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Hustler SuperZ vs John Deere Z series

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30K views 63 replies 11 participants last post by  mtmower  
J
#1 ·
Iv browsed the site for a long time now but I finally signed up today... Im needing a new mower this year and i need some help, iv had dixie choppers for years and they have been great but there all getting some age and wear so a new mower is needed in a bad kind of way. i demoed a 31hp 60" hustler super z last year when i had a mower down and i was beyond impressed, it was night and day difference from what i had been use to, i actually enjoyed mowing again! With that being said, i really like the looks of the new deeres. i plan on demoing one asap but they have so many different models i don't know where to start. My requirements are a 60" deck and at least 30hp but then not so much hp the fuel usage is terrible. From looking on JD's site im thinking the z960r is what i would want but the biggest the local dealer has is the z950r's. so before i keep rambling what is everyone's opinion? i want the best of the best in a 60" mower and its really going to be hard to top the hustler but i want to try a deere... EFI is also something in consideration but im not sure if the superZ had efi available? and with the deere its the M i think but i dont want to sacrifice productivity for a little fuel savings so im just lost right now on what to buy with so many combos out there! Thanks guys

And i have searched and read, im about to go back to reading more while i wait for replies on this im just wanting opinions on my exact situation...
 
#2 · (Edited)
if i were gonna get a 60" i would get a scag cheetah. It comes with a 61" velocity plus deck.

the deeres are good too but they will not go as fast as a super z or a cheetah. Most times cutting you will not use or need that extra speed though so basically all it is for is transport speed.

the super z is nice but some people have had cut quality issues with them. It depends how high you cut the grass and what conditions etc. the hydros/pumps on the super z will outlast any other brand because they are industrial grade.

the reason i would pick a cheetah over the deere is it's 61" instead of 60", it holds 15 gallons of gas compared to 11.5 gallons, and you might as well have the speed there if you ever need it. that doesn't mean the deere is a bad choice by any means. i'm very happy with mine. Using the oregon G6 blades makes the cut even better and puts less drag on the engine.

i chose my deere because a 54" deck is bigger than a 52" deck, it holds 11.5 gallons compared to 7-8 on the scag wildcat or tiger cat.

if the super z cuts fine for you then it would probably be the one to buy. you just here of cut quality issues with them but you never hear of bad cut quality issues with a deere or a scag.
 
J
#3 ·
i really want to keep it between the deere and hustler, the speed on the deeres are advertised at 13mph and the super z at 15, the hustler was really fast but i think there deere would be plenty fast enough if it will do whats advertised... the cut quality of the super z is one thing that scares me since i didnt run it for very long, Thanks for the response, keep em coming
 
D
#5 ·
JasonsLawnCare1 said:
if i were gonna get a 60" i would get a scag cheetah. It comes with a 61" velocity plus deck.
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I ran a demo on a Cheetah today. I was blown away. I have never been on a mower that was anything like it. Incredible speed, incredible cut, incredible comfort. The drive system was amazing and very responsive. This thing was powered by a 34 hp Kohler and it cut through 10" super thick grass with ease. From a dead stop, I would thrust the handles forward and the front wheels would come up off the ground. An extremely impressive machine in deed.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I have a z950A (2012) and it has the FX850v which is the one rated at 27 hp under the newer more accurate system, whereas it was rated at 31 hp under the old system until last year. I have alss ran the Z960 which has the FX921V which is now rated at 31 Hp whereas it used to be the 34 HP in the lineup under the old rating. The 27 is more than enough with the 60"deck. I have the MOD and mine will run that deck through any turf grass with ease, even when mulching. If you plan on doing any tall field type grass cutting then more HP may be in order, but even then, I wouldn't feel undergunned with mine.

Until Hustler gets their crap together and figures out how to build a deck that cuts great in all conditions, especially northern turf grasses, I won't be buying one. Who cares what the hydro's are like now? They'll out last the rest of the mower anyway, and be more expensive to repair or replace if needed. In spite of what some claim on here, I still can't see that they are built any better than many other top of the line machines anywhere outside of the hydro's. The deck may have all that extra bracing under it, but if it doesn't cut worth spit while you're trying to make a living, it isn't much good now is it? The 7 Iron and others like it are built more than stout enough for any commercial mowing, and I've yet to see or even read about anyone destroying one because they weren't paying attention and hit something with it.
 
#9 ·
yeah mine is a 54" deck with 26hp kawi under old system which is now 23.5hp under the new system. it's plenty of power. mine used to bog down if i tried to cut 1ft tall thick wet grass until i switched to the G6 blades. now it will not bog down no matter what i cut. for normal cutting it never did bog down at all no matter what blades i used.
 
#10 ·
Keep in mind the new Hustler Hyper-Drive is just that, new. It has not be proven. In fact it was developed because of past hydro issues. A 5000 hour hydro warranty was also added because of lost confidence in Hustler Hydro systems. Im not saying this new hydro system isnt the best, because it looks to be, but only time will tell.

Hustler's deck has been hit or miss. There has been no rhyme or reason for the cut quality problems. In fact one LS member demoed one and it left two strips of grass right down the middle. He bought one anyway and his new mower doesnt do it!?
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J
#11 ·
Ridin' Green said:
I have a z950A (2012) and it has the FX850v which is the one rated at 27 hp under the newer more accurate system, whereas it was rated at 31 hp under the old system until last year. I have alss ran the Z960 which has the FX921V which is now rated at 31 Hp whereas it used to be the 34 HP in the lineup under the old rating. The 27 is more than enough with the 60"deck. I have the MOD and mine will run that deck through any turf grass with ease, even when mulching. If you plan on doing any tall field type grass cutting then more HP may be in order, but even then, I wouldn't feel undergunned with mine.

Until Hustler gets their crap together and figures out how to build a deck that cuts great in all conditions, especially northern turf grasses, I won't be buying one. Who cares what the hydro's are like now? They'll out last the rest of the mower anyway, and be more expensive to repair or replace if needed. In spite of what some claim on here, I still can't see that they are built any better than many other top of the line machines anywhere outside of the hydro's. The deck may have all that extra bracing under it, but if it doesn't cut worth spit while you're trying to make a living, it isn't much good now is it? The 7 Iron and others like it are built more than stout enough for any commercial mowing, and I've yet to see or even read about anyone destroying one because they weren't paying attention and hit something with it.
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Would you recommend the MOD deck? I love the looks and features of the deere I'm just scared of not picking the right mower, like I said before the hustler really impressed me last year but I don't like there gas tank setup and then there's the possibility of getting one that doesn't cut good, I guess all I can do is get a demo z950r and try it...
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#13 ·
The seat on my Z950 is very soft and comfy, but it can't overcome the harsh ride on rough properties. The new R series has flex forks and a suspension seat. If that doesn't create a great ride, nothing will.

Regarding the MOD deck- I was very critical of it last year for most of the summer because I didn't feel it cut as well as the standard 7 Iron Pro. Turns out, everyone all across the country was having QOC issues due to the dry conditions last summer that were so bad. Many guys started posting they were having trouble with their machines that had cut so well before. Once the fall came and we got a little rain I quickly changed my mind. The deck cuts great, and stripes better than the std deck does, which is pretty good already. It is nice to be able to just pull a lever and go from side discharging to mulching or to be able to keep clippings from flying where you don't want them to go. The deck will leave a small windrow alongside the chute side of the deck if you are cutting long grass that is reasonably thick. I found that by using the OEM wavy mulcher blades I all but can eliminate the windrow, but I can still cut at a decent speed and get a clean cut.


Where are you at in the country?
 
#14 ·
Ridin' Green said:
Until Hustler gets their crap together and figures out how to build a deck that cuts great in all conditions, especially northern turf grasses, I won't be buying one. Who cares what the hydro's are like now? They'll out last the rest of the mower anyway, and be more expensive to repair or replace if needed. In spite of what some claim on here, I still can't see that they are built any better than many other top of the line machines anywhere outside of the hydro's. The deck may have all that extra bracing under it, but if it doesn't cut worth spit while you're trying to make a living, it isn't much good now is it? The 7 Iron and others like it are built more than stout enough for any commercial mowing, and I've yet to see or even read about anyone destroying one because they weren't paying attention and hit something with it.
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Agreed! But I'll add I mow what you guys would consider southern grass. Once I have any length and or moisture, Im double cutting!
 
#15 ·
Ridin' Green said:
Until Hustler gets their crap together and figures out how to build a deck that cuts great in all conditions, especially northern turf grasses, I won't be buying one. Who cares what the hydro's are like now? They'll out last the rest of the mower anyway, and be more expensive to repair or replace if needed. In spite of what some claim on here, I still can't see that they are built any better than many other top of the line machines anywhere outside of the hydro's. The deck may have all that extra bracing under it, but if it doesn't cut worth spit while you're trying to make a living, it isn't much good now is it? The 7 Iron and others like it are built more than stout enough for any commercial mowing, and I've yet to see or even read about anyone destroying one because they weren't paying attention and hit something with it.
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Agreed! But I'll add I mow what you guys would consider southern grass. Once I have any length and or moisture, Im double cutting!
 
#16 ·
There's really not very many of us here that have to contend with what you do bro. That's some serious turf down there that you deal with! Too bad you can't fit up a 7 Iron deck to your Z (besides, green and yellow look good together:D). You may still have to double up on all that growth, but you wouldn't have to deal with the windrowing or clumping issues you do right now.:drinkup:
 
#17 ·
the deere seat is fine if you cut for short periods of time or if your lawns are smooth. it started bothering me cutting 2 1/2 acre yards where i'm on the mower for 2hrs straight plus the yard was quite bumpy. i put a suspension kit on it and now i can mow all day without any fatigue. if you get a deere or any brand of mower a suspension seat is a must if you ask me.
 
#18 ·
Ridin' Green said:
There's really not very many of us here that have to contend with what you do bro. That's some serious turf down there that you deal with! Too bad you can't fit up a 7 Iron deck to your Z (besides, green and yellow look good together:D). You may still have to double up on all that growth, but you wouldn't have to deal with the windrowing or clumping issues you do right now.:drinkup:
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If you remember last year we had a lot of rain, unable to do any cutting. Well, Im going through that again right now. Ive missed most of the real bad stuff, just, but still had about 9" of rain since the 16th. This will give you an idea.... http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15961224/live-wild-weather-continues-to-batter-se-qld/

Havent been on any lawns since the 15th. Its going to be a nightmare once it dries out!
I wish I still had my X595. At least with 4wd I may of been able to do some of my crappy props. Even that yellow deck worked well.

Im quoting a high school and walked over the ovals yesterday measuring up. It was that wet there are patches of lawn dieing and the stink was terrible.

Anyway, to the OP, if your really interested in the SZ, it is imperative you have a good demo on all turf conditions. Short, dry, long and wet etc. You dont want to find out later that it discharges badly after the purchase.
 
#19 ·
Man bro, you've had a rough couple years haven't ya? We will too if we have the same drought type conditions as last year again. Hope not.

I'm getting hit with the beginning of a what is supposed to be a pretty heavy duty snow storm right now, so I'm not thinking about cutting as much as snow blowing with my CUT.:drinkup:
 
W
#20 ·
I love all the new mowers out but I think I am going to break down a buy me A Ferris in the next few weeks. I really want to have the suspension system and the suspension seats do not cut it. I love the Deere cut quality and ease of use but all these mower brands can only offer flex forks and suspension seat/platform. That is not enough to help with all this rough terrain. Once I get a Ferris then I can see if it really helps me at the end of the day.
 
#21 ·
Ridin' Green said:
Man bro, you've had a rough couple years haven't ya? We will too if we have the same drought type conditions as last year again. Hope not.

I'm getting hit with the beginning of a what is supposed to be a pretty heavy duty snow storm right now, so I'm not thinking about cutting as much as snow blowing with my CUT.:drinkup:
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Yeah mate, its been very frustrating couple of years. Having these mower issues have only made things worse. Unbelievably frustrated with it all!

Good luck with the snow. At least you can make a few dollars out of clearing it!
Take some pics!
 
#22 ·
Mickhippy said:
Yeah mate, its been very frustrating couple of years. Having these mower issues have only made things worse. Unbelievably frustrated with it all!

Good luck with the snow. At least you can make a few dollars out of clearing it!
Take some pics!
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I'll try to remember to take some pics. I mainly just clear for some of my neighbors that are older, and I don't charge them. They usually offer though. There's way too many guys around here that plow to be able to get in on any of it and make money, especially when they have only got to plow 2 or 3 times this year so far. The first sign of snow and they come out of the woodwork.:laugh:
 
J
#23 ·
I looked at some z950r's today, I liked the looks of them but now iv just got to wait for some grass to start growing so I can try it out. Anybody run a super z and one of the R deeres that can give me a comparison of the speed and transmission feel, the hustler is suppose to be 3mph faster so I was just kinda wondering how big a difference that is in the seat of the pants feel, also the older deeres iv run the levers were really hard to push and it felt like you just creeped along. The hydro system being so smooth and the speed were what I loved about the hustler so I just hope the deere comes close... Sorry to keep on I'm just getting anxious for a new mower and I can't wait to try one out.
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#24 · (Edited)
Dont get hung up on that top speed thing. Even Huster will say its for transport only. You will not even touch the top speed unless your mowing perfectly flat yards. Then cut quality at that speed will come into question. I can tell you mowing at 13 mph and doing it well isnt an easy task, nevermind 15-16 mph. Any manufacturer will tell you the same exact thing.
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#25 ·
The hydro's Deere has been using since 2010 are a lot better than what they used to use in the older 800 and even older 700 series machines. They feel plenty smooth to me, with little effort required to move the machine. I doubt you're gonna get any response from someone who has run both the SZ and the new R series since they are just now coming out and most dealers still don't have one on their floor yet.

I agree with GMLC on the speed thing. the top end of the Deere is supposed to be 12 MPH and I have yet to be able to take advantage of that speed. There's either too many obstacles to maneuver around, or the terrain is too rough. On northern turf you will not get the best QOC at that speed either. Maybe down south, just maybe, but not up here.
 
J
#26 ·
I'm in the ky/tn area, I realize mowing at that speed is hard to do but the speed sure is nice when you have to double cut some yards then I have a lot of yards where I unload and drive to each yard and some big yards where I have to drive to other parts of the yard. I just watched a video on YouTube where there were some mowers racing, the hustler won and the deere was about even with the ex mark, not sure which model they used though.
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