[AVguy]

Someone tell me why I should swap my Tru Cut P20 for a toro? I just picked up 3 Greensmasters for a steal. One Flex21 and 2 GM1000s. Guy needed to move them so I took the bait. I've been thinking I wanted to "upgrade" my tru cut to a toro, but after the first test run I'm not so sure this is for me for the following reasons:

1) I assume most of us have to move the mower from the garage or shed to the lawn over the driveway. I hate the sound and thought of the metal drum drive going across the concrete. I have transport wheels, but that kinda seems like a hassle and doesn't help when I need to turn around or do a trim pass(I usually cut over the edge onto the concrete on the trim pass with the P20). The TruCut has rubber wheels and a differential making it super easy to maneuver. I've gotten used to it and know how to treat her to get what I want.

2) The max HOC on the Flex21 is 19/64" unless you add the "High height of cut" kit. I don't want to bother with that. The GM1000 is just under 1". I like to have the flexibility to move the HOC around based on growth rates, rainfall, and my whims. It seems like the toro is way more precise about HOc adjustments, but takes more time to make large adjustments. The Trucut has a handle for HOC adjustment and it's so easy to pick a new hole and bump the cut up or down in a moment.

3) I haven't run the GM1000 yet because it needs some carb work, but the Flex21 was quite a beast. it's probably great on long, straight passes, but I have 4000sq ft in the front where my "show lawn" is and it seems like handling this thing will be more work than I want considering I cut every 2-3 days and I currently enjoy it(don't want to make it a chore). I know Connor and ware(among others)are using the toros, but It's gotta be a workout compared to my Trucut.

Someone please tell me why I should give it more time and why the toro is so much better.

Here's a pic of the lawn. First year to 'mow reel low'. Was thin, leggy and had bare spots last year. WAY BETTER reel low.

 

[Ware]

Welcome to TLF! Sounds like you've already made your mind up - you're welcome to list them for sale here. :thumbup:

 

[AVguy]

Thanks Ware. I figured you'd at least tell me how great those LED lights are or something. Do you feel like you have to man-handle yours? Have you tried any other reels?

 

[TC2]

Can't disagree with the drum on concrete point! I put on the transport wheels for everything other than the jump across the drive and for that I wince the entire way!

 

[Guest]

I've had McLanes, trucuts, John Deere's and now have recently acquired a toro gm 1000. Yes the trucut is easier to maneuver and easy to adjust HOC etc. But you're comparing a homeowner to a commercial greens grade mower. If you're not prepared to put the time in to " tweak" a Greens mower stick with the trucut no one will think lesser of you. If you want sell them please offer them up for sale to other members.

 

[cnet24]

I think the question is- what are you not getting out of your Tru Cut that you would expect to get from the Toro? I've never used a toro, but my tru cut does a great job reel mowing.

If you got a good deal, I'd list them for fair market value and see if you can turn a profit.

 

[Ware]

Thanks Ware. I figured you'd at least tell me how great those LED lights are or something. Do you feel like you have to man-handle yours? Have you tried any other reels?

Yeah, my first reel was a Tru-Cut C-27. Great mower, but for me it's hard to beat the front and rear rollers on a greens mower. I cross the driveway and make two trips down a ~40' sidewalk to mow my back yard with my GM1600 every time I mow (~3 days a week). It sounds terrible, but it doesn't hurt the drum or the concrete. HOC adjustments are more tedious with a greens mower, but reel to bedknife is way easier than a Tru-Cut. You mentioned the differential - the Greensmasters have one too, along with the split rear drum that makes turning easy once you get the hang of it. You mentioned this was your first test run... I don't think there is anyone that would tell you a greens mower isn't a handful the first few times you use one, but it's a quick learning curve. I mow about 7,500 ft2[/sup] with my 26" GM1600 (2,000 ft[sup]2[/sup] back yard, 500 ft[sup]2[/sup] side yard and 5,000 ft[sup]2 front yard). I wouldn't trade it for a brand new Tru-Cut tomorrow, but everyone likes something a little different. The right answer is "reel mower". :thumbup:

 

[AVguy]

This is the kind of feedback I was looking for. Thanks for all the input. I'll give it some time and a few more runs and see if it grows on me. I understand that the TruCut is a homeowner model and not in the same class as the toro, but it's just easy to get out and mow with it and I enjoy it. I want to keep enjoying the mow. But man... them LED lights are cool looking. Maybe I'll just steal them off the toro and implant to the TruCut.

 

[btwint]

AVguy I sent you an email. I am actually looking for a GM 1000. Unless you need 4 mowers lets talk about me taking one of those 1000's off your hands. :thumbup:

 

[J_nick]

Give the greensmowers a little more time. The first time I used mine it felt like a workout and I even remember telling my wife "that thing just kicked my a$$, I'm not sure I can handle it". Now it's like a walk in the park.

While the HOC adjustment is a bit more tedious on a greensmowers I can count how many times I actually change my HOC each season on one hand. It only takes a few minutes to change it also. The greensmowers have a big leg up when it comes to reel to bedknife adjustments too.

 

[g-man]

^+1 to all they said. I also ride my JD over concrete. It sound horrible but it is not a big deal. All the weight is distributed across the rollers. I do like the spring loaded bedknife since I'm not too worried about a few sticks/mulch making it thru. Once you get the hang of feathering the drive and plan your turns, it is very easy to handle.

 

[zeus201]

Give the greensmowers a little more time. The first time I used mine it felt like a workout and I even remember telling my wife "that thing just kicked my a$$, I'm not sure I can handle it". Now it's like a walk in the park.

While the HOC adjustment is a bit more tedious on a greensmowers I can count how many times I actually change my HOC each season on one hand. It only takes a few minutes to change it also. The greensmowers have a big leg up when it comes to reel to bedknife adjustments too.

Said the same thing after first couple cuts with my GM1000 and started to second guess the purchase. Many cuts later, I'm finally starting to get used it. I'm also like Ware and I roll mine over the concrete, sounds awful, but it is not going to hurt anything.

 

[wartee]

I roll mine over pavers. Makes me cringe every time but doesn't seem to hurt it.

 

[DTCC_Turf]

Two words: turning boards. Or if you have an old rug or carpet scrap to put on the concrete to use for turns...

 

[rhanna]

3 greensmowers = 3 different HOC :thumbup:

 

[AVguy]

3 greensmowers = 3 different HOC :thumbup:

Now we're talking!

So in my excitement to take it for the first test mow I didn't think to check the last guy's setup... WOW! HOC was different by about 1/4" left to right. Reel to bed knife was wonky too and no where near cutting. Bedknife looks straight and only has one tiny knick. I may face it, but I bet a backlap will get it cutting paper.

After some rough adjustments and setting the HOC all the way up I went for test run #2. Guess I'm making a putting green in the backyard with the FLEX21 for now since my front lawn is at 5/8". Anyway, the feel isn't as unbearable as the first run. Maybe some time and practice will help as most of you toro guys have suggested.

May have time this weekend to get the GM1000 running and take it for a spin. BTW, I know some of you are interested in whatever I choose to sell. I won't be keeping 4 mowers. maybe two, but not 4. After I decide what stays and goes I'll offer the other's up here before craigslist and eBay. Will keep you posted.

THANKS FOR THE INPUT TLF!

 

[AVguy]

Two words: turning boards. Or if you have an old rug or carpet scrap to put on the concrete to use for turns...

I'm sure that works great, but my neighbors already think I'm nutz. Can't imagine the conversations I'll have if I roll out carpet every time I mow. HAHAHA

 

[TigerinFL]

Two words: turning boards. Or if you have an old rug or carpet scrap to put on the concrete to use for turns...

I'm sure that works great, but my neighbors already think I'm nutz. Can't imagine the conversations I'll have if I roll out carpet every time I mow. HAHAHA

yep those folks over there in Helena would be trying to put you in the nervous hospital. :lol:

 

[AVguy]

She's growing on me. Got up the nerve to mow the front lawn with the Flex21 after a few test runs in the back and some adjustments. Got the reel to bedknife kinda close, but it's still nowhere near cutting paper. Anyway, with the HOC all the way up the effective HOC on the grass was 3/4"-1" between the high and low spots. I don't hate the feel, but tight spots, like the mailbox will be a challenge for some time. Stripes are nice, but it's late evening. We'll see if it pops tomorrow.

Thanks again for the encouragement to keep trying. I was about ready to give up after the first test.

 

[Thor865]

She's growing on me. Got up the nerve to mow the front lawn with the Flex21 after a few test runs in the back and some adjustments. Got the reel to bedknife kinda close, but it's still nowhere near cutting paper. Anyway, with the HOC all the way up the effective HOC on the grass was 3/4"-1" between the high and low spots. I don't hate the feel, but tight spots, like the mailbox will be a challenge for some time. Stripes are nice, but it's late evening. We'll see if it pops tomorrow.

Thanks again for the encouragement to keep trying. I was about ready to give up after the first test.

Keep it up. I have a John Deere 220 E and from my knowledge it is way more of a beast than the toro's in terms of weight, length, and getting close to things due to the electric drive and transport axels

I too felt like you did with why the heck did I get this, and second guessing my decision. It honestly took me a month before I got use to it and now I don't think I'd want to mow with anything else.

So before you decide what's best for you give it about 8-10 cuts at least.