Still light, still clever
and still compact

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PRODUCT TEST

CT2240 by James de Havilland

Back in late 2008, Toro introduced its 2WD CT2120 and 4WD CT2140 triplex mowers. Light and narrow, these then all-new models have since evolved into the current 4WD CT2240. Apart from being a touch wider, at 1,380mm against the 1,300mm of a CT2140, you would be hard pressed to spot any changes between them either. So why take a look at one now?

As a commercial triplex mower has to satisfy a far wider brief than a dedicated golf or sports turf machine, these mowers need to be offered with a specification choice to meet hugely varied end user needs. From local authorities, large institutions and contractors through to estate owners, schools and landscapers, a CT2240 can be specified to mow everything from litter strewn roadside verges, amenity and parkland though to managing golf roughs and keeping winter sports turf in fine fettle.

This versatility is achieved by offering a choice of cutting units, all based around the well-proven Toro cutting cylinders. Fitted with large diameter 8ins (200mm) cylinders offered in 4, 6 and 8 blade configurations, there is a cylinder to match a range of mowing regimes. Undulating ground can be catered for too with Toro offering a head float kit with twin rollers for a ground hugging clean finish.

It’s this broad end user appeal that makes it worth taking a fresh look at this well proven machine.

The original thinking behind the design of the CT was to meet the need for a light, compact and easily transportable machine. The very first CT models were narrow enough to enable them to be driven up and into a large panel van, a design aimed to get around the need to transport the mower on a trailer.

Over the past decade, the dual cab pick-up and trailer combo has become almost the default choice for moving equipment with Toro responding by engineering the CT to a slightly widened footprint and fitting a four-wheel drive a part of the standard package.

This combination of a wider track and all-wheel drive endows the CT2240 with the stability and traction to meet difficult conditions.

Attributes that made the CT a popular choice with operators originally are carried over to the current CT2240. The slim steering column ensures visibility over the front is unrestricted and a simple pedal release allows the operator to adjust the angle quickly and easily. The separate travel pedals provide a smooth uptake of drive and brake with measured control when shuttling between forward and reverse.

All key controls are housed on the right armrest with electric switches looking after the control of the cutting units.  To the rear of the armrest is the now familiar Toro ‘Cross Cut’ rocker switch. This enables the operator to raise all the units quickly to a limited height during a turn or when reversing. This neat feature makes it easy to mow right up to an obstacle, shuttle back and then resume mowing quickly. An electronic park brake prevents the operator driving off with the brake on or partially engaged.

Then there are the small details, such as the location of the ignition key and hour meter to the rear of the armrest, this position leaving the main operating panel free of clutter. Service access to the engine and all filters and hydraulic couplings is eased by the rear engine hood and operator platform lifting on gas struts with no need for tools. Even access to the central cylinder is eased by it having plenty of space to get to it from either side of the mower.

The engine hood has separate inlets, cooling air being drawn in via the rear screen, a large top vent serving the engine air intake via a noise dampening plenum chamber. The latter has three ducts cut into its rear to allow cooling air to be drawn into the radiator should the rear screen become blocked. This clever rear hood design has proven its ability in ensuring the 25hp (18.7kW) three-cylinder Kubota engine not only runs at its optimum working temperature, but also receives clean air without excess induction noise.

So, what is the mower like to drive? At launch nearly a decade ago, one thing that really stood out with the original CT models was just how well the mower reacted to its controls. Without doing a back-to-back drive between an early CT2140 and a current CT2240 it’s hard to say if the newer mower is any different. What you do notice is that this mower just feels like a solid, well resolved machine. The unit lift/lower paddles are light and easy to operate, with instant reaction from the units. The uncluttered platform and slim steering column make placing the mower simple.

The transmission takes up drive smoothly, the option of a limited slip differential hinting at the mower’s suitability for working in less than ideal conditions. The steering is well weighted and not overly light and it takes little effort to hold the mower in a straight line. It may not be the newest model in the Toro stable but the CT2240 feels up-to-date.

Specification

Power: Kubota three-cylinder 25hp (18.7kW) diesel

Fuel capacity: 45.8 litres

Mowing speed: 0-11.2kph

Transport speed: 0-22.5kph

Cutt width: 2120mm

Cutting units: Toro HD Mk.3. 200mm reels with choice of 4, 6 or 8 blades

Height: ROPS Raised: 2290mm, folded: 1785mm

Height of cut: From 12mm to 80mm (0.5ins to 4ins)

Seat: Fixed back seat with mechanical suspension (deluxe option)

Tyres:

• Front: Turf Trac 23x10.50-12
• Rear: Turf Trac 18x9.50-8

Transmission: Closed loop hydrostatic with 4WD on-demand

Turn radius: 1000m

Weight: 1240kg (inc fuel)

Transport width: 1388mm