Do decks dive with flex forks?

[rob7233]

I have read so many favorable comment on the new flex forks but a mechanic for another manufacture says that in school everyone commented on how they would cause the front of the mower deck to dive down and NOT give a smooth quality cut.

In theory, I can see this happening over a large dip or something but how did the real world testing/results address this issue ?? Also, How has the quality of cut changed with this new design? Thanks

[mowerconsultant]

but a mechanic for another manufacture says


He does not have experience with them.
There are many people here on LS that will give you a report on them.
They are absolutely the best accessory you can put on a mower.

Pj

[mowerconsultant]

Also, How has the quality of cut changed with this new design? Thanks

I assume you are talking about the XR-7 deck design.
We tested this deck design and refined it over almost 3 years, and we tested in every part of the country and in every type of condition.
It is the absolute best cutting deck we have ever put on a mower, and likely any other mfg (but I am a bit biased there...lol...lol...)
Have your dealer demo one to you, you will see what I am talking about.

[puppypaws]

I have read so many favorable comment on the new flex forks but a mechanic for another manufacture says that in school everyone commented on how they would cause the front of the mower deck to dive down and NOT give a smooth quality cut.

In theory, I can see this happening over a large dip or something but how did the real world testing/results address this issue ?? Also, How has the quality of cut changed with this new design? ThanksSome of the time I think this world is stuck on stupid, how is it possible for a mechanical school to tell its students about a flaw in something they have absolutely no knowledge in. I was the first one in my area to have the flex forks on the new 66" XR-7 Hustler and I can tell you from knowledge and experience (not how I would like for people to think because my competition is so far ahead of my product) that this is one of this best features ever added to a mower. I picked up a set for a friend yesterday to install on his 2005 27/60 and he told me last night he could tell a tremendous difference in ride and cut of the mower. I cut 15 acres a week of my personal property and I promise you there is absolutely no comparison in the way this mower cuts and rides next to the 2005 27/60 I had previously. What I am telling you is coming from experience with the flex forks not from what someone else has told me or thinks, and believe me experience is the best teacher for anything you do because opinions are no good from anyone who has not had experience with anything they are trying to comment on.

[nmurph]

I have read so many favorable comment on the new flex forks but a mechanic for another manufacture says that in school everyone commented on how they would cause the front of the mower deck to dive down and NOT give a smooth quality cut.

In theory, I can see this happening over a large dip or something but how did the real world testing/results address this issue ?? Also, How has the quality of cut changed with this new design? Thanks


now, let's think about this for a moment. have you ever heard of one competitor putting another down???????? nah, i didn't think so!!!!!!!!!!!
one thing i will say about the Hustler forum is that we generally stick to singing the praises of our machines. we don't have time to harp on what the other guys are, or aren't doing.
keep up the GREAT work Hustler.

[lazer9284]

I have purchased these flex forks and used them for about 2 weeks, the guy in the mechanic class is right. if you stop abruptly the front of the deck WILL leave "crop circles" where the blades or deck goes into the turf.
I thought it was something i did wrong with installation but went back to my dealer(commercial lawn) they said it was correct.... used for a couple more days and returned them. It can make a mess if you are not smooth driver(some of the help can be ruff).That was my experience... yours may be different.
:

[puppypaws]

I have purchased these flex forks and used them for about 2 weeks, the guy in the mechanic class is right. if you stop abruptly the front of the deck WILL leave "crop circles" where the blades or deck goes into the turf.
I thought it was something i did wrong with installation but went back to my dealer(commercial lawn) they said it was correct.... used for a couple more days and returned them. It can make a mess if you are not smooth driver(some of the help can be ruff).That was my experience... yours may be different.
:Check the air pressure in the tires mine came with 15 lbs. in them I dropped every tire to 10 lbs. I promise you your help cannot run a mower any harder than I do and I mow in every condition there is on my farm and have never had anything but perfect results with this mower. You are the first one I have heard complain about this problem and there is no way to know how many sets are being run now but it is probably in the thousands. Lets see if anyone else is noticing any problems all I have heard is praises.

[Nes-Tech]

I have a commercial cutter who tried them for the first time this week. He called me the first day.... He purposely left me hanging for a minute to make me sweat...LOL. Anyway he agrees that they are great and well worth the money. It makes a huge improvement in ride quality and in the back at day's end!

[rob7233]

Are you all running the flex forks with the standard pneumatic tires ?? What difference would you have or expect with the Semi-pneumatic (NO-Flat)tires that Hustler offers??

[lazer9284]

Ther is no doubt the ride improves.... but if it can leave marks in the turf on turns or abrupt stops... i dont care how smooth the ride is, I will not loose account because of it.
The mower cuts good as it comes stock, and thats how mine is. by the way at 10psi in the fronts if you curb hop you will blow the bead on the tire at some point during the day. I keep mine at 15psi
and on my exmarks they all have semi pneumatic on them.
Also i bought a 60inch exmark with the triton deck in feb, but grass hasnt grown much, so havent been in heavy stuff yet, any one using one now?
My dealer (commercial lawn) really pushed me in that direction because i already have some exmark and he says it is a lot better than the old exmark deck. feedback please.

[TLS]

Are they calibrated differently by deck size?

If not, a set on a 52" deck would have a higher ride height than a set on a 72" deck, right?

I'm more worried about side hill leaning on the lower side.

I cant comment much more until I try them, but I'd like to see Hustler squeeze a 15" front tire in their forks.....for that matter a 26" rear tire too! Bigger tires give a smoother ride.

[lawnspecialties]

Man, I almost don't want to comment here because I feel like I'll be knocking my favorite mowing machine ever owned. But, I have to admit, the flex forks have been sort of a disappointment.

Yep, they can leave some sweet "crop circles" in a yard. Three perfectly round circles in sort of a triangle pattern and I'm cutting fescue at 3.5 - 4.0 inches. Another thing is sway to one side when making a circle. The deck will definitely slant and when you make your next pass beside that last one, there is a very noticeable difference.

Are the flex forks a good thing? Absolutely for some here on lawnsite. Me personally, I'm probably going to switch mine back to the standard forks and drop back down to about 8 - 10 psi on the fronts. My recommendation? See if you can test them out a couple of days. Your mowing style may be perfect for them.

Hey, I've had a lot of different brands of mowers and as far as I'm concerned, I'll always buy Hustlers. Especially if the flex forks are an "option". :)

[puppypaws]

Man, I almost don't want to comment here because I feel like I'll be knocking my favorite mowing machine ever owned. But, I have to admit, the flex forks have been sort of a disappointment.

Yep, they can leave some sweet "crop circles" in a yard. Three perfectly round circles in sort of a triangle pattern and I'm cutting fescue at 3.5 - 4.0 inches. Another thing is sway to one side when making a circle. The deck will definitely slant and when you make your next pass beside that last one, there is a very noticeable difference.

Are the flex forks a good thing? Absolutely for some here on lawnsite. Me personally, I'm probably going to switch mine back to the standard forks and drop back down to about 8 - 10 psi on the fronts. My recommendation? See if you can test them out a couple of days. Your mowing style may be perfect for them.

Hey, I've had a lot of different brands of mowers and as far as I'm concerned, I'll always buy Hustlers. Especially if the flex forks are an "option". :) Try them with 10 lbs. of air pressure in every tire before you take them off. I don't know which Hustler you are running but the extended length on the XR-7 frame could make a difference because you are not able to put as much weight on the very front of the mower because you sit a little farther back. I know mine was delivered with 15 lbs. of air in the tires and I could see from the very beginning that the flex forks did not need as much up and down motion as it had to get a good ride so I let the air down to 10 lbs. in every tire and this put some of the shock back into the tires and kept the flex forks from having to over work for nothing. I would say there has to be something different because everyone in this part of the country thinks they are the best feature ever put on a zero turn mower.

[TLS]

Could Hustler design a way to "PIN" them when you want them solid? Then when your on a rougher lawn, just unpin them and enjoy the ride.

[lazer9284]

good post I was startong to think it was just me with the crop circle thing:confused:

[cbelawn]

Only mowed 1 week with the Flex Forks but i have to say they are great for my back. As i am rolling accross a lawn and see all the bumps being obsorbed by the forks i know i would be feeling every one of them. As far a marks, i don't see it, guess i slow down when i turn......

[lawnspecialties]

Try them with 10 lbs. of air pressure in every tire before you take them off. I don't know which Hustler you are running but the extended length on the XR-7 frame could make a difference because you are not able to put as much weight on the very front of the mower because you sit a little farther back. I know mine was delivered with 15 lbs. of air in the tires and I could see from the very beginning that the flex forks did not need as much up and down motion as it had to get a good ride so I let the air down to 10 lbs. in every tire and this put some of the shock back into the tires and kept the flex forks from having to over work for nothing. I would say there has to be something different because everyone in this part of the country thinks they are the best feature ever put on a zero turn mower.

Ain't this an interesting thread? I'm actually getting less dip with the front tires around 14 - 15 psi. I had them previously at 10. Go figure? Seems the down force of the blades (all that Kawasaki power :weightlifter: ) with the sag of the front tires just compounded the problem. I haven't given up, yet.:)

[markindetroit]

I just prepped my mower for the season and bought a pair of flex forks. I drove around my property like a mad man and previuosly, I would get a jarring by doing so. Not with the flex forks.
On previous threads, it was mentioned about burn spots from the exhaust by some people. I personally don't stop that much when cutting so I never experienced that problem. I imagine the deck diving is a similar thing. So far, I see no problem, but I do really like the ride. It will probably be a trade off..comfort for looks. Since I am cutting my own lawn only, the "crop circle" things like that don't bother me but my saving my back does.
By the way, the manual states 8-10 lbs air for front and rear. I have mine set at 10 lbs.

[FOURTEEN]

About what is the price for these Flex Forks for a Honda 20/52 FasTrak??

[mowerconsultant]

About what is the price for these Flex Forks for a Honda 20/52 FasTrak??

Read here > http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=153293

[dvmcmrhp52]

How about if Hustler makes them to retro onto Exmark machines?

I'd buy them......................:)

[puppypaws]

I just prepped my mower for the season and bought a pair of flex forks. I drove around my property like a mad man and previuosly, I would get a jarring by doing so. Not with the flex forks.
On previous threads, it was mentioned about burn spots from the exhaust by some people. I personally don't stop that much when cutting so I never experienced that problem. I imagine the deck diving is a similar thing. So far, I see no problem, but I do really like the ride. It will probably be a trade off..comfort for looks. Since I am cutting my own lawn only, the "crop circle" things like that don't bother me but my saving my back does.
By the way, the manual states 8-10 lbs air for front and rear. I have mine set at 10 lbs.I run 8lbs. in every tire and that seems to be the best combination I have found. I raised the front tires up to 10 lbs. the other day just to see if I could tell any difference and it rode rougher so I put it back at 8 lbs. and I could not believe 2 lbs. of air could make the difference I felt in the ride. I would say the less air pressure the more the tires absorb some of the shock before the flex forks are needed.

[tacoma200]

There is a learning curve with them. Don't take them off till you have mowed a couple of weeks with them. You can leave circles if you stop suddenly, but with a little practice you can mow just as well or better with them on. The first day or two flelt a little odd and I did scalp a little and made a mistake or two. But after being on it awhile you just naturally adjust as you get to know the machine better. If a person gave up on a zero turn as quickly as some of you are giving up on the flex forks you would be on a lawn tractor still. You must admit there is a big difference between a tractor and ztr but learning how to use it is well worth you time, just like the flex forks. I am actuallly able to do a better job in rough ditches and other difficult areas after I had some seat time. No problems mowing sideways on hills. I make slighltly slower turns. All well worth the ride. The Hustler ride pretty good even without them so you can't loose.

[gundog]

I have been using the flex forks all summer and the only difference I have noticed is that the ride is significantly improved, and because of the smooth ride I can mow at a higher speed on rough ground. I have stopped quickly and have not seen the Super Z dive and leave circles cut in the grass. Today I even purposely tried to create circles by stopping quick and could not. I really don't see how this is possible unless there is extra weight like a grass catcher attached to the mower. My back is also appreciative of the fact I installed the flex forks on the Super Z.

[blackandgold]

Common sense goes a long way when using any piece of mowing equipment.

Try using this when mowing with the Flex Forks and I think you will agree the Flex Forks are another home run for Hustler.

We have sold as many of these forks as we can get, and still have the Mini Z forks on backorder.

[gps_jetskier]

Man, I almost don't want to comment here because I feel like I'll be knocking my favorite mowing machine ever owned. But, I have to admit, the flex forks have been sort of a disappointment.

Yep, they can leave some sweet "crop circles" in a yard. Three perfectly round circles in sort of a triangle pattern and I'm cutting fescue at 3.5 - 4.0 inches. Another thing is sway to one side when making a circle. The deck will definitely slant and when you make your next pass beside that last one, there is a very noticeable difference.


I'll jump in here too, because that's exactly how I feel. Love my Hustler, but the flex forks are bitter sweet. The certainly leave "crop circles" if you stop hard. Also if you're headed down a hill and stop they'll do it also. You have to be smoother on the sticks or you can put them in alot of places. I've managed to change my driving style slightly and stop that. The only thing I can't prevent with them is tilt. If mowing sideways on a hill, the mower leans and will cause a hi-lo-hi-lo pattern from pass to pass. It's even worse if the hill is bumpy. The other thing I have a problem with is circles around trees. I get a destinct ring on many, but not all. Over all, they help the ride a fair bit. I lowered my pressures too. I think I'm around 10psi. Since I primarily mow my own lawn, I'll leave them on. If I had a commercial account again...Hmmm.....

gpshemi

[TLS]

I would think you'd want to RAISE your front tire PSI when using the flex forks. Lets the suspension do it's job on the bumps and eliminate any further lean or dive that could be caused by soft low pressure tires.

[gundog]

Maybe the flex forks I got are stiffer than normal, but I sure don't and can't get crop circles by stopping quick. I have the 2003 SuperZ whic I beleive may be just a bit shorter than the newer models with the XR7 deck. Maybe that makes a difference. Regardless, no noticeable crop circles here....

[tacoma200]

I have yet to experience any problems when mowing slopes with them and I've mowed pretty steep ones. Not sure why some have that problem and others don't. They are worth trying to see if they fit your mowing style. You can always put the old forks back on and the flex forks will sell like hotcakes if you need to get rid of them. I find my self wanting to get on the Hustler more all the time. Its new and rides good so thats alot of it.

[KUBOTADAN]

I have them on my Super Z and haven't had any problems. I also put
them on my Super Z Diesel, different story... Yes is will bow down in
the front on a quick stop.. But the ride is great! Since I operate the
Super Z Diesel(not just ride) I'll stay with them. Any one else I would
put stock forks back on... Some employees don't think and don't care.

[rock creek]

I have had them on my Mini Z Kaw 23 52 for about 6 hours. The first hour or two I didnt notice a great difference although the ride was better. After that the ride became a lot better. My son took it for a trial and said "wow" what a difference. I have no diving issues at all and have experienced no "crop circles" or other problems. For the money they are a good addition.

Rock Creek

[brucec32]

I can't figure out how they wouldn't cause some "dive" in certain situations like someone previously mentioned (sudden stops). They "flex". First thought is "Flex the fork and the deck drops". Is that not the case?

Not a problem mowing bluegrass at 3.5" maybe. But try that at 1.75" on a Bermuda lawn and you may lose a customer while saving your back.