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Just curious, since both are made by the same company, what if any differences there are. I looked at the online info and I can't see any visible differences other than the paint job.

big dog does not have the vx4 deck......i have a super duty and a big dog R754 and a big dog diablo......satisfied with all 3......will buy big dog in the future

Big Dog??..

wjjones said:

Big Dog??..

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Residential and Commercial Zero Turn Radius Lawn Mowers and Tractors - Big Dog Mowers

Which came first, big dog or hustler?

Hustler, 1964. Big Dog was added to keep production humming by having two lines and therefore you can have more dealers. You don't want to have two Hustler dealers in a town, but you can have one of each with the two brands. Keeps the factory busy creating the stock, doubles the chances that your company will get a sale.

Carheir said:

Just curious, since both are made by the same company, what if any differences there are. I looked at the online info and I can't see any visible differences other than the paint job.

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The differences you may not see. Differences like the motor size or type, How about Gas tank size and what about things like blade tip speed or perhaps the thickness or gauge of the deck or frames, and how about Transmissions. There's a ton of differences between the two units that you may not see but they are there. Comparing the Big Dog to the Hustler would be like comparing the Toro Titan to the Toro Z master mower. There not even close to the same, one is for the residential use or homeowner, the other for the commercial end.

davbell22602 said:

Residential and Commercial Zero Turn Radius Lawn Mowers and Tractors - Big Dog Mowers

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Thank you for the link. I never had seen, or heard of them around here.

my diablo is the same fx 850 motor and 21cc pumps as the super z......14 mph ......difference is the diablo has the xr7 deck vs the vx4 on super z......demoed both on the day i bought it.......super z was 9800 otd......diablo was 7500 otd.......and the diablo has a more comfortable seat

Thank you for your interest in the BigDog Mower Co. brand. We are assembled on the same production line as the Hustler Turf which some differences noted on this thread.

We have made some positive changes to our BigDog line by rebranding it from BigDogMowers to BigDog Mower Co. with a new logo, wordmark and direction! Quality is our focus with a personal touch....like the craftsmanship that goes with a craft beer.

The BigDog brand was launched in 2009 so it is still very young but has the successful experience of a Hustler Turf brand that has been around since 1964.

We'll be glad to set the facts straight and would like to thank you for your interest.

Have a great Memorial Weekend in honor of those who allowed us to have properties to mow on!

Looks like the Alpha MP is pretty much exactly the same as the Raptor SD but with a better seat and LED lights standard.

Kremeneon said:

Looks like the Alpha MP is pretty much exactly the same as the Raptor SD but with a better seat and LED lights standard.

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You are correct that we've differentiated the nicer seat, added the LED lights, fuel tank panel design and a robust engine guard. Also...don't forget the 7 year limited warranty!

big dog will eat hustlers lunch in the long run......i have 2 big dogs and 1 hustler and like both but will buy big dog in the future......they are fine mowers

It's a shame all of the dealers within a few hours of 52761, listed on bigdog's site, apparently no longer sells this brand.

JPR said:

It's a shame all of the dealers within a few hours of 52761, listed on bigdog's site, apparently no longer sells this brand.

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Hi JPR,

We're signing on new dealers everyday and I hope we can find some quality dealers in your area.

We have 2 dealers within 50 miles.

25.9 miles from 52761
Cribbs Landscaping Inc
5575 Valley Dr. Bettendorf IA 52722
(563) 359-6530

46.9 miles
D T Sales & Service
429 E Prospect St Oneida IL 61467
(309) 483-8412

You can visit our dealer locator site to see the new dealers we're adding on. Our website is also made for mobile views.
BigDog Mower Co. dealer locator.

edd said:

big dog will eat hustlers lunch in the long run......i have 2 big dogs and 1 hustler and like both but will buy big dog in the future......they are fine mowers

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Edd...what models of the BigDog do you have? What do you think we can improve on?

BDMCO said:

Hi JPR,

We're signing on new dealers everyday and I hope we can find some quality dealers in your area.

We have 2 dealers within 50 miles.

25.9 miles from 52761
Cribbs Landscaping Inc
5575 Valley Dr. Bettendorf IA 52722
(563) 359-6530

46.9 miles
D T Sales & Service
429 E Prospect St Oneida IL 61467
(309) 483-8412

You can visit our dealer locator site to see the new dealers we're adding on. Our website is also made for mobile views.
BigDog Mower Co. dealer locator.

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Yep...I looked at those because I found them via your site. However none of them actually advertise selling them. They have different ones. No big deal though. They'll be around eventually.

JPR said:

Yep...I looked at those because I found them via your site. However none of them actually advertise selling them. They have different ones. No big deal though. They'll be around eventually.

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JPR, you're correct. We're not the main brand for some dealers because we don't have the brand recognition yet. Many of them do carry our products with little advertising. You may call to see if they have any for you to demo.

Have a great weekend.

well lets see......i am looking right now for a mower that goes 10--11 mph......x diablo is plenty fast but i am looking for something in 11 mph speed range that wont weigh 1500 pounds......the old x-model is being phased out i understand and it fit that category......sat on an alpha and that seat will sell some mowers......also need a couple of hats sent down this way.......but i have been sold on big dog since i bouht the r-754 in 2011

Due this thread I tried to familiarize myself with BigDog,what is frustrating is I can't find the details of the 7 year warranty...its obviously a major draw for many however no details found.Any help out there? I live in zip 47041.

edd said:

well lets see......i am looking right now for a mower that goes 10--11 mph......x diablo is plenty fast but i am looking for something in 11 mph speed range that wont weigh 1500 pounds......the old x-model is being phased out i understand and it fit that category......sat on an alpha and that seat will sell some mowers......also need a couple of hats sent down this way.......but i have been sold on big dog since i bouht the r-754 in 2011

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Hi Edd.... visit our website and send us an email on our contact form. Residential and Commercial Zero Turn Radius Lawn Mowers and Tractors | BigDog Mower Co. We'll see what the nearest dealer can do for you.

chemingthroughtheleather said:

Due this thread I tried to familiarize myself with BigDog,what is frustrating is I can't find the details of the 7 year warranty...its obviously a major draw for many however no details found.Any help out there? I live in zip 47041.

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Hello chemingthroughtheleather! Our dealers would be able to break down the details of the warranty which differs on the product family such as the Alpha, Alpha MP, Stout MP...etc.

I know for sure we offer the most for our warranty in the industry. Hustler has one of the best warranty offers in the industry and we purposely offer more. Contact our dealer for specifics.

BDMCO said:

Hello chemingthroughtheleather! Our dealers would be able to break down the details of the warranty which differs on the product family such as the Alpha, Alpha MP, Stout MP...etc. I know for sure we offer the most for our warranty in the industry. Hustler has one of the best warranty offers in the industry and we purposely offer more. Contact our dealer for specifics.

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I'm very impressed with an actual Big Dog rep coming on this website to help potential customers. Looked at the Big Dog lineup and I'll be sure to keep them in mind next time I need a mower!

DSepe said:

I'm very impressed with an actual Big Dog rep coming on this website to help potential customers. Looked at the Big Dog lineup and I'll be sure to keep them in mind next time I need a mower!

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We'll be waiting for you DSepe! Feel free to visit our website and send us any questions you may have. We do a pretty good job responding to our emails!

BDMCO said:

Thank you for your interest in the BigDog Mower Co. brand. We are assembled on the same production line as the Hustler Turf which some differences noted on this thread.

We have made some positive changes to our BigDog line by rebranding it from BigDogMowers to BigDog Mower Co. with a new logo, wordmark and direction! Quality is our focus with a personal touch....like the craftsmanship that goes with a craft beer.

The BigDog brand was launched in 2009 so it is still very young but has the successful experience of a Hustler Turf brand that has been around since 1964.

We'll be glad to set the facts straight and would like to thank you for your interest.

Have a great Memorial Weekend in honor of those who allowed us to have properties to mow on!

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Why did BigDog come out with a Northern and Southern deck? Hustler say there have been no problem with the VX4 but looking at the underside of the Southern BigDog and VX4 decks (60") there is little to no difference other than the added bracing on the front of the VX4 deck. Your Northern deck has the big baffle that kind of chambers the trim side and narrows the gap between blade and front of the deck.

Why did you find the need to add the baffle if the VX4 is so great?

Micko said:

Why did BigDog come out with a Northern and Southern deck? Hustler say there have been no problem with the VX4 but looking at the underside of the Southern BigDog and VX4 decks (60") there is little to no difference other than the added bracing on the front of the VX4 deck. Your Northern deck has the big baffle that kind of chambers the trim side and narrows the gap between blade and front of the deck.

Why did you find the need to add the baffle if the VX4 is so great?

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Hello Micko,

Good question. The BigDog doesn't use the VX4 deck. There are similarities but they're not the same decks.

BDMCO said:

Hello Micko,

Good question. The BigDog doesn't use the VX4 deck. There are similarities but they're not the same decks.

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I understand you/BD technically dont use the VX4 deck but the similarities are uncanny.

Since BD are related to Hustler, is there any way you could get some pics of the underside of both the VX4 and the BD deck? 60" deck! Line drawings will be fine!

You didnt really answer my question though. Why is there a North and South version of the BD deck?

Micko said:

I understand you/BD technically dont use the VX4 deck but the similarities are uncanny.

Since BD are related to Hustler, is there any way you could get some pics of the underside of both the VX4 and the BD deck? 60" deck! Line drawings will be fine!

You didnt really answer my question though. Why is there a North and South version of the BD deck?

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The decks are engineered to optimize the cut quality for the different grass conditions found in the north versus the south. The southern decks 60" is as close to the VX4 as you can get, whereas the northern decks are unique to our BigDog brand.

I can get you in touch with a dealer to discuss the cut quality of our decks if you can provide me with your city and state.

Hope that helps.

BDMCO said:

The decks are engineered to optimize the cut quality for the different grass conditions found in the north versus the south. The southern decks 60" is as close to the VX4 as you can get, whereas the northern decks are unique to our BigDog brand.

I can get you in touch with a dealer to discuss the cut quality of our decks if you can provide me with your city and state.

Hope that helps.

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Thank you for the information!
I own a Super Z with the VX4 already. Im just trying to understand the reason why there are 2 decks for the BigDog and only one (as far as I know) VX4 version.
From what I can make out, the only difference between the North and South decks is the addition of the front edge baffle on the North version.

Seeing that the VX4 and BB decks are so similar underneath, why is it that you found the need for that baffle when Hustler dont?

Micko said:

Thank you for the information!
I own a Super Z with the VX4 already. Im just trying to understand the reason why there are 2 decks for the BigDog and only one (as far as I know) VX4 version.
From what I can make out, the only difference between the North and South decks is the addition of the front edge baffle on the North version.

Seeing that the VX4 and BB decks are so similar underneath, why is it that you found the need for that baffle when Hustler dont?

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Hello Micko,

I apologize for the delayed response but had to dig up some more information.

The BigDog northern deck is different from the VX4 in that it was made to enhance the cut quality on irrigated properties and for northern grass. It handles the fine bladed grass and does well for other grass but may not handle grass volume well so it would require slowing down. This would mainly be for our professional contractors.

VX4 is a great deck that optimizes productivity but may not give the quality we're looking for with the irrigated property or northern grass.

Let me know if you need anything else.

BDMCO said:

Hello Micko,

I apologize for the delayed response but had to dig up some more information.

The BigDog northern deck is different from the VX4 in that it was made to enhance the cut quality on irrigated properties and for northern grass. It handles the fine bladed grass and does well for other grass but may not handle grass volume well so it would require slowing down. This would mainly be for our professional contractors.

VX4 is a great deck that optimizes productivity but may not give the quality we're looking for with the irrigated property or northern grass.

Let me know if you need anything else.

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Thanks again and I appreciate the effort!

I only ask all this as Ive had trouble with my deck and Im just wondering if Hustler/BD are doing something about it on future decks or coming up with modifications to sort the current VX4. By putting the big baffle on the North deck it seems to me Hustler/BD have had some negative feed back and made changes. If thats the case then why is there still nothing to fix the South deck? Hustler have known about the issues for a couple of years now!

I guess my question is, since there have been mods made to the North deck, is there any work being done on the South deck (standard VX4) to improve it?

Anyway, I appreciate the replies!

edd said:

big dog does not have the vx4 deck......i have a super duty and a big dog R754 and a big dog diablo......satisfied with all 3......will buy big dog in the future

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For us newbies to this forum, what is the VX4 deck and how important is it for a 1acre residential lot. My property is hilly and moderatly rugged.

dshoffman77 said:

For us newbies to this forum, what is the VX4 deck and how important is it for a 1acre residential lot. My property is hilly and moderatly rugged.

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The VX4 is the deck used on Hustler brand mowers namely, the X1 and the Super Z. There may be others, I dont know!

On your own one acre prop, minus house, drive etc, it means nothing to you if you can stay on top of the growth and cut once or twice a week!

Problems start when you try and make a living off the machine and every time you have to double cut it eats into any profit you may of made.

Dont sweat it, enjoy the Big Dog!

you wont have to double cut with the older hustler deck......I rarely have to and it is just Bahia stringers if I do......many on other sites say they prefer the older hustler deck to the vx--4

After hearing a lot of negative info about the VX4 deck,and cut quality,I will be buying a wright zto with the aero core deck.

wdrdoctor said:

After hearing a lot of negative info about the VX4 deck,and cut quality,I will be buying a wright zto with the aero core deck.

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Demo really well before buying anything! When I say demo I mean in all kinds of conditions. To demo in a slow growth period wont show what it will cut like in high growth times for example!

So, I'm starting to narrow down to a few competitors.

Big Dog - Stout MP
Hustler FasTrak (not sure if this is commercial or not)
Cub Cadet Z Force Commercial
Kubota Kommander (again not sure commercial)

If the Big Dog rep could sway me, against comparable models of the above competitors... What would you say to make me buy the Big Dog?

Dave

dshoffman77 said:

So, I'm starting to narrow down to a few competitors.

Big Dog - Stout MP
Hustler FasTrak (not sure if this is commercial or not)
Cub Cadet Z Force Commercial
Kubota Kommander (again not sure commercial)

If the Big Dog rep could sway me, against comparable models of the above competitors... What would you say to make me buy the Big Dog?

Dave

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The hustler fastrak sd has the fx series engine, which is kawasaki's heavy duty commercial engine. The hydros are hydrogear's zt3100. They are what some consider commercial. It is a very good mower. The fastrak has the fr series Kawi engine which is designed for residential applications. It also has the zt3100 hydros. I wouldn't consider the fastrak commercial, but the fastrak sd is what some would consider low end commercial. The kubota kommander is also a semi commercial/low end commercial mower. Both are very good mowers. I have no experience with big dog, but I am interested in some of the features I have read about. Such as the led lights, and the 7 year warranty. The stout mp has the heavy duty zt3400 hydros and the fx series engine, so if it is in the same price range it does offer a heavier drive train.

dshoffman77 said:

So, I'm starting to narrow down to a few competitors.

Big Dog - Stout MP
Hustler FasTrak (not sure if this is commercial or not)
Cub Cadet Z Force Commercial
Kubota Kommander (again not sure commercial)

If the Big Dog rep could sway me, against comparable models of the above competitors... What would you say to make me buy the Big Dog?

Dave

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I apologize dshoffman, I didn't get a notification in regard to your post. I hope you're pleased with your new ztr!

BDMCO said:

Edd...what models of the BigDog do you have? What do you think we can improve on?

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I very well may be purchasing an Alpha tomorrow but the one thing I would like to learn is what the lumen output of the LED's on the Alpha is ? There was no way to ask that question on their website and I was hoping someone here could answer that for me. Thanks.

Improvement for Big Dog Website : After we give you all the information about us, allow us to direct the conversation. To ask a question.

Would anyone have a model cross reference? What is the Hustler version of my Big Dog Stout?