Product test: Toro Workman MDX Lithium

The Workman MDX Lithium is put through its paces in an independent machinery test

The entry level MDX Workman is a light utility vehicle with a proven heritage in 14hp petrol powered form. Basic, simple, with room for two and a rear cargo bed with a capacity of just over half a tonne.  The lithium battery electric MDX takes this basic formula, adds low operating costs with an even smoother and effortless drive. As it quietly goes about its business, it is all too easy to just work this little tool without giving a thought to the lithium ion battery technology that makes its effortless performance so accessible.

Unlike heavy lead acid batteries, the 8.64kWh lithium battery in the MDX needs no maintenance, just an energy top up via a three-pin plug. The charger is built in. Toro suggests the battery will hold enough power to keep the Workman running ‘for a day’, so an overnight charge should be enough to keep the little UTV on the go with little need for any other attention.

There are two drive modes, with standard enabling the MDX Lithium to reach a heady 19mph/30.5km/hour. In Eco mode, the travel speed is down to just 16mph/25km/hr. These modest speeds ideally suit this type of utility vehicle, as does the quiet running. Next up, you can have a conversation with your passenger, take in your surroundings with unhurried fuss and easily work in noise sensitive areas – and when it comes to ‘refuelling’, simply plug the detachable cable into 13amp three-pin socket.

Those who use electric power, be it for a vehicle or mower, will suggest charging little and often charging works best. As the MDX Lithium charges via a ‘domestic’ 13amp socket, there will be easy access to charging points – a top up is simple in other words.

But it is the drive that will impress those used to a petrol powered MDX the most. Although the petrol version is far from noisy, it is still vocal enough for driver and passenger to raise their voices to converse. No such problems with the lithium battery powered model. The only noise during my drive was that of the empty cargo bed rumbling over rough ground, with even this getting silenced by pressing the electric tipper switch down as it turned out the body was not fully lowered on its stops!

When it came to running around, being able to jump on and off the MDX with no need to apply a handbrake on an incline was standout handy. This easy stop and go ability would make using a vehicle like this to empty litter bins or stop-start dropping and picking  up loads repeatedly easy. The cargo bed is a decent size too, the rear tailgate lowering by lifting it free of its stops and folding it down. No clips or fuss.

With the electric motor driving the just rear wheels, those at the front are free to have a tight turn angle, the resulting agility being another plus. Add the gentle but still decent pick up in speed, and this little MDX will prove a nippy little helper for a whole range of end users. It can even tow a trailer of up to 544kg with a suitable tow hitch fitted, although the MDX is not designed to offer this ability over rough ground. 

Those after a handy little load lugger, that can carry two in effortless comfort, need to give a Workman MTX Lithimum a serious look. Its petrol powered sibling  will do the same job, but the battery powered model wins on ease of use, reduced operating costs, low noise and ease of operation.