We Tried the All-New 2024 Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE, Zero Turn Mower & Here’s Our Unfiltered Review (2024)

The 2024 Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is the modernized version of the classic zero-turn mower that’s become a staple for most homeowners with large yards. From testing this machine firsthand, I experienced the familiar feel of the classic Toro mower, along with the new updates that made it feel like a true heavy-duty, luxurious mower.

What is the 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE?

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

The Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is designed to handle larger yards and is even capable of some smaller commercial landscaping projects. While many folks with about half an acre opt for zero-turn mowers, this mower can easily handle over an acre in a modest time. I’ve experienced using quite a few zero-turn mowers in the past (my website is called The Lawn Review, after all), so when I finally ordered the mower, I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I eagerly awaited the delivery of myTimeCutter with MyRIDE from my local Toro dealer. When it arrived, the team unloaded it from the truck. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I walked over, hopped on board, twisted the key and fired it up.

The experience of starting this zero-turn mower was unlike my previous experience with the older model of the Toro TimeCutter. Something about this mower felt more solid and rugged than the models of the past. The combination of the massive 42-inch cutting deck and 25-horsepower (HP) engine with the super thick footplate and deck made it feel like I was in a tank.

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

Frankly, the older Toro TimeCutter model felt a bit stripped down and basic compared to the 2024 model. If you had the opportunity to use one in the past, you would’ve felt that it was not the most comfortable ride.

After accelerating, I realized just how responsive the mower was to adjustments in speed. After a quick drive around my driveway, I took it over to my lawn to have some fun mowing.

Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE Features

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

The TimeCutter has many classic features that you would expect from a popular and reliable zero-turn mower, but also significant upgrades in key areas.

Starting with Toro’s consistent themes on its zero-turn mower series, the 42-inch TimeCutter has a powerful 25-HP Kohler engine. Kohler has mastered small engines like those in pressure washers and dirt bikes, so it’s no surprise Toro trusted its engineering for a high-powered riding mower engine. The classic Smart Speed Technology found on the TimeCutter remains a featured element of the 2024 model. For context, it’s an easy-to-use speed control that changes the upper limit of how quickly you accelerate using the steering bars. Lastly, Toro wisely stuck with the tool-less belt cover and wet spray-blocking fenders that enable you to better protect sensitive mechanical parts from grass and other debris.

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

New to the 2024 Toro TimeCutter are various features that “level up” the mowing experience. For starters (and perhaps my favorite), the TimeCutter now comes with armrests. I know it sounds trivial, but after mowing for 30 to 45 minutes, my elbows start looking for a place to rest. Armrests make a huge difference in the mowing experience, especially when paired with the all-new cup holders. I like that the brand has made small tweaks that resonate with the operator to make mowing a more enjoyable experience.

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

Toro has also bolstered its MyRIDE suspension system, making it a highly visible component of the 2024 TimeCutter. The suspension system is a great feature that increases or decreases the “bounciness” of the ride. The impact of the MyRIDE suspension system is a night and day difference compared to older models. Instead of slowing down to mow hilly or bumpy areas, I can power through without feeling like I’m riding on top of a bucking bronco.

Speaking of powering through, the new IronForged Deck is a noticeable design difference that highlights an extremely thick cutting deck with an even thicker footplate on top. The footplate sits on top of the cutting deck attached to the MyRIDE suspension system so that both the seat and your feet are in sync as you approach bumps in your path.

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

Lastly, there are two small features that most folks take for granted that are still highly valuable: an easy start and seamless deck height adjustment. The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is extremely easy to start, which is not always given with a gas-powered lawn tool. Similarly, the deck height adjustment can also be tricky on zero-turns, given the weight of the cutting deck and the many different heights that can be used. The TimeCutter has an effortless deck height adjustment that, again, is a refreshing deviation from my experience with other zero-turn mowers.

How We Tested It

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

After the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE was delivered, I quickly poured some gas into the tank and started it immediately. As I mentioned, the easy start-up was a welcomed surprise, given the mower was coming straight out of the box. After a few orienting movements around my driveway, I excitedly headed toward my front lawn at full speed.

I have a little over a half-acre lawn, so having a zero-turn mower gets the job done in about 10 minutes, whereas a push mower is easily a 45-minute cutting job. For someone with little ones at home, using a zero-turn mower helps me get back inside the house as quickly as possible to get back to doing the things I love with the people I love.

Starting with my front yard, I quickly made vertical passes along the length of my lawn, extending out to the street and then back to my front garden beds. A huge benefit to zero-turn mowers is that they’re easy to navigate around garden beds and trees without having to make multiple maneuvers or miss a spot. Luckily, my front yard is not very complex and easy to mow quickly.

I then whipped around to my backyard, which has multiple structures and garden beds and is smaller than my front yard. For this portion of the Toro TimeCutter testing, I had to move much slower to navigate complex garden bed edges. The TimeCutter handled these curves like a champ and mulched several leaves in the process. This mower will become my weekly mower, without a doubt. I also often mow my mother-in-law’s lawn when she’s out of town for a portion of the year. Loading and unloading this onto my trailer is an absolute breeze and saves me a ton of time compared to hauling my old push mower over to her house.

After I finished mowing, I walked my lawn to see if I missed any spots. I didn’t find any glaring spots in most of my yard, but I did notice that the areas I can cut with my push mower (like garden borders, sidewalks, and driveways) had a few missed spots. I blame the TimeCutter less for these missed spots and more so myself for being overly cautious using this mower for the first time. With a bit of practice, I see myself being able to get every single blade that I could get with my push mower.

Another thing I love about this zero-turn mower is its ability to fit between tight spaces. At 42 inches wide, the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is about 3.5 feet wide and can fit into my garage and even my shed (once I clean it out). It also fits easily between most gates, which is a huge consideration for homeowners who want to mow their backyard but can’t fit a normal zero-turn mower between the posts. Many zero-turn mowers have been returned once this was attempted and failed. So, 42 inches is a great width for parking in the garage, placing comfortably on a trailer or putting under a covered area of a porch.

Alex Kronk For Family Handyman

Pros

• MyRIDE suspension system adjusts the “bounciness” of the mower
• Armrests paired with cup holders makes mowing more enjoyable
• Thick steel and quality construction
• Easy speed adjustment
• Many modifications available
• Simple to start
• Safety mechanism deploys when you leave the seat and automatically turns off the blades of the mower
• Deck height adjustment is extremely easy
• Very responsive to turns and acceleration

Cons

• Doesn’t have headlights
• No storage compartment
• Mine pulls to the left a bit

FAQ

What kind of engine is on the Toro TimeCutter?

The Toro 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE has a 25-HP Kohler engine.

What kind of oil does a Toro TimeCutter take?

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE takes 10W-30 oil and can hold 80 ounces.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

After reading some of the customer reviews from buyers, I saw that most folks are extremely satisfied with their purchase. Like my experience, many buyers cite how much the zero-turn mower cut down their mowing time compared to their push mower. Others talk about the suspension system and how comfortable the Toro TimeCutter is with the new armrests and the smooth ride. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the handling is incredible. It is highly sensitive, but it also feels like you have complete and total control over the mower. With a zero-turn, you often see delayed reactions in the turns or harsh jolts when steering and stopping. The TimeCutter somehow completely mitigates that through a combination of suspension and speed control systems.

Product Comparison: Toro TimeCutter vs. Cub Cadet ZT1

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE and the Cub Cadet ZT1 mower are popular residential zero-turn mowers. The Cub Cadet is a quality mower and has been touted as extremely comfortable and easy to use.

In 2023, I would have suggested the Cub Cadet is the superior mower, given the comfort levels and my experience. However, the new upgrades to the Toro TimeCutter have made it a supremely comfortable ride and heavier duty than the Cub Cadet ZT1. I had a friend who used his Cub Cadet ZT1 and subsequently had the frame crack. The frame shouldn’t crack. Toro’s super heavy-duty steel frame will not crack and should be more flexible.

Final Verdict

The Toro TimeCutter stepped up its game in a major way in 2024. From the reinforced cutting deck, iron forged footplate and creature comfort upgrades, Toro has reimagined the TimeCutter to become one of the best zero-turn mowers of the year. I loved testing out the TimeCutter 4225, and I will definitely be making this my go-to mower.

Where to Buy the Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

The 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is listed for about $4,400. It’s a little more expensive than a middle-of-the-pack choice for this size zero-turn mow. You can purchase this zero-turn at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply Co.