Best Zero Turn Commercial Lawn Mower 2024 - Toro 4000 Series Review
After three years of using the Toro Z-Master 4000 series mowers day in and day out, including a 130-mile drive across the state of Florida, it’s time to share the honest truth about its performance. We’ve put this mower through the grinder—testing it against top competitors like John Deere, Hustler, and Scag. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Toro 4000 series holds up under serious pressure and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Back in 2021, Toro rolled out the 4000 series as a replacement for their popular 3000 series. When we got our hands on it early, we had some concerns. After all, the 3000 series was a rock-solid option, and we didn’t know if the 4000 series was going to cut it—literally and figuratively.
But Toro knew they needed to upgrade the platform. Their main goal was to support modern hydraulic systems and offer space for future electric or lithium options. Plus, they wanted to freshen up the styling in the process. Like it or not, looks can matter when you're up against increasingly flashy competition.
Let's cut to the chase. Toro delivered, and then some.
My Experience: Driving 130 Miles Across Florida on a Toro 4000
Yes, you read that right. I drove one of these mowers 130 miles in a single day, from sunrise to sunset, across the entire state of Florida. It's not something you'd normally do with a mower, but it was all for a good cause.
When I first came up with the idea and told Toro, their engineers were kinda freaked out. They were confident in the machine but nervous about the public attention this stunt could attract—especially since it was a brand-new product at the time. Yet, they backed me up.
From 6 AM to 7 PM, I rode nonstop, and let me tell you: the Toro 4000 handled it like a champ. It held up flawlessly for the 130 miles, despite having some road-focused upgrades like overinflated tires and added lights. It ran faster as the day went on, topping out around 15 mph by midday.
Not bad for a mower, right?
Putting the Toro 4000 Against the Top Contenders
Over the last three years, I've not only mowed with this thing in every tough grass condition you can think of, but I’ve also pitted it against some of the best-known mowers in the industry.
Toro 4000 vs Scag Cheetah
The Scag Cheetah is a beast, carrying a 38-horsepower engine. But even with that extra horsepower, the Cheetah couldn’t keep up with the Toro’s performance under pressure.
We tested both machines in a thick field of Bahia and Argentine grass. The Scag struggled, bogging down multiple times, while the Toro (with its 31-horsepower Kawasaki) powered through without losing steam. Both machines were brand new, so this wasn’t about age or wear-and-tear—it was Toro’s design and engineering outperforming the Scag in head-to-head conditions.
Toro 4000 vs John Deere 960M
A subscriber, Harry, wanted to challenge the Toro with his John Deere Z960M, and I was all in for it. Both machines mowed several grass types, including Bermuda, Bahia, and St. Augustine.
The result? The John Deere held its own, but the 4000 series couldn’t be beat. Toro’s suspension system made the ride more comfortable, and its ability to lay down crisp, clean stripes at full speed was unmatched. The Toro left a beautiful finish, and in terms of speed and comfort, it had the upper hand.
Toro 4000 vs Hustler X1
Next up in the lineup was the Hustler X1, another strong commercial mower. We tested it on slopes, in thick grass, and even in drag races. Yes, while the Hustler did manage to beat the Toro by a split second in a straight-line sprint, that was about its only win.
In every other category—cut quality, dispersion, dealing with tricky slopes—the Toro 4000 series was better. Whether it was slope management or keeping a clean deck to eject grass properly, Toro came out on top.
Longevity and Durability: How Does It Hold Up Over Time?
Performance is impressive out of the box, but durability matters just as much, if not more.
From what I’ve seen working with these machines, the Toro 4000 series is built to last. Easily capable of pushing past 2,500 hours, and in some cases, I’ve seen them still performing strong at 3,500 hours. Individual deck components, from spindles to pulleys, hold up just as long as those on the more expensive 5,000 and 6,000 series.
Engine-wise, the Kawasaki option available in higher horsepower works like a dream. There were some early issues with oil coolers, but those have been fixed by both Toro and Kawasaki, and it’s smooth sailing now.
Easier Repairs, Faster Fixes
One major win for the Toro 4000 series is how much easier it is to work on. Maintenance matters a lot in the long run, and this machine makes both DIY fixes and professional repairs more straightforward. The engine is positioned to allow for easy access to key components, which means faster repairs and less downtime. For mechanics and DIY home repair folks, this is a huge advantage over some of the bulkier models out there.
The Price: Is the Toro 4000 Worth It?
You’d think with all these upgrades and 4000’s heavy-duty build, you’d be looking at a sky-high price, right? Here’s the thing—it’s a great value for what you’re getting.
The top-tier version of the Toro 4000 series with the 35-horsepower engine, MyRide suspension, 72-inch deck, and other premium features sells for around $14,999. Entry-level models start in the low $11,000 range. Compared to competitors offering similar models at $18,000 or even $20,000, Toro delivers serious bang for your buck.
If you’re all about running a commercial setup or just want the best mower on the block, investing in the Toro 4000 series is a smart move.
Ready for a New Zero Turn Mower?
After three years of real-world testing, I’m convinced that the Toro Z-Master 4000 series is the best zero turn mower out for 2024. From cutting thick grass without bogging down to delivering precision results across multiple tests, it has proven itself time and again. Whether you need one for your commercial landscaping business or you’re a serious homeowner, this machine won’t let you down.
Want to see more? Check out the specific tests and mower showdowns linked in the description below. Or, if you’re ready to make the investment, you can browse the models directly on our store.
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Products Discussed In The Video
- Toro 4000 Series Zero Turn Mower
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