Come see the new Hustler GateMaster walk behind @ our Expo booth

[mowerconsultant]

Come see the latest and greatest in walk behinds !!!
The Hustler GateMaster !!!!
We will have this unit in our outdoor booth at the Expo !!!
A 17hp, 48" walk behind that will go thru a 34" gate !!!
No flexing decks.......
No partial flipping deck............
This whole deck flips up 90 degrees !!!!
Spring assisted, it is easy !!!
Awesome for blade service and deck scraping if needed.
Awesome amount of trimming abilities also.... 12" of left trim !!!
And, it has the New H-Bar Plus steering !!!!
More info to come........

Click here for preliminary pics............... (http://www.lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=31)

Later
Pj

[Lawn-Scapes]

Looks awsome!

I hope there is no possible way to disable the blade disengage safety switch on that thing.. :eek:

[Tony Harrell]

AWESOME! How does the deck work, driveshaft? I'll bet it can be transported tilted right? This mower is a real innovation and from what I've seen of Hustler, it will be overbuilt. Like Martha says "That's a good thing".

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Tony Harrell
AWESOME! How does the deck work, driveshaft? I'll bet it can be transported tilted right? This mower is a real innovation and from what I've seen of Hustler, it will be overbuilt. Like Martha says "That's a good thing".

Though I hope it should be typical Hustler, I mentioned to Hustler a while back, don't advertize transporting in the up postion. The reason; Can you imagine going around a corner a bit much too fast with it in an open trailer?? In other words, unless my physics is wrong, it will tilt over and be "over the side" in a jiffy......... There's a lot of weight, and at over 4 feet in the air and that short wheelbase, I think you're asking for trouble.
Pete

[Tony Harrell]

Granted, it would be more likely to tip over if unsecured. But, it wouldn't be a problem if it was secured properly. Refrigerators are transported all the time. I used to secure bombs and missiles to trailers. An enclosed trailer would really be easiest and best though. I can't wait to see and hear more about this machine.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Tony Harrell
Granted, it would be more likely to tip over if unsecured. But, it wouldn't be a problem if it was secured properly. Refrigerators are transported all the time. I used to secure bombs and missiles to trailers. An enclosed trailer would really be easiest and best though. I can't wait to see and hear more about this machine.

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy...... you forget who we're dealing with here.:D :D Where I come from, 90% of the guy's don't wear any eye, hand or earing protection. They use the (bosses) riders to do donuts in the parking lot, or push the WB's into the trailer. And, walk slower than an 80 year old Gramma ;) ;) ;)

But don't get me wrong, the "machine" is not the problem.
Pete

[65hoss]

I just got back from the expo and we saw the new w/b. Its very cool! They just finished this first one a couple of days before the show, so it is a prototype. When they work out a few bugs its going to be a nice setup. It was very simple to operate.

BTW, I got to meet Mowerconsultant and get my hat. He was trying to convert me. I will say, Hustler has very nice machines that are extremely well built.

Thanks for the hat PJ.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by 65hoss
[B] It was very simple to operate.

I will say, Hustler has very nice machines that are extremely well built./B]

Yup, Glad to see someone else finds the Hustlers simple to use and built like a tank. Gees, since everyone that has a Hustler "Z" thinks it's the "cat's" meow" for a rider, maybe the WB's are also as good as I keep mentioning.
Pete

[wojo23323]

Any idea of MSRP for new WB?

[mowerconsultant]

I have no msrp on this unit yet, it is a prototype.

65Hoss, no probelm, you better wear that hat !!!! ...........lol

Tony, the deck works via a belt drive system, it will not work in the raised position.

Later

Pj

[dhicks]

While at Expo, I had an opportunity to try the machine. I really liked the way the deck was offset to allow for close trimming and the way it manuvered. The machine is a real Zero turn and I could make a turn with one hand. The machine is built like a tank and should last for years under extreme heavy duty use. I want one now!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by dhicks
While at Expo, I had an opportunity to try the machine. I really liked the way the deck was offset to allow for close trimming and the way it manuvered. The machine is a real Zero turn and I could make a turn with one hand. The machine is built like a tank and should last for years under extreme heavy duty use. I want one now!

And you wonder why I have two and love them......Glad to see you're starting to see the light..........

[Brickman]

I was impressed with this unit at Expo. If I was in the market for a WB I would look long and hard at this one because of the fact it folds up.

[Tony Harrell]

Glad you guys posted as soon as you did. When I saw 65Hoss in my mailbox, it was the first one I went to. I really didn't think it would operate in the folded position, I was just wondering how twisted the belts get while in that position. I was really excited after seeing the preliminary pics and when I went in to my local dealer, he just yawned and pulled out the Great Dane pictures. "It's nothing like that at all", is what I said. I guess if he don't sell it, it's junk. No advice from him from now on. DOH!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Tony Harrell
Glad you guys posted as soon as you did. When I saw 65Hoss in my mailbox, it was the first one I went to. I really didn't think it would operate in the folded position, I was just wondering how twisted the belts get while in that position. I was really excited after seeing the preliminary pics and when I went in to my local dealer, he just yawned and pulled out the Great Dane pictures. "It's nothing like that at all", is what I said. I guess if he don't sell it, it's junk. No advice from him from now on. DOH!

Tom,
I really think Hustler is getting serious about "selling" machines. God knows they know how to "build" them. If you have trouble, the Company is always a phone call away, and "usually" you get a "live voice" at the other end to help you, instead of voice mail.
Pete

[excel25]

If I didn't love my super z so much I would get this WB. It's awesome, Very easy to use and move up or down, The offset is great for trimming. If you get anything HUSTLER you can't go wrong!!!!

[Tony Harrell]

That's good to know, about the factory support. Sounds like factory support is something unusual for manufacturers today. I expect it and will gravitate to it.

[chariot]

Excellent, I think you guys have out-done yourselves on this one. Keep the new products coming. Why the 4 blades? Was this to make it better follow the contour of the ground and give you good trimming.
I was just wondering if this mower has been used on any hills. What is the width from the outsides of the rear tires? Obviously 34" of more narrow. My concern would be its hill stability, if it were good enough I could use it to replace my current 52" walkbehind and my 37". If it is not that stable on hills then it would be hard to purchase just to mow inside gated areas, whereas I don't have many.

[dhicks]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com


And you wonder why I have two and love them......Glad to see you're starting to see the light..........

I saw the light 23 months ago when I bought my first Hustler WB.

[Scotlawncare]

PJ,

It's nice to be able to put a face with the name. The new gatemaster is a very unique design and will put you guys WELL ahead of the others. Be forwarned that someone WILL try to one up you. May take some time but they will. I wish you guys would have let us demo that unit to try the new controls.

Oh, thanks for the Hat.

Scot

[wojo23323]

any idea when you will start production and begin selling them? i really want one to go along with my super z.:)

[Vibe Ray]

Any way I could see some pics?.....................nevermind, I see now.

Wow! That's a really good idea! Never thought of it. I am interested to see how it turns out.

[Mark Erpelding]

I was at the show and operated this machine. It is awsome what a concept!!!!! The only question is why wouldn't an operator want to ride instead of walk? I guess you could argue versitility. I prefer 36" on residential, isn't that what the gate thing is all about? I think they deal with hills and valleys better. Plese tell me if I am wrong. On flat lawns I have a 60" ZTR I use and I think they look great!!!!!!

[Artman]

I'll try to answer a number of your questions all at once:

We went with 4 blades for two reasons -- to keep the unit as compact as possible. And to offer superb trimming capability.

Outside tire-to-tire dimension is 33" so it fits thru 34" gates.

It is recommended that it be strapped down when transported on a trailer in the up position.

Scheduled for production in December or January this year.

It can be used with a sulky, so you can ride.

Price? No idea yet. What would a machine like this be worth to you and your business?

[mowerconsultant]

Some pics........

[mowerconsultant]

.............

[65hoss]

Originally posted by Artman
Price? No idea yet. What would a machine like this be worth to you and your business?

Art and/or PJ, I'd be more than happy to demo the unit for a season for you. If you need some hours logged on one, I'm your man!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by 65hoss


Art and/or PJ, I'd be more than happy to demo the unit for a season for you. If you need some hours logged on one, I'm your man!

Hey, I want to demo it, too. And, I'm better looking, and have prettier shirts than 65 hoss :D :D
Pete......kidding

[Barkleymut]

I'd pay about $500 for a new one. Ok now that we have set the price I'll take 2. Seriously I think guys will be willing to pay around $4500 for a hydro drive unit that is that versatile. Great idea. Just hope it catches on better than the Great Dane Gateway. Still haven't ever seen one.

[Vibe Ray]

What ever happened to the Great Dane Gateway? I saw a few pics of it and never heard of it again!

By the way, How do the new controls work???

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the photos...Looks awsome.

I think it would take awhile to get used to the controls, as I run all Scags now. I think I would want to demo one (due to the controls), but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I can live with them. I have to say the controls look more like something that would be on a forklift.

Great idea though (how do the belt stay on)? Any under deck photos? Keep posting those photos Hustler guys.

Now I can get my garage space back!!! And trailer space if I ever need to. Great idea!!!

Jim

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Jimbo
Thanks for the photos...Looks awsome.

I think it would take awhile to get used to the controls, as I run all Scags now. I think I would want to demo one (due to the controls), but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I can live with them. I have to say the controls look more like something that would be on a forklift.

Great idea though (how do the belt stay on)? Any under deck photos? Keep posting those photos Hustler guys.

Now I can get my garage space back!!! And trailer space if I ever need to. Great idea!!!

Jim

OK Jimbo,
Can you walk and chew gum??? Well then, you can run a Hustler ;). It' the simplest machine to run you will find. There are so many small things that the Hustler will let you do that no other machine can, I keep finding new things every day. Well not really:p , but here's an example. No other mower will let you go from zero to full speed then slow down to a crawl, and hold that speed, just by twisting either handle, as you go past a row of bushes or tree branches, while one hand is steering the machine and the other hand is gently moving each branch out of the way as you go by.
Stopping to move small items or pick them is simple with the Hustler, since there are no levers or anything to lock into park, plus all control of the Hustler can be accomplished with only one hand.

Pete

[Jimbo]

Thanks Pete,

Hustler guys I forgot to tell you to show some photos of the controls too.

Jim

[mowerconsultant]

Bottom side

[mowerconsultant]

Trim side

[mowerconsultant]

Controls

[Doc Pete]

PJ,
I talked to John A. at Hustler and he is "assuming" the big lever in the middle is the highend limiter/adjuster. Have you heard any more. I should probably talk directly to Harlan or Tony, but they're hard to get a hold of.
Thanks,
Pete

[mowerconsultant]

The lever in the middle is a cruise type control, or you could call it a limiter also....
All you do is push it forward to a comfortable speed and it stays there, if you turn, it always goes back there.
You can pull it back and it will put it into neutral and set the park brake.

[Jimbo]

When are these going to be for sale? I am really interested in one of these.

Thanks for the photos mowerconsultant. I thought the underside might show the belts, but it didnt. It's hard to picture what the belts are doing when the deck is flipped up.

Anyone ever drove seomthing offset like that before? How do the tire tracks appear in the stripes? Look funny?

Jim

[Jimbo]

Mowerconsultant-

How many hours has this thing been tested for (in the field). Has it been put to the everyday test yet?

Jim

[cantoo]

I've been looking for something like this. Change the blades to hydro drive from belt so you can use it in the upright position, make it slide all the way to the left, make it move up and down about 4'for overall cut of 8', angle adjustable to allow for grade differences..
The ultimate hedge trimming machine.
Maybe not, I think I'll stick to my idea of a self propelled sickle bar hedge trimmer.

[mowerconsultant]

As for the belt, there is a spring loaded idler system, when the deck turns, it moves and the belt twists.

As for striping, the cutting that I did with the unit, I did notice that it stripes very nicely, and the tire tracks did not stand out to me.

This unit is a prototype, it has not gone through that much testing yet, it will when it is finished though

As for a sale date goes, we are thinking December or January production, then they will get to our dealers shortly after, so look for them this winter.

Later
Pj

[mowerconsultant]

Click here to vote on your engine options on this mower (http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32513)

Thank you
Pj

[crazygator]

PJ,
Nice to visit you at the expo. Thanks for the hat.

Have you kicked around the idea's of having it very easy to raise or lower, depending on a tall operator or a short one? I talked to Adam about this and shared some idea's that I thought would be very easy to incorporate. Add the option of longer control arms inside and there you have it. Also put the largest engine on it possible. Bigger is better in this aspect.

Keep us informed, looks like a home run to me and others as well.

Glad to see you are listening to us and trying to help with innovative concepts.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by crazygator
PJ,
Nice to visit you at the expo. Thanks for the hat.

Have you kicked around the idea's of having it very easy to raise or lower, depending on a tall operator or a short one? I talked to Adam about this and shared some idea's that I thought would be very easy to incorporate. Add the option of longer control arms inside and there you have it. Also put the largest engine on it possible. Bigger is better in this aspect.

I realize bigger is better, but that does come at a cost, which many customers would not want to spend. After all, it's only a 48, and I really can't see high speed velkying it with those thin, short spaced tires. And, my 54 Hustler WB that I installed a 25 kaw on "is" the cat's meow, with zeroturn velky. So, it's not that I don't know "where you're coming from". :p

[crazygator]

Switchless,
Why everytime someone post a message about Hustler Equipment do you reply? Do you work for them? Just wondering!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by crazygator
Switchless,
Why everytime someone post a message about Hustler Equipment do you reply? Do you work for them? Just wondering!


Now that's a stupid question:D Just kidding, of course. Well the answer is simple. I've tried most all the WB's out there, the T bar, Wright, Scag, bobcat, bunton, and exmark. Now, I have two WB's and side by side, the Hustler WB's are easily the overall best WB you can buy, and far ahead with their H bar. So, since many of you guy's are just plain blind to anything other than Exmark, Toro and Scag WB's, I try to help you see the light.
Ya know, there "are" still people like me that actually feel good and enjoy helping others choose the best equipment to use.
Pete

[crazygator]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com

Ya know, there "are" still people like me that actually feel good and enjoy helping others choose the best equipment to use.
Pete

Ok Pete. Thanks!

By the way, I'd love to test a machine out. Can you help me see the light by sending me one for a while??? :D

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by crazygator


Ok Pete. Thanks!

By the way, I'd love to test a machine out. Can you help me see the light by sending me one for a while??? :D

I'll do this.... How bout I just send you "the light", and if you see it, I'll send you the mower, later. OH, and I'll need your credit card number, just to verify your "address":D :D

[crazygator]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
OH, and I'll need your credit card number, just to verify your "address":D :D

Get in line......LOL!

[kris]

Great idea ! It would have to be a hydro with mulch kit ... will they be in Canada?

[Vibe Ray]

Originally posted by TSG
I hope there is no possible way to disable the blade disengage safety switch on that thing.. :eek:

LMAO

[Turf Dancer]

This could be a great machine for me as my town is built around hills and almost every lawn I have has a dang 36" gate and it makes it real tough to have an edge on the competition when there is little difference between them and me as far as cut when we are all using 21" mowers , Honda, Toro and JD . This machine would not fit everywhere but it would help as far as production is concerned. In my area the major marketing factor is price as most of us have about the same cut quality and you can tell little difference between cut quality and since the nature of business is the dollar I have had little use for a larger mower (zero). I have been testing a few 36" the last couple years and have considered a 36" walker but have heard a few horror stories about them on hillsides. I have also looked at a Great Dane Gateway which does still appeal to me. I am still looking hard at a 36" Stand On or 36" Exmark, but this could be what I am lloking for. Will it cut well with the 12" or 14" blades which ever it has ? Will it bag well ? I prefer the Excelerator baggers ! Thanks

[Brickman]

Turf Dancer you don't really want a 36" Walker for hills. Rolling hills maybe, but not steep ones. I had one. Sold it and got a 25 HP with a 42". Much better but one thing to keep in mind, the wider the deck the better it would do on hills. It seemed like the wider deck gave stability, and also added weight for traction.