If you’re looking for a gas lawn mower that makes light work of clippings disposal, the Toro 21378 Recycler may be the perfect fit. Using an innovative mulching system, this lawn mower feeds your lawn while it cuts, creating a layer of ultra-fine clippings that nourishes your grass, giving a lush and verdant look.
Dimensions: H 59" x W 23" x D 44"
Weight: 68 lbs
Blade length: 22 inches
Engine displacement: 150cc
Max cutting height: 4 inches
Min cutting height: 1 inch
Mower type: Gas
Start type: Recoil/pull cord
Warranty: 2-year full coverage, 3-year guaranteed-to-start
The Toro 21378 Recycler Mower is also light and easy to maneuver, with a 150cc no-oil-change Briggs & Stratton engine, 22-inch steel deck, and 11-inch rear wheels that give you great traction in any terrain. Plus, it comes with a 2-year full coverage warranty for extra peace of mind.
Our review takes a deeper dive into the features and specifications of the Toro 21378 Recycler, so you’ll have everything you need to know before purchasing. And if it’s not the right fit, our buyer’s guide to the best gas lawn mowers has more great options.
Toro 21378 Recycler Mower: Features
Toro’s 21378 Recycler Mower is a straightforward machine that’s easy to use and just as easy to maintain, with no oil change needed. It uses a pull cord to start.
As a self-propelled model, the Toro 21378 has front-wheel drive and variable speed options.
The Briggs & Stratton 6.25 ft. lb. gross torque 150cc OHV engine comes with auto choke and a one- or two-pull start, with a three-year guarantee and free repair if the pulls aren’t up to standard. Meanwhile, a washout port makes it easy to clean the underside of the mower and keep it functioning smoothly.
Other handy features include a one-piece handle adjustable to two heights, and Toro’s Recycler mulching system that chops grass into fine pieces to go back into nourishing your lawn. If you wanted to bag rather than mulch, then this mower also has a quick-connect bagging system so you can make the switch easily.
The 22-inch steel deck is tough, reliable, and hard-wearing to guarantee this mower will give good service for years to come.
In terms of warranty, the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower is covered entirely by a two-year warranty, and there’s also a three-year guarantee-to-start warranty too.
Toro 21378 Recycler Mower: Performance
With a cutting width of 22 inches, this is ample to make mowing areas of between a quarter to half an acre a breeze. The cut is smooth with nine cut positions of between one to four inches – ideal if you like a manicured lawn. For more advice on this, head to our feature on how to cut your lawn to the best height.
The self-propelled handling on the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower is easy, which also makes mowing quick and a cinch to control. The 11-inch rear wheels are lightweight and simple to roll over most flat and uneven terrain. Inclines are handled nicely too, and the mower’s compact size means things won’t get too out of control should you need to put in a little more effort.
Overall, the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower performs well. It is deft and versatile and can be used easily by most people regardless of strength. It does only have a small cutting width though, so it won’t be suitable for larger lawns. It’s also not designed to take on hilly lawns either.
Toro 21378 Recycler Mower: User reviews
It’s top marks all round for the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower when it comes to performance, efficiency, and power. On Toro’s own website, there’s a majority of five stars and favorable comments that sing the praises of the steering, mulching, and general ease of use. Negative comments veer towards minor technical issues, but these comments are few and far between.
Elsewhere online, Home Depot also favors this mower with more than 1,800 five-star reviews. Some customers welcomed the ease of use with the self-propelling function, while others commented on how easy the machine was to put together. One-star reviews mentioned issues such as the occasional leaking of oil, and failure to start, while some also quibbled the warranty. If you'd prefer a battery-powered alternative to prevent oil problems, check out our guide to the best electric lawn mowers.
Toro 21378 Recycler Mower: Price
When you add up what’s on offer, this residential mower offers great value for its $329 price tag. It’s not uncommon to see deals on these types of outdoor tools, however, so keep an eye on our round up of cheap lawn mower deals to see if you could save.
Should you buy the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower?
The Toro 21378 Recycler Mower is an affordable mower that allows you to cut and mulch your lawn with maximum efficiency and zero effort. This self-propelling mower packs in a lot of extra features for the price, such as a washout port, a one-piece adjustable height handle, and 11-inch rear wheels.
It’s well rated by users too, who praise its versatility and maneuverability, and the fact that it’s sturdy enough to deal with rough or uneven terrain. If your priority is to save valuable time, without sacrificing the health of your lawn, it’s worth taking a look at the Toro 21378 Recycler Mower.
If this product isn't for you
Another great affordable option for small-to-medium lawns is the Troy-Bilt TB130. This budget mower will mulch your clippings, rake your lawn, and it never needs an oil change.
Or you could take a look at the Craftsman M105. At just 65lbs, this push mower is easy to move around, and has no fewer than 6 cutting heights and 5 clipping disposal options.
If you like what Toro has to offer as a brand, but you need more engine power, the Toro Timemaster 21199 makes short work of cutting lawns with its 223cc engine and wide blade, saving you up to 40% time and effort.
