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Hello and PLEASE H E L P :-)

#1

B

bucsfan714

New member here, been lurking for a few weeks while doing research on a new zero turn purchase. It's scary how every day I have a new favorite.

I have 10 acres but it's mostly wooded. Maybe around 2 acres of cleared with grass. Mostly flat here in Florida, not a manicured lot but still not horrible.

I'm leaning towards these 3 mowers. ....

Hustler Raptor SD

Husqvarna MZ5424

Swisher Response

I see great things in all of them, yet some reviews are worrying lol. Thanks for any advice. Greg


#2

B

bucsfan714

A lot of views, no thoughts?

Anyone with personal experience with any of these? I'm definitely looking for a kawasaki powered mower.


#3

Ric

Ric

Where in Florida are you located?


#4

Ric

Ric

bucsfan714 said:
New member here, been lurking for a few weeks while doing research on a new zero turn purchase. It's scary how every day I have a new favorite.

I have 10 acres but it's mostly wooded. Maybe around 2 acres of cleared with grass. Mostly flat here in Florida, not a manicured lot but still not horrible.

I'm leaning towards these 3 mowers. ....

Hustler Raptor SD

Husqvarna MZ5424

Swisher Response

I see great things in all of them, yet some reviews are worrying lol. Thanks for any advice. Greg
Click to expand...

I don't have any experience with those mowers but out of the three on paper I like the Hustler the best. What's worrying you about the reviews?


#5

davbell22602

davbell22602

Go to Tractor Supply and buy a Bad Boy mower.


#6

Ric

Ric

davbell22602 said:
Go to Tractor Supply and buy a Bad Boy mower.
Click to expand...

Disappointed.gif I hope you're kidding!
​


#7

M

MRCo.

The Raptor is a very nice rig, perfect for a couple acres. I recommend the 54", those beefy tires make it float better and it just plain looks cool. Pluses include the fabricated deck with full frontal reinforcement and four linkage foot deck drop, high back, well padded seat with arm rests, serviceable transmission, clean and easy maintenance layout, low c.o.g...just a nice rig.


#8

davbell22602

davbell22602

Ric said:
View attachment 20157 I hope you're kidding!
​
Click to expand...

No Im not kidding. If not a Bad Boy then maybe Bobcat or Big Boy mower if there's a dealer nearby.


#9

Ric

Ric

MRCo. said:
The Raptor is a very nice rig, perfect for a couple acres. I recommend the 54", those beefy tires make it float better and it just plain looks cool. Pluses include the fabricated deck with full frontal reinforcement and four linkage foot deck drop, high back, well padded seat with arm rests, serviceable transmission, clean and easy maintenance layout, low c.o.g...just a nice rig.
Click to expand...


The Raptor 54" specs look pretty good, if I were to buy another mower as a secondary mower I may consider it also.


#10

Ric

Ric

davbell22602 said:
No Im not kidding. If not a Bad Boy then maybe Bobcat or Big Boy mower if there's a dealer nearby.
Click to expand...

No way would I ever consider or buy a Bad Boy Mower. The reason I say that is because a good majority of the BBM TSC received here needed to be repaired before they could be sold. TSC here doesn't even keep any in the store anymore all they stock and have outside are the Huskee, MTD and Cub Cadets.


#11

davbell22602

davbell22602

Ric said:
No way would I ever consider or buy a Bad Boy Mower. The reason I say that is because a good majority of the BBM TSC received here needed to be repaired before they could be sold. TSC here doesn't even keep any in the store anymore all they stock and have outside are the Huskee, MTD and Cub Cadets.
Click to expand...

TSC stores here are have the have cub cadet and bad boy mower zero turns. Plus the regular cub cadets and huskee.


#12

B

bucsfan714

Thanks, Gainesville / Ocala area.

Think I've eliminated the swisher. A lot of reviews claim poor quality, and sorry experience with the manufacturer.

The other 2 brands are pretty even for me.

Went around today looking for dealers that sell in my area. Not much luck. Mostly small engine repair shops that advertise selling ztr. Going to check out Ocala in the next few days.

All in all I would be happy with these 2 or even other brand mowers. At first I only wanted to spend $3500. Then after reading about cheap decks and non serviceable trans I am willing to pay more now rather than later. Still need to keep it under $5000 .


#13

B

bucsfan714

I did stop at tractor supply. They had a 60" Bad Boy for 5 grand but i don't want to buy from a chain like store


#14

djdicetn

djdicetn

bucsfan714 said:
I did stop at tractor supply. They had a 60" Bad Boy for 5 grand but i don't want to buy from a chain like store
Click to expand...

Yep, I agree with user Ric...the Bad Boy ZT Elite carried at TSC is NOT high-quality. If you can find a Bad Boy "dealer", the Outlaw series is worthy of consideration, but even they have mixed user reviews. Do you have a Toro dealer nearby? The Toro Titan series is a very good mower and there should be some within the $5K budget you have. The Husqvarna MZ ZT series is also VERY good high-end Residential ZTR's and reasonably priced.


#15

davbell22602

davbell22602

I disagree. There's nothing wrong with the Bad Boy mowers. There built very well just like a Toro or a Hustler. Just go to a dealer to buy your mower if you dont wanna buy a mower from a big box store.


#16

Ric

Ric

davbell22602 said:
I disagree. There's nothing wrong with the Bad Boy mowers. There built very well just like a Toro or a Hustler. Just go to a dealer to buy your mower if you dont wanna buy a mower from a big box store.
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If there's nothing wrong with the BBM why does TSC have to send them to a dealer to be fixed before they can sell them. That doesn't say much for there quality control.


#17

davbell22602

davbell22602

Ric said:
If there's nothing wrong with the BBM why does TSC have to send them to a dealer to be fixed before they can sell them. That doesn't say much for there quality control.
Click to expand...

Must be just small handfull. Both TSC stores here dont have that problem.


#18

Fish

Fish

I own a Swisher. Also used to work at a Husqvarna dealership.

Get the Hustler!!!!!!


#19

B

bucsfan714

Took a Big Dog c sseries for a spin. Seemed ok but not for 5 grand. Looked at Bobcat and Dixie zee2. Still leaning towards either the husky or hustler.


#20

B

bucsfan714

Fish said:
I own a Swisher. Also used to work at a Husqvarna dealership.

Get the Hustler!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Care to give any inside details?


#21

B

bucsfan714

Went to a dealer that sells the Hustler. Man I am seriously lost now! Lol

the RSD 54" IS 3999

the RSD 60" IS 4499

then I went to a husky dealer.

MZ5424S IS 4000

the MZT 52 with brigs is 5200

the MZT 52 with kawi is 5600.

Obviously I think the mzt is the most heavy duty, the mz5424s main down fall is a stamped deck. The Hustler's are nice too. Side by side the 60" looks more expensive (and is) due to the nice seat, rear engine bumper.

Anyone care to weigh in? Thanks Greg


#22

The Don'z

The Don'z

My personal favorite is a Dixie Chopper, I have a 27HP 60" Classic (2009) I've cut grass and weeds that were as high as the arm rests on the Dixie's seat in a single pass.. Only thing I have to say against DC is don't get the "Turf Boss" Tires (Tractor Lug Type) unless you have a lot of experience in making turns without digging holes. As far as I'm concerned,, DC is worth the extra $ you will spend on it.


#23

djdicetn

djdicetn

bucsfan714 said:
Went to a dealer that sells the Hustler. Man I am seriously lost now! Lol

the RSD 54" IS 3999

the RSD 60" IS 4499

then I went to a husky dealer.

MZ5424S IS 4000

the MZT 52 with brigs is 5200

the MZT 52 with kawi is 5600.

Obviously I think the mzt is the most heavy duty, the mz5424s main down fall is a stamped deck. The Hustler's are nice too. Side by side the 60" looks more expensive (and is) due to the nice seat, rear engine bumper.

Anyone care to weigh in? Thanks Greg
Click to expand...
IMHO, the Hustlers are great ZTR's but the Raptor isn't in the same league as the Husqvarna MZ T's. If it were me, I'd get the MZT 52 with the Kawasaki(well worth the extra $400) but of course it's not my money:0)

P.S.
If you have a Dixie Chopper dealer nearby, the Zee 2 would be worth looking at as it is along the same line as what you've been looking at.


#24

B

bucsfan714

If it were just 400 I wouldn't even hesitate. But from the RSD 60 to the MZT 52 is 1100 bux


#25

E

edd

if it is only mowing my yard RSD 54 would be just fine and less money.......i like the specs on mz t but i have looked at the new briggs commercial turf engine and i am wondering if it might not be just as good or better than the fs kawasaki


#26

Ric

Ric

edd said:
if it is only mowing my yard RSD 54 would be just fine and less money.......i like the specs on mz t but i have looked at the new briggs commercial turf engine and i am wondering if it might not be just as good or better than the fs kawasaki
Click to expand...

That Briggs is the old Intek engine with a new air filter or so I've heard and been told but either way it's not half the engine the Kawasaki is. Briggs just never made a V-twin commercial engine that made it in the market. You would be better off with the RSD 54 it's a lot better quality mower.


#27

B

bucsfan714

Leaning towards the RSD 60" :smile:

side note is I'm paying cash so every dollar counts...


#28

Ric

Ric

bucsfan714 said:
Leaning towards the RSD 60" :smile:

side note is I'm paying cash so every dollar counts...
Click to expand...

That M-ZT 52 is 5600$ and if you go to there 61" your looking at 5999$ you can buy the hustler fastrak for the money below.

HUSTLER FASTRAK FASTRAK 48" 21.5HP KAW $5699.99 FASTRAK 54" 23HP KAW $5899.99 FASTRAK 60" 24HP KAW $6099.99


#29

djdicetn

djdicetn

Ric said:
That M-ZT 52 is 5600$ and if you go to there 61" your looking at 5999$ you can buy the hustler fastrak for the money below.

HUSTLER FASTRAK FASTRAK 48" 21.5HP KAW $5699.99 FASTRAK 54" 23HP KAW $5899.99 FASTRAK 60" 24HP KAW $6099.99
Click to expand...

That is a much more apples-to-apples comparison than what user bucsfan714 has been doing by comparing the M-ZT 52 to the Hustler Raptor. The Husqvarna is more akin to the FasTrak and that is why it is $1,100 bux more than the Raptor. As Ric pointed out, when you get "similar" machines across different manufacturers there will only be a couple hundred bux difference in most cases. If there is $1,000 you are not comparing "equal" machines. My vote is still the M-ZT 52 with the Kawasaki engine(although the FasTrak is a good machine....I just don't like the solid ROPS where the MZ has the foldable ROPS). Now, the FasTrak Super Duty is a very nice machine, but would also be a bad comparison to the Husqvarna(and would most likely be around $1,000 bux more than the M-ZT 52:0)


#30

M

motoman

Look at the recent forum poll of motor choices. Stay away from Briggs-only badge engineering there.


#31

Ric

Ric

djdicetn said:
That is a much more apples-to-apples comparison than what user bucsfan714 has been doing by comparing the M-ZT 52 to the Hustler Raptor. The Husqvarna is more akin to the FasTrak and that is why it is $1,100 bux more than the Raptor. As Ric pointed out, when you get "similar" machines across different manufacturers there will only be a couple hundred bux difference in most cases. If there is $1,000 you are not comparing "equal" machines. My vote is still the M-ZT 52 with the Kawasaki engine(although the FasTrak is a good machine....I just don't like the solid ROPS where the MZ has the foldable ROPS). Now, the FasTrak Super Duty is a very nice machine, but would also be a bad comparison to the Husqvarna(and would most likely be around $1,000 bux more than the M-ZT 52:0)
Click to expand...


The 60" Fastrak Super Duty is 700$ more between the 60" models

HUSTLER FASTRAK FASTRAK 48" 21.5HP KAW $5699.99 FASTRAK 54" 23HP KAW $5899.99 FASTRAK 60" 24HP KAW $6099.99


FASTRAK SUPER DUTY SUPER DUTY 48" 691CC KAW $6399.99 SUPER DUTY 54" 730CC KAW $6599.99 SUPER DUTY 60" 730CC KAW $6799.99


#32

Ric

Ric

motoman said:
Look at the recent forum poll of motor choices. Stay away from Briggs-only badge engineering there.
Click to expand...

The pole is kinda bogus because it involves all engines single and twins and not just the major V twin manufacturers. If you were to include just the twin manufacturers you would have a different out come.


#33

B

bucsfan714

I only thought about the mzt because of the members posting purchasing them around 4500. Above 5 grand is more than I'm capable of spending.

Originally I budgeted for the entry level zero turn. Basic research quickly had me reaching deeper in my pocket. Lol


#34

djdicetn

djdicetn

Ric said:
The 60" Fastrak Super Duty is 700$ more between the 60" models

HUSTLER FASTRAK FASTRAK 48" 21.5HP KAW $5699.99 FASTRAK 54" 23HP KAW $5899.99 FASTRAK 60" 24HP KAW $6099.99


FASTRAK SUPER DUTY SUPER DUTY 48" 691CC KAW $6399.99 SUPER DUTY 54" 730CC KAW $6599.99 SUPER DUTY 60" 730CC KAW $6799.99
Click to expand...

Well, the $700 difference between the FT and the FT SD is "almost" $1k......and definitely worth the $700 upgrade. Problem is user bucsfan714 is working with an approx. $5k budget. I still stand on my opinion that for his needs and budget the M-ZT 52 would be my choice(and not break his bank).


#35

Ric

Ric

djdicetn said:
Well, the $700 difference between the FT and the FT SD is "almost" $1k......and definitely worth the $700 upgrade. Problem is user bucsfan714 is working with an approx. $5k budget. I still stand on my opinion that for his needs and budget the M-ZT 52 would be my choice(and not break his bank).
Click to expand...

If he is looking at the Husky M-ZT52 with the kawasaki engine, the price tag is $5899 The Hustler Fastrak SUPER DUTY 54" 730CC KAW $6599.99 That's $700 difference in price. Now personally if I had to choose between the two mowers I'm going to buy the Hustler. Hustler's Reputation alone is worth the extra money say nothing about the 4yr 400 hour warranty and it has the fold able ROPS.


#36

djdicetn

djdicetn

Ric said:
If he is looking at the Husky M-ZT52 with the kawasaki engine, the price tag is $5899 The Hustler Fastrak SUPER DUTY 54" 730CC KAW $6599.99 That's $700 difference in price. Now personally if I had to choose between the two mowers I'm going to buy the Hustler. Hustler's Reputation alone is worth the extra money say nothing about the 4yr 400 hour warranty and it has the fold able ROPS.
Click to expand...

I can't argue with that for the price difference(not sure how I missed that:0)
My earlier comment speculated that the SD was $1k more than the base FasTrak. The Fastrak SD is indeed a MUCH better machine overall than the Husqvarna. I guess I was just thinking about the $1,600(plus tax) over budget that user bucsfan714 would be looking at versus the $900(plus tax) over budget for the M-ZT 52. And of course, he has to consider the SD has a 2" larger deck as well. Like most users(myself included) when shopping for ZTR's....the closer you get to what you want the higher the purchase price creeps from what you set out looking to spend:0)


#37

Ric

Ric

djdicetn said:
I can't argue with that for the price difference(not sure how I missed that:0)
My earlier comment speculated that the SD was $1k more than the base FasTrak. The Fastrak SD is indeed a MUCH better machine overall than the Husqvarna. I guess I was just thinking about the $1,600(plus tax) over budget that user bucsfan714 would be looking at versus the $900(plus tax) over budget for the M-ZT 52. And of course, he has to consider the SD has a 2" larger deck as well. Like most users(myself included) when shopping for ZTR's....the closer you get to what you want the higher the purchase price creeps from what you set out looking to spend:0)
Click to expand...


Yeah the closer you get to what you want the higher the purchase price creeps from what you set out looking to spend and the more confused you get.If you really want to be confused look at this a 52" for $5799



#38

B

bucsfan714

I was looking at the mzt because of the members posting prices of 4700. The same price i have to spend.

All that being said, I just pulled the trigger on the Hustler Raptor SD 60". Haven't picked it up yet. Pretty excited!

Thanks for all the help guys!


#39

Arnezie

Arnezie

bucsfan714 said:
I was looking at the mzt because of the members posting prices of 4700. The same price i have to spend. All that being said, I just pulled the trigger on the Hustler Raptor SD 60". Haven't picked it up yet. Pretty excited! Thanks for all the help guys!
Click to expand...

I got my MZT 52 shipped to my house for $5500 Kawasaki engine Briggs was $5250 mowers 4less out of n Carolina


#40

djdicetn

djdicetn

bucsfan714 said:
I was looking at the mzt because of the members posting prices of 4700. The same price i have to spend.

All that being said, I just pulled the trigger on the Hustler Raptor SD 60". Haven't picked it up yet. Pretty excited!

Thanks for all the help guys!
Click to expand...

Congratulations for getting past the hard part(making a choice:0)
The Raptor is a fairly new series for Hustler(been out a couple of years) but it's a given that Hustler don't make no junk!! I'm certain the Raptor SD will meet/exceed your expectations. When you get it home post a picture(we wanna see it:0)
Keep us posted on what you think as you break in that puppy!!!!


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