Bad Boy vs Toro Titan Max Residential Mowers

Bad Boy vs Titan MaxMary Clementi
Bad Boy vs Toro Titan Max Residential Mowers
0 comments

Bad Boy vs. Toro Titan Max: Which Residential Mower Reigns Supreme?

What's the best way to keep your lawn looking pristine? With so many options on the market, choosing the right residential mower can feel overwhelming. That's where Chip and Stu from Main Street Mower come in. In this review, they put two of the most popular 60-inch residential mowers head-to-head: the Bad Boy Maverick 60 and the Toro Titan Max 60.

This isn't your typical comparison. Chip and Stu went the extra mile by enlisting random people to test drive the mowers. Then, they got down and dirty with a detailed teardown to examine the build quality. Which mower is the better investment? Keep reading to find out.

Real-World Mowing: Field Testing the Mowers

To start, Chip and Stu tested both mowers in a real-world environment: a field with varying grass thicknesses.

The Pasture Test

The goal was simple: see how each mower handled different grass conditions. Initial reactions to steering and handling revealed some interesting differences. Stu felt the Toro was "boggier" and "laggier," while Chip noticed the Toro spun out more easily.

When it came to cut quality and grass dispersion, both mowers performed well. However, both struggled in the thickest patches of grass. Chip mentioned feeling more vibration in the Bad Boy's deck, and that its deck had more chatter.

Drag Race and "Gnarly Stuff"

To add some excitement, Chip and Stu held a drag race. The Bad Boy had a slightly faster launch. But let's be clear: neither of these mowers is designed for very tall grass. While they both struggled in those conditions, neither mower broke down.

Want to see the drag race and high grass mowing in action? Check out the video at 05:57.

Synopsis of Field Testing

When mowing a pasture with similar grass thickness, both mowers offered equal cut quality. Keep in mind that factors like the dealer, durability, service, and support could tip the scales. Also, the drought conditions limited the testing. They couldn't test the mowers in lush green grass.

Unbiased Opinions: Real People Test the Mowers at Tractor Supply

To eliminate bias, Chip and Stu recruited random testers at Tractor Supply.

Recruiting Random Testers

Finding unbiased opinions was the goal. They wanted to know what everyday people thought of these mowers.

Feedback Highlights

Here's what the testers had to say:

  • Tester 1: Preferred the Bad Boy for its simplicity and perceived speed and smoothness.
  • Tester 2: Found the Toro smoother but noted the Bad Boy didn't turn as well to the right.
  • Tester 3: (Previous Bad Boy owner) Liked the Toro's ergonomics but found the controls "touchier."
  • Tester 4: Preferred the Toro due to familiarity with the brand and a longer warranty.
  • Tester 5: Thought both were good rides, but leaned toward the Toro and liked the control.

Overall, smoothness, steering, and control were frequently mentioned.

The Warranty and Dealer Factor

Warranty length plays a big role in the buying decision. So does dealer support. One tester changed his mind to Toro based on the larger number of mechanics at the local dealer.

Under the Hood: A Mechanical Breakdown of the Mowers

Chip and Stu got into the nitty-gritty by taking apart both mowers.

The Common Ground: Shared Components

Some components were similar in durability and quality:

  • Roll bars
  • Seats
  • Tires (same size and brand)
  • Front forks
  • Steering handles
  • Rubber mats
  • Rubber discharge chutes

The Divergences: Where the Mowers Differ

Now, let's look at where these mowers set themselves apart.

The Isolation System: Ride Comfort vs. Durability

  • Bad Boy: Offers a more comfortable ride due to its flexible isolation system. However, this system can affect cut quality on bumpy terrain, potentially causing scalping.
  • Toro: Provides better durability and cut quality because it lacks moving parts in the suspension.

Deck Systems: Strength and Design

  • Toro Deck Highlights:
    • Bullnose: A reinforced curved piece of steel protects against impacts.
    • Dual-supported anti-scalp wheels.
    • 10-gauge steel deck.
    • Belt routing with more wrap around the center spindle.
    • Tool-less spindle cover removal.
    • Simplified cut height system with quarter-inch increments and transport mode.
    • Easy deck access through the floor panel.
  • Bad Boy Deck Highlights:
    • 7-gauge steel deck (thicker than Toro's).
    • Reinforced strip around the leading edge.
    • Six anti-scalp rollers.
    • Quick deck lift system (when new).
    • Higher maximum cut height and lower minimum cut height.
  • Comparative Analysis:
    • Durability: Bad Boy wins due to its thicker steel deck.
    • Design: Toro wins in design features and accessibility.

Operator Controls: Ergonomics and Reliability

  • Toro Operator Controls:
    • All controls on the right-hand side.
    • Integrated parking brake.
    • Smooth throttle with a detent.
    • High-quality PTO switch (same as commercial models).
    • Durable key switch with a rubber dust shield.
    • Integrated LED light kit.
  • Bad Boy Operator Controls:
    • Controls split between the left and right sides.
    • Less smooth throttle.
    • PTO switch less durable than Toro's rocker switch.
    • Key switch lacks a dust shield.
    • Beefy brake cables that may become problematic over time.
    • Vulnerable safety switch.
  • Comparative Analysis: Toro offers better operator controls, comfort, and durability.

Fuel Tanks: Placement and Capacity

  • Toro: 7-gallon fuel tank in the center with a fuel gauge visible from the seat (but requires lifting the armrest).
  • Bad Boy: 6.5-gallon fuel tank on the side with an easily visible fuel gauge.
  • Comparative Analysis: Both are equal, depending on preference.

Steering Mechanism: Design and Maintenance

  • Toro Steering:
    • Contained aluminum bracket with a heavy-duty bolt and dampener.
    • Simplified, greaseless system.
  • Bad Boy Steering:
    • Complex steering mechanism needing frequent greasing.
    • Potential for steering to become stiff or frozen.
    • Parking brake cables and switch are vulnerable.
  • Comparative Analysis: Toro has a simpler, more reliable design.

Want to see the steering mechanisms compared? Check out the video at 25:58.

Engines: Horsepower and Performance

Both mowers have similar Kohler engines. The Toro has a slight edge with 26 horsepower compared to the Bad Boy's 25.

Transmissions: Power and Protection

  • Bad Boy Transmissions:
    • Hydro-Gear 3200 transmissions (slightly larger).
    • Mounted with bushings (potential for uneven tire wear).
    • Zero protection for the clutch or transmissions.
    • Vulnerable to damage.
  • Toro Transmissions:
    • Hydro-Gear 3100 transmissions (slightly less torque).
    • Mounted fixed to the frame (more stable).
    • Protected by a heavy-duty black plate.
  • Comparative Analysis: Toro's transmission design and protection are better, despite the slightly smaller transmission size.

The Verdict: Which Mower Comes Out on Top?

So, which mower reigns supreme?

Chip's Final Thoughts

Chip acknowledges the Bad Boy Maverick's strengths, like its deck and transmissions. However, he prefers the Toro Titan Max because of its tighter feel, better steering, and design. He also values the Toro's potential for long-term durability.

Stu's Final Thoughts

Stu agrees that you'd be happy with either mower. But he recommends the Toro. It has a longer warranty (4 years vs. Bad Boy's 2 years) and better engineering.

Component Differences Conclusion

Small component differences (ignition switch, throttle cable, belt routing) can impact long-term reliability. The Toro's key switch and throttle cable are better.

Final Recommendation: While both mowers are good, the Toro Titan Max is the better option. It has better engineering, design, and a longer warranty.

Call to Action and Engagement

What are your experiences with these mowers? Leave a comment below! Like the video and subscribe to the channel for more mower reviews.

Links to Products Discussed

Related Videos

Links to Main Street Mower

 

Toro Titan Max 60, Bad Boy Maverick 60, zero turn mower comparison, best 60 inch mower, Toro vs Bad Boy, lawn mower review 2025, estate mower comparison, Tractor Supply mower test, mowing tall grass, heavy duty mower test, lawn care equipment, mower durability, Toro Titan Max review, Bad Boy Maverick review, commercial mower comparison, mower build quality, user feedback mower, lawn maintenance tips, mower transmission differences, mower deck comparison

Tags: Bad boy vs titan max, Review

Leave a comment