Hustler Sport - Any experiences or opinions?

[cdalemike]

I have been mowing my one acre lot with a Toro 22" for nearly 7 years now and ready to upgrade a bit. The exercise is great, but I need to shave some time off how long it takes to do the job. Guess two kids has something to do with this :')

In any case, I was first looking at a large walk behind, but then switched gears to a ZT. After stopping by my local dealer, the Hustler Sport (48") seems to be the way to go and fell within my price range. The only thing that concerns me about this unit is the Briggs engine and longevity. I would assume these engines have come quite a ways since the old days and are most likely quite reliable. Another dealer said the expected life of this unit is 5 to 8 years. I am very careful with my equipment and always do normal maintenance per the book. I would certainly hope they last longer than this!

The front section of my yard is one large hill (see attached photo), but the back is flat with the exception of a small grassy ravine (which is sometimes wet, but mostly dry in the summer). I am assuming the Sport would not be cutout for the hill in front and I should stick with my walk behind in this area. Everywhere else I should be able to get to with the Sport (around trees, play set, ravine, etc.)

Looking for some opinions on the Sport and experiences from anyone that currently has one.

[SweetGreens]

I dont think you would have a problem mowing that front hill with the ZTR. Hustlers are also very good on hills. I would maybe check out some other brands, and ask the dealers to let you take it home and mow your yard with it. And then i would go from there.

[cdalemike]

Most of that hill does not concern me. It is the part on the far left near the ivy that concerns me. Steeper than it looks. I agree, will call the dealer today and see if he has something I could try out...

[SOONERS222]

I have a Hustler Sport and love it so far.

[Snaggle Tooth]

Bought one this spring and have mowed my yard twice with it. I have a 3 acre lot and it takes me right at 2 hours with the 48" Sport. So fare I really like it. I have a few small hills and it seems to handle them ok. I think it has a lower center of gravity than a lot of the zero turn mowers.

[Sport42]

I have the Sport 42, bought this year and used 6 times. It is a great mower. Very easy to handle, and cuts great. I have about a 15 degree slope going away from my house in the back, and it handles it fine in multiple directions.

I demo'ed several mowers. The Hustler was by far the best. Bigger frame and deck, wider turf tires, low center of gravity, ease of use, and unmatched handling and control. I also think they look the best.

[fishinpa]

I believe the Honda engine upgrade is about $400.00 and worth it in my opinion. I upgraded to this engine when I bought my MFT a few years back. I have about 120hrs on it and it runs like the day I bought it.