Quick verdict
For a large open lawn, the Toro 60V 30-inch eTimeMaster is the machine I would point most buyers to, since its wide dual-blade deck clears ground quickly on battery power. If you are covering close to two acres of rougher terrain, the CRAFTSMAN 42-inch gas riding mower is the better fit, and the CRAFTSMAN 15-inch cordless push mower covers small yards on a budget.
CRAFTSMAN 36" Gas Riding Lawn Mower
This CRAFTSMAN 36-inch gas riding mower is a compact riding option, with a Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine, a reinforced stamped steel deck, and a 7-speed transmission. Its narrow 36-inch deck fits through most gates and tight spaces while still handling up to two acres, and it includes a mulching kit.
Check price on Amazon āToro vs Craftsman lawn mower comparison: I weigh a wide battery mower, gas riding tractors and a cordless push mower to match the right machine to your yard.
Why you should trust this guide
I built this Toro versus Craftsman comparison by reading the current product specifications for each machine and weighing them against how owners describe cordless and gas mowers over time. Buyers comparing these brands range from small-yard owners wanting a simple push mower to homeowners with acreage who need a riding tractor, so I focused on the factors that decide it: deck width, power source, transmission, and maneuverability.
I do not treat a listing as the final word. Coverage figures like cutting up to two acres are best-case numbers that depend on grass and terrain, so I frame them that way. This search also surfaced a replacement discharge chute, and rather than present it as a mower, I flag it plainly as an accessory so your comparison stays focused on the actual machines.
How we evaluated
I weighed these picks on four criteria. First, power source and upkeep: the Toro runs quiet on battery with low maintenance, while the gas riding mowers deliver sustained power but need service. Second, deck width and coverage, from the compact 15-inch push mower up to the 42-inch riding deck rated for two acres.
Third, transmission and drive: self-propel and riding transmissions ease effort on larger or hillier lawns. Fourth, maneuverability and storage, since a narrow deck fits tight gates and a wide deck finishes open ground faster. I did not physically operate these mowers; every judgment comes from published specifications and aggregated owner feedback rather than a personal test.
What to look for
- Power source: battery is quiet and low-maintenance, while gas riding mowers offer sustained power.
- Deck width: narrow decks fit tight gates; wide decks clear open acreage faster.
- Transmission: self-propel and riding drives reduce effort on larger or hilly lawns.
- Battery inclusion: check whether the pack and charger are in the box or extra.
- Maintenance: gas engines need routine oil, fuel, and filter service.
- Storage space: a riding tractor needs room a compact push mower does not.
- Replacement parts: keep wear items like discharge chutes matched to your exact model.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN 36" Gas Riding Lawn Mower | Best Overall | Check price | |
| CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower | Best Value | Check price | |
| CRAFTSMAN Push Mower 15 in | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Toro 60V MAX* 30 in. eTimeMasterĀ® Personal PaceĀ® Lawn Mower | Best Budget | Check price | |
| 115 | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
CRAFTSMAN 36" Gas Riding Lawn Mower
This CRAFTSMAN 36-inch gas riding mower is a compact riding option, with a Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine, a reinforced stamped steel deck, and a 7-speed transmission. Its narrow 36-inch deck fits through most gates and tight spaces while still handling up to two acres, and it includes a mulching kit.
Reasons to buy
- 36" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amoun
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 11.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinde
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 36" reinforced stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of gras
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty Turf Saver wheels make it easy to
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for th
Reasons to avoid
- The 11.5 HP engine is modest compared with larger riding mowers
- A manual 7-speed shift is less smooth than hydrostatic drive
CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower
The CRAFTSMAN 42-inch gas riding mower steps up with a larger Briggs and Stratton engine and a wider 42-inch stamped steel deck rated to cut up to two acres. The extra deck width clears open ground faster while keeping the same 18-inch turning radius and 7-speed transmission for maneuverability.
Reasons to buy
- 42" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amoun
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinde
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 42" stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of grass, and the
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty 15x6/20x8 wheels make it easy to n
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for th
Reasons to avoid
- The wider deck is harder to fit through narrow gates
- Gas riding mowers need routine oil, fuel, and filter service
CRAFTSMAN Push Mower 15 in
This CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch cordless push mower is the budget and small-yard pick, shipping with two 4Ah batteries and two chargers so you can keep mowing. It is lighter and far more compact than a riding mower, with a twist-and-switch dial to move between mulching and bagging.
Reasons to buy
- Up to 45 min. of runtime ā finish the job efficiently with a battery lawn mower that featu
- Conserve storage space ā store in a crowded shed or garage with a push lawn mower that's 3
- Lightweight and maneuverable ā ease the stress of yardwork with a design that is 29% light
- Efficient grass collection ā help fill the grass bag to optimal capacity with the fan-assi
- Twist-and-switch functionality ā seamlessly go from mulching to bagging with the turn of a
Reasons to avoid
- The narrow 15-inch deck means many passes on a large lawn
- Cut height only spans 1 to 3 inches
Toro 60V MAX* 30 in. eTimeMasterĀ® Personal PaceĀ® Lawn Mower
The Toro 60V 30-inch eTimeMaster is my top pick for larger flat lawns because its wide 30-inch steel deck and Dual Force dual-blade system cut a broad path and mulch finely with less noise than gas. Personal Pace self-propel and a Quick Stow folding handle make it convenient, and it accepts multiple 60V battery sizes.
Reasons to buy
- Choose Your runtime- choose your battery. Recommended 60V Max 4.0Ah, 5.0 Ah, 6.0 Ah and 7.
- Save up to 40% of Your Mowing Time. Mow more in less time, save time, finish faster and ma
- Dual Force Dual Blade Technology that cuts grass into a fine mulch for superior quality of
- Start the first time and every time with reliable push-button start, dual LED headlights a
- Quick Stow handle allows for easy, compact storage with two convenient storage positions.
Reasons to avoid
- The battery and charger are sold separately, raising the real cost
- A 30-inch deck is unwieldy in tight or landscaped yards
115
This 115-8447 side discharge chute is a replacement accessory rather than a mower, designed to fit many Toro 22-inch Recycler mowers from the 2009 to 2015 era. It earns a mention because a cracked or missing chute is a common wear item, and matching the correct part keeps an older Toro mowing safely.
Reasons to buy
- Part Number: 115-8447
- Compatible with Toro lawn mowers: 20330 (290000001-290999999), 20330 (310000001-310008917)
- Compatible with Toro lawn mowers: 20333 (311000001-311999999), 20333 (312000001-312999999)
- Compatible with Toro lawn mowers: 20339 (314000001-314999999), 20337 (315000001-315999999)
- For defects in materials or workmanship, please feel free to contact us
Reasons to avoid
- It is a replacement part, not a mower to compare
- Fitment is limited to specific Toro Recycler model and serial ranges
What to look for
Power source
The Toro runs quiet on battery with low upkeep, while the Craftsman riding mowers deliver sustained gas power.
Deck width
A 15-inch push deck suits small yards; 30-inch, 36-inch, and 42-inch decks clear larger lawns faster.
Transmission
Self-propel on the Toro and the riding transmissions ease effort on larger or hilly lawns.
Battery inclusion
The Toro ships without a battery or charger, so factor that into the total cost.
Maneuverability
Narrow decks fit tight gates, while wide riding decks trade agility for speed on open ground.
Our verdict
For a large open lawn, the Toro 60V 30-inch eTimeMaster is the machine I would point most buyers to, since its wide dual-blade deck clears ground quickly on battery power. If you are covering close to two acres of rougher terrain, the CRAFTSMAN 42-inch gas riding mower is the better fit, and the CRAFTSMAN 15-inch cordless push mower covers small yards on a budget.
FAQs
For a large flat lawn, the Toro 60V 30-inch deck clears ground quickly on battery, while the Craftsman 42-inch riding mower is better for close to two acres of rougher terrain.
No. The Toro 60V eTimeMaster listed here is battery and charger not included, so you will need a compatible 60V pack separately.
The CRAFTSMAN 15-inch cordless push mower is the compact, budget-friendly choice for small flat lawns, and it comes with two batteries so you can swap and keep going.
It is a replacement accessory for certain Toro 22-inch Recycler mowers. It restores a worn or missing chute but is not a mower to compare.
Expect regular oil changes, fresh fuel, and air-filter service. That upkeep is the trade-off for the sustained power and coverage a riding mower provides.