canlis
Member
Does anyone have experience with the reliability and durability of Toro lawn tractors? I understand they currently use Kohler Courage engines. My budget is $1500-$2000. Thanks!
Toro Lawn Tractor Reliability?
- Thread starter canlis
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Well... I don't, and haven't had, any Toro "lawn tractors", but had a 52" ZT (Zero Turn) and am currently running a 72" ZT one... Both with Kohler motors on them, not a lick of problem to date, powerplant-wise. Had, I'd guess, 120 hours on the small one before I upgraded and currently have 52-53 hours on the big one. Just put gas and oil in them along with a yearly oil change...
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
I am not sure that Toro lawn tractors are much different than any other at this price point. They are not the quality that they were ten years ago. The larger zero turns seem to be where the company Is putting it's focus.
LBrown59
Super Star Member
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- Oct 27, 2004
- Messages
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- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
Toro is one of the better products as long as you stay away from their throw away box store entry level models .
:2cents:
Bird
Rest in Peace
I currently have an SS3200 Toro with the 15 hp Kohler Courage engine; smallest ZTR they currently make. It's been great so far, but it was only a year old on March 26 of this year, and I still only have 43.6 hours on it. But in addition to my little lawn, I mowed some for a daughter that was a little worse, and then I mow for an 82 year old neighbor, and his is sometimes really rough. And of course they have a 3 year warranty for homeowner use.
I'm very happy with it, but I think I paid about $2299 for it plus $450 for the bagging kit plus sales tax.
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
I suspect that a $1500-$2000 tractor will be just that.
I have a 1997 New Holland LS55 which is a Toro with blue paint. I bought it used 10 years ago for $1600 with 250 hours and it has been great. My BIL has a somewhat-newer Toro that is almost identical and also a very solid mower. Both use Kohler Command engines and both were quite expensive new--over $3000. Your budget will not likely buy you a decent new tractor that will last in the longer term.
Bird
Rest in Peace
The original poster asked about Toro lawn tractors with the Kohler Courage engines. Of course I have a ZTR, but with a Courage engine. His budget can certainly buy a new Toro lawn tractor. I don't know whether there is actually any difference in the big box store Toros and the Toros from an independent dealer. They do use the same model numbers . . . but anyway I prefer buying such equipment from a dealer that can and will do warranty repairs, if needed, and can get any parts or accessories I should want.
Same here Bird! If I'm going to spend that much money, I buy from a dealer that is authorized to do warranty work. I don't want to have to take it back to Mr Big Box for them to put it on a truck for repair and who knows when I'll see it again?? Easy enough for me to load the mower on the trailer and drop it off (my Dealer will also do pickups if needed) for any work that's required...
That's a personal thought, might not be right for everyone else??
Fordiesel69
Member
Toro tractors in the old skool Wheel Horse style are VERY good and use AWSOME kohler magnum engines or the twin onans. Everything about the tractors is top notch.
The MTD variants of Toro are equally as junk as all the other brand names that use them. Take care of them and get maybe 10 yrs tops. Neglect them and get 2-3 yrs. Plow with them and they rust out and blow seals out of the hydros.
Look for an pre owned toro/wheel horse 414-8,514-8 or 520-H. They can be had for your price and will last forever.
The MTD variants of Toro are equally as junk as all the other brand names that use them. Take care of them and get maybe 10 yrs tops. Neglect them and get 2-3 yrs. Plow with them and they rust out and blow seals out of the hydros.
Look for an pre owned toro/wheel horse 414-8,514-8 or 520-H. They can be had for your price and will last forever.
