I posted this in the Hustler forum, not realizing this forum would be a better place to post among LCO for advice.
My Hustler Dealer is fantastic, so regardless of other brands, my Dealer loyalty says I'm ordering a 48" Trimstar. I just can't decide between the Hydro or Gear Drive. What's the pro's & cons. I'm used to a Toro 52" with sulky & it was fine.
I am unable to test one, so your input is crucial to my decision.
My wife will likely be piloting this unit & demands a stand up machine. Her back cannot handle sitting all day on a zero turn no matter what I do. 72" Super Z, Suspension seat & Flex forks are a big improvement, but not enough.
I'm sure the Gear Drive is well made, but is it penny wise & mower foolish. Is the Hydro worth the extra 2g's.
I'm thinking I should just buy the Hydro 48".
The dealer is suggesting a fastrack or mini z for small yards. I'm thinking I'd add one of them later too, for small yards or to cut down on trimming.
Well, 2 to 3 thousand hours is average for what you can expect from an engine. When it comes time to replace the engine, you have the decide whether the mower is in good enough shape to last another engine or whether you should just buy a new mower.
BTW, Go Hydro. The pistol grip gear drives are so much harder to operate.
Thanks to everyone who helped with input on the Hustler Trimstar 17hp 48" Hydro. I picked it up Tuesday. The 52" Toro WB worked well, but I can't say I've ever operated a walkbehind as smooth & easy to operate as this hydro.
I planned to buy a small ZTR too, but with a nice sulky behind the hydro, the Mini Z may not make sense. What do you guys think?
Here's my small fleet: a 30efi 72" Super Z & Trimstar 17hp 48" Hydro. (2) 38" JD tractors, Toro 21" push mower, Stil 250 Line trimmer , JD Line trimmer & Stihl BR600 Blower. Not a lot, but tis fine for now. What else do I need to make this job easier, faster, even more fun? I love timing myself through the day.
I only can use the 72 on some yards due to size, so I try to schedule those yards together. I use different machines for different jobs. Generally have a laborer run the 21 around all the trees & tight stuff, I take the 72 & clear the yard, then we finish with the Blower & weed eater where the push missed. Does anyone ever post strategies for mowing?
In my neck of the woods, there are 30 LCO's riding John Deere 38" or 42" riders. As I go from yard to yard, I wonder how they make any profit with those slow machines. Maybe they are just in it for Beer money? I'm thinking efficiency is key, especially with the fuel prices.
Do they still make gear drive wb? I thought people just leave them on trailer to rust, hauling around towns without using them like you see every day. What a waste. Hydrostatic is the only way.
Thanks to everyone who helped with input on the Hustler Trimstar 17hp 48" Hydro. I picked it up Tuesday. The 52" Toro WB worked well, but I can't say I've ever operated a walkbehind as smooth & easy to operate as this hydro.
I planned to buy a small ZTR too, but with a nice sulky behind the hydro, the Mini Z may not make sense. What do you guys think?
Here's my small fleet: a 30efi 72" Super Z & Trimstar 17hp 48" Hydro. (2) 38" JD tractors, Toro 21" push mower, Stil 250 Line trimmer , JD Line trimmer & Stihl BR600 Blower. Not a lot, but tis fine for now. What else do I need to make this job easier, faster, even more fun? I love timing myself through the day.
I only can use the 72 on some yards due to size, so I try to schedule those yards together. I use different machines for different jobs. Generally have a laborer run the 21 around all the trees & tight stuff, I take the 72 & clear the yard, then we finish with the Blower & weed eater where the push missed. Does anyone ever post strategies for mowing?
In my neck of the woods, there are 30 LCO's riding John Deere 38" or 42" riders. As I go from yard to yard, I wonder how they make any profit with those slow machines. Maybe they are just in it for Beer money? I'm thinking efficiency is key, especially with the fuel prices.
Do they still make gear drive wb? I thought people just leave them on trailer to rust, hauling around towns without using them like you see every day. What a waste. Hydrostatic is the only way.
Or you could use it to hold open your shed door while u back in the trailer.:laugh:
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Lawn Care Forum
7M posts
202.7K members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!