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Hustler Musings and Observations
#1
S
specman
S
specman
Like a good many users on this forum I joined to gather information to make the best decision possible for purchase of a ZTR. Hustler is a name that I was remotely familiar because the local Hustler dealer recently won the annual Hancock County Small Business Award for exemplary Customer Service. All of a sudden I was very interested in Hustler. I have been pursuing this forum for the past few days and noticed that there have been some QC issues with rolling out the Raptor line. These things happen. I get the BBS deal because that痴 where the people are. Every time we pull into the BBS parking lot we are greeted by shiny green, red and yellow machine just begging us to buy or at least lust over them. The real test is, how has and will Hustler respond to these problems? This is an opportunity for Hustler to take this turkey off of the table by making these problems go away to the satisfaction of everyone concerned. Let痴 hope that they do.
One particular user takes this opportunity to cut Hustler down with one side of their mouth and say they make good stuff out of the other. I can find no evidence that he owns or has ever owned a Hustler Product. It痴 like voting, when you vote you earn the right to gripe. He appears to be very knowledgeable on all subjects as witnessed by his many posts. His posts are crafted in a condescending and 妬n your face way that turns me off. He is the reason that I will be buying a residential grade RSD 54 tomorrow. I am betting that Hustler and their dealer network will get their stuff together and work out any real and/or perceived QC issues.
Thanks,
Specman
One particular user takes this opportunity to cut Hustler down with one side of their mouth and say they make good stuff out of the other. I can find no evidence that he owns or has ever owned a Hustler Product. It痴 like voting, when you vote you earn the right to gripe. He appears to be very knowledgeable on all subjects as witnessed by his many posts. His posts are crafted in a condescending and 妬n your face way that turns me off. He is the reason that I will be buying a residential grade RSD 54 tomorrow. I am betting that Hustler and their dealer network will get their stuff together and work out any real and/or perceived QC issues.
Thanks,
Specman
#2
T
t9sti
T
t9sti
Right on! I bought a rsd 54 the other day...now just waiting for delivery. My question is, has hustler fixed the clutch belt issue on new mowers yet, or when I get it should I be sure to look closely for the extra washer?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#3
djdicetn
I've never owned a Hustler ZTR, but I made an offer on a FasTrak Super Duty in 2012. The dealer wouldn't budge from MSRP plus taxes so I bought my Gravely(liked it better anyway). I regularly recommend Hustlers but I am one of the users that have been very critical of the QC problems(and timeliness of remedial action) with the Raptor line by Hustler. Ever since I began researching ZTR's in the Summer of 2012, the Raptor rollout is the first "widespread" defect that I have read reviews about and IMHO until(like you said) "Hustler takes this turkey off of the table by making these problems go away to the satisfaction of everyone concerned" I cannot recommend that ZTR with a clear conscience. Another brand(that I also looked at and made an offer on).....Bad Boy has had very "mixed" reviews in my research. Either the owners loved them or they hated them(usually related to cut quality) so you won't see me recommending them either(although I will comment how the Outlaw models are "built like a tank"). I try to be respectful of all other user's opinions so I hope that it is not me that you are depicting as condescending. I have no problem arguing a point with another user if I am 100% certain that I am right, but still try to remain civil. I believe Hustler has done great harm to their stellar reputation by (1)rolling out a second year Raptor lineup with the serious clutch/tension spring/belt drive problems that have filled this Hustler Forum with reported failures; (2)not being more aggressive in having all dealers check all Raptor inventory on hand to correct distributed machines before selling them, not shipping any Raptors to dealers unless the defect was corrected first(and modifying the assembly process to prevent any more coming off the line)and contacting all Raptor owners for immediate fixes....and(3)making the financial decision to allow BBS's to sell Raptors cheaper than their dealer network could sell them and make their profit margin(just not fair to their dealer network). That being said, I will continue to highly recommend Hustler FasTrak and above models but until I am convinced that all of the bugs are worked out of the Raptors I will continue to advise users that I consider them questionable purchases with many reported problems. On that subject.....check out this recent post by a Raptor SD owner with only 35 hours on his machine and ask him if you should take a chance on a Raptor:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/hustler-forum/27144-raptor-sd-2014-bent-belt-spindle.html
djdicetn
Like a good many users on this forum I joined to gather information to make the best decision possible for purchase of a ZTR. Hustler is a name that I was remotely familiar because the local Hustler dealer recently won the annual Hancock County Small Business Award for exemplary Customer Service. All of a sudden I was very interested in Hustler. I have been pursuing this forum for the past few days and noticed that there have been some QC issues with rolling out the Raptor line. These things happen. I get the BBS deal because that痴 where the people are. Every time we pull into the BBS parking lot we are greeted by shiny green, red and yellow machine just begging us to buy or at least lust over them. The real test is, how has and will Hustler respond to these problems? This is an opportunity for Hustler to take this turkey off of the table by making these problems go away to the satisfaction of everyone concerned. Let痴 hope that they do.
One particular user takes this opportunity to cut Hustler down with one side of their mouth and say they make good stuff out of the other. I can find no evidence that he owns or has ever owned a Hustler Product. It痴 like voting, when you vote you earn the right to gripe. He appears to be very knowledgeable on all subjects as witnessed by his many posts. His posts are crafted in a condescending and 妬n your face way that turns me off. He is the reason that I will be buying a residential grade RSD 54 tomorrow. I am betting that Hustler and their dealer network will get their stuff together and work out any real and/or perceived QC issues.
Thanks,
Specman
I've never owned a Hustler ZTR, but I made an offer on a FasTrak Super Duty in 2012. The dealer wouldn't budge from MSRP plus taxes so I bought my Gravely(liked it better anyway). I regularly recommend Hustlers but I am one of the users that have been very critical of the QC problems(and timeliness of remedial action) with the Raptor line by Hustler. Ever since I began researching ZTR's in the Summer of 2012, the Raptor rollout is the first "widespread" defect that I have read reviews about and IMHO until(like you said) "Hustler takes this turkey off of the table by making these problems go away to the satisfaction of everyone concerned" I cannot recommend that ZTR with a clear conscience. Another brand(that I also looked at and made an offer on).....Bad Boy has had very "mixed" reviews in my research. Either the owners loved them or they hated them(usually related to cut quality) so you won't see me recommending them either(although I will comment how the Outlaw models are "built like a tank"). I try to be respectful of all other user's opinions so I hope that it is not me that you are depicting as condescending. I have no problem arguing a point with another user if I am 100% certain that I am right, but still try to remain civil. I believe Hustler has done great harm to their stellar reputation by (1)rolling out a second year Raptor lineup with the serious clutch/tension spring/belt drive problems that have filled this Hustler Forum with reported failures; (2)not being more aggressive in having all dealers check all Raptor inventory on hand to correct distributed machines before selling them, not shipping any Raptors to dealers unless the defect was corrected first(and modifying the assembly process to prevent any more coming off the line)and contacting all Raptor owners for immediate fixes....and(3)making the financial decision to allow BBS's to sell Raptors cheaper than their dealer network could sell them and make their profit margin(just not fair to their dealer network). That being said, I will continue to highly recommend Hustler FasTrak and above models but until I am convinced that all of the bugs are worked out of the Raptors I will continue to advise users that I consider them questionable purchases with many reported problems. On that subject.....check out this recent post by a Raptor SD owner with only 35 hours on his machine and ask him if you should take a chance on a Raptor:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/hustler-forum/27144-raptor-sd-2014-bent-belt-spindle.html
#4
djdicetn
djdicetn
My question is that with the recall being almost two months old.......why should you even be concerned about your dealer getting a RSD from Hustler now that doesn't have ALL deck problems corrected??? Surely, you mentioned something about the recall when you purchased the ZTR from your dealer.....right? The fact that you are concerned tells me you have read some owner reviews for "recent purchases" where the recall was not addressed. Or you have read about so many failures that you are a little concerned. I sincerely hope that the Raptor SD you receive is free from any of the clutch/spring/belt problems that have plagued this lineup!!!!Right on! I bought a rsd 54 the other day...now just waiting for delivery. My question is, has hustler fixed the clutch belt issue on new mowers yet, or when I get it should I be sure to look closely for the extra washer?
Thanks!
#5
RetiredGuns
RetiredGuns
I'm sure enjoying my bottom feeder Raptor 42". As far as I can tell it may not be plagued with the clutch ordeal as the SD models? There is no 2nd washer, but it looks different than the SD pics people have posted. There is no rattles or vibrations. My dealer also tweaked the machine before it was delivered and driven up my driveway. Deck was perfectly level, tire pressure good, everything tight and 1/2 tank of fuel. As far as pricing goes, he is exactly the same as what you see @ Lowes & HD online. Not sure that the BBS are going to sell them a dime cheaper. One thing is for sure, if you sit on a Hustler and simply work the levers and take a peek at construction compared to the usual BBS offerings, it is night and day! I'm very happy with the cut as well and here in the Midwest this year that means mowing 8" grass in between rains. Coming from a lawn tractor it is actually pleasant to mow again.
Unless Hustler plans on "cheapening" the units, the mowers bought through BBS should be fine however I am a HUGE supporter of local dealers and all my equipment has come that way for years. I like the personal interaction, service and intimacy of the shops. I think sometimes we forget that people with problems seek out these forums and are looking to vent, get help or advice. The other 99.9% aren't popping in to just let to let us know that all is well. Personally I found the forum while researching brands other than residential JDs, Toros, Huskies, Troybilt, etc.. With 1/2 acre, I could not in good conscience spend my family's money on a mower north of $5k. Heck I have neighbors that push their 1/2 acre and think I'm nuts! I decided to buy the best unit I could afford and at $2519 (military discount) could not have done better. Even used commercial mowers with 1000hrs are still pricey and I like a clean slate on my stuff.
We all tend to be loyal to our decisions and can get carried away in letting people know. It's assuring and human nature. Yep, can be annoying too, but in the end we are all just shortening grass! :smile:
Unless Hustler plans on "cheapening" the units, the mowers bought through BBS should be fine however I am a HUGE supporter of local dealers and all my equipment has come that way for years. I like the personal interaction, service and intimacy of the shops. I think sometimes we forget that people with problems seek out these forums and are looking to vent, get help or advice. The other 99.9% aren't popping in to just let to let us know that all is well. Personally I found the forum while researching brands other than residential JDs, Toros, Huskies, Troybilt, etc.. With 1/2 acre, I could not in good conscience spend my family's money on a mower north of $5k. Heck I have neighbors that push their 1/2 acre and think I'm nuts! I decided to buy the best unit I could afford and at $2519 (military discount) could not have done better. Even used commercial mowers with 1000hrs are still pricey and I like a clean slate on my stuff.
We all tend to be loyal to our decisions and can get carried away in letting people know. It's assuring and human nature. Yep, can be annoying too, but in the end we are all just shortening grass! :smile:
#6
S
specman
Amen Brother!!!
S
specman
I'm sure enjoying my bottom feeder Raptor 42". As far as I can tell it may not be plagued with the clutch ordeal as the SD models? There is no 2nd washer, but it looks different than the SD pics people have posted. There is no rattles or vibrations. My dealer also tweaked the machine before it was delivered and driven up my driveway. Deck was perfectly level, tire pressure good, everything tight and 1/2 tank of fuel. As far as pricing goes, he is exactly the same as what you see @ Lowes & HD online. Not sure that the BBS are going to sell them a dime cheaper. One thing is for sure, if you sit on a Hustler and simply work the levers and take a peek at construction compared to the usual BBS offerings, it is night and day! I'm very happy with the cut as well and here in the Midwest this year that means mowing 8" grass in between rains. Coming from a lawn tractor it is actually pleasant to mow again.
Unless Hustler plans on "cheapening" the units, the mowers bought through BBS should be fine however I am a HUGE supporter of local dealers and all my equipment has come that way for years. I like the personal interaction, service and intimacy of the shops. I think sometimes we forget that people with problems seek out these forums and are looking to vent, get help or advice. The other 99.9% aren't popping in to just let to let us know that all is well. Personally I found the forum while researching brands other than residential JDs, Toros, Huskies, Troybilt, etc.. With 1/2 acre, I could not in good conscience spend my family's money on a mower north of $5k. Heck I have neighbors that push their 1/2 acre and think I'm nuts! I decided to buy the best unit I could afford and at $2519 (military discount) could not have done better. Even used commercial mowers with 1000hrs are still pricey and I like a clean slate on my stuff.
We all tend to be loyal to our decisions and can get carried away in letting people know. It's assuring and human nature. Yep, can be annoying too, but in the end we are all just shortening grass! :smile:
Amen Brother!!!
#7
chemingthroughtheleather
chemingthroughtheleather
:thumbsup:It ain't rocket science!
#8
M
MRCo.
M
MRCo.
All new units are shipped with the fixed clutch set up, but note that the new factory news do not have the two washers, that was just to correct the previously released set up. Despite what some people insinuate, this has been a non-issue for two months.Right on! I bought a rsd 54 the other day...now just waiting for delivery. My question is, has hustler fixed the clutch belt issue on new mowers yet, or when I get it should I be sure to look closely for the extra washer?
Thanks!
#10
DSepe
DSepe
I feel bad for my local Hustler because people just go to the BBS and don't research the local dealer. He has seen a decline in his residential model sells because people just go to Lowe's. He's out in the country and people are so lazy/uninformed they use BBS because that is all they've ever known...most don't even bother using the dealer lookup. He has the same price as Lowe's.
#11
RetiredGuns
Exactly. It won't be price but ignorance. I am lucky that not only do I like to do business with dealers, but 2 are within 1/2 mile of the house and yes, it is out in the country. I have access to SCAG, Wright, BigDog, Hustler, Exmark, Dixon, Bobcat. Of course commercial folks are aware of the dealerships, but Joe Schmow from the city is looking at BBS.
RetiredGuns
I feel bad for my local Hustler because people just go to the BBS and don't research the local dealer. He has seen a decline in his residential model sells because people just go to Lowe's. He's out in the country and people are so lazy/uninformed they use BBS because that is all they've ever known...most don't even bother using the dealer lookup. He has the same price as Lowe's.
Exactly. It won't be price but ignorance. I am lucky that not only do I like to do business with dealers, but 2 are within 1/2 mile of the house and yes, it is out in the country. I have access to SCAG, Wright, BigDog, Hustler, Exmark, Dixon, Bobcat. Of course commercial folks are aware of the dealerships, but Joe Schmow from the city is looking at BBS.
#12
T
t9sti
I have to admit, and I know I'll catch crap for it, but I went to lowes... For only one reason. I spoke with my local dealer and he said servicing it won't be a problem, however he couldn't offer me military discount like lowes can. Also lowes has a sweet 4 year warranty that covers everything, including if I hit a stump or something stupid. Plus free delivery.
Just about everything, including my home is made in the US, and I always support local guys when I can, but $400 is $400... Which paid for the extended warranty.
T
t9sti
I feel bad for my local Hustler because people just go to the BBS and don't research the local dealer. He has seen a decline in his residential model sells because people just go to Lowe's. He's out in the country and people are so lazy/uninformed they use BBS because that is all they've ever known...most don't even bother using the dealer lookup. He has the same price as Lowe's.
I have to admit, and I know I'll catch crap for it, but I went to lowes... For only one reason. I spoke with my local dealer and he said servicing it won't be a problem, however he couldn't offer me military discount like lowes can. Also lowes has a sweet 4 year warranty that covers everything, including if I hit a stump or something stupid. Plus free delivery.
Just about everything, including my home is made in the US, and I always support local guys when I can, but $400 is $400... Which paid for the extended warranty.
#13
T
t9sti
Thanks! I looked on the website for recalls and didn't see anything about it, so I just wanted to make sure.
T
t9sti
All new units are shipped with the fixed clutch set up, but note that the new factory news do not have the two washers, that was just to correct the previously released set up. Despite what some people insinuate, this has been a non-issue for two months.
Thanks! I looked on the website for recalls and didn't see anything about it, so I just wanted to make sure.
#14
djdicetn
That's good news for user t9sti!!! Even though I've been pretty critical of the Raptor problems, I still consider Hustler as one of the best ZTR's on the market. I knew it would just be a matter of time before the Raptor & Raptor SD got the kinks worked out and set the standard for pricing of high-end Residential ZTR's. Hustler will continue to be one of the brands that I recommend(I just read a recent post by a user who just bought a 54" FasTrak SD for $5,899....if my local dealer had countered my $5,800 cash OTD with me picking it up offer with a $5,899 price I would be mowing with a Hustler instead of a Gravely).
djdicetn
All new units are shipped with the fixed clutch set up, but note that the new factory news do not have the two washers, that was just to correct the previously released set up. Despite what some people insinuate, this has been a non-issue for two months.
That's good news for user t9sti!!! Even though I've been pretty critical of the Raptor problems, I still consider Hustler as one of the best ZTR's on the market. I knew it would just be a matter of time before the Raptor & Raptor SD got the kinks worked out and set the standard for pricing of high-end Residential ZTR's. Hustler will continue to be one of the brands that I recommend(I just read a recent post by a user who just bought a 54" FasTrak SD for $5,899....if my local dealer had countered my $5,800 cash OTD with me picking it up offer with a $5,899 price I would be mowing with a Hustler instead of a Gravely).
#15
S
specman
S
specman
I picked up my new 54" RSD on Wednesday. Asked the dealer about the infamous pulley issues and she advised that all new units coming off of the line have a redesigned pulley system. She also said, "Mr. Gary, if you have any trouble at all with this mower, you bring it back and we will fix it. If it needs any adjustment, you bring it in and we will take care of it". My machine was in dealer stock and has the dealer installed modification. I cut some 12"-18" field grass on some acreage that I have in the country and the results were good. I expect the results will be better as I cut it more often. My home St. Augustine lawn is really looking good this year because of springtime feeding and consistent rain fall. I normally cut it with a 28" Snapper rear engine rider but decided to try the RSD 54 and the results were supper impressive.
Specman
Specman
#16
T
t9sti
Congrats!
T
t9sti
I picked up my new 54" RSD on Wednesday. Asked the dealer about the infamous pulley issues and she advised that all new units coming off of the line have a redesigned pulley system. She also said, "Mr. Gary, if you have any trouble at all with this mower, you bring it back and we will fix it. If it needs any adjustment, you bring it in and we will take care of it". My machine was in dealer stock and has the dealer installed modification. I cut some 12"-18" field grass on some acreage that I have in the country and the results were good. I expect the results will be better as I cut it more often. My home St. Augustine lawn is really looking good this year because of springtime feeding and consistent rain fall. I normally cut it with a 28" Snapper rear engine rider but decided to try the RSD 54 and the results were supper impressive. Specman
Congrats!
#17
DSepe
DSepe
Your last name is Gary?...awesome.I picked up my new 54" RSD on Wednesday. Asked the dealer about the infamous pulley issues and she advised that all new units coming off of the line have a redesigned pulley system. She also said, "Mr. Gary, if you have any trouble at all with this mower, you bring it back and we will fix it. If it needs any adjustment, you bring it in and we will take care of it". My machine was in dealer stock and has the dealer installed modification. I cut some 12"-18" field grass on some acreage that I have in the country and the results were good. I expect the results will be better as I cut it more often. My home St. Augustine lawn is really looking good this year because of springtime feeding and consistent rain fall. I normally cut it with a 28" Snapper rear engine rider but decided to try the RSD 54 and the results were supper impressive. Specman
#18
M
Mad Mackie
M
Mad Mackie
For the information of the Hustler owners, there is a Hustler sponsored forum on LawnSite. You can join and chat with a Hustler Service Rep. Bear in mind that new members posts are monitored for a while, so be patient. I'm not trying to chase Hustler owners away from lawnmowerforum.
Here is the link to the Hustler Forum on lawnsite
http://www.lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:
Here is the link to the Hustler Forum on lawnsite
http://www.lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:
#19
S
specman
That's the way we do it down South. If it's obvious that you did not attend school with them or you are friends with their parents, you get the respect.
S
specman
Your last name is Gary?...awesome.
That's the way we do it down South. If it's obvious that you did not attend school with them or you are friends with their parents, you get the respect.