Toro Recycler 60V 21" Review

The Toro Recycler 60V 21" cordless mower is built for homeowners who want smart storage, strong mulching performance, and easy handling. With Vortex airflow technology, a brushless motor, and SmartStow vertical folding, Toro combines cut quality with convenience in a way few cordless mowers do.

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Key Specs & Features

• Power: 60V Brushless motor (1 × 6.0Ah battery included)
• Deck: 21" Recycler steel deck with Vortex airflow tech
• Runtime: Up to ~50 minutes (per charge with 6.0Ah)
• Cutting Height: 9 positions (1" – 4")
• Drive: Rear-wheel self-propel, Personal Pace auto-drive
• Weight: ~83 lbs
• Extras: SmartStow vertical storage, LED headlights, mulching & bagging modes

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Performance & Real-World Use

The Recycler name is well-earned: Toro’s Vortex technology improves airflow, suspending grass longer for a finer chop. Mulching in particular feels a step above most cordless mowers — lawns look cleaner after a pass. Bagging is solid too, though not quite as strong as some dual-blade systems.

Self-propel: Toro’s Personal Pace auto-drive is one of the most natural-feeling drive systems we’ve tested. Instead of fiddling with a speed dial, the mower just matches your stride automatically, which makes long mowing sessions noticeably easier.

Handling: At 83 lbs, the mower is heavier than many cordless options, but the rear-wheel drive compensates well on slopes and uneven ground. The SmartStow vertical storage design is a big win for garages with limited space — you can tilt it upright against a wall when done.

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Hands-On Test (What we ran)

We ran three field checks to test the Toro’s claims:

1. Mulching Run: On a thick spring lawn, Toro’s Vortex airflow did exactly as promised — clippings came out fine, and no big clumps left behind.
2. Hill Test: Used on a sloped backyard (~20° incline) — Personal Pace kept things smooth, no slipping or awkward pushing.
3. Storage Fit Check: Folded it upright in a standard garage bay — saved roughly 40% floor space compared to non-folding designs.

These tests confirmed Toro’s strengths: efficient cut quality, effortless drive, and compact storage.

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Pros & Cons (At a glance)

Pros

• SmartStow vertical storage is excellent for small garages
• Natural-feeling Personal Pace drive adapts to you
• Mulching performance is above average
• LED lights for evening or low-light mowing

Cons

• Heavier than comparable cordless mowers
• Single included battery limits larger yards (may need 2nd pack)
• Slightly higher priced than budget competitors

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Price & Value

The Toro Recycler 60V kit (with mower, 6.0Ah battery, and charger) retails around $549–$599. Considering its mulching ability and SmartStow convenience, that’s good value for homeowners with limited storage space — though buyers with bigger yards may want to invest in a second battery.

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Final Verdict

The Toro Recycler 60V 21" mower is a well-rounded, storage-friendly cordless mower that excels at mulching and handles uneven terrain smoothly. Its SmartStow design makes it one of the easiest mowers to live with day-to-day, even if it’s a little heavier than the competition.

Best for: Homeowners who need space-saving storage, want strong mulching quality, and mow on uneven or sloped yards.