The Toro 20339 stands out for its personal pace system, which adjusts ground speed to match your walking stride. In this toro 20339 review, we will break down every feature, spec, and real-world performance detail to help you decide if this mower is worth your money. You will learn about its build quality, cutting ability, and how it handles different grass conditions.
Let’s get straight to the point. The Toro 20339 is a gas-powered, self-propelled walk-behind mower designed for medium to large residential lawns. It is part of Toro’s popular Recycler series, known for mulching excellence. But does it live up to the hype? We tested it for several weeks, and here is our honest take.
Toro 20339 Review
The Toro 20339 is not just another lawn mower. It is a machine built around user comfort and cutting efficiency. The most notable feature is the Personal Pace System, which uses a ground-speed control that responds to your natural walking motion. You push forward slightly, and the mower accelerates. You pull back, and it slows down. This makes mowing feel almost effortless.
Under the hood, you get a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine. This engine provides reliable starting and enough power to handle thick, damp grass without bogging down. The deck is a 21-inch steel deck, which is a sweet spot for maneuverability and cutting width. It is not too wide for tight spaces, but it covers ground quickly.
Key Features And Specifications
Before we go deeper, let’s list the core specs you need to know. This will help you compare it with other mowers quickly.
- Engine: 163cc Briggs & Stratton 450E Series
- Deck Width: 21 inches
- Drive System: Personal Pace (automatic)
- Mulching Capability: Yes, with Recycler technology
- Bagging Option: Rear bagger included
- Side Discharge: Optional (plug included)
- Height Adjustments: 10 positions, 1 to 4 inches
- Weight: Approximately 85 pounds
- Warranty: 4-year limited
These specs are solid for the price point. The engine is a workhorse, and the deck is durable. The 10-position height adjustment gives you fine control over your lawn length. You can go from a low 1-inch cut for Bermuda grass to a 4-inch cut for cool-season grasses.
Cutting Performance And Mulching Quality
Now, let’s talk about the actual cutting. The Recycler system is the star here. It uses a specially designed cutting chamber and a high-lift blade to circulate grass clippings multiple times. The result is fine clippings that break down quickly, returning nutrients to your soil. In our tests, the mulching action was superb on dry grass. We saw no clumps left behind.
What about wet grass? No mower loves wet grass, but the Toro 20339 handled it better than most. The engine power is sufficient to keep the blade speed high, preventing stall-outs. You will still need to take smaller passes, but it won’t choke. The cutting deck is also designed to reduce clogging under the deck, which is a common annoyance with other brands.
If you prefer to bag your clippings, the included rear bagger works well. It is easy to attach and detach. The bag holds a decent amount, but you will need to empty it frequently on large lawns. The bag fills evenly, which is a sign of good airflow design. Side discharge is also possible with an optional plug, but we found mulching to be the best mode for this machine.
Personal Pace System: A Game Changer
The Personal Pace system is not just a marketing gimmick. It genuinely changes how you mow. Traditional self-propelled mowers have a fixed speed or a lever you must squeeze. This can cause fatigue because you are constantly adjusting your grip. The Toro system uses a pivot arm that moves with your body.
Here is how it works in practice:
- You start walking, and the mower matches your pace.
- You speed up, and the mower speeds up.
- You slow down to navigate around a tree, and the mower slows down.
- You stop, and the mower stops.
This is intuitive. There is no learning curve. The drive system is rear-wheel drive, which gives you excellent traction on slopes and uneven terrain. We tested it on a slight incline, and it did not slip or lose grip. This is a huge advantage over front-wheel-drive mowers that tend to skid on hills.
Build Quality And Durability
Toro is known for making durable equipment, and the 20339 is no exception. The steel deck is thick and resistant to dents. The wheels are large and have a solid feel. The handles are ergonomically designed and fold down for easy storage. The folding mechanism is simple and does not require any tools.
One thing to note is the weight. At 85 pounds, it is not the lightest mower on the market. However, the Personal Pace system makes it feel lighter because you are not pushing the weight. The engine starts easily with a pull cord. We did not experience any flooding issues, which is common with some Briggs & Stratton engines.
The overall assembly is straightforward. It comes mostly assembled. You just need to attach the handle and the grass bag. The instructions are clear, and you can have it ready to go in about 15 minutes.
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
Maintenance is simple. The oil fill and drain are accessible. The air filter is easy to reach. The blade is easy to remove for sharpening. Regular maintenance will extend the life of this mower significantly. You should check the oil level before each use, especially during the first few hours of break-in.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep your Toro 20339 running smoothly:
- Change the oil after the first 5 hours of use, then every 50 hours.
- Clean the underside of the deck after each use to prevent grass buildup.
- Sharpen the blade at least once a season.
- Use fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer if you store it for more than 30 days.
These simple steps will ensure you get many years of reliable service. The mower is built to last, but it still needs basic care.
Noise Level And Vibration
Gas mowers are loud, and this one is no exception. It registers around 95 decibels, which is typical for this class. You should wear hearing protection, especially if you have a large lawn. The vibration levels are moderate. The handle has some rubber padding, which helps reduce hand fatigue. It is not the smoothest mower we have tested, but it is acceptable.
If noise is a major concern, you might look at electric mowers. However, you will lose the power and run-time that this gas engine provides. For most homeowners, the noise is a fair trade-off for the performance.
Comparison With Other Mowers
How does the Toro 20339 stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to two popular alternatives: the Honda HRX217 and the Troy-Bilt TB330.
- Honda HRX217: This mower has a similar price and features a hydrostatic drive. It is very smooth and has a great mulching system. However, the Honda is heavier and more expensive. The Toro offers a better value for the money.
- Troy-Bilt TB330: This is a budget option with a similar engine size. However, it lacks the Personal Pace system. The drive is a simple rear-wheel drive with a lever. The cut quality is not as good as the Toro’s Recycler system.
In our opinion, the Toro 20339 hits the sweet spot. It offers premium features at a mid-range price. The Personal Pace system alone justifies the cost over cheaper models.
Pros And Cons
To give you a balanced view, here is a list of the pros and cons we found during our testing.
Pros:
- Excellent mulching performance
- Intuitive Personal Pace drive system
- Powerful and reliable engine
- Durable steel deck
- Easy height adjustment
- Good traction on slopes
Cons:
- Heavy at 85 pounds
- Loud operation
- Bag is on the smaller side
- Plastic wheels feel a bit cheap
These cons are minor. The weight is mitigated by the drive system. The noise is standard for gas mowers. The plastic wheels are functional, but they could be more robust.
Who Should Buy The Toro 20339?
This mower is ideal for homeowners with medium to large lawns. If you have a lot of trees and need to mulch leaves in the fall, this is a great choice. The mulching power is excellent for leaf management. It can shred leaves into fine pieces that feed the lawn.
It is also great for people who are tired of fighting with their current self-propelled mower. If you have hills, the rear-wheel drive and Personal Pace system will make mowing much less stressful. It is a good investment for your back and your time.
However, if you have a very small yard, you might be better off with a cheaper push mower. The 21-inch deck and powerful engine are overkill for a postage-stamp lawn. You would be paying for features you do not need.
Assembly And First Use
Setting up the Toro 20339 is a breeze. Here is a quick step-by-step guide:
- Remove the mower from the box and cut any zip ties.
- Attach the upper handle to the lower handle using the provided knobs.
- Attach the grass bag to the frame.
- Add oil to the engine. The mower comes with a small bottle of oil.
- Add gasoline to the tank.
- Prime the engine and pull the starter cord.
The first start took us two pulls. That is excellent for a new engine. The mower idled smoothly and did not stall. The cutting height was set to the middle position, which is perfect for a standard lawn.
Long-Term Reliability
We have seen many Toro mowers last over a decade with proper maintenance. The Briggs & Stratton engine is simple and easy to repair. Parts are widely available. The deck is resistant to rust and corrosion. This is a long-term investment.
One area to watch is the Personal Pace transmission. It is a sealed unit that does not require maintenance. However, if it fails, it can be expensive to replace. In our experience, these units are very reliable and rarely fail under normal use.
You should also check the wheel bearings periodically. The wheels are held on with a simple clip. If they start to wobble, you can replace them easily. Overall, this mower is built to be serviced, not thrown away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get about the Toro 20339. We have provided clear answers to help you make an informed decision.
Q: Is the Toro 20339 good for mulching leaves?
A: Yes, it is excellent. The Recycler system chops leaves into fine pieces that decompose quickly. You can mulch a thick layer of leaves without clogging the deck.
Q: How do you change the speed on the Toro 20339?
A: You do not change the speed manually. The Personal Pace system adjusts the speed automatically based on how fast you walk. Just push forward or pull back on the handle.
Q: Does the Toro 20339 come with a bag?
A: Yes, it includes a rear grass bag. It also has a mulching plug installed. You can switch between mulching and bagging in seconds.
Q: What type of oil does the Toro 20339 use?
A: It uses SAE 30 high-detergent oil. You can also use 10W-30 if you operate in colder temperatures. Check the oil level before each use.
Q: Is the Toro 20339 self-propelled?
A: Yes, it is a self-propelled mower with rear-wheel drive. The drive system is automatic and adjusts to your walking speed.
Final Verdict
So, is the Toro 20339 worth it? Absolutely. It is a reliable, powerful, and comfortable mower that makes lawn care easier. The Personal Pace system is a standout feature that you will appreciate every time you mow. The mulching quality is top-notch, and the engine is a proven workhorse.
The minor drawbacks, such as the weight and noise, are typical for this class of mower. They do not detract from the overall performance. If you want a mower that will last for years and deliver a beautiful cut, the Toro 20339 is an excellent choice.
We highly recommend this mower for any homeowner looking to upgrade their lawn care routine. It is a solid investment that will pay for itself in time saved and reduced effort. Go ahead and get one; you will not be dissapointed.
This concludes our toro 20339 review. We hope this detailed analysis helps you make the right decision. Happy mowing, and enjoy your healthier, cleaner lawn.