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I got a good deal on my Raptor with a military discount so I decided to buy a couple add-ons. I installed the heat shield and engine guard. I'm posting for a couple reasons, to show off my mower and for informational purposes. I don't think I was burning my lawn, but I figured the heat shield would prevent burn spots as well as keeping heat away from the hydros. Can't see it being a bad thing in any way. There was a post where someone was concerned about using the hitch hole while installing the heat shield. The solution is simple for anyone with a drill. I drilled 2 holes on both sides of the hitch hole and installed the shield. I know that towing anything beyond a light implement is not a good idea, but this way you at least have the option.

There were also concerns that the engine guard interfered with the throttle/choke cables, but you can see by the pics that there is a lot of clearance. Just a couple inexpensive mods to make the Raptor a little better.

RetiredGuns said:

I got a good deal on my Raptor with a military discount so I decided to buy a couple add-ons. I installed the heat shield and engine guard. I'm posting for a couple reasons, to show off my mower and for informational purposes. I don't think I was burning my lawn, but I figured the heat shield would prevent burn spots as well as keeping heat away from the hydros. Can't see it being a bad thing in any way. There was a post where someone was concerned about using the hitch hole while installing the heat shield. The solution is simple for anyone with a drill. I drilled 2 holes on both sides of the hitch hole and installed the shield. I know that towing anything beyond a light implement is not a good idea, but this way you at least have the option.

There were also concerns that the engine guard interfered with the throttle/choke cables, but you can see by the pics that there is a lot of clearance. Just a couple inexpensive mods to make the Raptor a little better.

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Both very wise additions to your new Hustler!!!! That heat shield will definitely add to the life of your hydros. I still think you need to go ahead and get that suspension seat upgrade......you've earned it:0)

Something tells me that your Hustler and you are going to have a very long relationship as good of care as you're giving it!!!

djdicetn said:

Both very wise additions to your new Hustler!!!! That heat shield will definitely add to the life of your hydros. I still think you need to go ahead and get that suspension seat upgrade......you've earned it:0)

Something tells me that your Hustler and you are going to have a very long relationship as good of care as you're giving it!!!

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Not sure if a $400 seat is worth it. I mow a really flat lawn. Being a 20 year Marine I might just miss the tactile feedback! Catch me in 10 years when I am on a daily dose of Doans. :laughing:

RetiredGuns said:

Not sure if a $400 seat is worth it. I mow a really flat lawn. Being a 20 year Marine I might just miss the tactile feedback! Catch me in 10 years when I am on a daily dose of Doans. :laughing:

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Wow..that's kinda pricey and I agree, not worth that much:0(
Seems like you could find a suspension upgrade for half that($200-$250).
As an aside, our oldest grandson, who graduated from High School this year, just enlisted for 6 Years in the Air Force. We're very proud of his commitment, but he chose a pretty dangerous field(Special Forces EOD....as you probably know, that's Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Of course in military service we understand there is potential for being in harm's way regardless of your specialty. He left for Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX on June 17. We are looking forward to attending his BMT graduation in August before he starts EOD training. Thanks again for your service!!!

djdicetn said:

Wow..that's kinda pricey and I agree, not worth that much:0(
Seems like you could find a suspension upgrade for half that($200-$250).
As an aside, our oldest grandson, who graduated from High School this year, just enlisted for 6 Years in the Air Force. We're very proud of his commitment, but he chose a pretty dangerous field(Special Forces EOD....as you probably know, that's Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Of course in military service we understand there is potential for being in harm's way regardless of your specialty. He left for Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX on June 17. We are looking forward to attending his BMT graduation in August before he starts EOD training. Thanks again for your service!!!

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Not sure of the actual price from Hustler, but after market seats from Michigan and the likes seem to be North of $300. I'll see how my old butt bone does over the summer.

Congrats & prayers at the same time for your Grandson. EOD can indeed be a dangerous MOS. Good training & technology has really helped our guys.

That thing looks brand new! How many hours on it?

DSepe said:

That thing looks brand new! How many hours on it?

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A whopping 12.6!

Nice add ons to your Raptor. Look sweet, and the two bolts on the hitch holding the heat shield looks stock. Very Nice

RetiredGuns said:

Not sure if a $400 seat is worth it. I mow a really flat lawn. Being a 20 year Marine I might just miss the tactile feedback! Catch me in 10 years when I am on a daily dose of Doans. :laughing:

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I was able to get a suspension kit that fits between the mower and the seat for $125 on eBay. Well worth more than $125.

I have 6 hours on my Raptor and have been looking for an hour meter to keep track of service and maintenance. I haven't been able to find one made for Raptor, but then again, I live 60 miles from my nearest dealer. They are a tire dealership who sells Raptors so they aren't stocked with all the goodies. I've searched Ebay and found several universal meters but not sure what will work and what to look for. I need to get one soon as the hours will start adding up.

kadowson said:

I have 6 hours on my Raptor and have been looking for an hour meter to keep track of service and maintenance. I haven't been able to find one made for Raptor, but then again, I live 60 miles from my nearest dealer. They are a tire dealership who sells Raptors so they aren't stocked with all the goodies. I've searched Ebay and found several universal meters but not sure what will work and what to look for. I need to get one soon as the hours will start adding up.

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Get a Sendec hour/tachometer meter. High quality meter that takes 10 minutes to install. It's nice to see both hours and RPMs. The meter can be surface mounted right where a factory meter would be installed.

I sold a Raptor today and the fella bought the engine guard. It makes the mower look so much better, and yours is case in point. Nice!

I second the addition of the engine guard and heat shield. Have them both on my RSD 54. Great fit, great look and ever better function! :thumbsup: I would also recommend the flexforks too. Great add even on a relatively smooth lawn. Cheers!

Also regarding a suspension seat, you should be able to find one on Ebay for around $150.

Cheers!

MPW

RetiredGuns said:

Get a Sendec hour/tachometer meter. High quality meter that takes 10 minutes to install. It's nice to see both hours and RPMs. The meter can be surface mounted right where a factory meter would be installed.

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Thanks RG! I did some looking around on ebay and found that unit for around $50. Seems pretty straight forward and should do the trick nicely!

kadowson said:

Thanks RG! I did some looking around on ebay and found that unit for around $50. Seems pretty straight forward and should do the trick nicely!

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Cool. I think it will work great for you. I got mine at the dealer for $42.99. If you decide to mount it where the stock meter would go, you can feel the cutout through the decal. Be careful to drill the 2 holes for mounting very precisely as you don't want to miss and only be in the decal? Very little room for error.

I just ordered an engine guard for my Raptor SD, the dealer is having it drop shipped to my house. If you don't mind me asking, did you have to pay for the heat shield or did your dealer provide it since this is a factory defect (so to speak) with the muffler burning the grass when stationary for short periods of time.

Nice looking machine you have, don't blame you for wanting to show it off with a few pictures. (which were very helpful BTW)

MCX09 said:

I just ordered an engine guard for my Raptor SD, the dealer is having it drop shipped to my house. If you don't mind me asking, did you have to pay for the heat shield or did your dealer provide it since this is a factory defect (so to speak) with the muffler burning the grass when stationary for short periods of time.

Nice looking machine you have, don't blame you for wanting to show it off with a few pictures. (which were very helpful BTW)

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Dealer covered heat shield under warranty. Engine guard and flex forks were thrown in as part of the deal when I purchased. I know of a couple other guys on here that also had the heat shields covered under warranty so I would just inquire that you have been having issues and need one. Tell them about precedent set by other people on this site that have had it covered. That is of course if they give you any grief.

Enjoy your RSD! I have about 22 hours on mine and have really enjoyed it. Cut quality is awesome! (I sharpen blades very 8 hours or so) Neighbors have asked me if I have a lawn service. :tongue:

MPW

I tried to get my heatshield under warranty, but there was nothing for the Raptor. What my dealer is submitting is a "Goodwill" refund for the $42.99. We'll see what happens. I am not going to lose sleep over it. Any mower with a low mounted, exposed muffler can burn grass. My Cub Cadet did it. I honestly don't know if mine was or if my 2 Dogs pee is making the brown spots. After the snow melted, there were 50 spots where my dogs peed all winter. I still wanted the shield more for the hydros getting a bit of shielding.

Anyone else have trouble getting a heat shield.. I heard Hustler's shipping a new batch this week?

RaptorSD said:

Anyone else have trouble getting a heat shield.. I heard Hustler's shipping a new batch this week?

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I may have to look into getting the shield. I haven't had any burn issues yet and I don't want there to be any. Also the hydro heat protection that Retired Guns mentioned makes sense. Sounds like a good idea at any rate but since I bought mine from a tire dealership instead of a Hustler mower dealer, I'm not sure where to start. The nearest Hustler dealer is 3 hours from me but I still wanted my Raptor so I found a nearby "supplier" to get it. I'm not sure a dealer would give me any support having bought mine elsewhere.

That is one clean mower marine. How do you get and keep it so clean? I almost ran out and ordered the engine guard then I realized that the SD60 already has one. I like that heat shield idea though. Do you grab it through the dealer or do you have to contact Hustler directly?

Kainedogg said:

That is one clean mower marine. How do you get and keep it so clean? I almost ran out and ordered the engine guard then I realized that the SD60 already has one. I like that heat shield idea though. Do you grab it through the dealer or do you have to contact Hustler directly?

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I just use my blower to clean it up a bit and an occasional wipe here and there. I ordered the heat shield through my dealer and he had it the next day. He has been stocking up on Hustler accessories so he had the engine guard as well. The mowers are selling well. We have 2 Lowes and 2 Home Depots in the area and none of them have the Hustlers so he's enjoying it while he can.

I bolted my head shield on the exact same way you did. Ok Ok, I copied you. Thanks for sharing the great idea and thank you for your service!

akcooper9 said:

I bolted my head shield on the exact same way you did. Ok Ok, I copied you. Thanks for sharing the great idea and thank you for your service!

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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Retiredguns, thanks for your service.

I have the SD60 and went with it for the engine guard, the extra wide tires front and back and as important was the extra comfortable chair. The total of the extras bought separately got me a 60 inch cut and all the upgrades for less.

There are three expensive commercial Hustlers within a block of me and none of them ride as nicely.

They can kick my butt in ground speed. But, with the wider cut, it evens out in time per acre. So, not too displeased with the slower role.

The seat was worth it though when you get ready.

Hi,
Would anyone have the part number for the heat shield? I have a Raptor 42"
Thanks!

BlackdogTX said:

Hi,
Would anyone have the part number for the heat shield? I have a Raptor 42"
Thanks!

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I stopped by my dealer today to express my concerns with some burnt spots that may have been caused by the lack of a heat shield. He is going to give me a call in the next day or so to tell me what he finds out. If he gives me the part #. I will gladly share it.

I went to my dealer twice with the hot spots on the grass and I'd read where several people have had a heat shield installed under warranty at no charge to the consumer. The dealer called the factory rep and was told there is no free lunches and burnt grass isn't possible at the ride height of the muffler.

Thus, no heat shield unless I wanted to purchase my own.

mhavanti said:

I went to my dealer twice with the hot spots on the grass and I'd read where several people have had a heat shield installed under warranty at no charge to the consumer. The dealer called the factory rep and was told there is no free lunches and burnt grass isn't possible at the ride height of the muffler.

Thus, no heat shield unless I wanted to purchase my own.

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I would print out a couple threads from this forum and take to him and tell him you are an active part of a forum where people do a lot of research prior to spending what most of us think are big bucks. (I just purchased this week a 54" SD and it was in great part to the response of this forum. Would this one issue make me change my mind if I was still looking? Maybe not, but it would have made me look further into the support we receive from Hustler through their dealers. I assure you, no one at the dealership told me this is an issue and I should buy a heat shield, if it was not an issue, why do they sell the heat shield).

Ask your dealer to forward this info to hustler and see if they really want the negative image to solving a problem their design creates. If you had done this and they still would not honor the warranty claim it could have made me go a different direction, I was really on the fence and this could have made the difference.

Received a call from my dealer this morning. The Hustler rep told him they didn't put the heat shield on the residential models because the owners wouldn't clean them out and they would catch on fire. He was given the part# and said it was up to me if I still wanted it. The way he talked it would be covered by warranty and I could install myself. It should be in Monday.

Rob45679 said:

Received a call from my dealer this morning. The Hustler rep told him they didn't put the heat shield on the residential models because the owners wouldn't clean them out and they would catch on fire. He was given the part# and said it was up to me if I still wanted it. The way he talked it would be covered by warranty and I could install myself. It should be in Monday.

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That sounds fair enough. I guess I am concerned why some people get it covered under warranty and some don't. Wonder if Mhavanti's dealer is just giving him the run around?