I have 2 Hustlers and have the same problem on both with an additional problem on one. They will not start. Won’t even click. And one of them keeps breaking the belt when it was running. Any suggestions please.
Make sure the handles are all the way out. inspect the neutral switches that are at the bottom of each one and check that they are closed. I had the bolts drop out of one switch and that stopped me cold. Both switches have to be closed, in order for the starting circuit to engage. Of course, you could have other electrical problems, such as a bad battery, a broken/missing wire, a bad ground, or even a bad switch. That you have it on both of these makes me feel you might not be fully in neutral.
As for the belt, if it's the drive belt, well I've had all sorts of issues with mine. There is a bolt just in front of the engine, on which the swing arm that holds the idler pulley swivels. You HAVE to tighten the lock nut on it after you replace the belt in order to get the slop out. If it bounces a bit high, the belt will hit the fan and possibly cut it or ruin the fan. I went with a 50x1/2" Kevlar fractional v-belt and replaced the idler pulley to resolve that problem. I have a 60" Raptor SD. I also replaced the spring with a turnbuckle and installed the upgraded axle supports.
FWIW, you gave me enough info to give you a start on what's wrong. No, I don't need to know your model number or even that it's a hustler to see your starting issue as probably having something to do with the safety interlocks. The interlocks make it a bit harder to figure out what's broken, but they're important to a safe operation. My blades cut out yesterday and I have to suss out if it's the wiring or the clutch. I'll be bypassing the safety in the seat for that but once I have it figured out and fixed, I'll reconnect it.