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Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower vs CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

The Craftsman Z5400 is the better buy for most homeowners. It has a bigger 46-inch deck, a stronger 22 HP Kohler engine, and costs $989.99 at Cool Gas Depot as of November 4, 2026, versus $5,189.99 at Zoro for the Toro as of the same date. The Toro TimeCutter 42-inch is a smaller, lighter machine with Smart Speed and a wide dealer network, but at that price gap it only makes sense if you specifically want Toro's pro-style controls and local service.

Today the CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower costs $4,200.00 less at its best price.

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Toro
Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

$5,189.99at ZoroObserved at 6:55 AM
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Choose the Toro TimeCutter 42-inch if you want Smart Speed pace control, a lighter 660 lb frame for easier storage, and access to Toro's 3,000-plus servicing dealers.

Pros
  • Smart Speed lets you slow down without losing blade tip speed
  • Lighter at 660 lb, easier to store and trailer
  • Step-through front end, cup holder and under-seat cubby
  • Wide Toro dealer service network
Cons
  • $5,189.99 at Zoro as of November 4, 2026 is far more than the Craftsman
  • Narrower 42-inch cut and smaller 15.5 HP engine
  • Mulching kit and bagger cost extra
  • Minimum cut height is 1.5 in, higher than the Craftsman's 1 in
CRAFTSMAN
CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

$989.99at Cool Gas DepotObserved at 3:24 PM
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Choose the Craftsman Z5400 if you want a wider 46-inch cut and a 22 HP Kohler engine for well under $1,000.

Pros
  • 22 HP Kohler 7000 twin-cylinder engine
  • 46-inch stamped steel deck cuts more grass per pass
  • $989.99 at Cool Gas Depot as of November 4, 2026
  • Cuts as low as 1 in and includes a bagger per the listing
Cons
  • No cruise control
  • Heavier at 710 lb
  • Mulching kit is optional
  • Smaller dealer service footprint than Toro

What separates them

Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn MowerCRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Cutting width42 in46 in
Engine15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 500 cc V-twin22 HP Kohler 7000 725 cc twin
Price (new)$5,189.99 at Zoro as of November 4, 2026$989.99 at Cool Gas Depot as of November 4, 2026
Weight660 lb710 lb
Speed controlSmart Speed with cruise controlDual-range hydrostatic, no cruise control
Cut height range1.5 to 4.5 in1 to 4.5 in
BaggingOptional baggerBagger included per listing
Dealer and service network3,000+ Toro servicing dealers in the US and CanadaCraftsman retail service network

Price history

$5,189.99$989.99
Nov 2Nov 4
  • Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower: lowest $3,199.00 on Nov 2 at Arco Lawn Equipment; $5,189.99 on Nov 4.
  • CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower: lowest $989.99 on Nov 4 at Cool Gas Depot.

Prices at every store

Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

  • ZoroNew

    In stock

    $5,189.99+ $320.00 shippingObserved at 6:55 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • Arco Lawn EquipmentCheck price at Arco Lawn Equipment
  • Erie Power EquipmentCheck price at Erie Power Equipment
  • Hudsonhardware.comCheck price at Hudsonhardware.com
Prices and history →

CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

  • Cool Gas DepotNew

    In stock

    $989.99Free shippingObserved at 3:24 PM
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  • Home Essentials DirectNew

    In stock

    $3,602.11Free shippingObserved at 3:24 PM
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  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by americaautodirect

    $4,299.44Free shippingObserved at 3:24 PM
    Visit store
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecToro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn MowerCRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Mower TypeZero TurnZero-Turn, Riding
Power SourceGasolineGas
Start TypeElectricTurn key start
Cutting Width107 cm, 42 in.46 in
BaggingYesYes, No (bagger included)
Maximum Cutting Height11.4 cm, 4.5 in.4.5 in
Minimum Cutting Height1.5 in., 3.8 cm1 in
MulchingYes (kit sold separately)Yes (optional kit)
Side DischargeYesYes
Drive TypeZero-turn, Rear-Wheel DriveZero-Turn
Turn RadiusZero-turnZero-turn
Cruise ControlYesNo
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecToro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn MowerCRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Transmission TypeDual Hydrostatic HG-ZT2100Dual hydrostatic transmissions
Weight299.4 kg, 660 lbs710 lb
Engine Horsepower15.5 hp22 HP
Engine Displacement500 cc725 cu. centimeters
Engine TypeBriggs & Stratton EngineGas
CylindersV-TwinTwin-cylinder
Coverage AreaUp to 2 acresUp to 2 acres
Cutting Height OptionsOptional (Foot Operated)—
Variable SpeedYes (Smart Speed® Technology)

What reviewers say

Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Owners generally praise the TimeCutter's cut quality and how much mowing time it saves, and many cite the step-through deck and Smart Speed as practical touches. Common complaints center on the learning curve of zero-turn steering and on parts or assembly issues reported by some buyers.

Pros
  • Fast mowing on irregular yards
  • Clean, even cut
  • Easy on and off with step-through front
  • Comfortable seat for longer sessions
Cons
  • Steering takes practice and can scalp on slopes
  • Some report assembly or setup problems
  • Small deck limits big-property use
  • Ride is firm on rough ground

CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Owner feedback on the Z5400 is limited, but Craftsman zero-turns of this class are generally seen as good value for flat residential lots. Buyers tend to praise the Kohler engine and the low price and note that the ride and cut quality are basic compared with premium brands.

Pros
  • Strong Kohler engine for the money
  • Fast mowing with zero-turn handling
  • Comfortable high-back seat
Cons
  • Ride is stiff on uneven ground
  • Deck and build feel lighter than pro-grade mowers
  • Few dealer service options compared with major zero-turn brands

Questions and answers

Which is better for a two-acre lawn?
Both are rated for up to 2 acres. The Craftsman's 46-inch deck and 22 HP engine cover it faster, while the Toro's Smart Speed gives finer pace control.
Is the Toro worth the extra money?
At $5,189.99 at Zoro as of November 4, 2026 against $989.99 at Cool Gas Depot for the Craftsman, the Toro is hard to justify on mowing alone. Its case rests on Smart Speed, lighter weight and Toro's dealer network.
Which has the stronger engine?
The Craftsman. Its 22 HP Kohler 725 cc twin outpowers the Toro's 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 500 cc V-twin.
Which cuts lower?
The Craftsman, down to 1 in versus 1.5 in on the Toro. Both top out at 4.5 in.
Do either come with a bagger?
The Craftsman listing includes a bagger. The Toro's bagger is optional, and its mulching kit is sold separately.
Which is easier to store?
The Toro, at 660 lb versus 710 lb for the Craftsman, and its 42-inch deck is narrower.

More comparisons

  • Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower vs Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 in. 547 cc Gas Zero-Turn Mower
  • CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower vs Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 in. 547 cc Gas Zero-Turn Mower
  • CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower vs Husqvarna Z254F Special Edition 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
  • Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower vs Husqvarna Z254F Special Edition 54-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower
  • Husqvarna Z254F 54 in. 23 HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Riding Mower vs CRAFTSMAN Z5400 46-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best zero turn mowers under $1,000
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Battery IncludedYes—
Number Of Batteries Included1—
Cooling SystemAir—
Deck Material—Steel
Deck Size—46-in
Overall Dimensions—52 in (width)
Blade System—Mulching (optional)
engine—22 HP Kohler