Honda or Toro (Comm units only)

[P&C Lawn Care]

Well I need a new 21 mower and have ran commercial Honda's for as long as I can remember, at least HR21's (1987). I can't decide between a new commercial Honda or a new commercial Toro (then I have to choose between Honda or Kaw engine). My wife says why change, Honda's have what we have always used and are very reliable and cut excellant. I say this is true, but I am curious about the Toros. Pro's and Cons? Price is about the same or may vary by about $100, but not a deciding factor. I really like the hydrostat on the Honda's and like the shorter handles on the Toro. I searched the posts but didn't see much in the forums about H vs T. There are no other brands being considered.

[steve-o]

stick with your wife.............

if you like honda, why change?

steve

[mmlawncare]

I'm with you, your wife, and Steve. I have run hydro Hondas for about 6 years and probably will never change unless someone comes out with something outstanding.

[lawrence stone]

Unless you are limited by 24" gates a 21" is a boat anchor.

I have two commercial Toro 21"s (one still has the original 2 cycle Suzuki while the other needs a new engine) but have 1989 production years. One I purchased new and the other used in great condition for $250. The Toros are the way to go for mulching and side discharge but the bag is pain to dump and the Honda is better for bagging.

For what you are paying for a new 21" for a few bucks more a Quick 32 will more than double your production. Plus a single hydro should not be an issue since you are a flatlander.

[P&C Lawn Care]

Lawrence you still don't listen to other people do you? My post said "There are no other brands being considered.". Thank you very much for your input, however I believe that a 32" mower is a waste. Plus I can almost buy two Honda or Toro mowers new for the price they want for a quick 32. I am not bad mouthing Better Outdoor Products, they do mow the grass as advertise and will work in certain cases. Any residential properties that we have, 36" mowers will fit. Most residential customers that we have prefer a 21" mower on their property (not acreages of course or large properties) because I believe that is what they understand. A quality 21" mower will have the best finished cut, however using larger deck sizes can cut down the time. Customers don't care how much time you saved or how long it took you to do something. They only worry about the finished result, what they paid for it and that they think they are the only important customer. Do commercial Toro's side discharge? All the ones I have seen don't, maybe the older style?

BTW if you want to sell that Toro with the Suzuki, let me know.

[steve-o]

sorry, but i have to ask.....

what is your cut-off point on using a 21" mower? (meaning 5k, 10k or what)

steve

[buster57]

I have the Honda and beat he11 out of it near year round. Great mower-I plan to buy another when this guy dies.

Very tough and extremely dependable. About as good as you can get bagging. Grass is always wet in Oregon and it does clump up, but that's life out here.

I am not considering any other replacement brand at this time. You really can't go wrong with Honda. Any change would probably be down hill.

[columbia]

Toro

I have the toro 21 and really like it other than the bagging chute gets plugged often with wet grass, you have to go really slow or it plugs. Really nice cut though. I have never had a honda but everyone around here has em. I have been wondering this same time as I am about due for a new mower.

[Turftech 1]

I've run both and prefer the Toro. The Honda is lighter, but the handle design is horrible compared to the Toro, the speed is a little slower too. I really like the simplicity of the Toro drive, all but indestructible. The Honda does tend to mulch better, but I believe that is mostly due to the slower ground speed.

[P&C Lawn Care]

I bought a new HRC216 for $999. We've run Honda's since the late 80's and it is hard to change equipment that has been so very good. I may still get a Toro just to have, but the bulk of the mowers will be the Honda workhorse. I think what I really want is a Toro with a 2 stroke Suzuki on it.

[buster57]

I bought a new HRC216 for $999. We've run Honda's since the late 80's and it is hard to change equipment that has been so very good. I may still get a Toro just to have, but the bulk of the mowers will be the Honda workhorse. I think what I really want is a Toro with a 2 stroke Suzuki on it.

I piad exactly the same price-in Oregon.

I think we got a good deal!:laughing: