Hustler Raptor - Won't Go Straight

tekparasite said:

I have a Hustler Raptor 42" Deck with about 60 hrs. I have been having issues with the zero turn NOT going straight. With the handles pushed all the way forward, I can tell the left wheel goes faster, so the mower veers right.
Even when the handles are at a neutral position, the mower wants to turn right.

I have checked the settings on the Steering Control Lever to make sure both handles align.
View attachment 31869

I have checked the tire pressure to make sure they are equal in pressure but no luck.

Is there any way to adjust mechanically the speed of one side vs the other?
Is this related to something hydraulic?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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turboawd said:

first thing to check is the rear tire pressures are equal. one tire being low would rotate slower.
then there is a simple adjustment under the rear where each handle linkage connects to each transmission. very easy to adjust.

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tekparasite said:

Can you please elaborate on this adjustment?

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turboawd said:

yes, but make sure both rear tires are inflated first. one tire low will cause mower to track sideways.
there is two seperate transmissions in the rear. each handle controls one transmission. the only thing the handle does is move the drive plate back and forth on the transmission.
you just need to loosen the two jam nuts(8) and move part 19 up or down the shaft a little bit. you shouldnt have to move it much at all. adjust it a little and then take for a spin to see if its good. may have to repeat a few times to get it right.


here is a diagram from a raptor sd 54" for reference.

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577jersey said:

Also if the ground is slightly unlevel the mower will veer to one side,with a ZTR you always have to be making steering inputs to keep them straight from my experience.

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tekparasite said:

My property is on top of a hill, so the ground is definitely not leveled when I mow. However, the misalignment between the two transmissions happens even when I'm in the garage where it's perfectly leveled and not even moving forward. When both handles are in neutral position the mower still wants to turn right.

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turboawd said:

yes, but make sure both rear tires are inflated first. one tire low will cause mower to track sideways.
there is two seperate transmissions in the rear. each handle controls one transmission. the only thing the handle does is move the drive plate back and forth on the transmission.
you just need to loosen the two jam nuts(8) and move part 19 up or down the shaft a little bit. you shouldnt have to move it much at all. adjust it a little and then take for a spin to see if its good. may have to repeat a few times to get it right.


here is a diagram from a raptor sd 54" for reference.

Click to expand...