Residential recommendation

[Advance The Man]

I have a homestead property and a weekender property. Both have approximately .75/acre of land each. Both have many obstacles. A dealer had recommended mini-fastrak 17/42. I have a 17 hp with at 42 deck tractor. It's very slow. When I purchase this ZTR, I also want the deck to be larger.

Is it overkill to get a fastrak 20/52? What is the difference between the mini-fastrak and the fastrak?

I was told it was very important to get a ZTR with separate pumps and wheel motors and was told these Hustler models don't have them. Is this true that it's important? How does it impact the longevity of the unit?

[cdolor]

I also have 2 properties. One is .75 acres and the other is 21 acres but I only cut about 3.5 acres there (the rest is horse fields). I use a Fastrak 25/52 and it works great. I have had if for 2 seasons now with no problems. Very fast and smooth cutting. I did not see a reason to buy a Mini-Z after talking to my dealer. My original plan was for a Mini-Z but my dealer conviced me to demo the Fastrak first to prove it was enough.
I think the 25/52 would fit the bill for you fine.
Best of Luck,
Chuck

[Advance The Man]

Nice you have a 25 hp. That's no longer offered as far as the Hustler website (http://www.hustlerturfequipment.com/products/fastrak.html) indicates. What brand of engine? I'm glad to hear you say it's very fast. That's my biggest concern. I just want to get the grass cut and move on to blowing, etc. My current tractor probably does 5 - 5.5mph. I think the Fastrak does 7mph. I'm gonna test ride one this afternoon. ATM

I also have 2 properties. One is .75 acres and the other is 21 acres but I only cut about 3.5 acres there (the rest is horse fields). I use a Fastrak 25/52 and it works great. I have had if for 2 seasons now with no problems. Very fast and smooth cutting. I did not see a reason to buy a Mini-Z after talking to my dealer. My original plan was for a Mini-Z but my dealer conviced me to demo the Fastrak first to prove it was enough.
I think the 25/52 would fit the bill for you fine.
Best of Luck,
Chuck

[mowerconsultant]

That must be a typo, we have never offered the FasTrak with a 25hp engine option.
The largest available is the 20hp Honda.
Your question on the hydros is a good one, and one I have addressed many time here on LS.
We have been producing the FasTrak for over 4 years now, every single one of them with the Hydro Gear IZT's in them, some earlier ones had some issues, but that was taken care of by Hydro Gear, with a updated IZT, one with a charge pump and filter system, similar to what you would find in a traditional pump and wheel motor set up.
One thing you need to look at is the build of the mowers you are looking at, you will not find a single residential mower built stronger than a Hustler FasTrak.
You may find units with "less expensive" pump and wheel motor combo's (these are not the same grade pumps and wheel motors that are in commercial units) in them, but usual that mower has a stamped thinner deck, and a stamped frame (some have fabricated frames, look at them, compare them to the Hustler, do they give you a lifetime warranty on the frame or front of the deck?) or just overall less build than a Hustler FasTrak.
The Hydro Gear pumps (used in the pump and wheel motor units) have the same charge pump that is in the IZT, Hydro gear makes both, in fact Hydro Gear IZT's are use in other mfg's commercial units, and we just started to offer a 1 year or 400 hour commercial warranty on the 44" and 52" FasTrak's with the IZT's in them.
For residential use you will get many many years of use, and you will be glad you bought the FasTrak.
Take a look at all the mowers out there, compare them, demo them, and let us know what you choose.
The Mini FasTrak has a smaller drive system, smaller deck's 36" and 42", and offers smaller engine options, also they are less expensive.
If you have any other questions let me know.
Hope this helps.
Pj

[cdolor]

PJ,s right it was a typo (or brain damage). Mine is a 20/52 and it is a fine machine. You actually can cut at full speed with it and it does not leave any grass uncut. One suggestion thought, get the springs for the seat. They will help the ride on uneven lawns. Mine is rough in spots and the springs make a big difference. Also don't inflate the tires beyond the Hustler recommended pressure as they act as part of the "suspension system".
I have no regrets buying it.
Chuck

[Advance The Man]

Sounds like you're saying that although it's a single pump, that pump is of higher quality than say a Snapper's pumps in their dual system?

I purchased the 20/52 today. It was awesome. I'm sure it has some to do with simply a ZTR with 20 hp, but a alot has to do with the fact it's a Hustler. With my older tractor (17 hp 42") it took around 50 - 55 minutes. It took me 23 minutes on the Fastrac 20/52!

I mowed mostly St Augustine, but also tackled 2.5' high bahia (super thick) along the pond. It was tough, but did the job and I didn't roll into the pond. This was the first mow of the season, so I don't want to prematurely say it's a problem - I purchased the mulcher and was expecting more (i.e. small bits of grass). However, the St Augustine was a bit long and there is a heavier coat of thatch from the winter months. So I will certainly give it 3 or 4 cuttings (3 - 4 weeks) before I come to any conclusion. I feel that I gained tremedous time with it being ZTR, it's increased forward speed over what I had, but also it was very fast in reverse. The overall cut was good, but I'll get better. I was enjoying doing these quick 180's at top speed with the PTO engaged. So that doesn't look terrificc

Any residential owners out there considering it, I'm very satisfied after my first cut. I'll report back tomorrow with another report after mowing our weekender property (25% St Augustine, 75% bahia) with tons of obstacles.


That must be a typo, we have never offered the FasTrak with a 25hp engine option.
The largest available is the 20hp Honda.
Your question on the hydros is a good one, and one I have addressed many time here on LS.
We have been producing the FasTrak for over 4 years now, every single one of them with the Hydro Gear IZT's in them, some earlier ones had some issues, but that was taken care of by Hydro Gear, with a updated IZT, one with a charge pump and filter system, similar to what you would find in a traditional pump and wheel motor set up.
One thing you need to look at is the build of the mowers you are looking at, you will not find a single residential mower built stronger than a Hustler FasTrak.
You may find units with "less expensive" pump and wheel motor combo's (these are not the same grade pumps and wheel motors that are in commercial units) in them, but usual that mower has a stamped thinner deck, and a stamped frame (some have fabricated frames, look at them, compare them to the Hustler, do they give you a lifetime warranty on the frame or front of the deck?) or just overall less build than a Hustler FasTrak.
The Hydro Gear pumps (used in the pump and wheel motor units) have the same charge pump that is in the IZT, Hydro gear makes both, in fact Hydro Gear IZT's are use in other mfg's commercial units, and we just started to offer a 1 year or 400 hour commercial warranty on the 44" and 52" FasTrak's with the IZT's in them.
For residential use you will get many many years of use, and you will be glad you bought the FasTrak.
Take a look at all the mowers out there, compare them, demo them, and let us know what you choose.
The Mini FasTrak has a smaller drive system, smaller deck's 36" and 42", and offers smaller engine options, also they are less expensive.
If you have any other questions let me know.
Hope this helps.
Pj

[mowerconsultant]

Congrats on the new mower!
Dont be shy, post some pics of your new toy... ummm I mean tool....lol...lol...

Pj

[Advance The Man]

Congrats on the new mower!
Dont be shy, post some pics of your new toy... ummm I mean tool....lol...lol...

Pj

Will do, tomorrow. Did you see my last question, "Sounds like you're saying that although it's a single pump, that pump is of higher quality than say a Snapper's pumps in their dual system?"

[Advance The Man]

Performed well on bahia even with the mulching kit installed!

Here's a pix in my garage. I posted it here in the homeowner's forum. (http://www.lawnsite.com/showpost.php?p=941151&postcount=39)



Congrats on the new mower!
Dont be shy, post some pics of your new toy... ummm I mean tool....lol...lol...

Pj

[Advance The Man]

Will do, tomorrow. Did you see my last question, "Sounds like you're saying that although it's a single pump, that pump is of higher quality than say a Snapper's pumps in their dual system?"

Still was curious about the above question I had. Also with only one pump does that mean you can't have the tires spinning in opposite directions?

[mowerconsultant]

The FasTrak uses 2 IZT's, one for each drive wheel, so technically it has 2 pumps.
So you are controlling the right pump with the right control lever and you are controlling left pump with the left control lever, thus allowing you to rotate each wheel in each direction as you feel necessary.
Each IZT has a pump built into it, and a reduction gear assembly, thus eliminating the need for a wheel motor, it is a simple one piece unit, one for each drive wheel.
And yes the quality of the IZT's in my opinion is better than the lower grade pumps and wheel motors used in the lower end residential ZTR's.
I have attached a picture of the IZT unit, your unit has 2, one for each drive wheel.


Pj

[andygold]

Sorry to steal the thread, but I thought it might be important to the original point.... I want a Hustler FasTrak, or Mini FasTrak, but have some reservations about expensive "wear" items. I've got 3/4 acre of total property minus the coverage by the house, a pool and flower beds and trees, separate garage and dog run, which my lawn guy(kid) on his JD100 tractor takes over an hour to do (with pretty crappy results). My back yard really needs to be mowed twice a week, or his tractor will throw clumps everywhere, which I have to rake up...which negates the reason I pay someone to do it for me! Sooooo, I want to do the job myself, and do it as quickly as is possible. Cutting grass is not something I get pleasure from...it is work, and I want my work done as fast and easily as possible. Yes, i'll probably enjoy zipping around on a ZTR :) I did when I demoed a Super Z last year (only mower he had available to demo at the time).

I'm assuming that the hydros/pumps are some of the most, or the most expensive items that would fail on these machines. What is the cost of replacing these items on a FasTrak or Mini FasTrak, compared to a larger Hustler model? Is the integrated unit cheaper to replace than the separate parts of the larger Hustlers? If it's more expensive to replace the integrated unit, then maybe I'd be better served by the more commercial Hustlers with the possibly cheaper "wear" parts. As much as I want to buy a ZTR, there's no way that I'll be able to justify the added cost of a ZTR over a lawn tractor, if and when the sudden huge repair expense of replacing pumps and motors rears it's ugly head. I've also been told that when replacing these items, they should be replaced in pairs (like brakes/tires/shocks in a car)...is this correct? One dealer who wanted me to buy a lawn tractor from him quoted me a price of around $1000 each for each hydro motor (or maybe it was for the pump...don't remember which). Any comments from the Hustler dealers? Please "sell me" on the long term costs involved in your ZTRs...I'm already quite aware of the time savings and fun factor vs. a tractor...no need to "sell me there".

My appologies for the long windedness of the above!!!!!! :)

[andygold]

I submiited a reply to this thread, and I see that I'm subscribed to this thread, but my reply did not show...was i censored?

[mowerconsultant]

I submiited a reply to this thread, and I see that I'm subscribed to this thread, but my reply did not show...was i censored?

No you are not being censored.
Please read the bottom of the threads your replying to.
This is what it says...
"All discussions are viewed by the administration before being released to the public. Your post may not be made viewable for up to 48 hours. Please allow the manufacturer representative enough time to respond to your question or comment once made viewable."

[andygold]

Thank you, I was not aware of the above. I'm used to most other forums, where posts are instantaneously seen. Now, how does one retract a post? :)

[mowerconsultant]

Thank you, I was not aware of the above. I'm used to most other forums, where posts are instantaneously seen. Now, how does one retract a post? :)

Dont worry about it, this happens all the time.

[mowerconsultant]

Some of the most expensive parts on the mower to replace would be the deck, engine and hydro's.
This being thought out, we give you a lifetime warranty on the front of the deck, so you not going to have to worry about that.
We build a premium unit and at a reasonable price.
This unit will easily last you a lifetime if taken care of properly on a property of your size.
The engine is of high end residential grade (Kohler), or commercial grade if you go with the Honda.
The Hydros are are rated for approx 800 hours, and most likely more if taken care of properly.
800 hours on a property like yours is a lifetime.
The IZT's (there are 2 of them) in the FasTrak have a MSRP of 668.95 plus freight and handling charges.
The EZT's (there are 2 of them) in the Mini FasTrak have a MSRP of 453.35 plus freight and handling charges.
Hope this helps.

Pj

P.S.
We are in a show this weekend with the Hustler product @ the NYS Fairgrounds here in Syracuse.
http://www.hbaofcny.com/
If your willing to make the drive I can point out every feature and answer any questions you may have, may even buy ya lunch!...lol...lol...
Plus we will have dealers there for you to talk to also.

[cdolor]

I bought mine last year with the intention of cutting just my lawn, roughly 1.2 acres. Because my father-in-law had some health issues I ended up cutting his as well, about another 3.5 acres. Luckly everything is fine and I'm doing just mine now. Even with all of that I only put 35 hours on mine. This included my 13 year old daughter just driving in around some when I first got it. With a 800+ hour estimated life for the IZTs that works out to almost 23 years. Much longer doing just my 1.2 acres. By the time I get there I will be tired of looking at my Fastrak and will want their newest mower.
I have a cousin that has a Mini-Z and an uncle with a Super-Z, I believe cut wise the Fastrak does just as well, just not as fast, but hey 7MPH is much faster than the 2.5 - 3 MPH most garden tractors cut at.
Good luck with your choice,
Chuck

[Advance The Man]

mowerconsultant, could you please explain what it looks like, etc. or post a pix of the Kit, Seat Spring FasTrak 367425 $59

I'm assuming it attaches some how to the existing seat?

The seat on the Fastrac is a bit stiff and would like it to 'give' a little bit.

[mowerconsultant]

Here is a post with a unit with the springs installed on the older black seat model, they mount the same way on the gray seat.
The springs bolt on to the bottom of the seat then the springs bolt on to the seat pan.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=91851


Pj