48" HUSTLER WB OR Super Surfer

[bottlefed89]

not sure if this is a decent place to ask without getting a biased answer, but I think I am going to bite it and buy a 48" walk behind this year. I went to the dealer I'll buy from toady and he had a 48" hustler wb with the 17hp kaw. as well as a super surfer with the same kaw. I like the cut a hustler gives, but didn't see much difference with the ss. My concerns with the hustler are that it is L O N G. I think this could be a problem at some of the residential lawns. I like the layout and controls of the SS much better, fromm anyone who uses either, why would you pick one over the other. They were both 03's the hustler was $4500 with 4 hrs. The SS was $4800 with 6 hrs. Hustler had a few scratches, SS looked brand new.
As far as what I'll mow, I'll do some cleanup in the spring, and then attend to the pickiest people in town. Striping and looks are very important. thanks
greg
bottlefed89@hotmail.com

[PaulJ]

You can't go wrong with the Hustler. I love mine with the 23hp.
Add a bulllrider or other castored sulky. Once you get the hange of the controls ther is none better. the longer machine will give you a smoother ride and cut. In tight areas you can take the sulky off or walk along side.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by bottlefed89
My concerns with the hustler are that it is L O N G. I think this could be a problem at some of the residential lawns. bottlefed89@hotmail.com

Greg, why do you think Chrysler boasts about that their cars are longer??? why do you think race cars are longer. Longer gives you a smoother ride. On the opposite en of the scale, why do think a Jeep rides so bad??? It's too short. The longer wheelbase on the Hustler keeps the rocking front to rear at a minimum. In fact, this is the problem with all the Standers, they are too short. They are fine on smooth property, but on bumpy stuff, they are just like riding a bucking bronco. And, since you can't hold the controls of the stander, but are forced to grip with just your thumb, control is ever harder. That's another great part of the Hustler, which is you can wrap both hands tightly around the H bar and fully stablize your body to keep your body from moving front to back.
DP

[bottlefed89]

I agree, but handling doesn't do much for me in yards that are too small to turn those beasts around.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by bottlefed89
I agree, but handling doesn't do much for me in yards that are too small to turn those beasts around.
If the yards are too small for the Hustler, they are too small for the super surfer, too.
DP

[bottlefed89]

what's the length of the hustler with a sulke??

[mowerconsultant]

Depends on the sulky.
I am sure Pete or Paul can give you a measurement with the Bull Rider brand attached.
This picture should give you a good idea though.

Pj
.

http://www.hustlerturfequipment.com/images/products/superwb_r5_c3.jpg

[lawnlubber]

I currently use a Wright Stander-very similar to the super surfer-and a wb. They each have strong points. A few thoughts: I'm not sure if the Hustler is a hydro but a belt-drive wb will be much less maneuverable. I believe the Surfer will have a faster ground speed. Wb's are easier for inexperienced operators to drive without "scuffing" the grass on turns. Wb's are easier to use on hills. The wb operator can rock the machine onto it's rear wheels to clear obstacles easily. Length doesn't appear to affect the ride much (the wheelbase is close to the same, the Surfer just doesn't have a big handle sticking out). Surfer fits on the trailer better. I guess I'm saying you would be pleased with either and even more pleased if you had both.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by lawnlubber
They each have strong points. A few thoughts: I'm not sure if the Hustler is a hydro

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, guess you've made it clear us you're fully qualified to comment on the Hustler.... NOT.
DP

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by lawnlubber
I. A few thoughts: I'm not sure if the Hustler is a hydro .

By that statement you make it clear you are not familiar the Hustler. With that in mind, you cannot comment with any credibility on the orginal question. Please make a note of that.
Thanks,
DP

[John Gamba]

If your yard are so small that the walk behind and sulky are to big or long then you dont need the sulky all the time??? so get rid of it when you measure.
Now for the SS, It dont do hills, It wount go under trees. So if you have any of these then the walk is for you.
You can also put the Jrcoinc.com Trasporter and tray on the hustler for extra capasity in hauling More grass.
So as you can see the walk is more useable in alot of ways.
John

[bottlefed89]

Thanks for all the advice, I bought the surfer today and dry ran the steepest hills I do. They were all no problem the first time I ran the mower, so I don't think hils will be an issue for me. I only bought it because the deal got much sweeter.
As long as I keep all the accounts I have planned the hustler will be my next purchase, hopefully this year. thanks for the advice. Does hustler make a 36" WB

[Fareway Lawncare]

Hello, the 48" SS is app. 20" shorther than the 48" SWB & that is without the riding attachment so it would be well over 2ft. shorter.

Compact units are much more productive in small, tightly landscaped areas & yes LONG is a problem on these yards which is the primary reason I am considering a Stander. Using a riding attachment on a hydro walk on our props is not as productive as walking. They are Small, Heavily Landscaped Turf areas.

That being said, I was not impressed by the cut of the 36" SS mainly because 3 small blade chambers did not allow for good discharge. The 48" SS, however may be better.

If your turf areas are larger the 48" Hustler w/riding attach would fit the bill.

[John Gamba]

I have NEVER SEEN a stand on unit do a stright line line on anything over six feet of lawn:( But good luck!!
John

[bottlefed89]

When I first started today with my mower it didn't freely go straight. After adjusting the rods from the control arms it goes perfectly straight. I mowed the lawn at my shop(approx. 27,000sq. ft.) and had no problem cutting perfectly straight lines. Keep in mind this was the first day I've had it. As I think I said in an earlier post, my next mower will be a hustler WB. I want both, but could only afford one now and the deal got sweeter one the SS.
Thanks for everyones help, ideas, and suggestions.

[PaulJ]

Hey hustler!

hears an Idea.

How about a mower with a layout similar to the super surfer but with the h-bar controls , large tires and plenty of horse power.

Sort of a cross between the super walkbehind, the short cut, and a stander.??

that would get some attention.

[mowerconsultant]

Originally posted by PaulJ

that would get some attention.

Yeah.......it would get the attention of a certain mfg's patent attorney......

[John Gamba]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PaulJ
[B]Hey hustler!

hears an Idea.

How about a mower with a layout similar to the super surfer but with the h-bar controls , large tires and plenty of horse power.

Sort of a cross between the super walkbehind, the short cut, and a stander.??

that would get some attention.

Where were you when they had the shortcut??????

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by PaulJ
Hey hustler!

hears an Idea.

How about a mower with a layout similar to the super surfer but with the h-bar controls , large tires and plenty of horse power.

Sort of a cross between the super walkbehind, the short cut, and a stander.??

that would get some attention.

Paul,
Orignally, I wanted that, but after a few years with my SWB (custom), I find the WB/velky just better and smoother at 10mph. The WB/velky is still the better combo, IMO.
DP

[PaulJ]

Ok Mr. wright has a patent. But great dane and now john deere are selling stander type mowers. They worked something out with wright. You could to. Or team up with him. How about a joint venture.
I just think that the H-bar is so good that it could be applied to all mower configurations. Didn't hustler use it on some ztr's for a while? Maybe the h-bar is ahead of it's time or was. I'm not saying to infringe on anyones patent but to work with them. They license the stander idea to you , you license the h-bar to them. you both sell more mowers, we have more choices, everyone is happy.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by PaulJ
Ok Mr. wright has a patent. But great dane and now john deere are selling stander type mowers. They worked something out with wright. You could to. Or team up with him. How about a joint venture.
I just think that the H-bar is so good that it could be applied to all mower configurations. Didn't hustler use it on some ztr's for a while? Maybe the h-bar is ahead of it's time or was. I'm not saying to infringe on anyones patent but to work with them. They license the stander idea to you , you license the h-bar to them. you both sell more mowers, we have more choices, everyone is happy.

Paul,
The problem with all Wright equipment style is you are “ON” the machine, and the controls are near the middle of the machine. What would be perfect is the Hustler WB with a platform off the back, like a velky, with the pivot point taken off the back axle. This would cause zero interaction of the platform and it would stay level, while the mower could rock back and forth.
Yes, you’d still want two castored wheels stabilizing the platform, but as close to the rear of the machine as possible.
If I get a bit more time, I will be designing a velky that mounts to the Hustler frame on one of the same bolts the wheels motors bolt to. This should eliminate all the tilting of the velky for a super smooth ride. As far as the machine being a bit long, I just don’t notice, unless the property is so small you need to walk it anyway.

[PaulJ]

So Pete are you saying something more like the Sentar layout? with a supported platform. kind of a 6 wheel machine? YOu might be onto something. Have you seen the sulky on the Walker walkbehind? I think the sulky should have larger wheels, maybe the same size as the front casters.
I am not saying that I want a stand on machine. But many people do for various reasons. I think they are missing out by not having the h-bar controls. I drove a shortcut a couple of times and it was ok,a step in the dirrection, but I still prefer standing to sitting.

Don't you think that someone should be paying us for all these great ideas.:cool: ;) :D

[John Gamba]

A rigged sulky or FIXED sulky's wheels go into flower beds and or mulch beds in turns. Trailering sulkys the wheels in turns stay out of the flower beds. its like the walk behined gets shorter in the turns then if it was fixed.
Sentars seat goes over just about everything, so having wheels under you makes you longer and you might have to do a TWO PERIMITER to keep the wheels out of the flower beds, Witch inturn takes more time.:mad:
John

[Fareway Lawncare]

You can't beat a Stander in tight areas. One of my competitors runs a fleet of them on subdivision lawns & his guys zip in & out & turn around in places we would have to walk. Very sweet machines for small lots. Compact also means less scalping even w/the fixed & easier deck flips over problem areas. His guys don't seem to have any problems w/the controls.

Regardless, from what I understand Hustler will be introducing an entire new line-up of Walks shortly which will be more compact & have a deck side tilt feature for gates.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
A rigged sulky or FIXED sulky's wheels go into flower beds and or mulch beds in turns. Trailering sulkys the wheels in turns stay out of the flower beds. its like the walk behined gets shorter in the turns then if it was fixed.
Sentars seat goes over just about everything, so having wheels under you makes you longer and you might have to do a TWO PERIMITER to keep the wheels out of the flower beds, Witch inturn takes more time.:mad:
John

Hey John,
I agree everything is a trade off. Frankly though, I’ve yet to have a flower bed with that much “inside curved radii”, which is the only time that is an issue. Also, I’ve found most flower beds have outside curved radii, especially, since they usually surround the house, pool or rock garden.
Regardless, if the property is that intricate, I trim with the 48 WB first. I’m not “too proud” to walk.:D
DP

[John Gamba]

I dont mind walking a perimiter, But like i said it does take time to do something twice.
John

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
I dont mind walking a perimiter, But like i said it does take time to do something twice.
John

I guess the way I look at it is the amount of time needed to walk instead of ride is not worth the time difference. In other words, because you're doing the edge cut, you are not going that/as fast as cutting the main part of the lawn. And, because it's the perimiter, I like to make sure I don't hit anything, so, between the small difference of walking at 3 mph and riding at 4 or 5 mph (because it the perimiter), and because I don't want to get fat (G), I walk the edges.
Pete

[John Gamba]

Originally posted by Doc Pete
I guess the way I look at it is the amount of time needed to walk instead of ride is not worth the time difference. In other words, because you're doing the edge cut, you are not going that/as fast as cutting the main part of the lawn. And, because it's the perimiter, I like to make sure I don't hit anything, so, between the small difference of walking at 3 mph and riding at 4 or 5 mph (because it the perimiter), and because I don't want to get fat (G), I walk the edges.
Pete

Fat is the reason for the walk in 04 LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[Fareway Lawncare]

Besides compactness, a good trim side & fold away velke would speed things up considerabley on smaller lots.

Are there any specs avail. for the new line of Hustler Walks?

[mowerconsultant]

Originally posted by Fareway Lawncare
Are there any specs avail. for the new line of Hustler Walks?

There are no specs available yet.

Pj

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by mowerconsultant
There are no specs available yet.

Pj

Errrrrrrrrr, maybe not, but if time allows I'll be designing a new velky for the SWB based on their sit down sulky. Moving the pivot up front, as they did with the sulky eliminates the rocking back and forth associated with a standard rear mount velky.
DP

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
Fat is the reason for the walk in 04 LOLOLOLOLOLOL
I had no idea...............................:cool2:

[PaulJ]

As far as small lots, I use this on yards as small as 2500 sq ft and up. If it's smaller I still have the 36" with Jungle wheels. .

I have ofund that if the 48"wb/Bulrider combo is to big then the 21" is the best.
works for me:D

[John Gamba]

Originally posted by Doc Pete
Errrrrrrrrr, maybe not, but if time allows I'll be designing a new velky for the SWB based on their sit down sulky. Moving the pivot up front, as they did with the sulky eliminates the rocking back and forth associated with a standard rear mount velky.
DP

No one wheel:p

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
No one wheel:p
Funny, but those of us that have tired the "one wheeled wonder" find the problem that the "velky people" complain about with a two wheeled velky, which is the shimmying back and forth (left to right), is the exact same problem with a single wheel velky, only the platform “tilted” left to right.
Frankly, I hated that. Even with new bushings, in a week or two, every time you shifted your weight from one foot to the other, the platform would constantly tilt over to the foot you put the pressure on. Annoying it was, at best. Remember John????
DP

[John Gamba]

Originally posted by Doc Pete
Funny, but those of us that have tired the "one wheeled wonder" find the problem that the "velky people" complain about with a two wheeled velky, which is the shimmying back and forth (left to right), is the exact same problem with a single wheel velky, only the platform “tilted” left to right.
Frankly, I hated that. Even with new bushings, in a week or two, every time you shifted your weight from one foot to the other, the platform would constantly tilt over to the foot you put the pressure on. Annoying it was, at best. Remember John????
DP

I never had a one wheel sulky. My new jungle wheels dont go back and forth because i have low tire presure, in return i get a good ride too. This is not my first jungle wheel and they give a great stripe too.
I was reforing to the wheel mark down the middle of the stripe:mad:
John

[Fareway Lawncare]

When will the specs be avail.?

I understand the new 48" will be very compact due to 4 blade chambers & have a much better deck offset than the SWB as well as the flip up deck for gates. Also there was rumour of a compact 36" with out the deck flip I believe.

[mowerconsultant]

The specs will be out sometime this summer.
There will be 36 and 48 floating deck hydro's and a 48" GateStar.
They will be the most compact hydro walks on the market.
I do not have any more info to share at this point.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
I never had a one wheel sulky. My new jungle wheels dont go back and forth because i have low tire presure, in return i get a good ride too. This is not my first jungle wheel and they give a great stripe too.
I was reforing to the wheel mark down the middle of the stripe:mad:
John

Maybe you do need to lose a bit of weight. My JW's would wiggle back and forth after I hit a hole, until a moved the wheel axles back another inch. Also, I lengthened the distance from the pivot to the platform, too. I am only 150 so, maybe it's the light weight.
DP

[Fareway Lawncare]

Just make sure you don't sacrifice the decks ability to discharge 7 day spring growth by adding a blade chamber & tightening up the baffling to achieve compactness. A removable or adjustable baffle w/ a small discharge tunnel may remedy this.

Regardless, a compact 36" & 48" should be a welcome addition to current longer walks better suited to larger turf areas.