TrimStar 48" Hydro or Gear Drive?

[Snowman269]

My Hustler Dealer is fantastic, so regardless of other brands, my Dealer loyalty says I'm ordering a 48" Trimstar. I just can't decide between the Hydro or Gear Drive. What's the pro's & cons. I'm used to a Toro 52" with sulky & it was fine.

I am unable to test one, so your input is crucial to my decision.

My wife will likely be piloting this unit & demands a stand up machine. Her back cannot handle sitting all day on a zero turn no matter what I do. 72" Super Z, Suspension seat & Flex forks are a big improvement, but not enough.

[mowerconsultant]

Hydro is the way to go with the H-Bar steering, hands down.
But... what is your budget?? of course the gear drive will be less money.

[Snowman269]

You say hands down, could you elaborate? My budget is small, but I don't believe it makes sense to buy the lesser priced Gear Drive & wish I would have invested in the Hydro. I just don't want to buy the hydro & find out the Gear Drive would have been sufficient.

The Gear Drive appears to operate like most Snowblowers & finger triggers could be a pain in a tight yard. Snowblowers spent most of the time in a straight line. They don't generally end up around trees on a sculpted lawn in a back yard.

[mowerconsultant]

The hydro is easier to operate, has a real reverse, has a floating deck, H-Bar steering.... on and on...
If your budget only allows for a gear drive it will work for you, but you will get a better value in the Hydro.

Pj