Toro donates mower to University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Toro Company has donated a Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, providing an equipment upgrade to help maintain the arboretum’s 1,200 acres in Chaska, Minnesota.

Toro said the donation supports the arboretum’s mission of connecting people and plants. The facility welcomes nearly 700,000 visitors each year and serves as a center for horticultural research, education and public gardens.

“We are grateful for Toro’s donation of the Groundsmaster 4000-D. The Arboretum features undulating grassy spaces across its 1,200 acres, nestled between thousands of trees, dozens of display gardens and other unique collections,” said Jared Rubinstein. “This new mower will replace a decades-old Toro unit as the primary mower for managing the height of the Arboretum’s grass areas. Keeping our grounds precisely maintained to a high standard is vitally important as an Arboretum.”

The Groundsmaster 4000-D is an 11-foot, wide-area rotary mower designed for commercial landscape and horticulture applications. Toro said the machine is intended to improve mowing efficiency across large properties while helping keep public areas accessible to visitors.

“Toro is incredibly proud to support the Arboretum’s mission of inspiring visitors through horticultural research and education,” said Josh Jans. “Our equipment is engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of world-class landscapes like this one. It’s a privilege to know that Toro’s industry-leading technology plays a vital role in maintaining these grounds in absolute peak condition for nearly 700,000 visitors to experience and enjoy year-round.”

According to Toro, the arboretum’s grounds are maintained by a horticulture team of 60 full- and part-time staff, college students and volunteers using a fleet of Toro equipment. The donated mower replaces an aging unit and joins a fleet that includes Toro Workman utility vehicles, a Toro Vista passenger vehicle, a Toro Dingo, battery-powered leaf blowers, zero-turn mowers and snowblowers.

Toro said the donation continues a long-standing partnership with the arboretum that also includes financial contributions, in-kind donations and employee volunteer service.

“At Toro, we know that thriving, accessible green spaces are the foundation of strong communities,” said Marnie Wells. “We are proud to support organizations, such as the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, that are dedicated to providing and preserving spaces that bring people together, promote well-being and protect the natural landscapes that connect us all.”

Toro said its corporate giving initiatives include equipment donations, grants and matching gifts that support nonprofits, school districts and municipalities in maintaining green spaces, sports fields and snow removal operations.