I love this, brings back memories. We purchased a new home and I decided on a new zero turn never having operated one. Along comes mowing day and I nearly put that sucker into the pond....lol.Needless to say I didn't go near that pond or ditches again for months. 👍
I just bought a Hustler Fas trak 54 inch deck. I worked for a lawn service for several years. We would start at 5.00 a.m. and cut to 6 7 in the evening. The guy had SCAG terf tigers. Driving a zero turn tales a little time to get used to. My Fas trak weight 925 lbs. You can do a lot of damage to stuff. I think you have 2800 hydro transmissions.
You picked a great machine! I only put on 50-60 hours a year so the Raptor made sense for me. I have had zero issues! I only made two modifications. ua-cam.com/video/60owyMVH2Tw/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/HLFtnGGyDYU/v-deo.html
I was looking at Hustler, then I saw a video here on YT that said they are now owned by Black and Decker (Bleak and Darker). I agree with you about buying from a dealer. I understand that there is a quality difference between a big box store and a dealer brand.
You are correct about the sale. When it occurred there were statements about maintaining engineering and quality intact at Excel industries. From the new equipment reviews I had seen so far so good! Mine is in it's 5th season and all I have done is change oil.
I went from an 11 yr old cub cadet lt1045 46” to a Hustler Raptor SD 54”. My cub was having multiple issues. Steering bushing failed, oil leaks, muffler has a big hole, multiple other repairs through the years. I’m super excited about my raptor. Mine was delivered with a full tank of gas. Nice video! I made a video last summer about my cub.
I bought a 2018 raptor limited in April 2018. It is now June and I only have 7.7 hours on it because it has been unusually dry here in Southwest loisiana I bought a raptor limited in April 2018 . It only has 7.7 hrs. On it in June. It has been unusually dry here in Southwest Loisiana.i've used it enough to know that I love this mower.the troybilt 42" lawn tractor I had worked good but with arthritis in my shoulders it worked the hell out I Of me and I was worn out after mowing an acre.that 52" raptor cut my time in half it doesn't even feel like I'm working. I can never go back to a steering wheel. It is truly a pleasure to use.i can really relate to everything you said about the old mower and the new 2018 raptor limited
I agree, it is hard to put hours on these because it cuts mowing time so much! The evolution of ZTM is on par from going from an electric adding machine to a computer. Thanks for watching!
Woke my wife up from laughing so hard for 10 minutes straight and to the point of tears. She thought something was wrong then got tickled at me laughing. Then I shared your little slip at 13:22 and now we’re both laughing and crying. Even the dogs started barking and howling... good times! Other than that, thanks for the info. I believe I’ll be buying one tomorrow. 🤙
I am originally from Pittsburgh . My granddaughter calls me Pap. I went to the dealer today to buy a Raptor Limited. What a bunch of coincidences. LOL!
Why does this video look like it was shot in 1988? 🤣 Seriously though, good information muchacho. I've owned my Raptor for 6 years and it's the best mower I've owned.
Good eye! This video was shot with an actual digital camera. A Nikon Coolpix with an aspect ratio far different than a cell phone camera or TV camera lens which we are all getting used to seeing. Thank you for watching!
I am in my 3rd season with mine and it is everything I hoped it would be! This is a fun group to join for repair tips, conversation, and a fair amount of BS. facebook.com/groups/HustlerMowerOwners/
After much research, my husband just purchased a Hustler Raptor from the closest dealer - Brooksville, Florida. He chuckled on and off while watching your entire video. I hope your health is holding up Pap and I'm pleased to know that the exhaust will not blow in his face as he mows.
This all sounds too familiar. ha I have about a 14 year old Cub that I bought from the previous owner of the house. Well, I think he let his 12 year old son mow with it so he didn't baby it at ALL and we live in a rocky area (rocky in a sense the ground is not greatly smooth, but grass is ok). Anyway, I am sick and tired of fixing things on it every time I mow. Pulleys going out, deck cracks and dents, some starting issues. Steering going out and having to break it down and rebuild it. Well I'm the same as you, I'm tired of it. So I'm getting a zero turn. I'm going to be getting the Hustler Rapter 52" with a kawasaki. A good friend of mine owns a large lawn care business here in Central AR and he recommended Hustler with the Kawasaki. So sounds like your research backs that up as well.
Thank you for watching, no issues with mine now that I have 100 hours. I hope you have a dealer nearby, Hustler had a sale last spring that can save you a few bucks if they do it again. Spring for the "limited" extra features if you can. Those front spring forks and better seat are great on rough areas.
@@sixty9harleyPittsburghPAP Yeah I'm really leaning towards the front spring forks. I can get those and install them myself looks like and not have to go up to a more expensive unit. Oh and I plan on installing an hour meter which the standard Raptor doesn't have I don't believe.
So I'm in Australia, and we have available the Raptor, and the Raptor SD. Your webpage suggested that the Raptor Limited sits between those two. What does the SD have that that limited doesn't, and is it much of a step up from the Limited to the SD?
Yes,🌼 allabout.wiki/Hustler the bag fills up pretty quickly when there are lots of leaves and I guess that is expected. It is quick to take the leaf catching bag off and put it back on. There is one bar with rubber ends that fits into a slot (bottom), one bar with angled ends that hangs on rubber hooks (top), and two stretchy loops that each hang on a rubber hook (one each side). You can hold the leaf catching bag with one hand full and not drop any leaves. It is NOT easy to empty it into a lawn bag without spilling. My trick: I put two lawn bags side-by-side in a large garbage bin and emptied the leaf catching bag into them. What spills falls into the garbage bin. 90% of the leaves end up in the bags this way with 0% back on the lawn.
They are sweet machines! There is a "Hustler owners group" Facebook page that is very useful for questions, problems, advice, or just hanging out with other owners.
Have you had any issues with the deck mechanisms? I have seen where others have had issues with bolts and nuts getting loose and even breaking in some instances. People are saying it is a defect with these mowers
When I was reading reviews I read about owners having spindle issues, Not installed properly. I only have 4 hours on mine to date and have had no issues. Since it is under warranty I am not concerned. So far it has been flawless!
Johnny Carroll I did...they bend rather easily..I had a representative from Hustler tell me these mowers are for the small urban properties...certainly not rough terrain.
@ Phillip Hudnall I really like this ZTR and almost bought it but that deck design was a deal breaker for me. Didn’t want something breaking and falling apart soon after I buy it
a lot easier to drive once used to espacally when you use both at same time we have a 2019 hustler 60 in hyper drive and a older super z you can run 10 mph easy with older super z 16 with the hyper drive
I bought a competing brand zturn last April after using a standard 42" rider for years. And boy do the zturns take practice as a couple of bent fence posts and mangled shrubs should attest. But, what a difference in mowing time. It went from 20 minutes to less than ten. This time of year cutting grass at 3 1/2" seems to conserve water or at least the lawn stays greener when it's longer. Also had a few extra bucks and hired one of those national lawn care companies in April to fertilize and provide weed control to get the "perfect" lawn for the first time ever. Never again as it cost $300 to apply about $80 worth of product and I don't see any improvement. None!
Yeah, ten minutes of mowing time on a freakin zero turn, what does that tell you brainiac? Get off you deadass and walk it with a self propelled mower. Try running one for 3&1/2 hours straight, that’s when you need a zero.
If you have 2 acres to mow..you're probably gonna wish you'd bought a little more mower...I Had a Raptor for a couple months about 4-5 yes ago...Just wasn't enough mower for me and wouldn't hold up..Traded it in for a Fast Trak SD..which is IMO the mower you probably should have went with or possibly a Raptor SD.Hopefully that's a really smooth 2 acres you have...Good luck!
Well shit, no wonder that Cub is struggling, Set those front tires straight... Not only is the cub struggling and wearing the shit out of the belts, tires and you fighting it to go straight... Holy smokes, hope you at least maintain the new one properly.
Funny you should say that. I grew up with a 36" Gravely walk behind with sulky on this property from 1963-72. We had the rotary plow, and cultivator attachments, and knew where to borrow a log saw. THAT was an awesome machine, except the sulky seat taking the skin off my knuckles. In one of my Dad's less lucid moments he gave it all away.
I will never claim to have a lawn, it is a well used and loved 100 year old yard, pasture, Vegetable garden, parking lot, ball field, volleyball court, orchard, ground hog hunting, mole ridden, deer poop, fox den, turkey grazing, ankle twisting, two acre chunk of open area that needs mowed.
I love this, brings back memories. We purchased a new home and I decided on a new zero turn never having operated one. Along comes mowing day and I nearly put that sucker into the pond....lol.Needless to say I didn't go near that pond or ditches again for months. 👍
Thank you for watching!
Such a funny video! Love watching you embrace the country life👍🤗
Thank you for watching! I have my moments.. lol ua-cam.com/video/T5tSG3AO2hM/v-deo.html
Ma bucur ca ti-a placut videoclipul meu. Sunt multe pe canalul meu de Papanicolau din Pittsburgh.
I just bought a Hustler Fas trak 54 inch deck. I worked for a lawn service for several years. We would start at 5.00 a.m. and cut to 6 7 in the evening. The guy had SCAG terf tigers.
Driving a zero turn tales a little time to get used to. My Fas trak weight 925 lbs. You can do a lot of damage to stuff. I think you have 2800 hydro transmissions.
You picked a great machine! I only put on 50-60 hours a year so the Raptor made sense for me. I have had zero issues! I only made two modifications. ua-cam.com/video/60owyMVH2Tw/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/HLFtnGGyDYU/v-deo.html
I was looking at Hustler, then I saw a video here on YT that said they are now owned by Black and Decker (Bleak and Darker). I agree with you about buying from a dealer. I understand that there is a quality difference between a big box store and a dealer brand.
You are correct about the sale. When it occurred there were statements about maintaining engineering and quality intact at Excel industries. From the new equipment reviews I had seen so far so good! Mine is in it's 5th season and all I have done is change oil.
I went from an 11 yr old cub cadet lt1045 46” to a Hustler Raptor SD 54”.
My cub was having multiple issues. Steering bushing failed, oil leaks, muffler has a big hole, multiple other repairs through the years. I’m super excited about my raptor. Mine was delivered with a full tank of gas. Nice video! I made a video last summer about my cub.
Congratulations! Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet.
Come join us at the BigDog & Hustler Owner Enthusiasts Group in Facebook. Here is the link. facebook.com/groups/BigDogandHustlerOwnerEnthusiasts/
I bought a 2018 raptor limited in April 2018. It is now June and I only have 7.7 hours on it because it has been unusually dry here in Southwest loisiana
I bought a raptor limited in April 2018 . It only has 7.7 hrs. On it in June. It has been unusually dry here in Southwest Loisiana.i've used it enough to know that I love this mower.the troybilt 42" lawn tractor I had worked good but with arthritis in my shoulders it worked the hell out I
Of me and I was worn out after mowing an acre.that 52" raptor cut my time in half it doesn't even feel like I'm working. I can never go back to a steering wheel. It is truly a pleasure to use.i can really relate to everything you said about the old mower and the new 2018 raptor limited
I agree, it is hard to put hours on these because it cuts mowing time so much! The evolution of ZTM is on par from going from an electric adding machine to a computer. Thanks for watching!
I live in texas and i bought a hustler SD and love it!!! You got a good mower. You'll get the hang of it.
USA 🇺🇸
Woke my wife up from laughing so hard for 10 minutes straight and to the point of tears. She thought something was wrong then got tickled at me laughing. Then I shared your little slip at 13:22 and now we’re both laughing and crying. Even the dogs started barking and howling... good times! Other than that, thanks for the info. I believe I’ll be buying one tomorrow. 🤙
You made my day Kyle! Life needs a little laughter.
I am originally from Pittsburgh . My granddaughter calls me Pap. I went to the dealer today to buy a Raptor Limited. What a bunch of coincidences. LOL!
Great minds think alike n'at. Thanks for watching!
USA 🇺🇸
Why does this video look like it was shot in 1988? 🤣 Seriously though, good information muchacho. I've owned my Raptor for 6 years and it's the best mower I've owned.
Good eye! This video was shot with an actual digital camera. A Nikon Coolpix with an aspect ratio far different than a cell phone camera or TV camera lens which we are all getting used to seeing. Thank you for watching!
Great job with your video. I enjoyed it!
Thank you for watching! Check out my other videos.
got a 54 inch hustler with kowasaci 22 horse 4 years ago . mow 2 aceres wish i had it 20 years ago and 3 junkers earlier
I am in my 3rd season with mine and it is everything I hoped it would be! This is a fun group to join for repair tips, conversation, and a fair amount of BS. facebook.com/groups/HustlerMowerOwners/
After much research, my husband just purchased a Hustler Raptor from the closest dealer - Brooksville, Florida. He chuckled on and off while watching your entire video. I hope your health is holding up Pap and I'm pleased to know that the exhaust will not blow in his face as he mows.
Doing pretty good! Thanks for watching. Best of luck with hubby's new ride!
I really enjoy ur video. Great reviews...
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
13:22 Dude shits his pants!
Just "Marking my Territory" lol
He got scared! Damn, Limited Hustler Raptor 😂😂😂😂😂😂 LMFAO !!!
This all sounds too familiar. ha I have about a 14 year old Cub that I bought from the previous owner of the house. Well, I think he let his 12 year old son mow with it so he didn't baby it at ALL and we live in a rocky area (rocky in a sense the ground is not greatly smooth, but grass is ok). Anyway, I am sick and tired of fixing things on it every time I mow. Pulleys going out, deck cracks and dents, some starting issues. Steering going out and having to break it down and rebuild it. Well I'm the same as you, I'm tired of it. So I'm getting a zero turn. I'm going to be getting the Hustler Rapter 52" with a kawasaki. A good friend of mine owns a large lawn care business here in Central AR and he recommended Hustler with the Kawasaki. So sounds like your research backs that up as well.
Thank you for watching, no issues with mine now that I have 100 hours. I hope you have a dealer nearby, Hustler had a sale last spring that can save you a few bucks if they do it again. Spring for the "limited" extra features if you can. Those front spring forks and better seat are great on rough areas.
@@sixty9harleyPittsburghPAP Yeah I'm really leaning towards the front spring forks. I can get those and install them myself looks like and not have to go up to a more expensive unit. Oh and I plan on installing an hour meter which the standard Raptor doesn't have I don't believe.
So I'm in Australia, and we have available the Raptor, and the Raptor SD. Your webpage suggested that the Raptor Limited sits between those two.
What does the SD have that that limited doesn't, and is it much of a step up from the Limited to the SD?
The SD is a stronger frame and next better hydo drives. If I had more than 2 acres the SD is the better choice.
Yes,🌼 allabout.wiki/Hustler the bag fills up pretty quickly when there are lots of leaves and I guess that is expected. It is quick to take the leaf catching bag off and put it back on. There is one bar with rubber ends that fits into a slot (bottom), one bar with angled ends that hangs on rubber hooks (top), and two stretchy loops that each hang on a rubber hook (one each side). You can hold the leaf catching bag with one hand full and not drop any leaves. It is NOT easy to empty it into a lawn bag without spilling. My trick: I put two lawn bags side-by-side in a large garbage bin and emptied the leaf catching bag into them. What spills falls into the garbage bin. 90% of the leaves end up in the bags this way with 0% back on the lawn.
They are sweet machines! There is a "Hustler owners group" Facebook page that is very useful for questions, problems, advice, or just hanging out with other owners.
Have you had any issues with the deck mechanisms? I have seen where others have had issues with bolts and nuts getting loose and even breaking in some instances. People are saying it is a defect with these mowers
When I was reading reviews I read about owners having spindle issues, Not installed properly. I only have 4 hours on mine to date and have had no issues. Since it is under warranty I am not concerned. So far it has been flawless!
Johnny Carroll I did...they bend rather easily..I had a representative from Hustler tell me these mowers are for the small urban properties...certainly not rough terrain.
@ Phillip Hudnall I really like this ZTR and almost bought it but that deck design was a deal breaker for me. Didn’t want something breaking and falling apart soon after I buy it
@Pittsburgh Pap check your deck bolts and nuts to make sure they’re not loose. Others have said early around 5-10 hrs of use is when it starts
I can't stop laughing at 13:22 OMG!
Teddy Sras I think he shit his pants!
Brandon J my wife said did the guy just fucking fart? Lmao
Lmao...that was funny
I ran over my trailer first time on my Raptor but now all is good.
Glad I watched your video, going out to check for loose bolts!
Good video, now I need one, lol.
Yes you do! Thank you for watching. Size your ride to the job. Anything over two acres you should go bigger than the Limited
a lot easier to drive once used to espacally when you use both at same time we have a 2019 hustler 60 in hyper drive and a older super z you can run 10 mph easy with older super z 16 with the hyper drive
USA 🇺🇸
I bought a competing brand zturn last April after using a standard 42" rider for years. And boy do the zturns take practice as a couple of bent fence posts and mangled shrubs should attest. But, what a difference in mowing time. It went from 20 minutes to less than ten. This time of year cutting grass at 3 1/2" seems to conserve water or at least the lawn stays greener when it's longer. Also had a few extra bucks and hired one of those national lawn care companies in April to fertilize and provide weed control to get the "perfect" lawn for the first time ever. Never again as it cost $300 to apply about $80 worth of product and I don't see any improvement. None!
I here ya on the bent posts, I just bent the siding off the house corner!
Yeah, ten minutes of mowing time on a freakin zero turn, what does that tell you brainiac? Get off you deadass and walk it with a self propelled mower.
Try running one for 3&1/2 hours straight, that’s when you need a zero.
Nice fart buddy LMAO
The hardest thing to do with a zero turn is when you get in trouble you have to let go of the levers.
If you have 2 acres to mow..you're probably gonna wish you'd bought a little more mower...I Had a Raptor for a couple months about 4-5 yes ago...Just wasn't enough mower for me and wouldn't hold up..Traded it in for a Fast Trak SD..which is IMO the mower you probably should have went with or possibly a Raptor SD.Hopefully that's a really smooth 2 acres you have...Good luck!
After some time with your mower are you still satisfied?
Yes, I am satisfied. It is a quality product.
Getting mine next week
@@TheLuvthestones Took mine out yesterday after a long winter's nap. Started right up. Pulled my lawn roller for an hour. Love it.
Did you get one as planned?
Was that Mt Pleasant Mls Pa ?
Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County Pennsylvania, www.propowerequip.com/
👍
Come join us at the BigDog & Hustler Owner Enthusiasts Group in Facebook. Here is the link. facebook.com/groups/BigDogandHustlerOwnerEnthusiasts/
Once you go to a zero turn you will never go back.
Amen!
can you put a bager on it
Yes, your dealer or Lowes will sell you one for around $700.
He did @ 13:22 LMFAO !!!
Dukes of Hazzard
After all if a man don't grow, he dies.
-Boss Hogg
dont use revarse often unless you need to
Why?
Well got some bad news there not the only 1s with fabricated decks!
At 13:22 dude cuts a massive fart.....I MEAN HUGE
Well shit, no wonder that Cub is struggling, Set those front tires straight... Not only is the cub struggling and wearing the shit out of the belts, tires and you fighting it to go straight... Holy smokes, hope you at least maintain the new one properly.
I had aligned it 3 weeks prior (video on my channel) . I found out later the frame was cracked.
13:22 he shits his pants!!
Actually you should have bought a Gravely..IMO lol!
Funny you should say that. I grew up with a 36" Gravely walk behind with sulky on this property from 1963-72. We had the rotary plow, and cultivator attachments, and knew where to borrow a log saw. THAT was an awesome machine, except the sulky seat taking the skin off my knuckles. In one of my Dad's less lucid moments he gave it all away.
So the tree jumped in front of you. Really??
You saw that too? Dang trees!
I don’t think that was the mower @13:22...
He stepped on a frog
Did u fart at 13:23
He got scared! Damn, Limited Hustler Raptor 😂😂😂😂😂😂 LMFAO !!!
😂
🤣
Why bother cutting it at all? The lawn is 90% weed. Torch it and start over.
I will never claim to have a lawn, it is a well used and loved 100 year old yard, pasture, Vegetable garden, parking lot, ball field, volleyball court, orchard, ground hog hunting, mole ridden, deer poop, fox den, turkey grazing, ankle twisting, two acre chunk of open area that needs mowed.
Kubota every day
$5K more every day