Is Raptor SD overkill for homeowner with 1 acre?

[kraky]

I agree on the ikon.....the operator station looks roomier than the raptor....the deck depth stop idea is very nice...and most importantly the deck looks like it will discharge much more openly.

 

[577jersey]

The Ikon X has a better deck with a bigger chute opening,the deck lift system is alot stronger as well.The cut quality is better IMO too.
Home depot carries them,last one i saw had a pro series briggs cyclonic engine on it and was sold for $2700.I hear nothing but good about those engines.

 

[kraky]

I almost bought an ikon instead of my first raptor SD but my local dealer did not stock one. Then a super-low hour SD showed up on Craigslist and I was already in love with the big tires on there because I have a pretty wet lawn in one area.... and I liked the Kawasaki engine. I overcame the discharge problem with high lift blades and after that I was kind of a hustler fan.

 

[577jersey]

Yeah i hear ya,I think it was the big tires that helped sell me too..lol..i love mine,the deck sounds a bit like a garbage can cause its on the thin side but the machine is so light i dont tear anything up with it at all.
After 5 years Ill get a new machine,just not sure what yet,am really looking at the scag liberty z or maybe just another SD or SDX,well see how mine holds up first.

I have a video here of an ikon x i walk around it real quick,maybe you can get an idea.

 

[Top98Percent]

Thanks 577. Nice video. I never run across sales like that. No HD's in my area stock it. The Raptor deck opening is small compared to other mowers. Saw a Husqvarna that had a huge opening. It was a stamped deck too. Although, for me a stamped deck shouldn't be an issue. I've been using a 12 ga. stamped deck for the last 17 yrs and it's still in great shape. The joys of over analyzing a purchase. lol

 

[577jersey]

Hahaha,,yeah..my buddy had a Husqvarna a couple years back a liked it.

The stamped deck is fine,we ran stamped decks for years back in 80s when first started doing lawn care.

IMO i think some of those stamped decks cut and stripe better than the fabbys

Good luck and have a blessed season bro.

 

[Mr. Mower]

Live on a little over an acre with trees and backyard shed, like you I also retired my old Montgomery Wards Yardman 42" riding mower that I had since 1996 and went ahead an purchased a Hustler Raptor 54" mower and have had it now for about 10 months and so far have been satisfied with my purchase.

I think it's justified, money $ wise, on getting a mower with a larger cutting deck. The only real problem is which one (brand/model/style).

 

[577jersey]

I like my RSD so much Ill probably get another one in a few years..its so light and nimble,low center of gravity,with plenty of power from the FR691,after a few mods its the best mower i ever had,and i had alot of mowers!
Last year i was thinking to get a CRZ,then maybe a scag liberty but Im 100% satisfied with the RSD.160 hours and counting.

 

[Top98Percent]

Had to buy it before I ended up looking at the Fastrak's. SDX on the way :drink:


Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[kraky]

Good for you tell us what you think after you mowed a time or two..... I'm trying to talk my brother-in-law into one of those!