Hustler Raptor 42 or Gravely ZT 42?

[sjdoucet13]

Ok, so I keep going back and forth on a decision. Local dealer here recommends two mowers...and I see pros and cons of each. Also will be getting the mulching kit on the mower. ($200 installed) My budget is low $3000's. Any help?

Yard to mow is a 1 acre lot with my house and pool and obsticals. Roughly half acre to cut. I cut currently with a 46" Troy Bilt Horse which is in dire need of replacing. Takes about 2.5 hours to cut.

Hustler Raptor 42 $2899
Pros:
fab thicker deck 11 gauge
kawasaki engine
Bigger fuel capacity
Cons:
slower blade speed than gravely
2 point mount on deck
Was told there's a grass "trap" on top of deck which is a problem area on this mower

Gravely ZT 42 $2999
Pros:
Faster blade speed than hustler
4 point mount on deck
Foot lever to raise deck
Cons:
Kholer engine (I hear kawasaki is better)
Stamped deck 12gauge


-Scott.

 

[Shughes717]

Ok, so I keep going back and forth on a decision. Local dealer here recommends two mowers...and I see pros and cons of each. Also will be getting the mulching kit on the mower. ($200 installed) My budget is low $3000's. Any help?

Yard to mow is a 1 acre lot with my house and pool and obsticals. Roughly half acre to cut. I cut currently with a 46" Troy Bilt Horse which is in dire need of replacing. Takes about 2.5 hours to cut.

Hustler Raptor 42 $2899
Pros:
fab thicker deck 11 gauge
kawasaki engine
Bigger fuel capacity
Cons:
slower blade speed than gravely
2 point mount on deck
Was told there's a grass "trap" on top of deck which is a problem area on this mower

Gravely ZT 42 $2999
Pros:
Faster blade speed than hustler
4 point mount on deck
Foot lever to raise deck
Cons:
Kholer engine (I hear kawasaki is better)
Stamped deck 12gauge


-Scott.

Both brands have a great reputation, and would be well suited for your needs. Just go with the one you like best. Don't over think it.

 

[MRCo.]

I've sold many Raptors and never heard of a deck grass trap issue...weird. All my customers love them.
I guess you know which I recommend!

 

[bertsmobile1]

With 1/2 an acre to mow, toss a coin.
Go for which ever has the tigetest turning circle and is the most manoeuvrable.
Check you can get a clear view of the left side ( close mowing side ) of the deck and blades that are closest to the left side ( less trim cutting )

 

[sjdoucet13]

Well, I went back and looked again. I ended up getting the gravely zt 42. I felt it was more comfortable on the backside... the seat was softer.....lol. I think I ended up with a good machine. I'll post pics soon.

Scott.

 

[Shughes717]

Well, I went back and looked again. I ended up getting the gravely zt 42. I felt it was more comfortable on the backside... the seat was softer.....lol. I think I ended up with a good machine. I'll post pics soon.

Scott.

Congratulations, let us know your initial thoughts after mowing with it a few times.