Craftsman · Gardening · Reviewed by Garage Gear · Published 2026-04-04
Based on a review by Garage Gear (accessed 2026-04-04).
This page converts Garage Gear's review of the Craftsman Craftsman M190 Mower into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
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The reviewer advises caution when buying gas lawn mowers at Lowe's, stating that some are "a complete waste of money." While some Toro Recycler models are deemed decent budget options, the high-end Toro TimeMaster is strongly advised against due to numerous reliability and clogging issues. For larger lawns, the reviewer suggests considering a riding mower or zero-turn instead of the most expensive walk-behind options.
This review provides an overview of gas lawn mowers available at Lowe's in 2026, focusing on various Craftsman and Toro models. The reviewer examines each mower's features, intended lawn size, and perceived strengths and weaknesses. The review aims to guide consumers on which models to consider and which to avoid.
The Craftsman M190 is not recommended for most users due to its weak engine and poor deck design, making it a complete waste of money for anything but the smallest lawns. Its thin wheels can easily rut up lawns, and the deck's corners frequently get compacted with grass, hindering performance. If you have a very small lawn under 2500 sq ft or need a maneuverable mower for tight spaces around trees, this might suffice; otherwise, avoid it entirely.
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reviewer_claimpositivet=00:46–00:59
The Craftsman M190 is a smaller mower designed for lawns under 2500 sq ft, and its compact size may be perfect for getting around trees if you have a riding mower.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=01:07–01:12
The Craftsman M190 has a pretty weak engine, which will struggle if the lawn is starting to get long.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=01:12–01:21
The deck of the Craftsman M190 has a poor design with corners that can easily get compacted with grass, and its thin wheels can rut up a lawn if it's slightly soft.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=02:07–02:18
The decks on Craftsman M110 mowers easily rust out in the reviewer's experience, recommending coating them at least once a year or after every cleaning.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=03:13–03:22
The newer style personal pace system on the Toro Recycler, especially the massive baby carriage handle with a bar, is an ugly design that can jam you in the gut.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimmixedt=03:22–03:37
While personal pace systems often cause rear wheels to lock up when backing up, the reviewer notes not hearing many such issues with this specific Toro Recycler model, but advises to keep an eye out for potential problems if backing up too quickly.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=03:37–03:42
Toro Recycler decks tend to rust up even after just one season, requiring protective spray application.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=03:42–04:16
To use the rear discharge feature on this Toro Recycler, customers must register their mower with Toro to receive the chute, which the reviewer criticizes as a cost-cutting gimmick.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=04:16–04:36
The 'Vortex' feature on the top of Toro Recycler decks, intended to improve cut quality, is described as a gimmick because it leads to a tiny hole underneath that easily clogs with grass, rendering it useless.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=05:35–05:43
The front-wheel drive system on the FWD Toro Recycler is faster than it should be, described as a 'super fast walk,' which might not be suitable for everyone.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimpositivet=09:00–09:12
The claim that the Toro TimeMaster can cut mowing time by 40% is true, as the reviewer's personal experience owning the mower confirmed it shortened his mowing time.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimpositivet=09:12–09:18
The Toro TimeMaster is excellent for bagging, particularly with leaves in the fall.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=09:18–09:33
The Toro TimeMaster has frequent issues with belts, pulleys, the engine (underpowered, shaking loose, failing), and the transmission, according to the reviewer's experience and common reports.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
reviewer_claimnegativet=09:33–09:56
The Toro TimeMaster's deck design creates a hard angle that easily compacts grass, causing it to clog frequently, especially with damp lawns, making it heavy and leading to its nickname 'clog master.' It also 'chugs gas,' being extremely thirsty.
Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54C45MbxhU
The Craftsman M190 is designed for smaller lawns, specifically those under 2500 sq ft, and its compact size makes it maneuverable for getting around trees. However, it has a weak engine, a poorly designed deck that can compact grass, and thin wheels prone to rutting, making it a less desirable option overall despite its low price.
Based on the reviewer's experience, the decks on both Craftsman M110 and several Toro Recycler models tend to rust out quickly, sometimes within a single season. It is recommended to apply a protective spray regularly, at least once a year or after cleaning, to help prevent this issue.
While the Personal Pace system allows for easy operation by pushing down on the handlebar, the newer style comes with a 'massive baby carriage handle' and a bar that can 'jam you in the gut,' which the reviewer considers an 'ugly design.' Additionally, Personal Pace systems generally have a tendency for rear wheels to lock up when backing up, though the reviewer notes this specific model might have fewer reported issues.
Despite its ability to reduce mowing time by 40% and excellent bagging capabilities, the Toro TimeMaster is plagued with problems including issues with belts, pulleys, an underpowered engine that can shake loose and fail, and transmission issues. Its deck design causes severe clogging, especially with damp grass, making it heavy and difficult to move, thus negating its time-saving benefits. It's also an extremely expensive mower, leading the reviewer to strongly advise against it and suggest considering a riding mower or zero-turn instead for large lawns.
100/100 source quality
This video from Garage Gear reviews the 2026 gas lawn mower lineup at Lowe's, covering various Craftsman and Toro models. The reviewer highlights specific features like engine size, deck width, drive systems, and cutting options for each model. He provides his likes and dislikes for each mower, addressing issues such as deck rust, mulching effectiveness, engine power, and design flaws like the 'Vortex' gimmick and Personal Pace handlebars. The review concludes with recommendations on which mowers to buy, which to avoid, and alternatives for larger lawns.
Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.