Hey all - long time lurker here. I've been researching ZTs until I'm blue in the face. Hustler was at the top of my list mostly because they have a lower COG -we have a septic sand mound, and riding the side of it feels sketchy when on the Craftsman 46 rider (non ZT). So, the SD MSRP was more than what I wanted to spend, and based on reviews here and Youtube, I'm sure the Raptor would have been fine for my needs (1 acre with about 10 trees and mulch beds). Seems there are a number of guys using the base Raptor commercially and generally very happy with them. The other draw for the SD was that I feel the 48 is perfectly sized for my application. I think the 52 or 54 is a little bigger than I really need, and I just wanted a little more than the 42. The deck lift appears to be better, as well as the 2800 hydros.
So, one of my local dealers has a leftover '17 SD 48 with Kohler for $3500. I couldn't get him to come down any more than that. I tried to get maybe that number out the door, a mulch kit, engine guard, SOMETHING to sweeten the pie - but wouldn't budge. Still, I rationalized that for $500? More than the Raptor 52 and about the same as the Limited, I'm getting more mower. so, for another $10 over 48 mos it's worth it.
I had also considered Gravely. It appears that the ZTX build may be a little better than the Raptor, and the XL and SD are in line with each other?
Ultimately, had I not bought this, I probably would have bought a Limited leftover.
Anyway, I drop the deposit, and keep researching...and start reading about issues regarding hydro mounting bolts coming loose, cut quality issues and other stuff - but I guess no product is perfect, but most people seem happy with their SD. I just don't want to have a $4k machine here that I'm going to have issues with - that $1700 Craftsman never gave me any mechanical issues in the 300 hrs I have on it, except for spindle replacement.
I guess it's just the "am i buying the right one" anxiety. I plan on making the deck mod (cutting the corner), and belt cover mod. I guess I'll see how it cuts with the stock blades, but it sounds like I'll probably get better results with the high lifts.
Sorry for the rant. I'll post back with my impressions after the first cut.
Rick
Bucks County, PA
So, one of my local dealers has a leftover '17 SD 48 with Kohler for $3500. I couldn't get him to come down any more than that. I tried to get maybe that number out the door, a mulch kit, engine guard, SOMETHING to sweeten the pie - but wouldn't budge. Still, I rationalized that for $500? More than the Raptor 52 and about the same as the Limited, I'm getting more mower. so, for another $10 over 48 mos it's worth it.
I had also considered Gravely. It appears that the ZTX build may be a little better than the Raptor, and the XL and SD are in line with each other?
Ultimately, had I not bought this, I probably would have bought a Limited leftover.
Anyway, I drop the deposit, and keep researching...and start reading about issues regarding hydro mounting bolts coming loose, cut quality issues and other stuff - but I guess no product is perfect, but most people seem happy with their SD. I just don't want to have a $4k machine here that I'm going to have issues with - that $1700 Craftsman never gave me any mechanical issues in the 300 hrs I have on it, except for spindle replacement.
I guess it's just the "am i buying the right one" anxiety. I plan on making the deck mod (cutting the corner), and belt cover mod. I guess I'll see how it cuts with the stock blades, but it sounds like I'll probably get better results with the high lifts.
Sorry for the rant. I'll post back with my impressions after the first cut.
Rick
Bucks County, PA