ronfrish
05-09-2004, 12:44 PM
Well, thanks primarily to this forum, I am the happy new owner of a FasTrak 20/52. I'm just a homeowner that wanted a quality ZTR that would cut down on my mow time. I had my mind set on a Toro Timecutter ZX and had never heard of Hustler or FasTrak, until I spent some time searching the web for info on ZTR's. For the same money that the Toro would have cost me, I have a 1000% better machine, thanks to this forum of very useful information!
I do have a few questions that I'm sure you can answer for me. I did try to find this info using the search, but had no luck.
1) Can the gator blades be used without the mulching kit?
2) Does using the mulching kit reduce the speed at which you can effectively mow?
3) I plan on a normal cut height of 3 inches, 3.5 in hot summer months. What height should I put the anti-scalping wheels at for this height? They came set at the highest setting, but don't seem to be very useful at this height.
4) I mowed for the first time on a ZTR yesterday and discovered one problem when I was done. It seems that whenever I made a 180 turn to turn around and mow in the opposite direction, I left a wheel mark in the lawn. I assume that I was doing something wrong in making the turns. Any suggestions for a complete novice on how to not leave wheel marks?
5) The manual says not to engage the pto at full engine speed, but gives no other advice on how to engage the blades. I tried it at slow idle and the engine stalled. What engine speed is recommended for engaging the pto?
This mower cut my mowing time by 1/3 the first time out. I had a 42 inch tractor before. I assume that once I get the feel for the twin levers, I'll be able to do it even faster. Actually, my lawn is so bumpy that I can't come close to top speed, or risk being ejected from the seat. I plan on getting the seat spring kit as soon as possible!
Thanks for all your advice, and thanks for having all this great information available. You helped me make the perfect choice and I couldn't be happier. Well, I'd be happier if my closest dealer wasn't an hour and 15 minutes away, but hopefully I won't be taking it back any time soon.
Regards...Ron
I do have a few questions that I'm sure you can answer for me. I did try to find this info using the search, but had no luck.
1) Can the gator blades be used without the mulching kit?
2) Does using the mulching kit reduce the speed at which you can effectively mow?
3) I plan on a normal cut height of 3 inches, 3.5 in hot summer months. What height should I put the anti-scalping wheels at for this height? They came set at the highest setting, but don't seem to be very useful at this height.
4) I mowed for the first time on a ZTR yesterday and discovered one problem when I was done. It seems that whenever I made a 180 turn to turn around and mow in the opposite direction, I left a wheel mark in the lawn. I assume that I was doing something wrong in making the turns. Any suggestions for a complete novice on how to not leave wheel marks?
5) The manual says not to engage the pto at full engine speed, but gives no other advice on how to engage the blades. I tried it at slow idle and the engine stalled. What engine speed is recommended for engaging the pto?
This mower cut my mowing time by 1/3 the first time out. I had a 42 inch tractor before. I assume that once I get the feel for the twin levers, I'll be able to do it even faster. Actually, my lawn is so bumpy that I can't come close to top speed, or risk being ejected from the seat. I plan on getting the seat spring kit as soon as possible!
Thanks for all your advice, and thanks for having all this great information available. You helped me make the perfect choice and I couldn't be happier. Well, I'd be happier if my closest dealer wasn't an hour and 15 minutes away, but hopefully I won't be taking it back any time soon.
Regards...Ron