations it mows even, easy to use and so far virtually maintenance free. My only complaint is when trying to trim around objects the zero turn is not small enough, I end up running over some of the objects with the back tire, it seem as if the deck needs to be shifted to the left a little more. I would buy another one and recommend to anyone looking for a homeowners zero turn mower.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

At the end of the lawn season, the left axle snapped. At that time there were only about 60 hours on the unit. it took over 2 months for the dealer to get parts. When it was picked up in the spring, and used only twice, the other side (axle) snapped. It took another 2 months for parts, as the whole transmission had to be replaced each time. This unit was NOT abused, and only cut on even lawns. Because it was used in a professional manner, it was not covered under warranty. That to me was a joke, and with no satisfaction from the dealer or head office of toro. Each repair was $1100.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

My first ride-on mower and I am very happy. Yes it needs care on slopes and sharp turns when wet, but you get to know when it is necessary to drive a bit slower. Mowing is no longer a time wasting chore

Comments about Toro Z4200:

i have about 2 acres and this mower cant go down any type of slopes not even the littlest slop you will lose control it will slide sideways, will not stop it is unsafe i have a slop next to a tree and almost crashed into it bc it slid down the hill would not stop.... do not try to turn on any slop you will just rip up your grass it doesnt even matter if its wet or dry Do not buy this unless yard is completely flat!!!! toro should put recommened use on flat ground only.. un even cut bc mower deck has loose supports on not enough

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I purchased a similar 42 inch model three years ago, with the Briggs and Stratton engine instead of the Kohler. I own a small farm with a very large lawn. It cut my mowing time in half. No reliability problems whatsoever. I have the mulch kit, so there are no lawn clippings to pick up. I occasionally use this machine in our pasture, Very durable machine. I'll probably buy another (larger) one. Also, these are lots of fun to operate. I actually look forward to mowing our lawn!

Comments about Toro Z4200:

We have owned the Z420 for two cutting seasons in St. Louis, MO area. Teenage son cuts 4-5 one acre lots weekly and towed a wagon carrying gas, the weed eater and blower in the neighborhood. Teenagers are not the kindest operators however the rear right wheel drive shaft has broken twice in two seasons. Repair cost was over $800. Toro warranty would not cover the repair because we towed a wagon which we were told by our local dealer was ok.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Very good mulching and bagging. Will take some time to get used to how to handle on slopes, etc. Has easily cut my time in half and the yard looks great.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I use this product for 1 acre flat lot. This machine cuts like a dream. Mulching kit works great for Florida St. Augustine. The Time Cutter Z 4200 cut my time more than half.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Excellent mower and great price

Comments about Toro Z4200:

1 AC of land, mostly flat, lot's of obstacles to go around. Push mowing took approx 1 1/2 hours, using the Toro takes approx 40 minutes. You can't go wrong.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

just got it today [$] can't beat it for the price mowes great cut my time in half

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Fantastic machine--and honestly, I'm not easily impressed by this stuff--even better than I thought it would be. Really--if you're on the fence--just do it. I was trying to decide: tractor or zero turn. I have just shy of three-quarters of an acre, mostly flat, except for sloped areas due to walk-out basement...honestly, thought a zero turn might be overkill. It wasn't. Fast, maneuverable, beautiful job cutting. Don't let anyone tell you that you need more than an acre to benefit from a zero turn. Cut my lawn today in 35 minutes...including getting used to the controls. Hitch kit (not included, $40) will let you pull a sweeper, spreader, or cart up to 150 lbs or so, too. And slopes? Not at all squirrely--did just fine on mine--no loss of traction. Pricey? A bit. But you have to ultimately ask yourself what your time is worth to you to sit and mow the lawn...I know I have better things to do.

I will never go back to a regular tractor. Absolutely no benefit at this point. The difference is night and day.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I bought the Z420 version and I think it's basicly the same machine, save the engine, I have a Techumseh instead of the Kohler. Iv'e not had a problem with my engine but I think the Kohler is probably better.

It does take some experience to master the ZTR steering, mainly to take advantage of the high speed cutting abaility. I have .91 of an acre with about 25% of it as house, driveway and patio. It takes me about 40 minutes (I don't bag or mulch).
My neighbors have similar size and landscaped lawns, and I'm always on the patio with a beer and listening to the Cubs before they are finished.

It's true, if you turn, accelerate or lose traction when wet, the tires will tear up lawn easily, especially new turf, but I found it's always in the same few locations. You just SLOW DOWN the next time in those spots.

If your lawn is perfectly flat the it's a dream to ride. I have a section that is bumpy from freeze thrust of the turf (need to roll) and when going 10mph it's a rougher ride.

Slopes can also be tricky, I have a couple of areas of sloped grade up to my patio. If the grass is wet then you really need to slow down OR drive directly into the slope. If you have ANY large grade slopes or is not largely flat, I wouldn't recommend this type of mower.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I am a relatively tall guy -6'2" and I love this mower! It is extremely comfortable for my size. I upgraded from a Toro 21" walk-behind. I have the typical american backyard complete with kids toys, swingset and a wood utility shed. My lot size is .42 acres with a hill at the back which runs the width of the property line. The hill is almost 6' tall with a 50 - 55 degree incline to the top. I must admit that I was somewhat reluctant to take the hill for fear of not making it up to the top, but the hill was no match for the beefy 19 HP Koehler motor or the mower. The factory tires grip well and present no traction issues up or down an incline. My lawn which normally takes me almost 2 hours to cut and trim with the 21" was reduced to a mere 40 minutes. The factory blades cut very well and the lawn looks great, but I wish the unit came standard with mulching blades instead. I understand now why they call these units Timecutters! You won't regret the purchase! Very good buy for the money spent!

Comments about Toro Z4200:

Works great except you have to hand trim all corners of your yard. Only drawback or concern that I have.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I just got this mower a week ago. I have a farily level 3.3 AC lot where 2.5 of it is mowable. I have never had a Zero Turn or a rider
for that matter. After getting going it took me
roughly 1 hr and 45 mins to cut 2.00 AC, half of the acre is not mowable due to just seeding it. I love the mower, it chewed through the heavy grass like it was nothing. Heavy being 14 inches plus. I had to take the mower slow quite a bit for the rocks that may have been tossed by my contractors help in the deep grass. The controls seem very responsive and I love the mower.

The maitenance as described in the manual is simple and I like the deck cleaning attachment to hook up the hose with. The place I purchased the mower from gave me about a half hour over view of the mower and I am pleased with that as well. I looked at a lot of mowers starting my research last fall and pound for pound this baby is worth every penny.

Comments about Toro Z4200:

I bought a Z4200 in the spring of 2007 and have used it thoughout the spring, summer and fall. I also bought and installed a mulching kit at that time. I would recommend this mower to anyone with a large, relatively flat lawn. Pros - great h.p.; steering is very intuitive; large cutting radius; Kohler engine; price. Cons - only for use on relatively flat lawns (zero-turn mowers will loose steering control going down or across hills because the back tires loose traction); no trailer hitch to pull attachments (ie - aerator, de-thatcher). Overall, I have been happy with this purchase. However, I am disappointed that Toro has not produced a hitch to attach tools like those mentioned above (if they have, I haven't seen it). Hope this is helpful.