There's an apparently very good Toro dealer near me, and given the changes in ownership for Snapper, and Honda leaving the U.S. lawn mower market next year, I'm looking hard at Toro.
Ideally - no self propulsion, just a basic, tough, well-made push lawn mower that fills the grass clipping bag like a champ. I'd hope the deck design and blade choice, 'high-lift' or otherwise, would all work toward that; I don't need or want a mulching blade nor mower mulching function.
My tentative choice thus far is a Toro model 22289, in their commercial line. 21" cut,
"Heavy Duty Zone Start Toro OHV Push." I've got about half an acre of grass at home, but if I get all my work done, I may go cut other people's stuff for free, taking the clippings and mulching my flowers with them.
Expensive(!) - yes - I saw a price of $1200, and that was 3 years ago.
That's okay with me.
Fairly heavy - 92 lbs/42 kg - that's also okay; I
want to work. Aluminum alloy 'Recycler' cutting deck - said to cut the grass blades up fine. If they go in the bag, cool.
One big question I have is the motor -
"Toro OHV 159cc." My gut feeling is to prefer a Honda or Kohler engine - and some of Toro's walk-behinds in their homeowner line have them, I'm guessing decent mowers at substantially less money. That said, if there really is a "best" here, that's what I want.
All comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc., are welcomed.