How would I go about repairing the trimming side of the deck? Where does the clamp go on the air cleaner? :hammerhead:

Is it a good buy for $3500 if I decide to take the plunge?

 

The serial # 03032206

It was built in March of 2003.

 

it looks like the frame was welded in the front ?

Nope.
Those are brackets we used to have welded to the frame to brace it, those were done away with in mid 2003 and a internal brace replaced it.

 

Between hydros, electrical issues and motor that could turn into a real expensive headache. I've made that mistake before. Can you do all those repairs; if not who? the dealer who 's Super Z you didn't buy? That machine looks like it has been to hell and back. Do you really want someones problem? I'm not trying to be cruel but when I first started I learned things the hard way and I hate to see people suffer.

 

So mowerconsultant what are your thoughts of this mower? Is it worth $3500? Can you tell me anything else about the mower from the serial #?

The engine was just replaced 200 hours ago so I don't think it will be an issue.

 

Personally, I don't think it's beat all that bad. I've seen a LOT worse (other than the deck!). The deck seems like it took all the damage. I guess you could check the rear deck struts, but thats all replaceable.

With only 200 on the engine, even if he NEVER changed the oil, it's still going to treat YOU fine!

 

On a side note.....
Looks like it may have had a catcher (paint wear on front of frame above casters) or some type of tool bar (JRCO??) on it at one time.
From looking up the serial # I can see it was bought new by a contractor in South Burlington Vermont on 4/23/04

 

Is that a good thing that it had a catcher or something? How much would a deck run me assuming just the metal shell?

Could it be repaired? Say wire brushing it, welding 1/4 inch steel on the bottom and painting it? I was planning on doing some paint work on it over the off season if I got it.

 

$3,500.00 - $4,500.00 ...........
As it sits.... I would think on the lower end of the scale..... cleaned up (a lot)and parts installed that are missing maybe a bit higher up the scale.
I would take it to a weld shop and have them weld up that deck and install a new piece of bar stock also.
As others mentioned, check the bearings and belts and typical wear items.
I would open up the discharge opening per the latest version of that deck and install blade spacers and Fusion blades and you will have a good cutting unit.

 

Having run a vac system and a JRCO rake is a really good thing:hammerhead:You might get lucky and find out he used it for snow plowing. I'll say no more. Good luck.

 

Between hydros, electrical issues and motor that could turn into a real expensive headache. I've made that mistake before. Can you do all those repairs; if not who? the dealer who 's Super Z you didn't buy? That machine looks like it has been to hell and back. Do you really want someones problem? I'm not trying to be cruel but when I first started I learned things the hard way and I hate to see people suffer.

Yaa I agree, he may want to consider a Z 2 ?

 

Yeah but I could spend $3000 on repairs to equal the cost of a Tank or Lesco and after that I would still have a better mower going with the Hustler.

I think if I were to get it I would first have it checked over by the local Hustler dealer.

 

Yeah but I could spend $3000 on repairs to equal the cost of a Tank or Lesco and after that I would still have a better mower going with the Hustler.

I think if I were to get it I would first have it checked over by the local Hustler dealer.

I believe in buying stuff new or like new, if it has a new motor that is good for sure.

 

Between hydros, electrical issues and motor that could turn into a real expensive headache. I've made that mistake before. Can you do all those repairs; if not who? the dealer who 's Super Z you didn't buy? That machine looks like it has been to hell and back. Do you really want someones problem? I'm not trying to be cruel but when I first started I learned things the hard way and I hate to see people suffer.

My Super Z just turned 3 years old. I have just about rebuilt the whole machine. Last thing was a new 25 HP Kawi at 1680 hours. You can expect anything to go at any time, even with low hours. If it was used on hills it will be a lot worse for stress on the hydros.

 

My Super Z just turned 3 years old. I have just about rebuilt the whole machine.

What all have you rebuilt, and why?

Just wondering, as things that were issues on my Lazer are of a totally different (better) design on the Hustler.

 

I bought my Super Z about a month ago. It was an 02 but only had 166 hours on it.....has the 24hp honda. Bought it for 4100.00 and only for one minor ploblem that I fixed I'm very happy with it.

 

Mark12 what was the problem with your mower?

I guess what I need to know is this mower going to last a few years for around 15 yards?
I feel like I am getting mixed messages about the mower.
Is i worth the extra $3000 to get a Tank 48?

 

Had a problem with the starter wire not getting enough voltage to crank the motor. Sometimes it would start on the first try, other times I would just hear a click and after 3 or 4 tries it would fire up. I replaced the factory starter wire with a larger guage wire and it cranks the first time every time. Hustler makes a good mower as do some of the others.....you just need to find one that fits your budget that has some life left in it. Before I started this year I bought/sold several mowers...John Deere 737, Exmark Lazer HP, John Deere 647, YazooKees, John Deere SST18, Hustler Hydro WB 17/48, John Deere GS30 13/36 WB. I couldn't decide what I wanted. Take a look at your yards you currently have and figure what size deck will work for you and go from there. I would check the local papers first thing in the morning, check ebay several times a day, and even listen to a local radio show 2 or 3 times a day that callers can call in and sell items. I finally ended up with the Hustler Super Z with the 60" deck and a Grasshopper 120 with a 41" deck that gets me into just about everywhere I need to go. The Super Z will run circles around the Grasshopper but they each have their purpose. If the guy will let you take it to your dealer and have them check it out.....just by asking that question, his answer will tell you alot if he knows something he isn't telling you and prob. knows the dealer will find it....if it's in good shape I would figure what you would be willing to give for the mower, then shoot him a price a few hundred lower. You can always raise your price but it is hard going backwards. If he doesn't take any of your offers then wait....something that fits your needs/budget will come along.

 

OK first a random question do you think it is a bad idea to get this mower now? Seeing as I only have 3 jobs now but I have passed out quite a few flyer's and business cards. But I plan on getting around 15 in the spring. I am just thinking that its in my price range and I am a bit worried that I wont get a good deal in the spring. Since everyone wants to get a mower in the spring it would cost more.

So we agree I should bring it to the dealer before buying.

Anything else?

I know I just keep dragging it out but its a lot of money to spend and I want to make sure I invest in an excellent lawn mower not a lemon.

 

First I would check and see what the hustler dealer will charge you for looking at it....tell them you would like them to check the machine out. I would figure they should be able to check the mower out in an hour at the most, my dealer charges 65.00 per hour. By the looks of it I would agree with the other members estimate of the value.....low to mid 3k would prob be a good deal if it is a solid machine. Don't rush into it.....remember fall and winter will be here and the prices may even be better. Also, what equipment do you have right now? Is it enough to support 15 lawns in the Spring? Is it enough to keep you going as you build up to 15 accounts. If you have the equipment to keep you going....I would save my money until you find something you like and works for you. Bottom line, if you don't think the mower is worth what you are willing to pay...keep looking. You will find something. You may even go around to your dealers and drop off your card and tell them what your looking for....they might either trade or have someone come in looking to trade/sell that they can contact you about. I've been at this less than a year so I don't have alot of time under my belt but looking back I would do things differently when I started. Read as much as you can on this site, there is a wealth of info for everyone.

 

No thats the problem my mower barely can handle the jobs I have now and it leaves a way uneven cut and the mower deck is cracked and rusted out. :blob2:
Thats why I am trying to get a different mower.

 

No thats the problem my mower barely can handle the jobs I have now and it leaves a way uneven cut and the mower deck is cracked and rusted out. :blob2:
Thats why I am trying to get a different mower.

I just went out today and had a a place where the Hustler was cutting for 7 hours straight. The guy doing the cutting told his father who has a Turf Tiger to trade it in and get a super Z. Everybody who uses it says it is the finest ZTR they have used.

 

Well I decided to stop at a local dealer. Now I have two more options.

A Husqvarna ZTR 48in 21 horse Kawi 2004 or 2005 220 hours with a catcher basket off the discharge chute. Not sure the exact model. $4000

Or

A 2000 or 2001 Toro walk behind belt drive T bar 52in 15 horse not sure exact hours but very few. it was a back up that was barely used. $3000

Or of course the Hustler

 

Well I decided to stop at a local dealer. Now I have two more options.

A Husqvarna ZTR 48in 21 horse Kawi 2004 or 2005 220 hours with a catcher basket off the discharge chute. Not sure the exact model. $4000

Or

A 2000 or 2001 Toro walk behind belt drive T bar 52in 15 horse not sure exact hours but very few. it was a back up that was barely used. $3000

Or of course the Hustler

I go back to my original claim that you are full of Chit!!! So in cases like this just scrape the necessary pocket change together to buy the original genuine artificial Lesco,MTD,Cub tank mower product. If you are a little short don't worry about it just scrape the change out of a few ashtrays and you will have it soon. Just remember for every $ you need for a grade A product you will only need 25 to 50 cents for the purchase of a genuine artificial MTD copy!

 

Come on REALSLOW I don't want to hear your nonsense jabber last time you chewed me out about Cub Cadet now Hustler. I am new to the business and want to make an informed decision about which mower to buy. Its a lot of money and I don't want to buy a pile of junk. So REALSLOW if you think I am full of it DON'T POST. (I think I told you that on the Cub thread):angry:

Here I thought that this site was full of helpful people. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to ask about which mower to buy on a Lawn Care website.