Choosing the right mowing height is crucial to maintaining a healthy, great-looking lawn. Toro lawn mowers come with adjustable height settings, allowing users to tailor their cutting height based on grass type, season, and personal preference. However, different Toro models come with varying height ranges and adjustment methods.
This guide offers a comprehensive Toro mower height settings chart to help you get the most out of your mower.
Toro Mower Height Settings Chart
Toro Model | Height Range | Settings Available | Increment per Step | Adjustment Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Toro Recycler 21378 (22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point (each wheel) |
Toro Super Recycler 21565 (21″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Dual-lever |
Toro TimeMaster 21199 (30″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | 2-point (front & rear) |
Toro TimeCutter SS4225 (42″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | Foot assist & lever |
Toro TimeCutter MX5075 (50″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | Lever (deck lift assist) |
Toro 60V Flex-Force 20363 (21″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Single-point adjustment |
Toro 60V Personal Pace 21466 (22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Single-point lever |
Toro Recycler 20340 (22″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point (manual) |
Toro TurfMaster HDX 22225 (30″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | 4-point manual knobs |
Toro GrandStand 74534 (48″) | 1.0″ – 5.0″ | Infinite via spacers | 0.25″ | Adjustable pin deck |
Toro Titan MAX 76601 (60″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 13 positions | 0.25″ | Lever with deck dial |
Toro Z Master 2000 74010 (48″) | 1.0″ – 5.5″ | Infinite (via pin height) | 0.25″ | Manual pin adjustment |
Toro Z Master 4000 74054 (60″) | 1.0″ – 5.5″ | Infinite (via spacers) | 0.25″ | Lever and pin deck lift |
Toro 60V eTimeMaster 21493 (30″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | 2-point lever |
Toro eRecycler 21466 (60V, 22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Single-point lever |
Toro Recycler 21442 (Gas, 22″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point lever |
Toro 22″ High Wheel 20377 | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point wheel |
Toro ProLine 22280 (Commercial, 21″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | Front/rear height knobs |
Toro ProLine HDX 22295 (30″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | 4-point manual knob |
Toro Personal Pace 20332 (22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point (each wheel) |
Toro Recycler 20361 (22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | 4-point (manual) |
Toro Super Recycler 21383 (21″) | 1.25″ – 4.25″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Dual-lever |
Toro Flex-Force 20366 (60V, 22″) | 1.0″ – 4.0″ | 9 settings | 0.375″ | Single-point lever |
Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T (42″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 7 settings | 0.5″ | Lever (deck lift assist) |
Toro Titan 75303 (54″) | 1.5″ – 4.5″ | 13 positions | 0.25″ | Lever with deck dial |
Toro Z Master 3000 74950 (60″) | 1.0″ – 5.5″ | Infinite (via spacers) | 0.25″ | Lever and pin deck lift |
Toro Greensmaster 1000 (Reel) | 0.125″ – 0.75″ | Infinite (via bench set) | 0.01″ (approx.) | Manual reel adjustment |
Toro Reelmaster 3100-D (27″) | 0.25″ – 1.0″ | Infinite (via bench set) | 0.01″ (approx.) | Manual reel adjustment |
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How to Adjust Toro Mower Height
Toro mowers typically come with one of the following adjustment systems:
1. Single-Point Lever (most cordless models
A single lever near the rear wheel adjusts all four wheels at once. Best for ease of use.
2. Dual-Lever System
A lever on each side of the mower adjusts front and rear wheels separately.
3. Four-Point System
Each wheel has its own lever. Offers precise control but takes more time to adjust.
4. Deck Lift Lever (Zero Turn Models)
A hand lever or foot assist is used to raise/lower the cutting deck, usually in 0.5-inch increments.
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Best Height Settings for Different Conditions
Condition | Suggested Height |
---|---|
Spring growth (cool-season) | 2.5″ – 3″ |
Summer drought (all types) | 3.5″ – 4″ |
Bermuda/Zoysia lawns | 1.5″ – 2.5″ |
First mow of the season | 2″ – 2.5″ |
Last mow before winter | 2.5″ – 3″ |
Why Mowing Height Matters
Proper mowing height affects grass health, root development, water retention, and weed resistance. Cutting too short can scalp your lawn, leading to brown patches and vulnerability to pests. Cutting too high may cause the grass to bend or lay flat, resulting in an uneven appearance.
General mowing height recommendations:
- Cool-season grasses (Fescue, Bluegrass): 2.5″ to 4″
- Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia): 1.5″ to 3″
Always follow the "one-third rule": never remove more than one-third of the grass height at once.
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Tips for Proper Mowing Height Management
- Adjust Seasonally: Raise your mower height in summer to promote deeper roots and moisture retention.
- Keep Blades Sharp: A dull blade tears the grass, causing browning and disease.
- Overlap Slightly: When mowing, overlap each pass slightly for a uniform cut.
- Avoid Scalping: Always mow when the grass is dry and avoid setting your height too low.
- Mulch When Possible: Most Toro Recycler models mulch the clippings, returning nutrients to your lawn.
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FAQs
What is the best height setting for a lawn mower?
The best height depends on your grass type and climate, but general guidelines are:
- Cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, fescue):
- 2.5″ – 4″ is ideal. Taller in summer (3.5″–4″) to retain moisture.
- Warm-season grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia):
- 1.5″ – 2.5″ works best. Lower heights promote thicker growth.
Rule of thumb: Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
How do you adjust the height on a Toro Recycler 22?
The Toro Recycler 22 uses either a 4-point or 2-point adjustment system:
4-point system (each wheel):
- Locate the lever near each wheel.
- Pull the lever outward to unlock.
- Move it forward or backward to adjust the cutting height.
- Set all four wheels to the same notch for an even cut.
2-point system:
- Adjust front and rear wheels using two levers.
- Match notches on each lever to maintain an even deck.
Each notch typically changes height in 0.375″ (3/8″) increments.
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How do I measure my mower height?
To measure mower cutting height (not deck height):
- Place the mower on a flat, hard surface.
- Ensure blades are not engaged and the mower is off.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape.
- Measure from the ground to the bottom of the blade’s cutting edge.
- This distance is your true cutting height.
- Repeat at different points around the deck for accuracy.
How to adjust speed on Toro lawn mower?
It depends on your model:
For Toro Personal Pace mowers (Self-propelled):
- The handle automatically adjusts speed based on how hard you push.
- Push gently for slow movement, push harder for faster speed.
For fixed-speed or smart-stow mowers:
- Use the throttle lever if available (some models don’t have one).
- Adjust the drive cable tension (located near handle) to fine-tune speed.
- On zero-turn models, speed is controlled via lap bars.
At what height should the mower be set as you lead into match day?
For sports turf (like football, rugby, or soccer fields):
- Cool-season grass (e.g., Rye, Fescue):
- Mow at 1.5″ to 2.5″ leading up to the match.
- Warm-season grass (e.g., Bermuda):
- Mow at 0.75″ to 1.5″ for tighter, faster play.
Mow 1–2 days before match day and avoid scalping. Roll the turf if you want a firmer, faster surface.
How to set mower deck height?
For riding or zero-turn mowers:
- Park the mower on flat ground and turn it off.
- Use the deck lift lever or knob (varies by model).
- Adjust to the desired cutting height (usually labeled in inches).
- Lock the setting using the height pin or dial if available.
Tip: Confirm cutting height with a ruler under the blade for precision.
How low is too low for grass?
Cutting too low can harm your lawn (a condition known as scalping). Here’s a general guide:
Grass Type | Lowest Safe Mowing Height |
---|---|
Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5″ |
Tall Fescue | 2.5″ |
Perennial Ryegrass | 2.0″ |
Bermuda | 1.0″ |
Zoysia | 1.0″ |
St. Augustine | 2.5″ |