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Maybe you all can offer some help on how to fix a reoccurring problem with the deck leveling bolts that I’m having. Every time I touch something on the side of the mower deck the bolt that goes into a round rod with a hole treaded for the bolt to go in falls out of the U shaped bracelet that it sits in because the bracket get spread out. Tired of bending it back and it also has to be weakening that bracket.

Are you running one of those “big box store” Hustlers?

MParr said:

Are you running one of those “big box store” Hustlers?

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No bought it from a Hustler dealer it is a Raptor

Could you provide the model number and serial number for your mower? This will help.

This is the bracket and bolt I’m talking about. That tuning fork type bracket bends and gets to wide for that round piece to stay in.

I asked for the model number and serial number in order to look at the parts sheets. The bracket might be available for purchase. Metal will fatigue with constant bending back and forth. It’s a stamped sheet metal part. Therefore, it’s inherently weak. You may have to take it to a welding shop if the part can’t be purchased.
If your mower is still under warranty, contact your dealer and have them take a look at it.

aabraham1209 said:

No bought it from a Hustler dealer it is a Raptor

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FACT:....Just goes to show you that no matter where you buy your Hustler ZT mower from, Big Box Store or authorized Hustler dealer, if your mower is going to have problems/issues it's going to happen.

Definitely nothing wrong from buying a ZT mower from the so called "Big Box Store".

It's a myth about if you buy from the so called Big Box Store that the mowers they supply/provide are built cheaply, have problems, are returned used mower, etc. all that is just plain crap.

Mr. Mower said:

FACT:....Just goes to show you that no matter where you buy your Hustler ZT mower from, Big Box Store or authorized Hustler dealer, if your mower is going to have problems/issues it's going to happen.

Definitely nothing wrong from buying a ZT mower from the so called "Big Box Store".

It's a myth about if you buy from the so called Big Box Store that the mowers they supply/provide are built cheaply, have problems, are returned used mower, etc. all that is just plain crap.

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The Raptor is one of those mowers carried by “big box stores”. They are entry level residential mowers and not built as beefy as residential estate mowers or commercial mowers. It’s true enough that dealers carry the same mower. The deck lift design of the Hustler Raptor is problematic.

MParr said:

The Raptor is one of those mowers carried by “big box stores”. They are entry level residential mowers and not built as beefy as residential estate mowers or commercial mowers. It’s true enough that dealers carry the same mower. The deck lift design of the Hustler Raptor is problematic.

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I purchased my Hustler Raptor Flip Up way back in 2015 from a so called 'Big Box Store" online from Lowe's, was shipped straight to my house directly from the factory. Since then I have 'never' had any sort of "problematic" with the deck lift design?

Yes the Hustler Raptor Flip Up is not considered a commercial ZT mower it is considered a residential ZT mower.

If purchasing a Hustler Raptor (specific model) Flip Up from Lowe's, the Big Box Store does not carry it in house (the store) it is purchased online and delivered straight from the factory.

So one can speculate, etc. or say whatever they like but the fact is the deck lift design is not problematic from what I have experienced.

If it was me, I’d drill the round piece and put a cotter pin in on either side and it and call it a day. It that doesn’t work, tack weld a strap across the bottom of the bracket.

If it was me..., I'd just quit running into stuff. I've had a 54" Raptor for six years without any problems whatsoever.

you could also drill a hole through the bracket behind the cross piece and put a lock nut on it and this would keep it from bending. Or you could quit hitting stuff with the deck they would not warranty an issue like that it would be called abuse.

If it's only one bracket that's doing it, then I would replace that bracket or take it off, straighten it, and weld the corners to give them more strength. The cotter pin solution also sounds reasonable. It being faulty because it came from a big box store sounds like a desperate conspiracy theory. I beat the crap out of my Raptor 60" and have never had to replace those brackets. I've broken the threaded rods the deck hangs from, but those brackets are holding firm.