Craftsman vs Toro Lawn Mowers: Which One Is Better?
Both Craftsman and Toro lawn mowers are ideal for residential and commercial maintenance thanks to their solid cutting power, high-power output, and innovative design.
But which one is better? Read our Craftsman vs Toro lawn mowers comparison article to find out.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of the two lawn mowers, paying attention to metrics such as cutting performance, design, warranty, and ease-of-use options.
Craftsman Brand Overview
Craftsman manufactures different types of walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers and other outdoor tools.
They were part of a brand called Sears, but they are now completely independent. The trademark of the company was officially registered in 1927.
Their mowing machines are mainly produced in China while some are also manufactured in Taiwan.
Craftsman lawn mowers are durable, reliable and reasonably priced.
Toro Brand Overview
Toro is an American firm based in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The company designs, manufactures and markets lawn mowers, snow blowers and irrigation system supplies for agricultural, commercial, residential and public sector use.
Founded in 1914, the Toro Motor Company was established to manufacture engines for an agricultural tractor manufacturer named The Bull Tractor Company.
It has generated a great reputation for its reliability, durability and exceptional mower design.
Toro offers a wide range of lawn mowers such as push lawn mowers, self-propelled mowers, ride-on mowers and mulching mowers.
Key Differences Between Craftsman and Toro Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Toro mowers have larger cutting decks (20-96 inches) while Craftsman mowers are cheaper.
Best Craftsman Lawn Mowers
1. Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Mower
The Craftsman M215 is a durable and sturdy self-propelled mower suitable for small and mid-sized yards.
The gas engine comes with a recoil and auto choke for easy starting.
Its front-wheel-drive feature enables the mowing machine to maneuver around level terrain with ease.
It has six cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.75-3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs.
2. Craftsman 21-in. All-Wheel-Drive 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
The gas-powered mower runs on a reliable and powerful 196cc OHV engine that offers maximum mowing performance.
It comes with a 2.5-bushel dust blocker bag that helps to minimize in-air debris and dust with the increasing amount of grass clipping intake.
Its four-wheel-drive design enables the mower to mow around obstacles or on hilly terrain. In addition, the four-wheel-drive enhances better traction.
The mowing machine is maneuverable and easy to assemble.
It is equipped with a 21-inch cutting deck that enables homeowners to rear discharge, mulch or rear bag grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
Its dual lever enables you to make easy cutting adjustments to suit your varying needs.
3. Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Mower
The Craftsman Z525 runs on a powerful 24HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine to provide an easy and reliable starting.
Its zero-turn radius allows quick and easy directional changes. It comes with a high-back seat to provide premium support and comfort while mowing.
Its robust steel frame ensures an enhanced mowing experience.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with a 50-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
4. Craftsman M105 Push Mower
The Craftsman M105 is powered by a 140cc OHV engine for a smooth mowing operation.
Its 21-inch cutting deck enables you to trim grass in one quick pass for an easier mowing job.
It has six cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.75-3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The front and rear wheels are designed with zag treading to provide more traction while mowing.
It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities.
5. Craftsman 11A-U2V2791 3-in-1 149cc Engine Push Lawn Mower
The push lawn mower is ideal for small and medium-sized yards.
It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck that enables homeowners to side discharge, mulch, or bag grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
It has six cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal grass height.
The gas mower has an ergonomic handle to enhance comfort and control while mowing.
It runs on a 149cc engine for a smooth mowing operation. Furthermore, this engine has a recoil and auto choke to prevent the use of a primer or choke.
The push mower can be easily stored in your garage or shed. Its 8-inch rear wheels enhance better traction on any terrain while the deck wash helps to remove dust and dirt under the deck.
Best Toro Lawn Mowers
1. Toro 30 in. TimeMaster 223cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The self-propelled lawn mower features a 30-inch cutting deck that allows you to cut a wider path on every pass.
It comes with a Toro Spin-stop blade stop system to prevent the blade from spinning unless you are ready to continue.
It is powered by a Briggs and Stratton 223cc engine to ensure a powerful mowing operation. The self-propelled mower has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities.
Other features include an adjustable handle, recoil starter, cast-aluminum frame and Toro Atomic blades.
2. Toro 22 in. Recycler All Wheel Drive Mower, 163cc, 21742
The gas-powered mower is powered by a 163cc Briggs and Stratton engine to ensure smooth mowing operation. Its quick washout port is standard for easy cleaning.
It comes with a 22-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on small and medium-sized yards.
The easy-to-use mower is equipped with Vortex technology to inject airflow into the system, allowing more air into the cutting chamber.
The mower’s wheels are designed with a tread pattern to ensure smooth maneuverability and traction on lawns. In addition, it operates efficiently on tall and thick grass.
Its 22-inch blade can cut a wider path with each pass and make your mowing easier.
The mowing machine has 9 cutting positions that range from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
3. Toro Timecutter 60 in. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower
The Toro Timecutter 60 comes with an impressive 60-inch cutting swath that can tackle big lawns.
Its IronForged Cutting System is designed to produce an even and clean cut on lawns.
The zero-turn mower has a ground speed of 7 MPH in mow mode and 5.5 MPH in tow mode and 4 MPH in trim mode.
The high-back seat with armrests provides maximum comfort and support while mowing.
4. Toro 21 in. Super Recycler RWD Mower, 163cc, 21565
The Toro 21 in. RWD mower comes with wide-tread wheels to guarantee easy maneuverability and precise control on challenging terrain.
The flex handle suspension technology delivers optimal comfort for your hands and wrists.
In addition, the mowing machine can be easily stored in your garage or shed.
Its dual blade accelerators help to deliver ultra-fine mulch to restore nutrients into the soil.
The ball-bearing wheels reduce friction and elongate the lifespan of your mowing machine.
The RWD mower comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on small and medium-sized yards.
It is powered by a 163cc Briggs and Stratton engine for a smooth mowing operation.
5. Toro 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Recycler 22 in. Smartstow Cordless Mower
The cordless lawn mower can mow yards that are up to 1/3 acre within 40 minutes with a fully charged battery.
The 3-phase brushless motor combines with RunSmart onboard intel to optimize torque and RPM for superb performance in tough conditions.
It is equipped with a 22-inch steel cutting deck that can ensure remarkable cutting and mulching performance on lawns.
Its cutting options can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal grass height.
The patented Vortex technology helps to boost the mowing machine’s performance on lawns.
Its 11-inch rear wheels enhance improved traction and maneuverability on lawns. The cordless mower can side discharge, mulch or bag grass clippings.
Craftsman vs Toro Lawn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of Craftsman vs Toro mowers:
Design
Craftsman walk-behind mowers such as Craftsman M215 and M105 models have wheels that are made with zag treading to provide more traction while mowing.
They also come with an auto choke system for an easy start.
Some Craftsman zero-turn mowers such as Z525 and Z5800 have a high back seat for comfort, and a robust steel frame that ensures a pleasant mowing experience.
The adjustable lap bar ensures efficient mowing while the rubber foot pad provides a smooth ride with less vibration.
Toro’s electric push lawn mowers have RunSmart software and an Automatic Drive system to enable you to mow at your own pace.
Their zero-turn mowers come with a high-back seat with armrests for comfort and a floor pan for easy access to the top of the cutting deck.
Toro models such as TimeCutter 54 in and 42-inch mowers feature Smart Speed technology which enables you to have maximum control over your mowing speed.
Some Toro recycler models have Vortex technology to boost the mowing machine’s performance on lawns.
Other features include a tubular steel frame, rubber discharge chute, automatic parking brake cup holder and engine guard.
Engine Power
Craftsman lawn mowers are powered by Kohler, Honda and Briggs and Stratton engines.
The horsepower of their engines ranges between 10.5-25 HP.
Toro lawn mowers run on Honda, ZX, Kohler and Kawasaki engines. The engine power of these mowers ranges from 15HP-44HP.
Cutting Performance
Craftsman lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 20 to 54 inches while Toro lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 20- 96 inches.
Craftsman walk-behind mowers such as M105 and M230 models have six cutting positions that range from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches.
Their zero-turn mowers like the Craftsman Z525 model have 9 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.25- 3.75 inches.
Toro zero-turn mowers operate efficiently on flat terrain and they can also maneuver well in narrow spaces.
Both lawn mowers are ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes.
Fuel Capacity
Most Craftsman mowers also have a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. On the other hand, the fuel tank capacity of Toro lawn mowers ranges from ¼- 12 gallons.
Warranty
Craftsman mowers are backed by a two-year warranty while Toro mowers are backed by a 3-4 warranty service.
Ease of Use
Craftsman lawn mowers come with an auto-choke system for easy starting.
Their walk-behind mowers such as M105 and M215 models are easy to use and assemble.
These models have wheels that are designed with zag treading for easy maneuvering on lawns.
Toro-lawn mowers also offer ease-of-use features such as a step-through front deck for easy on and off and a removable floor pan for quick access to the top of the cutting deck.
Cost
Craftsman lawn mowers cost between $182 to over $5000 while the price of Toro mowers ranges from $269-$39,999.
Pros and Cons
Craftsman Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Craftsman mowers are affordable and easy to maintain.
- They are reliable, flexible and durable.
- Craftsman mowers are highly maneuverable and comfortable to use
Cons
- They have a small gas tank.
- Parts may fall apart more often than expected.
Toro Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Toro mowers are durable and long-lasting.
- They offer residential-grade, commercial-grade and heavy-duty mowing operations.
- Toro mowers perform well on uneven terrain.
Cons
- They have weak wheel drivers.
- Toro mowers can stall in long and thick grass.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both Craftsman and Toro lawn mowers are reliable, durable, and efficient. They also have powerful engines and innovative designs.
After considering their unique features, we recommend Toro lawn mowers because they come with larger deck sizes and generate more power output.