Hustler Z

[danzig]

Demo'd a Hustler z and i liked it. User friendly and well designed. Want to demo a super z 60''. Anyone use this brand in their bus? How do they compare to the exmark lazer 60''. Which stripes better?

[Randy Scott]

Demoed the 25 horse 72" super z. It's a joke. 15 MPH is out of control at cutting speed. Motor doesn't even have a fraction of the power neccesary for that machine. Sticks are uncomfortably far forward at half speed much less full. The thing bogs big time when sticks are thrown all the way in forward until the motor can catch up, and the big patches welded to the front frame that extends where the wheels are mounted are about as butchered as you can get. Big thumbs down!!!!!! Sorry Hustler, very dissapointed with that unit, I'll stick with eXmark.

[JML]

We own a 60 inch w/ 25 Kawi.. The mower is sweet, better than pretty much any other type of mower we own. We bought it in the spring and put around 850 hours on it.. The throttle cable broke on it, probably one of my guys fault though, don't know.. The mower saves so much time, it will eventually pay for itself. The only part that I don't like about the mower was the air intake system, the filter gets dirty so quick and have to be cleaned and replaced very often. We have since gotten the Donaldson Air Filter system and has pretty much solved the problem. All in all I think it is one of the best mowers out there..

[John DiMartino]

Randy,funny how the one I demo'd was built like tank,and didnt have the welding defects.Maybe because it was a 60",it didnt bog at all,even though i went wide open at 15mph,trying to get it to bog or miss some grass,it did neither,it tore thru 5+" of thick grass ,cut it to 3 /12" at wide open clean one pass.The demo i tried also had the 25Kawi,it was a little noisy but ran good.The hydros were very smooth on the one i demo'd

[P&J Lawncare]

I love my super z and as far as striping goes it is as good as anything out there. The 72 super z is under powered but hustler is going to be offering these with much larger motors in the spring so that shouldn't be a problem anymore, as for the levers being to far forward maybe you should look at the machine a little better before you judge it because they are adjustable and when they are adjusted properly to the operator they are as comfortable as any other ztr.

[KirbysLawn]

I love mine, the only think I would like to add is fenders to the rear tires. The back tires get muddy then you go fast and it's slinging on your back.

[excel25]

The super is Great you wont be sorry if you get one. as you can see it stripes great,

[danzig]

Any more comments about the Hustler compared to the Exmark?

[ScottH]

Randy,

Thought I'd point out a few things regarding your opinions re 25hp Super Z you demo'd

I had checked with the factory when I first saw them. I believe your talking about the curve in the front frame just before the wheel assembly. It's my understanding that they specifically engineered that piece in that shape for maximum strength.

The super z's hydro system has bypass valves that kick open when you apply full power quickly. As the unit speeds up the valves close and you get the full power. It feels almost like a clutch engaging/disengaging.

The handles are adjustable both fore and aft and also can be raised for bigger guys.

I like the super z, thought power was adequate w 72. wasnt trying to cut a hayfield or anything though.

Just my thoughts - have a good day ScottH

[rkbrown]

I am also interested in the Hustler line, but in the wb category for now. I am especially interested in trying the gatemaster as most gates around here are about 35".

Since I cannot compare the two, since I have not demoed them both, the only problem that I have with Hustler is that the nearest dealer is about 40 miles away on the other side of Houston. It is a mega dealer called Cypress Lawn & Turf Equipment. Whereas, with the Exmark line, I have three dealers between 10 and 20 miles away close to my side of town. I will call Cypress because they advertise that they give loaners and have free delivery, but I know mo one on this side of town that uses them..

The point of my rambling is that you are comparing quality machines. Either one will probably do a great job for you. So, you should also look at other factors before making your decision, such as dealer proximity and support.

[TLS]

In my opinion, and from what I've seen, the Hustler Z (Super or Regular) is a very well built machine. The only thing its lacking in my mind is a large network of dealers.

The 25 Kawi wouldn't be my first choice for powering a 72" deck. (I'm picky with power, and a LOT of my favorite brands are underpowered in the 72" class).

The strengthening plates you see welded to the caster arms are there to strengthen where they are bent out. When rectangular tubing is not mandrely bent it becomes weaker in that area. They simply added this plate on to combat this. Their frames are VERY heavily built with 3/16" wall tubing!

Also Kudos to Hustler for the trim side deck offset! 6" on the 60" as you can see very well in Kirbys picture.

Two features that I'm still scratching my head on are the 2 cupholders :confused: Anyone know of anybody that uses a cup holder on a commercial mower??? Not to mention 2 of them! And also that they make the fuel capcaity that much smaller! Bad move IMO. The other thing I constantly notice is the brackets for the deck gauge wheels are almost always crooked on every one I see! I know, minor, but still! Also another thing they they could improve on would be to use SMOOTH slick type front casters. The ribbed tires will tear when spinning while a slick will not.

Great mower! Just wish Exmark made it!

:D

[Evan528]

Tommy, My Z master also had a cup holder. I wander why Toro went through the trouble of sculping the gas tank to be a cup holder and didnt even make one that can hold a cup without it flying out when you go over a bump? If it works though I dont think its a waste..... I know I like to keep a drink with me when im mowing in mid July!:blob2:

[John DiMartino]

Tommy you hit the nail on the head.The only thing Hustler is missing is a dealer network.If that had that in place they would own the commercial ZTR market,IMO. The 60" Super Z is built very strong,I was very impressed with its build quality,and thickness of steel used.I still do wish it had a manual clutch though.

[danzig]

I have a Hustler dealer that is very close to my home. I will demo the Exmark later when the grass begins to grow again. As a matter of fact this dealer sells both brands!!!!:dizzy: I can get a stripping kit on the Hustler so the exmark doesnt have an advantage there. I do have a 60" exmark turf tracer that has been very reliable, so there is some brand loyalty there. That Hustler did fit like a glove though:D

[P&J Lawncare]

I actually use the cup holders it holds a 1 liter just fine and it sure beats going to the truck for a drink every hour. I also put my gloves and cigarettes in them occasionaly.

[MOW ED]

Originally posted by TLS

Two features that I'm still scratching my head on are the 2 cupholders :confused: Anyone know of anybody that uses a cup holder on a commercial mower??? Not to mention 2 of them!

Orginally posted by P&J Lawncare

"I actually use the cup holders it holds a 1 liter just fine and it sure beats going to the truck for a drink every hour. I also put my gloves and cigarettes in them occasionaly."

I am considering a Super Z and after reading the above 2 posts I will add TLS to P&J and use the cupholders for 2 liters of gas. I don't smoke so I think it would be a good idea. Kinda like the reserve on a motorcycle.:D

[The Mowerdude]

Originally posted by Randy Scott
Demoed the 25 horse 72" super z. It's a joke. 15 MPH is out of control at cutting speed. Motor doesn't even have a fraction of the power neccesary for that machine. Sticks are uncomfortably far forward at half speed much less full. The thing bogs big time when sticks are thrown all the way in forward until the motor can catch up, and the big patches welded to the front frame that extends where the wheels are mounted are about as butchered as you can get. Big thumbs down!!!!!! Sorry Hustler, very dissapointed with that unit, I'll stick with eXmark.

What the Heck planet are you from?

My new Hustler Super is the best mower I've ever owned PERIOD!! And I've owned a LOT of them.

But hey, let's address these issues.

You don't cut at 15mph, silly. But you can cut as fast as the yard will let you, which is a lot faster than my old mowers. That 15mph is darn handy when I've got to dump the BacVac and the dump spot is the other side of the back 40.

If you don't like the sticks, guess what? They're adjustable. DOH!!
It must be the difference in our sizes, but I've got mine adjusted all the way forward. That's where it's comfy for me.

Of course it bogs when you throw the sticks forward. But if you want to go dragracing, don't do it with a mower. Ease the sticks forward in a reasonable manner and there's no problem.

The welded on supports do exactly what they were designed to do-they support. Who cares how they "look?"

Geez

P.S. I love the cupholders. They're perfectly sized for my wallet and cell phone.

[danzig]

2 cupholders is unique on any ztr. Maybe there so you can carry more water and less down time.

[KirbysLawn]

Two features that I'm still scratching my head on are the 2 cupholders Anyone know of anybody that uses a cup holder on a commercial mower??? Not to mention 2 of them!

I use them to hold pin clips for my aeravator and golf balls, works great. ;)