[talon86]

I am brand new to this forum and new to ZTR's also. I previously had a craftsmen 20 HP 42". It served well for 7 years but the B&S engine has started burning oil quickly.

I have been shopping around and reading for close to a year. I have friend in the mowing industry and he recommends a scag of hustler. I want a mower that will last a lifetime if maintained properly.

Anyway, long story longer, I have found a dealer less than 2 miles from my home with a brand new Hustler Fas Trak 48/19 Kaw with 4 year warranty. He said that since it's last years model, he will sell for $4500 plus tax. He will also sell me a mulch kit for cost plus 10%. This sounds like a great deal to me. I have about 1 1/2 acres of lawn that takes about 3 hours on the craftsmen. This mower may be overkill but I do want it to last.

Another dealer has offered a Big Dog R748 that's 48"/21 B&S for $4800.
Also Bad Boy ZTR 50"/26 B&S for $4995. Both dealers are 5+ miles away and both mowers have 2 year warranties.

The Hustler dealer has also agreed to deliver free and pickup/drop-off for warranty problems. Otherwise, $25 fee.

I am leaning towards the Hustler due to price and warranty. However I really like this dealer. He is in the mower business. The other two are in the Cycle or Tractor business.

Any suggestions/comments are welcome.

 

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

Talon - that is a pretty good deal for that Hustler esp brand new. See if he will throw in an extra set of blades, or free first maintenance visit, and wrap er up!

 

[talon86]

Thank you for your response. I waited until late yesterday and then pulled the trigger. I asked that he throw in a mulching kit. He didn't throw it in but agreed to give it to me at cost plus 10%. He also advised that I try out the mower first before installing the mulching blade and steel plate which I think is probably a good idea.

I agree that it is a good deal for a new hustler but probably not a great deal. However, most of the mower dealers around here must have plenty of business as none of the others were willing to deal much.

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

You did good. Enjoy it, take care of it, and watch it last for years.

 

[dwost]

Good choice, will definitely last you quite awhile as long as you take care of her. Enjoy and welcome to the world of Z's!