My issues have absolutely nothing to do with maintenance. Broken hydro brackets that were WAY to thin. Paint flaking off the deck due to a known paint issue.
My Raptor SD 54 was built in ‘15, has 490 hours on it and I just bought and swapped out the hydro brackets. The cross member was changed out a couple of years ago. I really like my unit! I cut about 8 acres once a week and the lawns always look nice. I’m happy with the one I have and wanted to share my thoughts. God bless you and your business! God save the Republic!
Coincidentally, my property is also a little over 8 acres with a mixture of grasses. I am pretty tough on machinery, but diligent on maintenance. My Raptor SD 60" was manufactured in 2016, purchased in 2017 and has been in steady use. I replace the transmission oil and filters around 150 and I am soon to replace them again at 450. No problems, just preventative. Kohler 7000 Series; replaced ignition modules last year. I have replaced all the spindles. I buy the bearings and replace them when they get noisy. I will be retrofitting my spindles with zirk fittings this season. All my deck spindles have been replaced. I became aware of the hydro bracket problem early on and have closely monitored the bolt torques and haven't had any problems. Would I buy it again. Yes. 🙂 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 1991. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life.
Gravely is a great seller here as well. I think all of the big companies make good machines...... really comes down to the dealer in most cases. Thanks bro.
Great review my friend, Picked up my brand new X-One over the weekend. Got the 27HP Kawasaki with the VX deck. My wife is mad because I cut our grass 4 times this weekend. Centipedegrass did not stand a chance. Looks like you are growing your business nicely. Honesty and reliability always wins long term. Keep up the good work. In a year or two I want to start a small business after I retire so the info you are presenting is very helpful.
I’ve had 3 hustler ZTRs in recent years. They get worse with every new model. Had the hydro-drive brackets replaced, cracked fenders, severe vibration noise etc etc, etc. I have found that Hustler will work with you until they decide not to. My case was escalated to Nick (Sr. product representative). After failed attempts at a repair, Nick would not return any phone calls. The case was then escalated to the next level (Ken Coker). Ken provides nothing more than lip service. He did call me once. When I provided video proof of the complaint, he failed to ever contact me again. The mower is still under warranty, the dealer will not do anything more and tells me that Hustler will not do anything more. I would never touch another Hustler mower, ever. Hustler will not honor the warranty if it is not a very simple problem. Either they don't know, or don't care about fixing a customer's mower.
Great video brother! I love the 12" wide tires...that is my biggest issue with the Toro I have (9.5" tires). I also notice the same thing with cutting Bahia, that it seems to struggle much more even with sharpened blades. I am very much leaning toward selling the Toro to purchase something else next season, but will see how that goes🤷♂️. Closing in on 1k buddy, awesome!👍👊💪🎉
Yes, I had to have those replaced. Took care of it under warranty. I e sold that mower but the guy who bought it loves it and cuts just about every day with it.
Found a hack to slow down the top end, 7-5mph. I cut a couple of pieces of old garden hose just long enough to fit snug in the slot ahead of the drive levers. Slit lengthwise, slip them in. Great for tight work or bumpy conditions.
I had to replace three sets of wheel motor brackets before hustler got it right but it was covered under warranty. I have nothing but nice things to say about hustler. I have about 600 hours on my machine and I have the SD and it is a 2018 model the same year as yours, but with a 60 inch deck on it with a 24 hp Kawasaki. I use it on all of my yards is very easy to maintain as well. I like being able to do my own maintenance and work on my own equipment. Very simple to work on. Blades are a little expensive though.
Same here. Once I got the last generation of brackets they held up well. I ended up selling mine once I bought the Super S. I still have 4 Hustlers and love them.
Well I am not that familiar with the Fasttrack, but it looks to be a solid mower. The X One is a nice machine but I am not sure of the availability or the price difference. It does come with a decent warranty. I would definitely get the biggest engine available, unless you don't cut any thick grass.
Oh 20 more to 1K. I hope to get a zero turn one day if I get bigger yards. I do use my brother's from time to time. Seems like you took care of the mower and it took care of you. Oh I thought it was commercial. The back kind of looks beefy. I understand why you wouldn't buy it again cause you have big yards. Great video buddy.
Mowing yesterday, Hustler Raptor SD quit moving forward, won't go backward either. What can I check first? Had to tow it back into the carport. P.S. Also, sometimes won't start-- won't crank, nothing-- turn the key "ON" but no clicks, just silence. Readjusted the safety cut-off switches on both arm controls, so not sure what it is this time.
I'd guess the rive belt is off or broken......it could very well be from a broken hydro bracket. look at back tires from the rear, if one of them is leaning, it is definitively a broken bracket.
I have a 2013 it has 1023 hrs on it i mow my yard which is 4 1/2 acres. Yes it has broken the hydro bracket which my friend to to his machine shop and really beefed it up never another problem.I just got a new toro 50" with my ride suspention . Istill prefer the hustler, should have got another Hustler.
I know you shouldn't have to but if you buy a new mower pull spindles out and remove top seal on bearings. Makes them truly greasable, just replaced mine after 850 hours.
I agree... the Hustler Raptor zero turn 54" I bought is junk!! Washers breaking... yes I have never broke a washer! because it is not quality cold steel... it is cheap cast metal... transaxle brackets broke 6-8 times... even the newer replacement bracket kit... bolts loosen up,,, fall out and then the belt scorches and needs replacement... it melts the plastic transaxle fan blades... just a pile a crap...
You know I consider that. I have read that if the ground is really rough, and we have some like that, the flex provides more opportunities for scalping.....we tend to cut grass pretty low here 2.5 inches.
I have an '18 Raptor SD - Kohler 7000 - Sometimes run the mulch kit. Mostly don't. We have a beautiful, quite, and heavenly 4 1/2 acres and not one level spot anywhere on the property. Upstate NY, Southern Tier Rural riverfront property. Very uneven terrain, rocks (big'uns!) constantly erupt. Tree roots get exposed. Just passed 300 hours. I personally have only ever done basic routine maintenance. I had 2 spindles go bad but that was Warranted due to a "Manufacture Defect" where Excel claims to have sourced the spindle from. The "tracking" for the handlebars goes shitty every so often and I need to align them. Other than that, it's been a BEAST!! Best $4k I've ever spent! I have very few complaints, if any, worth mentioning. Shock absorbers would be nice but probably a very expensive proposition. I am 6', 230#'s. I wish the decking above the mower deck was about 5"-8" longer. I end up slouched down in the seat after an extended mowing session. Seriously, those are my gripes. It does clog in wet, thick grass but I have my long stick right on the deck. I just have to lean over and Ffftt. Fffftt. Fffftt. I keep the discharge chute elevated with a complex yet elegant series of zip-ties. As long as I keep that thick stick out of the blades, life is good! Gas hog but it's a really powerful machine so it balances out. For residential use like mine along with towing a garden sized trailer every so often there is NO REASON this should not be, realistically, a 15-20 year machine. It's a tank that really requires basic, easy to perform maintenance. I suspect those folks that are having such serious problems and Hustler not breaking their backs to help you and get you back on the machine ASAP are not giving us the entire story. The machine is tough but NOT indestructible. We also cannot be too mad at Excel Industries if they deny a claim because you rolled the bastard
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 yes sir! Don't you know that stuff will grow anywhere there is sun☀️and temperatures in the upper 90's 🤷♂️only Bahia can grow in those crazy conditions🤣...fortunately we only have a handful of Bahia yards. We have Centipede, St. Augustine, Burmuda, Carpet Grass , Zosia and of course Bahia grass . I'm editing an overgrown Bahia grass property video right now.
I almost bought one of these but waited a few years. Maybe I expect too much but you shouldn’t have to pay for the bracket kits and dealer install. That pretty much tells you that it’s poor engineering and just plain greed. Not to mention using the customer to test their products.
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 That’s awesome that they made it right. I always thought that they were a good brand. I only live about 50 miles from the factory so they are everywhere here in Kansas.
Well I'll tell you what Hustler is not a waste of money to me why don't you come down here in Florida and we'll show you how these Hustlers run you guys are up north where it's cooler we're down here in the Heat and all the terrain will show you how to work I have a hustler and I wouldn't buy anything else the only thing that comes close to it is my grasshopper all the other mowers you can take and you know what you can do with them
Mine is 5 years old with 154 hours on the clock. I'm currently replacing ALL the hydro brackets. This will be my LAST product from Hustler or Big Dog! GARBAGE! You have had the same issue multiple times and discount the issue. That is inexcusable!
This video is so old that I am not sure what I said 🤣. However the dealer made it right and Hustler rectified the problem with a better bracket. I'm 4 Hustlers deep now.
Hustler is a great mower and people who bad mouth the product need to realize machines need maintenance
Right!
My issues have absolutely nothing to do with maintenance. Broken hydro brackets that were WAY to thin. Paint flaking off the deck due to a known paint issue.
@@WeSRT4 cry like a bitch hustler is top of the line I love mine
My Raptor SD 54 was built in ‘15, has 490 hours on it and I just bought and swapped out the hydro brackets. The cross member was changed out a couple of years ago. I really like my unit! I cut about 8 acres once a week and the lawns always look nice. I’m happy with the one I have and wanted to share my thoughts. God bless you and your business! God save the Republic!
Good to hear Nathan. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you my friend.
Coincidentally, my property is also a little over 8 acres with a mixture of grasses. I am pretty tough on machinery, but diligent on maintenance. My Raptor SD 60" was manufactured in 2016, purchased in 2017 and has been in steady use. I replace the transmission oil and filters around 150 and I am soon to replace them again at 450. No problems, just preventative.
Kohler 7000 Series; replaced ignition modules last year.
I have replaced all the spindles. I buy the bearings and replace them when they get noisy. I will be retrofitting my spindles with zirk fittings this season.
All my deck spindles have been replaced.
I became aware of the hydro bracket problem early on and have closely monitored the bolt torques and haven't had any problems.
Would I buy it again. Yes. 🙂
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 1991. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life.
Gravley guy here , but I love the hustler Xone. My best friend has one with 800 hours on it and it’s still rolling good. Good content bro!
Gravely is a great seller here as well. I think all of the big companies make good machines...... really comes down to the dealer in most cases. Thanks bro.
Great review my friend, Picked up my brand new X-One over the weekend. Got the 27HP Kawasaki with the VX deck. My wife is mad because I cut our grass 4 times this weekend. Centipedegrass did not stand a chance. Looks like you are growing your business nicely. Honesty and reliability always wins long term. Keep up the good work. In a year or two I want to start a small business after I retire so the info you are presenting is very helpful.
Love my X-One. Our business has definitely been blessed. Thanks for stopping by. Take it easy on that centipede 😂
I’ve had 3 hustler ZTRs in recent years. They get worse with every new model. Had the hydro-drive brackets replaced, cracked fenders, severe vibration noise etc etc, etc. I have found that Hustler will work with you until they decide not to. My case was escalated to Nick (Sr. product representative). After failed attempts at a repair, Nick would not return any phone calls. The case was then escalated to the next level (Ken Coker). Ken provides nothing more than lip service. He did call me once. When I provided video proof of the complaint, he failed to ever contact me again. The mower is still under warranty, the dealer will not do anything more and tells me that Hustler will not do anything more. I would never touch another Hustler mower, ever. Hustler will not honor the warranty if it is not a very simple problem. Either they don't know, or don't care about fixing a customer's mower.
Oh wow, that is terrible......definitely hasn't been my experience. If that does become an issue, I'll move on to a new brand.
Yep, excel industries is putting out some trash!
😳
Great video brother! I love the 12" wide tires...that is my biggest issue with the Toro I have (9.5" tires). I also notice the same thing with cutting Bahia, that it seems to struggle much more even with sharpened blades. I am very much leaning toward selling the Toro to purchase something else next season, but will see how that goes🤷♂️. Closing in on 1k buddy, awesome!👍👊💪🎉
Big footprint definitely makes a difference......
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 Amen💯💯👍
Great, honest review
Thanks buddy 💪
Mick. Svenson Mowing Sunshine Coast Australia just watching Your Vlogs cheers Mick.
Thanks Mick 💪
Appreciate the review
You're welcome! Thanks!
I run this full-time great mower gator blades are a must with this mower replace hydro center brace asap it goes first then your other mounts
Yes, I had to have those replaced. Took care of it under warranty. I e sold that mower but the guy who bought it loves it and cuts just about every day with it.
Found a hack to slow down the top end, 7-5mph. I cut a couple of pieces of old garden hose just long enough to fit snug in the slot ahead of the drive levers. Slit lengthwise, slip them in.
Great for tight work or bumpy conditions.
Nice. Mine has a bolt you can adjust as well but I haven't tried it. Thanks!
I had to replace three sets of wheel motor brackets before hustler got it right but it was covered under warranty. I have nothing but nice things to say about hustler. I have about 600 hours on my machine and I have the SD and it is a 2018 model the same year as yours, but with a 60 inch deck on it with a 24 hp Kawasaki. I use it on all of my yards is very easy to maintain as well. I like being able to do my own maintenance and work on my own equipment. Very simple to work on. Blades are a little expensive though.
Same here. Once I got the last generation of brackets they held up well. I ended up selling mine once I bought the Super S. I still have 4 Hustlers and love them.
I would like to ask your thoughts on the new Fasttrack SDX. Looking for one with either the 54 or 60" deck and the Kawie 691 or 7something engine.
Well I am not that familiar with the Fasttrack, but it looks to be a solid mower. The X One is a nice machine but I am not sure of the availability or the price difference. It does come with a decent warranty. I would definitely get the biggest engine available, unless you don't cut any thick grass.
Looks like it has served you well.
Yes sir......still running it 😁. Gonna get all I can out of it.
great reveiw i have one just like it everything you said was dead on good reveiw
Thanks 👊
Oh 20 more to 1K. I hope to get a zero turn one day if I get bigger yards. I do use my brother's from time to time. Seems like you took care of the mower and it took care of you. Oh I thought it was commercial. The back kind of looks beefy. I understand why you wouldn't buy it again cause you have big yards. Great video buddy.
It's a great mower for under an acre, but in those 2+ acres, it does the job but nothing like the X-One or the Super Z.
16 more to 1k + however many I lose between now and then 😂
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 Yea that Super Z is my favorite. That thing is quick also.
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 Oh sweet only 16 more. You must have gained 4 tonight. Can't wait till you are at 1K I'm excited for you buddy.
Yes it is 15-16 mph
Mowing yesterday, Hustler Raptor SD quit moving forward, won't go backward either. What can I check first? Had to tow it back into the carport. P.S. Also, sometimes won't start-- won't crank, nothing-- turn the key "ON" but no clicks, just silence. Readjusted the safety cut-off switches on both arm controls, so not sure what it is this time.
I'd guess the rive belt is off or broken......it could very well be from a broken hydro bracket. look at back tires from the rear, if one of them is leaning, it is definitively a broken bracket.
Can I safely lift up the back end of Hustler Raptor SD-- if so, where to place the jack stands?
I have never tried lifting mine. I always back it up onto car ramps, but that's not going to work if you have to change a hydro bracket......
Did you change transmission fluid on a regular basis?
Changed at 75 hours and 250 or 300.... whatever the book called for.
Quick question for you… Does the Super Jack V2 work on the Raptor SD?
I'm not sure. I sold that mower before I bought the jack. If you're on FB, check out one of the Hustler Mower groups. I'm sure they would know.
Where did you get the deck height labels at I have a raptor sd 54” deck
I think I bought it on ebay. I just googled "Hustler Raptor Deck Height Indicator" or something like that and found the label and bought it.
I have a 2013 it has 1023 hrs on it i mow my yard which is 4 1/2 acres. Yes it has broken the hydro bracket which my friend to to his machine shop and really beefed it up never another problem.I just got a new toro 50" with my ride suspention . Istill prefer the hustler, should have got another Hustler.
I sold this particular mower, but I have 4 more Hustler's 😁
Good review. Turns out "greasing" mowers is a scam. Most of the bearings are 'sealed'.
That seems to be the case......I've even heard greasing can insulated and therefore generate more heat 🙄
I know you shouldn't have to but if you buy a new mower pull spindles out and remove top seal on bearings. Makes them truly greasable, just replaced mine after 850 hours.
Interesting
I agree... the Hustler Raptor zero turn 54" I bought is junk!! Washers breaking... yes I have never broke a washer! because it is not quality cold steel... it is cheap cast metal... transaxle brackets broke 6-8 times... even the newer replacement bracket kit... bolts loosen up,,, fall out and then the belt scorches and needs replacement... it melts the plastic transaxle fan blades... just a pile a crap...
😳
I have a raptor sd 60 in and I am quit happy with it i gave 2500 used with 168 hours its was well maintained i cut 6 achers with it
Nice. I liked mine but we cut too much grass every week. Had to get a couple of bigger mowers.
Sticker is on the left side of the frame.
Above '54'. 😂
I was just testing you 😂
Get a Hustler Fastrak for commercial applications.
Fastrak is definitely a good mower. I actually have a X One, Super Z, and Super S.
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 I added the flex forks for even more comfort!
You know I consider that. I have read that if the ground is really rough, and we have some like that, the flex provides more opportunities for scalping.....we tend to cut grass pretty low here 2.5 inches.
My ground is really rough and the flex forks make it easy. I have mine set at 4 inches so scalping isn't a problem.
I can see how that would work well for you.
You said it. Have young guys running these. They look like they have been abused a lot. They abuse the hell out of them.
One speed......wide open 😂
I have an '18 Raptor SD - Kohler 7000 - Sometimes run the mulch kit. Mostly don't. We have a beautiful, quite, and heavenly 4 1/2 acres and not one level spot anywhere on the property. Upstate NY, Southern Tier Rural riverfront property. Very uneven terrain, rocks (big'uns!) constantly erupt. Tree roots get exposed. Just passed 300 hours. I personally have only ever done basic routine maintenance. I had 2 spindles go bad but that was Warranted due to a "Manufacture Defect" where Excel claims to have sourced the spindle from. The "tracking" for the handlebars goes shitty every so often and I need to align them. Other than that, it's been a BEAST!! Best $4k I've ever spent! I have very few complaints, if any, worth mentioning. Shock absorbers would be nice but probably a very expensive proposition. I am 6', 230#'s. I wish the decking above the mower deck was about 5"-8" longer. I end up slouched down in the seat after an extended mowing session. Seriously, those are my gripes. It does clog in wet, thick grass but I have my long stick right on the deck. I just have to lean over and Ffftt. Fffftt. Fffftt. I keep the discharge chute elevated with a complex yet elegant series of zip-ties. As long as I keep that thick stick out of the blades, life is good! Gas hog but it's a really powerful machine so it balances out. For residential use like mine along with towing a garden sized trailer every so often there is NO REASON this should not be, realistically, a 15-20 year machine. It's a tank that really requires basic, easy to perform maintenance. I suspect those folks that are having such serious problems and Hustler not breaking their backs to help you and get you back on the machine ASAP are not giving us the entire story. The machine is tough but NOT indestructible. We also cannot be too mad at Excel Industries if they deny a claim because you rolled the bastard
Hustler warranty has been very good to me....... I suspect a lot of this also depends on the dealer.
Mine the red pto switch keeps going out.
Oh wow. I never had any problems with mine but I sold it at like 340 hours
Bahia grass is the worst🤐good review 😎👍
Man y'all got Bahia in Louisiana 😳
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 yes sir! Don't you know that stuff will grow anywhere there is sun☀️and temperatures in the upper 90's 🤷♂️only Bahia can grow in those crazy conditions🤣...fortunately we only have a handful of Bahia yards. We have Centipede, St. Augustine, Burmuda, Carpet Grass , Zosia and of course Bahia grass . I'm editing an overgrown Bahia grass property video right now.
Man that stuff is a blade killer...... it's 80% of what I cut 🙄
I almost bought one of these but waited a few years. Maybe I expect too much but you shouldn’t have to pay for the bracket kits and dealer install. That pretty much tells you that it’s poor engineering and just plain greed. Not to mention using the customer to test their products.
Well the dealer did cover it under warranty but for me it's the hassle of it being down.
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 That’s awesome that they made it right. I always thought that they were a good brand. I only live about 50 miles from the factory so they are everywhere here in Kansas.
Oh wow, I bet they are being that you're that close. I have sold that mower but I'm still have 3 Hustlers.
Well I'll tell you what Hustler is not a waste of money to me why don't you come down here in Florida and we'll show you how these Hustlers run you guys are up north where it's cooler we're down here in the Heat and all the terrain will show you how to work I have a hustler and I wouldn't buy anything else the only thing that comes close to it is my grasshopper all the other mowers you can take and you know what you can do with them
Buddy, I own 3 other Hustlers besides this one, you don't have to convince me 😁
Trust me I would put my Hustler up against any other machine
Me too buddy
@@charlesstillsonjr.1000 are they better than Kubota
Mine is 5 years old with 154 hours on the clock. I'm currently replacing ALL the hydro brackets. This will be my LAST product from Hustler or Big Dog! GARBAGE! You have had the same issue multiple times and discount the issue. That is inexcusable!
This video is so old that I am not sure what I said 🤣. However the dealer made it right and Hustler rectified the problem with a better bracket. I'm 4 Hustlers deep now.
@@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630 I understand, I think I'm about to pull the trigger on a Bad Boy Maverick HD
Total junk! Hustler will not get my money on my next mower!
I don't have this one anymore, but I do have 4 more of them. I love them!