Toro TimeCutter SS4225 (42") 22HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Reduces mow time and the cut is better. The controls are straightforward and clean up is similar to my previous Toro mower.

The mower came well packaged and in good condition. The battery was less than 1 month old and was too low to start the mower. I charged it, but still had issues with the battery. I had to use the Toro warranty to get it fixed.

Had trouble taking delivery of the mower when the freight carrier missed their delivery window. After unpacking and connecting the battery, the mower wouldn't start. I called Mowers Direct for help and was told that their "one" mower troubleshooter was out of the office. I finally got the mower running on my own. The mower quality isn't anywhere near the quality of my last Toro tractor. All the plastic controls are cheap, loose, and feel like they'll break in the first year of use.

Update on burning the grass. I went to a metal shop and bought a piece of very thin sheet metal (9"x 18" aluminum sheet). The muffler has a shield bolted to it from the bottom. I took it off and drilled four holes- one in each corner. Then, I used plumbers straps to attach the metal sheet about on inch below the muffler. Works great. No more burn spots. If I can find 1/4" x 5" all thread bolts, I will replace the plumbers straps. I think the straps will eventually break over time. Hope this helps anyone who is having issues.

Love this machine with one MAJOR exception. It burns the grass after the engine gets warmed up. I have big burned areas every time I stop, and burned tails around the edge of the yard where I was moving slow. This mower has a major flaw. If anyone knows of a heat shield that will fit, I would really appreciate the input.

I selected this mower because it had most of the features I wanted at the best price. I have been using a "standard" riding mower for over 20 years, so the zero turn takes a little getting used to. I keep looking for the brake. The weather has been pretty cool and rainy since I received the mower, so about all I have done is mulch some leaves so far. The mower has done all I ask it to do. Its The 22HP Kohler engine seems more powerful than the 24HP B&S Craftsman I have been riding. Two items that are missing on this mower (and I will add) are the Running Time Meter and a Voltmeter or Ammeter. Since I couldn't get any reliable information about unpacking this mower, I composed a short video that I posted on YouTube as to how I did it.

Does the job as well as I hoped. The bagger attachment, however, is impossible to latch with the rubber handle provided.
It’s too short or too strong. I put as much downward pressure as possible, but still can’t stretch it enough. Consequently, the top bounces and has occasionally come loose. I called Toro, but they were not able to offer a solution.

I love my SS4225. Runs great, no engine issues, tracking needed a bit of adjusting but overall it is a great mower. I do however have one major issue with this mower and looking at all the mowers SS, MX and SW models, they may have the same issue. The SS and MX series are Toro’s entry level mowers for homeowners. I discovered a major engineering flaw with the muffler… THE HEAT FROM YOUR MUFFLER WILL BURN YOUR GRASS! After running the mower for a few minutes and the engine is up to its normal operating temperature, when I have to stop and get off the mower to discard a stick, hose, children’s toy, etc., a few days later where I have stopped, I will have a brown spot in my lawn and will eventually turn into a bald spot. This still happens every time either on idol or when the engine is completely turned off.
Now the more expensive models such as the Titan and HD, have what Toro calls a “Muffler Guard” part number 126-7664-03 for the 48” Titan and 133-4429-03 for the 48” HD. Every model Titan and HD has the muffler guard. I assume this helps protect the muffler form damage during use and trailering, however, this also absorb the radiant heat from the muffler. I have contacted Toro customer service and they don’t believe that this is a problem with the mower. Maybe if your lawn never has obstacles and gates and the only time your mower is standing still is when it is parked in your shed or garage, you will never experience this issue. I now must sit on a piece of cardboard and place it under the muffler when I mow so I don’t burn my grass. I find it interesting that John Deer and Ariens both offer this muffler guard as an add on attachment.
I brought my mower to two different authorized Toro mower repair shops and left it with both shops for a few weeks each. Bot shops tested the mower and yielded the same results as I did. Both repair shops and I attempted to speak with Toro customer service. Their response was that they never heard of this issue and was not willing to acknowledge the problem. So now I sit on a piece of cardboard when I mow so if I must get off the mower, I turn it off and place the cardboard under the muffler to protect my grass from burning up.
I doubt Toro has never heard of this being an issue please see links below I found doing a quick google search for other Toro owners having the same problems.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/10800-Toro-SS4260-timecutter-burning-grass!
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1642862/toro-z5000-burning-the-grass
Comments from Dave F. https://www.mowersdirect.com/Reviews/Toro-74721-Lawn-Mower/rv15362.html
Toro, please do the right thing and help owners of these products have a better mowing experience. I take pride in my lawn and enjoy mowing. That’s why I chose the Toro brand. However, having to constantly worry about preventing my lawn from bringing up from my mower doesn’t exactly make it an enjoyable experience.

I had a Toro 38” Timecutter that seamed under powered. My new mower has the V-twin with ample power. I am very glad that I went with the V-twin engine.

Mulching is a must with easy use in tight areas.