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Raptor Review
#1
Ric
Ric
With everyone talking about the Raptor and some buying them I just wondered if anyone had a review on the Raptor 54" SD. How are they holding up?
#2
F
ffk_pennywise
F
ffk_pennywise
I bought my 54" Raptor SD a few months back and finally got to use it this past weekend. My last .4 acre yard I cut with a push mower, but we just moved to a new place with 3 1/4 acres. I have no previous experience on a ZTR. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed using the raptor. I cut my lawn in 1.8 hours according to the meter. Its a level lot with nearly a dozen trees. By the end of summer i'm sure I'll knock more than a few minutes off that time as I grow faster on the turns and establish a pattern. The mower "felt" as quality as it looks, was very easy to operate once I got the hang of it, and did a beautiful job. I really like how the Kawi engine fires right up with no effort. So far no complaints!
I'd like to build a stripe kit for it in the coming weeks, but that's a whole other topic..
P.S. I came to the Hustler brand by my bro-in-law who runs a lawn service. All his guys run Hustlers and he swears by them.
I'd like to build a stripe kit for it in the coming weeks, but that's a whole other topic..
P.S. I came to the Hustler brand by my bro-in-law who runs a lawn service. All his guys run Hustlers and he swears by them.
#3
N
neverenoughtime
N
neverenoughtime
I just bought the Raptor SD 60" and I am loving this mower. This is my first zero turn and I did a lot of research before I bought one. I almost bought a Hustler sport last year. Glad I waited.:wink: I am mowing close to 2 acres. My previous mower was a Cub Cadet riding mower that I sold to a friend of mine. It was a little over 10 years old and still ran perfect. The raptor sd is a very well built machine.
#4
Ric
I'm seriously considering the 54 SD for my secondary mower for my business, they have a couple at the dealer I've been looking at but I have some concerns about the FR Kawasaki for the business to whether it would hold up or its longevity.
Ric
I just bought the Raptor SD 60" and I am loving this mower. This is my first zero turn and I did a lot of research before I bought one. I almost bought a Hustler sport last year. Glad I waited.:wink: I am mowing close to 2 acres. My previous mower was a Cub Cadet riding mower that I sold to a friend of mine. It was a little over 10 years old and still ran perfect. The raptor sd is a very well built machine.
I'm seriously considering the 54 SD for my secondary mower for my business, they have a couple at the dealer I've been looking at but I have some concerns about the FR Kawasaki for the business to whether it would hold up or its longevity.
#5
K
Kremeneon
K
Kremeneon
I just bought a Raptor SD 54" last week after much research. It is quite a machine so far.
#7
K
Kremeneon
60 has bigger deck, better two piece seat, engine shroud, and 1hp more engine, I think the only difference in the engine is the camshaft. to me not worth the price difference.
I really only needed the 48 for my uses, but for the $100 from there to the 54 I got the much larger tires for better traction and lower ground loading. seemed a no-brainer.
K
Kremeneon
Thoughts on the difference between the 54" @ 3999 or the 60" @ 4400?
60 has bigger deck, better two piece seat, engine shroud, and 1hp more engine, I think the only difference in the engine is the camshaft. to me not worth the price difference.
I really only needed the 48 for my uses, but for the $100 from there to the 54 I got the much larger tires for better traction and lower ground loading. seemed a no-brainer.
#8
N
neverenoughtime
I went into my local dealer knowing I was going to buy either the 54" or the 60" raptor sd. I went with the 60" because of the better seat lol. I also liked the engine guard and the bigger deck. The horsepower difference is minimal between the two. Either one you really can't go wrong.
N
neverenoughtime
Thoughts on the difference between the 54" @ 3999 or the 60" @ 4400?
I went into my local dealer knowing I was going to buy either the 54" or the 60" raptor sd. I went with the 60" because of the better seat lol. I also liked the engine guard and the bigger deck. The horsepower difference is minimal between the two. Either one you really can't go wrong.
#9
djdicetn
Well that answers my question from another thread.....ONLY the 60" comes with an engine guard and for all other models it is an "upgrade option". Bummer....seems like almost a standard on any other high-end Residential ZTR:0(
P.S.
The Hustler website doesn't mention that:0(
djdicetn
I went into my local dealer knowing I was going to buy either the 54" or the 60" raptor sd. I went with the 60" because of the better seat lol. I also liked the engine guard and the bigger deck. The horsepower difference is minimal between the two. Either one you really can't go wrong.
Well that answers my question from another thread.....ONLY the 60" comes with an engine guard and for all other models it is an "upgrade option". Bummer....seems like almost a standard on any other high-end Residential ZTR:0(
P.S.
The Hustler website doesn't mention that:0(
#10
djdicetn
Seems like with your satisfaction with your Grandstand you would consider a Toro Titan(especially the MX series). IMHO, a hands-down better ZTR that the Hustler Raptor SD or it's predecessor the Sport and would make a great addition to your fleet(and you know that Toro has one of the best warranties in the business).
Your right, though, I would worry about the FR series holding up under commercial use(the Toro website isn't specific, but it seems to me that the Titan MX comes with the FS...Heavy Duty....Kawasaki).
P.S.
The 54" doesn't have an engine guard/shroud...only the 60". I find that a bit chinch on Hustler's part(you definitely would have to purchase the guard "option" for mowing commercially. Also, the plastic spindle pulley covers are a real turnoff(for me:0)
I seem to remember getting advice when I was looking to avoid those(Bad Boy also has plastic.....another reason I didn't get that Outlaw, thank goodness:0)
djdicetn
I'm seriously considering the 54 SD for my secondary mower for my business, they have a couple at the dealer I've been looking at but I have some concerns about the FR Kawasaki for the business to whether it would hold up or its longevity.
Seems like with your satisfaction with your Grandstand you would consider a Toro Titan(especially the MX series). IMHO, a hands-down better ZTR that the Hustler Raptor SD or it's predecessor the Sport and would make a great addition to your fleet(and you know that Toro has one of the best warranties in the business).
Your right, though, I would worry about the FR series holding up under commercial use(the Toro website isn't specific, but it seems to me that the Titan MX comes with the FS...Heavy Duty....Kawasaki).
P.S.
The 54" doesn't have an engine guard/shroud...only the 60". I find that a bit chinch on Hustler's part(you definitely would have to purchase the guard "option" for mowing commercially. Also, the plastic spindle pulley covers are a real turnoff(for me:0)
I seem to remember getting advice when I was looking to avoid those(Bad Boy also has plastic.....another reason I didn't get that Outlaw, thank goodness:0)
#11
L
lynxridge
The Raptor SD pictures on the Hustler website are the 60". Only the 60" comes with the engine guard. I too think it is kind of stupid that the engine guard doesn't come standard on all models.
L
lynxridge
Seems like with your satisfaction with your Grandstand you would consider a Toro Titan(especially the MX series). IMHO, a hands-down better ZTR that the Hustler Raptor SD or it's predecessor the Sport and would make a great addition to your fleet(and you know that Toro has one of the best warranties in the business).
Your right, though, I would worry about the FR series holding up under commercial use(the Toro website isn't specific, but it seems to me that the Titan MX comes with the FS...Heavy Duty....Kawasaki).
P.S.
The 54" doesn't have an engine guard/shroud...only the 60". I find that a bit chinch on Hustler's part(you definitely would have to purchase the guard "option" for mowing commercially. Also, the plastic spindle pulley covers are a real turnoff(for me:0)
I seem to remember getting advice when I was looking to avoid those(Bad Boy also has plastic.....another reason I didn't get that Outlaw, thank goodness:0)
The Raptor SD pictures on the Hustler website are the 60". Only the 60" comes with the engine guard. I too think it is kind of stupid that the engine guard doesn't come standard on all models.
#12
M
MRCo.
M
MRCo.
Consider that hustler are trying to deliver the best product they can to a certain dollar amount. Some things have to be cut, like metal pulley covers, like the engine guard. If the mower were $200 more to add these as standard everyone would complain that the price was high. It's a hard balance to strike. Engine guard is $69, 5 mins to fit. If you mow near no bushes, etc you don't need it and you get better air flow for cooling. If you back in to bushes while mowing, get one. It's half the price of the fuel shut off solenoid it protects. On avoiding plastic pulley covers- they are nothing intrinsically bad or problematic, they are just an indicator of the mower being a lower level model, as it's cheaper than metal. They do their job- keep you safe from the belt and pulley- just fine.The Raptor SD pictures on the Hustler website are the 60". Only the 60" comes with the engine guard. I too think it is kind of stupid that the engine guard doesn't come standard on all models.
#13
djdicetn
That is unless you accidentally step on them getting on/off the mower. A couple of times doing that by a 150-200 lb rider would most likely result in the expense of a replacement. It's one thing on a lawn tractor that has foot panels on each side for stepping on/off, but a ZTR would be more difficult to avoid stepping on the pulley cover. Just my two cents worth.
djdicetn
Consider that hustler are trying to deliver the best product they can to a certain dollar amount. Some things have to be cut, like metal pulley covers, like the engine guard. If the mower were $200 more to add these as standard everyone would complain that the price was high. It's a hard balance to strike. Engine guard is $69, 5 mins to fit. If you mow near no bushes, etc you don't need it and you get better air flow for cooling. If you back in to bushes while mowing, get one. It's half the price of the fuel shut off solenoid it protects. On avoiding plastic pulley covers- they are nothing intrinsically bad or problematic, they are just an indicator of the mower being a lower level model, as it's cheaper than metal. They do their job- keep you safe from the belt and pulley- just fine.
That is unless you accidentally step on them getting on/off the mower. A couple of times doing that by a 150-200 lb rider would most likely result in the expense of a replacement. It's one thing on a lawn tractor that has foot panels on each side for stepping on/off, but a ZTR would be more difficult to avoid stepping on the pulley cover. Just my two cents worth.
#15
M
MRCo.
Who steps on the deck? The Raptor SD is a low sitting machine you can step on and off without a step up. Next.
M
MRCo.
That is unless you accidentally step on them getting on/off the mower. A couple of times doing that by a 150-200 lb rider would most likely result in the expense of a replacement. It's one thing on a lawn tractor that has foot panels on each side for stepping on/off, but a ZTR would be more difficult to avoid stepping on the pulley cover. Just my two cents worth.
Who steps on the deck? The Raptor SD is a low sitting machine you can step on and off without a step up. Next.
#16
Ric
You should always step or mount and dismount a ZTR at the front of the mower not the sides. never step on the deck.
Ric
That is unless you accidentally step on them getting on/off the mower. A couple of times doing that by a 150-200 lb rider would most likely result in the expense of a replacement. It's one thing on a lawn tractor that has foot panels on each side for stepping on/off, but a ZTR would be more difficult to avoid stepping on the pulley cover. Just my two cents worth.
You should always step or mount and dismount a ZTR at the front of the mower not the sides. never step on the deck.
#17
serelaw
serelaw
A person can step on some decks.
A person can mount from the side.
Just because someone types it does not make it so.
There are exceptions to every rule.
A person can mount from the side.
Just because someone types it does not make it so.
There are exceptions to every rule.
#18
Ric
The thing is there is no need to step on a deck of any ztr when it's simple to get off and on the mower using the front. Why take a chance and possibly damaging something when there's know need.
Ric
A person can step on some decks.
A person can mount from the side.
Just because someone types it does not make it so.
There are exceptions to every rule.
The thing is there is no need to step on a deck of any ztr when it's simple to get off and on the mower using the front. Why take a chance and possibly damaging something when there's know need.
#19
serelaw
serelaw
The thing is ..not all zero turns are the same.
Some have steering wheels for example.
Some have steering wheels for example.
#20
djdicetn
I don't know about you guy's ZTR's(or the length of your stride) but stepping "over" the 52" deck on my Gravely to get on it would be a BIG step(and possibly dangerous). That's the first time I've seen advice that suggests that all ZTR's should be mounted at the front, but I have seen some that this would be kinda difficult to do based upon the front fork and foot plate design/height. Granted, I do from time to time when cutting and have to get off in a tight area(no room on left side of mower) mount/dismount from the front of my Gravely, but under normal circumstances I use the pulley cover step. Besides, it has a raised perforation steel cover on the left side of the deck(from the sitting position) that is "specifically" designed as a step. When my deck height is set, the deck is extremely stable and doesn't budge when my 170lbs steps on it. I would agree that some of the less expensive ZTR's that don't have chain hung decks may not recommend using the deck for getting on/off, but I'm glad mine is made for that. Makes getting on/off REAL easy. Are there any other users that have "designed steps" on their particular ZTR???
P.S.
You may notice that I originally stated "accidentally stepped on the plastic pulley cover". Some owners may briefly "forget" if they are in a bit of a hurry and step off the left side:0(
djdicetn
You should always step or mount and dismount a ZTR at the front of the mower not the sides. never step on the deck.
I don't know about you guy's ZTR's(or the length of your stride) but stepping "over" the 52" deck on my Gravely to get on it would be a BIG step(and possibly dangerous). That's the first time I've seen advice that suggests that all ZTR's should be mounted at the front, but I have seen some that this would be kinda difficult to do based upon the front fork and foot plate design/height. Granted, I do from time to time when cutting and have to get off in a tight area(no room on left side of mower) mount/dismount from the front of my Gravely, but under normal circumstances I use the pulley cover step. Besides, it has a raised perforation steel cover on the left side of the deck(from the sitting position) that is "specifically" designed as a step. When my deck height is set, the deck is extremely stable and doesn't budge when my 170lbs steps on it. I would agree that some of the less expensive ZTR's that don't have chain hung decks may not recommend using the deck for getting on/off, but I'm glad mine is made for that. Makes getting on/off REAL easy. Are there any other users that have "designed steps" on their particular ZTR???
P.S.
You may notice that I originally stated "accidentally stepped on the plastic pulley cover". Some owners may briefly "forget" if they are in a bit of a hurry and step off the left side:0(
#21
serelaw
serelaw
Yea, I have some non skid tape stuff on the deck of the MZT-52.
Almost like it is a designated place to put a foot. Maybe just for liability because
Husky knows peeps will step there. The deck is heavy duty enough to take the weight and constructed
well enough to take it repeatedly.
There is a metal cover on the pulley and a "No step" sticker on the cover also.
When I looked at the Kubotas 123 124 the sales guy said stepping there
was no problem. I tried it and it did without a lot of flexing.I guess using common sense and reason
would be called into play when making the "Should I or should I not" decision.
Almost like it is a designated place to put a foot. Maybe just for liability because
Husky knows peeps will step there. The deck is heavy duty enough to take the weight and constructed
well enough to take it repeatedly.
There is a metal cover on the pulley and a "No step" sticker on the cover also.
When I looked at the Kubotas 123 124 the sales guy said stepping there
was no problem. I tried it and it did without a lot of flexing.I guess using common sense and reason
would be called into play when making the "Should I or should I not" decision.
#22
Ric
Well There are some ZTR's like the Walker or the Grass-Hopper with front mount decks that can be be mounted or dismounted from the side along with those that have a steering wheels granted, but the mowers are designed that way. The thing is if you have a chain hung deck or bracketed deck either will move and the first thing you will do when you exit the mower from the side even before you step on the deck is grab the lap bar to steady yourself so you don't put undo stepping pressure on the deck so it's possible to be hurting the mower in two places because the lap bar isn't meant to be used as a handle too exit the machine. Unless it has a sticker that says step here you really shouldn't be on it.
The other thing I'm hearing here is the talk about there decks being heavy duty enough to take the weight, now it's true an 11 ga. deck is a fairly heavy deck when compared to a stamped deck but when you consider the commercial rigs are made as heavy as 7 ga. really how well constructed are they to take the abuse.
Ric
I don't know about you guy's ZTR's(or the length of your stride) but stepping "over" the 52" deck on my Gravely to get on it would be a BIG step(and possibly dangerous). That's the first time I've seen advice that suggests that all ZTR's should be mounted at the front, but I have seen some that this would be kinda difficult to do based upon the front fork and foot plate design/height. Granted, I do from time to time when cutting and have to get off in a tight area(no room on left side of mower) mount/dismount from the front of my Gravely, but under normal circumstances I use the pulley cover step. Besides, it has a raised perforation steel cover on the left side of the deck(from the sitting position) that is "specifically" designed as a step. When my deck height is set, the deck is extremely stable and doesn't budge when my 170lbs steps on it. I would agree that some of the less expensive ZTR's that don't have chain hung decks may not recommend using the deck for getting on/off, but I'm glad mine is made for that. Makes getting on/off REAL easy. Are there any other users that have "designed steps" on their particular ZTR???
P.S.
You may notice that I originally stated "accidentally stepped on the plastic pulley cover". Some owners may briefly "forget" if they are in a bit of a hurry and step off the left side:0(
Well There are some ZTR's like the Walker or the Grass-Hopper with front mount decks that can be be mounted or dismounted from the side along with those that have a steering wheels granted, but the mowers are designed that way. The thing is if you have a chain hung deck or bracketed deck either will move and the first thing you will do when you exit the mower from the side even before you step on the deck is grab the lap bar to steady yourself so you don't put undo stepping pressure on the deck so it's possible to be hurting the mower in two places because the lap bar isn't meant to be used as a handle too exit the machine. Unless it has a sticker that says step here you really shouldn't be on it.
The other thing I'm hearing here is the talk about there decks being heavy duty enough to take the weight, now it's true an 11 ga. deck is a fairly heavy deck when compared to a stamped deck but when you consider the commercial rigs are made as heavy as 7 ga. really how well constructed are they to take the abuse.
#23
djdicetn
Like I said earlier, the left side pulley cover is a heavier gauge metal than the right one and has raised perforations. It is specifically designated as a step and the dealer made sure he showed me the recommended mount/dis-mount procedure. The right side is a lesser gauge metal, does not have the raised perforations and the dealer told me should NOT be used as a step(besides, it's not real safe to get off the mower on the side where the discharge chute is....especially if it is running). In regard to the lap bar, mentioned by user Ric....the dealer told me that if I apply the handbrake before dis-mounting the ZTR it "locks" the lap bars(and the trannies, where you cannot move the lap bar forward or backward) and it is actually OK to use the left one to steady yourself. The dealer actually used the lap bar to steady himself when he was demonstrating the ZTR to me. He told me to just not apply any excessive force or "pull hard on it"....duhhhhhh:0)
But I agree that this pulley cover step feature isn't something universal for ZTR's and you should consult your owner's manual and/or dealer before using the cover as a step. Again, as small of a feature the step and the Commercial 7 gauge chain-hung deck were something the Gravely had that I didn't see on some of the other ZTR's I looked at. I am pretty certain that the Gravely ZT HD and higher models have the "built-in step" but the Residential ZT and XL models don't. I guess we should get back on topic at this point.
Sooooo, Ric, what do you think about the Hustler RSD with some early reports of belts and belt tension springs breaking???? You can get into a Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or Toro Titan(the MX series is my personal pick for you:0) for the same money as the RSD.
djdicetn
Yep, the construction of the X-Factor deck on the Gravely was one of the main reasons I decided on buying it. It is built so solid that I can literally stand on it at any cutting position and "jump up & down" on it and it doesn't "budge". That's not saying it is smart to do that:0)Yea, I have some non skid tape stuff on the deck of the MZT-52.
Almost like it is a designated place to put a foot. Maybe just for liability because
Husky knows peeps will step there. The deck is heavy duty enough to take the weight and constructed
well enough to take it repeatedly.
There is a metal cover on the pulley and a "No step" sticker on the cover also.
When I looked at the Kubotas 123 124 the sales guy said stepping there
was no problem. I tried it and it did without a lot of flexing.I guess using common sense and reason
would be called into play when making the "Should I or should I not" decision.
Like I said earlier, the left side pulley cover is a heavier gauge metal than the right one and has raised perforations. It is specifically designated as a step and the dealer made sure he showed me the recommended mount/dis-mount procedure. The right side is a lesser gauge metal, does not have the raised perforations and the dealer told me should NOT be used as a step(besides, it's not real safe to get off the mower on the side where the discharge chute is....especially if it is running). In regard to the lap bar, mentioned by user Ric....the dealer told me that if I apply the handbrake before dis-mounting the ZTR it "locks" the lap bars(and the trannies, where you cannot move the lap bar forward or backward) and it is actually OK to use the left one to steady yourself. The dealer actually used the lap bar to steady himself when he was demonstrating the ZTR to me. He told me to just not apply any excessive force or "pull hard on it"....duhhhhhh:0)
But I agree that this pulley cover step feature isn't something universal for ZTR's and you should consult your owner's manual and/or dealer before using the cover as a step. Again, as small of a feature the step and the Commercial 7 gauge chain-hung deck were something the Gravely had that I didn't see on some of the other ZTR's I looked at. I am pretty certain that the Gravely ZT HD and higher models have the "built-in step" but the Residential ZT and XL models don't. I guess we should get back on topic at this point.
Sooooo, Ric, what do you think about the Hustler RSD with some early reports of belts and belt tension springs breaking???? You can get into a Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or Toro Titan(the MX series is my personal pick for you:0) for the same money as the RSD.
#24
R
RaptorSD
R
RaptorSD
The Raptor SD blades have a blunt edge from the factory, I know this didn't help my belt and spring problem. I made the first 3 passes with the chute down against my better judgement and the heat buildup was to much. I'll say that the LT2000 again finished the job with chute down, sharper blades, taking a half pass in thicker grass. Maybe some efficiency is lost in the bigger belt and higher rpm making it more susceptible to overheating, combine that with dull blades..I've seen replacement excel blades which are razor sharp. My ZTR experience is limited to the 9hrs I have on my SD if that says anything.
Other than that I like the welded deck, low CG, wide tires, light weight fuel efficient therefore maybe the ZH2800's are more than up to the task. We'll see I'll have plenty of terrain to put it to the test, I'm not scared to dig into a 2800 at some point down the road if needed. The cut is nice.
Still wondering if I should have gone with a Toro Titan or the Husky MZ52 looks real good for the $$.
Edit: the Raptor SD deck metal is cut away on top at the chute, mowing with the chute up is not a good idea and may expose the right side blade to the operator.
Other than that I like the welded deck, low CG, wide tires, light weight fuel efficient therefore maybe the ZH2800's are more than up to the task. We'll see I'll have plenty of terrain to put it to the test, I'm not scared to dig into a 2800 at some point down the road if needed. The cut is nice.
Still wondering if I should have gone with a Toro Titan or the Husky MZ52 looks real good for the $$.
Edit: the Raptor SD deck metal is cut away on top at the chute, mowing with the chute up is not a good idea and may expose the right side blade to the operator.
#25
serelaw
What you are hearing is that there are some machines designed for the deck to be used as a step and it is ok to do so.
Also, I am not an engineer. I am not qualified to make assumptions about how thick the metal has to be before it is strong or weak enough to be used as a step. I'm sure the designers and legal department took all that stuff into consideration. I trust that my salesman who showed me how to mount and dismount the machine (both ways front and side) without using the steering handle or using it or using the rops or the drink holder knows what he is talking about. I just went out and stood on the deck and it moved maybe 3/16 of an inch. Now accepting that the deck moves up and down more than that hundreds of times while I mow I fairly certain MY MZT-52 chain hung fabricated built like a tank deck is really not being abused by my stepping on it occasionally. Your point about the stamped deck being usually smaller in thickness is astute. I thought hey my deck is 11 ga, what is the floor plate I stand on and my feet rest after I mount my mower. Wow. 11 ga. The designers felt it was safe. So really, if the floorboard is the same gauge as the deck and the deck has more support than the floorboard then what the heck. Safe enough for me huh?
serelaw
The other thing I'm hearing here is the talk about there decks being heavy duty enough to take the weight, now it's true an 11 ga. deck is a fairly heavy deck when compared to a stamped deck but when you consider the commercial rigs are made as heavy as 7 ga. really how well constructed are they to take the abuse.
What you are hearing is that there are some machines designed for the deck to be used as a step and it is ok to do so.
Also, I am not an engineer. I am not qualified to make assumptions about how thick the metal has to be before it is strong or weak enough to be used as a step. I'm sure the designers and legal department took all that stuff into consideration. I trust that my salesman who showed me how to mount and dismount the machine (both ways front and side) without using the steering handle or using it or using the rops or the drink holder knows what he is talking about. I just went out and stood on the deck and it moved maybe 3/16 of an inch. Now accepting that the deck moves up and down more than that hundreds of times while I mow I fairly certain MY MZT-52 chain hung fabricated built like a tank deck is really not being abused by my stepping on it occasionally. Your point about the stamped deck being usually smaller in thickness is astute. I thought hey my deck is 11 ga, what is the floor plate I stand on and my feet rest after I mount my mower. Wow. 11 ga. The designers felt it was safe. So really, if the floorboard is the same gauge as the deck and the deck has more support than the floorboard then what the heck. Safe enough for me huh?
#26
serelaw
I'm positive that mower is gonna be the master of any lawn party you take it to.
Proper maintenance with the correct fuels, oils, filters and Plugs will keep it mowing for many years.
Every manufacturer has used the 2800 and had much success. You've got the blade thing down pat so it's clear sailing from here on.
I am happy for you with the new mower. Please keep us updated. I know I enjoy reading this stuff.
serelaw
The Raptor SD blades have a blunt edge from the factory, I know this didn't help my belt and spring problem. I made the first 3 passes with the chute down against my better judgement and the heat buildup was to much. I'll say that the LT2000 again finished the job with chute down, sharper blades, taking a half pass in thicker grass. Maybe some efficiency is lost in the bigger belt and higher rpm making it more susceptible to overheating, combine that with dull blades..I've seen replacement excel blades which are razor sharp. My ZTR experience is limited to the 9hrs I have on my SD if that says anything.
Other than that I like the welded deck, low CG, wide tires, light weight fuel efficient therefore maybe the ZH2800's are more than up to the task. We'll see I'll have plenty of terrain to put it to the test, I'm not scared to dig into a 2800 at some point down the road if needed. The cut is nice.
Still wondering if I should have gone with a Toro Titan or the Husky MZ52 looks real good for the $$.
I'm positive that mower is gonna be the master of any lawn party you take it to.
Proper maintenance with the correct fuels, oils, filters and Plugs will keep it mowing for many years.
Every manufacturer has used the 2800 and had much success. You've got the blade thing down pat so it's clear sailing from here on.
I am happy for you with the new mower. Please keep us updated. I know I enjoy reading this stuff.
#27
serelaw
serelaw
Ric
Looking forward to what you purchase.
I know nothing about the raptor so I can't help.
Good luck.
Looking forward to what you purchase.
I know nothing about the raptor so I can't help.
Good luck.
#28
Ric
I really don't think much about the RSD and it's problems because it's a relatively new mower and it's going to have it's share of problems for awhile and the people who buy them will have too put up with the problems until Hustler gets things worked out the same way I did with the Turf-master.
As for your picks of the Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or Toro Titan(the MX series along with Husqvarna they are or would good mowers for homeowner use and not much more. Personally I'd pick the RSD over all of them because it's a better built mower than the rest, but that's just my opinion.
As far as using the deck of any ZTR or mower as a step IMO shouldn't be done and I've never used one as such and never will but the fact is It's something I'll never worry about because I'll never own another ZTR again.
Ric
Yep, the construction of the X-Factor deck on the Gravely was one of the main reasons I decided on buying it. It is built so solid that I can literally stand on it at any cutting position and "jump up & down" on it and it doesn't "budge". That's not saying it is smart to do that:0)
Like I said earlier, the left side pulley cover is a heavier gauge metal than the right one and has raised perforations. It is specifically designated as a step and the dealer made sure he showed me the recommended mount/dis-mount procedure. The right side is a lesser gauge metal, does not have the raised perforations and the dealer told me should NOT be used as a step(besides, it's not real safe to get off the mower on the side where the discharge chute is....especially if it is running). In regard to the lap bar, mentioned by user Ric....the dealer told me that if I apply the handbrake before dis-mounting the ZTR it "locks" the lap bars(and the trannies, where you cannot move the lap bar forward or backward) and it is actually OK to use the left one to steady yourself. The dealer actually used the lap bar to steady himself when he was demonstrating the ZTR to me. He told me to just not apply any excessive force or "pull hard on it"....duhhhhhh:0)
But I agree that this pulley cover step feature isn't something universal for ZTR's and you should consult your owner's manual and/or dealer before using the cover as a step. Again, as small of a feature the step and the Commercial 7 gauge chain-hung deck were something the Gravely had that I didn't see on some of the other ZTR's I looked at. I am pretty certain that the Gravely ZT HD and higher models have the "built-in step" but the Residential ZT and XL models don't. I guess we should get back on topic at this point.
Sooooo, Ric, what do you think about the Hustler RSD with some early reports of belts and belt tension springs breaking???? You can get into a Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or Toro Titan(the MX series is my personal pick for you:0) for the same money as the RSD.
I really don't think much about the RSD and it's problems because it's a relatively new mower and it's going to have it's share of problems for awhile and the people who buy them will have too put up with the problems until Hustler gets things worked out the same way I did with the Turf-master.
As for your picks of the Dixie Chopper Zee 2 or Toro Titan(the MX series along with Husqvarna they are or would good mowers for homeowner use and not much more. Personally I'd pick the RSD over all of them because it's a better built mower than the rest, but that's just my opinion.
As far as using the deck of any ZTR or mower as a step IMO shouldn't be done and I've never used one as such and never will but the fact is It's something I'll never worry about because I'll never own another ZTR again.