Homeowner ZTR, Tractor and mower discussion thread

[mrich1353]

I have heard others mention all the dirt when mulching; I wonder if the Hustler is better; I also looked at a 2010 leftover Ex-Mark quest. They really down graded the 20111, but the 2010 seemed like a well built compact machine. My dealer only had the 22HP Briggs engine and I was ruling out because of that, maybe I should reconsider. It was less than the others I am looking at:
I was quoted $4699.99 plus $200 for mulch kit, less $200 manufacturer discount, plus tax. I didn't push or negotiate yet, but saw them advertised as low as $3999. (no mulch) on-line.
Under the 2010 specs, it seemed solid with welded deck and fabricated deck. What feedback have you heard?

[mrich1353]

Sorry - just reread and saw you are looking at a different Ex-Mark - too long on edit to change:
It looks like the one you are looking at is now the Pioneer Series. I have no dealers near that stock any Pioneer Series; Are they decent? Their specs look pretty comparable to the Hustler with a 48" deck. I'll be talking to my dealers tomorrow. I'll ask about the Pioneers. I had priced out an Ex-Mark LazerZ E series and thought too pricey though not too far off the Hustler once I added the flex forks. The LazerZ E-Series coming in at $6549 plus mulch kit and tax.

[Capemay Eagle]

Originally Posted by mrich1353

Checked out the Hustler FasTrak Super Duty 48"; dealer network is weak in my area compared to others, but a nice machine and a contender as I try to decide.

Will add mulch kit for full time mulching (thick bluegrass blend). Under one flat acre with lot's of landscape beds / inside and outside curves. Cut quality very important.

My current options at similar pricing:
Scag Freedom Z (48") with 20HP Kawasaki
Hustler FasTrak SD (48") with 23HP Kawasaki (will also add Flex Forks)
Toro Titan MX4880 with 22HP Kawasaki

The budget option:
Toro ZX4820 with 22HP Kawasaki

The Hustler is looking strong because of the added HP since I'll be mulching, but Freedom Z seems comparable beyond HP, maybe a better mulching system.
Thoughts?

More bang for the buck with the SD 48!
You could also just look at the Superduty 48" Your still almost getting the same mower minus the FX series engine or Honda option. The Fastrak is really more than you will ever need! If I could fit a 48" mower around my obstacles, I would already own a Fastrak 48". I was pricing them last summer for $4900. Unfortunately my only options were the Fastrak SD or the Sport.

[Capemay Eagle]

Originally Posted by mrich1353

Checked out the Hustler FasTrak Super Duty 48"; dealer network is weak in my area compared to others, but a nice machine and a contender as I try to decide.

Will add mulch kit for full time mulching (thick bluegrass blend). Under one flat acre with lot's of landscape beds / inside and outside curves. Cut quality very important.

My current options at similar pricing:
Scag Freedom Z (48") with 20HP Kawasaki
Hustler FasTrak SD (48") with 23HP Kawasaki (will also add Flex Forks)
Toro Titan MX4880 with 22HP Kawasaki

The budget option:
Toro ZX4820 with 22HP Kawasaki

The Hustler is looking strong because of the added HP since I'll be mulching, but Freedom Z seems comparable beyond HP, maybe a better mulching system.
Thoughts?

More bang for the buck with the SD 48!
You could also just look at the Superduty 48" Your still almost getting the same mower minus the FX series engine or Honda option. The Fastrak is really more than you will ever need!

[mrich1353]

Just checked out the 2011 Hustler line up a local independent (but good!) Dealer.
I think the old literature I had created confusion.
Three Residential models, Sport, FasTrak & FasTrak SD. I definitely do not need the SD.
The 2011 FasTrak has the same ZT3100 transmissions as the SD, 22hp Kawasaki FS, non-folding ROP bar and 4 year residential warranty.
I think I found a suitable machine if I can get comfortable driving this thing!

[Popeye77]

I think I found a suitable machine if I can get comfortable driving this thing!

Are you kidding you'll be checking the grass everyday to see if it's ready to mow

[saw n mow]

Originally Posted by Popeye77

Are you kidding you'll be checking the grass everyday to see if it's ready to mow

Definitely what he said!!! You won't find enough grass to mow!

Kevin

[damnfingers]

Originally Posted by mrich1353

Sorry - just reread and saw you are looking at a different Ex-Mark - too long on edit to change:
It looks like the one you are looking at is now the Pioneer Series. I have no dealers near that stock any Pioneer Series; Are they decent? Their specs look pretty comparable to the Hustler with a 48" deck. I'll be talking to my dealers tomorrow. I'll ask about the Pioneers. I had priced out an Ex-Mark LazerZ E series and thought too pricey though not too far off the Hustler once I added the flex forks. The LazerZ E-Series coming in at $6549 plus mulch kit and tax.

Yes, the Pioneer series (E and S) look like very nice ZTR's...the Pioneer S is extremely well-built but just outside my budget I'm afraid.

[Popeye77]

Neighbors will think you're crazy bugging them to cut their yard. I've cut 2 of mine

[saw n mow]

Originally Posted by Popeye77

Neighbors will think you're crazy bugging them to cut their yard. I've cut 2 of mine

I haven't went there...yet.

Kevin