If you’re deciding between Exmark and Toro, this guide compares their performance, durability, comfort, cutting quality, pricing, and overall value to help you choose the right mower.
Exmark vs Toro
| Feature | Exmark | Toro |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Professional landscapers | Homeowners and professionals |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cutting Quality | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Durability | Heavy-duty commercial focus | Residential and commercial models |
| Engine Options | Kawasaki, Kohler, Vanguard | Kawasaki, Kohler, Toro, Briggs & Stratton |
| Deck Design | UltraCut Series | Turbo Force & IronForged |
| Ride Comfort | Excellent | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Easy access | Easy access |
| Price | Usually higher | More affordable overall |
| Warranty | Competitive | Competitive |
Exmark
Exmark has built its reputation around producing premium commercial lawn mowers. The company focuses heavily on professional landscaping equipment that delivers exceptional cut quality and long service life.
Popular Exmark models include:
- Lazer Z Series
- Radius Series
- Quest Series
- Vertex Stand-On Mowers
- Turf Tracer Walk-Behind Mowers
Professional landscapers often choose Exmark because of its reliability and consistent mowing performance.
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Toro
Toro has been manufacturing outdoor power equipment for over a century. Its product lineup includes residential, commercial, golf course, and municipal equipment.
Popular Toro mower series include:
- TimeCutter
- Titan
- Z Master
- GrandStand
- TurfMaster
Toro offers a wider selection for homeowners while also producing some of the industry’s best commercial mowers.
1. Build Quality
Both brands manufacture exceptionally durable machines.
Exmark
Exmark places a strong emphasis on commercial-grade construction.
Features often include:
- Thick welded steel frames
- Heavy-duty caster forks
- Commercial transmissions
- Premium wheel motors
- Reinforced cutting decks
Many Exmark commercial mowers regularly exceed several thousand operating hours with proper maintenance.
Toro
Toro also builds extremely durable equipment.
Commercial Toro models feature:
- Heavy-gauge steel construction
- Reinforced deck supports
- Strong frame designs
- Commercial hydraulic systems
Residential Toro models are generally lighter but still offer impressive durability for homeowners.
Winner: Tie
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2. Cutting Quality
Cut quality is one area where Exmark has earned an outstanding reputation.
Exmark UltraCut Deck
The UltraCut deck is designed for:
- Excellent grass dispersion
- Reduced clumping
- Cleaner striping
- Uniform cutting
- Better airflow
Many commercial contractors consider the UltraCut deck one of the best cutting systems available.
Toro Turbo Force and IronForged Decks
Toro uses several deck designs.
The Turbo Force commercial deck offers:
- Excellent airflow
- Adjustable baffles
- Strong clipping discharge
- Consistent cutting height
The IronForged deck on residential models provides durability while maintaining a clean cut.
Winner: Exmark (slight advantage)
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3. Engine Options
Both companies partner with leading engine manufacturers.
Exmark Engines
Common options include:
- Kawasaki FX Series
- Kohler Command Pro
- Vanguard EFI
- Kohler EFI
Toro Engines
Toro offers:
- Kawasaki
- Kohler
- Briggs & Stratton
- Toro-branded engines
Toro provides slightly more engine choices depending on the mower model.
Winner: Toro
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4. Comfort
Comfort becomes important during long mowing sessions.
Exmark Comfort Features
Many commercial Exmark models include:
- Suspension seats
- Adjustable armrests
- Ergonomic controls
- Vibration reduction
- Large operator platform
Toro Comfort Features
Toro also focuses on operator comfort through:
- MyRide suspension system (select models)
- Premium seats
- Smooth steering levers
- Adjustable controls
- Spacious foot platform
Toro’s MyRide suspension is particularly effective at reducing fatigue when mowing rough terrain.
Winner: Toro
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5. Durability
Commercial users often judge a mower by how many years it can handle daily work.
Exmark
Exmark machines are known for:
- Heavy-duty hydrostatic transmissions
- Long-lasting decks
- Thick steel construction
- Reliable hydraulic systems
Many landscaping companies keep Exmark mowers in service for well over a decade.
Toro
Toro commercial equipment is equally respected for durability.
Its Z Master commercial lineup has earned a reputation for:
- Strong spindle assemblies
- Reliable hydraulics
- Heavy-duty chassis
- Long service life
Residential Toro models are durable but generally not built as heavily as Exmark’s commercial machines.
Winner: Exmark
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6. Ease of Maintenance
Routine maintenance helps extend mower life.
Both brands make servicing relatively easy.
Maintenance tasks include:
- Oil changes
- Air filter replacement
- Blade sharpening
- Belt inspection
- Greasing fittings
- Hydraulic fluid checks
Both manufacturers provide good access to:
- Engine components
- Belts
- Filters
- Battery
- Deck cleaning
Winner: Tie
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7. Residential Models
Exmark Quest
The Quest series targets homeowners who want commercial-inspired performance.
Advantages include:
- Heavy-duty frame
- Excellent cut quality
- Commercial-style controls
- Strong deck construction
Toro TimeCutter
The TimeCutter is one of the most popular residential zero-turn mowers in North America.
Advantages include:
- Affordable pricing
- Comfortable ride
- MyRide suspension (select models)
- Easy operation
- Wide dealer support
Winner: Toro
8. Commercial Models
Exmark Lazer Z
The Lazer Z is considered one of the industry’s benchmark commercial zero-turn mowers.
Benefits include:
- Exceptional productivity
- Outstanding cut quality
- Heavy-duty construction
- Multiple deck sizes
- Long lifespan
Toro Z Master
Toro’s Z Master competes directly with the Lazer Z.
Features include:
- Turbo Force deck
- High horsepower engines
- Comfortable operator station
- Commercial transmissions
- Excellent reliability
For pure commercial performance, both are outstanding choices.
Winner: Tie
9. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel consumption depends on:
- Engine size
- Grass conditions
- Ground speed
- Deck width
Neither brand consistently outperforms the other in fuel economy.
Modern EFI-equipped models from both manufacturers improve efficiency while maintaining power.
Winner: Tie
Dealer Network
Both companies have extensive dealer networks across North America.
Benefits include:
- Genuine replacement parts
- Warranty service
- Professional repairs
- Maintenance supplies
- Equipment financing
Because Toro owns Exmark, dealer support for both brands is generally excellent.
Winner: Tie
10. Price Comparison
Pricing varies by model and deck size.
Typical residential pricing:
- Toro TimeCutter: Lower price
- Exmark Quest: Slightly higher price
Commercial pricing:
- Toro Z Master: Premium pricing
- Exmark Lazer Z: Premium pricing
Exmark often costs a little more because of its commercial-focused design and premium positioning.
Winner: Toro
Pros and Cons
Exmark Pros
- Industry-leading cut quality
- Extremely durable
- Commercial-grade construction
- Excellent resale value
- Reliable transmissions
Exmark Cons
- Higher purchase price
- Fewer entry-level residential options
Toro Pros
- Wide product selection
- Excellent MyRide suspension
- More affordable residential models
- Strong dealer network
- Reliable commercial lineup
Toro Cons
- Residential models may not be as heavy-duty as comparable Exmark machines
- Toro-branded engines vary by model
Which Brand Should You Buy?
Choose Exmark if you:
- Operate a landscaping business
- Prioritize the best possible cut quality
- Want maximum durability
- Plan to mow large properties regularly
- Prefer commercial-grade equipment
Choose Toro if you:
- Want excellent value
- Need a residential zero-turn mower
- Prefer a smoother ride with MyRide suspension
- Want more model options
- Have a tighter budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmark better than Toro?
Exmark has a slight edge in commercial durability and cutting quality, while Toro offers better value, more residential options, and innovative comfort features like MyRide suspension.
Does Toro own Exmark?
Yes. Toro acquired Exmark in 1997, but both brands continue to operate independently with their own mower designs and product lines.
Which lasts longer?
Both brands can last many years with proper maintenance. Exmark commercial models are often built with heavier-duty components that can withstand intensive daily use.
Which has the better cutting deck?
Many professionals prefer Exmark’s UltraCut deck for its superior cut quality and striping performance. Toro’s Turbo Force deck is also highly regarded and performs exceptionally well in demanding conditions.
Are replacement parts easy to find?
Yes. Both Exmark and Toro have extensive dealer networks, making genuine replacement parts and service readily available in many regions.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Exmark and Toro ultimately depends on how you plan to use your mower. Exmark stands out for its commercial-grade durability, exceptional cut quality, and long-term reliability, making it a top choice for professional landscapers and property managers.
Toro, on the other hand, offers a broader lineup that caters to both homeowners and commercial users, with competitive pricing, innovative comfort features like MyRide suspension, and dependable performance.
If your priority is maximizing productivity and achieving the finest cut on demanding jobs, Exmark is hard to beat. If you’re looking for excellent value, comfort, and a wider range of residential options, Toro is an outstanding investment that delivers reliable results for years.
