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I have read only 1 brief thread on this topic in the Husqvarna Forum, so I come here seeking advice.
I am comparing :
Hustler Raptor SD 54" vs.
Husqvarna MZ54S
Both at the $4k price point (-10% at Lowe's this weekend)

The Hustler is Kohler powered; the Husqvarna is B&S
Transmissions...Raptor SD ZT-2800; Mz54S ZT-3100
Raptor SD has fabricated deck; Husqvarna's deck is stamped, but reinforced with steel plate.
I believe the Raptor has 20" rear tires; Husqvarna 22"

The Hustler has a 3 year warranty; Husqvarna a 4 year.(Verified with Husqvarna)

What say y'all in the Hustler Forum??

For the speed, I'd take the 3100 hydros.

For the overall mower, Kohler versus B&D, I'll take the Kohler.

Decks, I'll take the hustler especially the lift mechanism.

Hustler still wins since the only thing going for the MTD brand zero turn is the hydros.

Hustler hands down.

Husqvarna made by MTD ??
I guess I shouldn't have used a slang name for Husqvarna...
The MTD manufactured mower of similar name is Huskee from Tractor supply...

Raptor hands down, especially if you are on bumpy ground. MTD won't last three years in those conditions. Second, please don't post in different forums, only gets confusing and won't help you.

Is Husqvarna manufactured by MTD ??

As for the different forums, probably not a great idea.
I figgered to get pro-Hustler comments in this one, and pro Husqvarna in the other.

I recon that I also should not have used the Husky term............

Husquvara and MTD two different companies. My recommendation remains the same, but if it was me I would look at a Toro TimeMaster. Little higher price, but definite difference in quality.

Rivets said:

Husquvara and MTD two different companies. My recommendation remains the same, but if it was me I would look at a Toro TimeMaster. Little higher price, but definite difference in quality.

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Like this??
https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/walk-behind-mowers/timemaster-20199

Not exactly what I had in mind...

I was shopping the same 2 mowers last year. Found a dealer who sold both Husqvarna and Hustler. He had me speak to his shop manager and his lead repair guy. Both said get the Hustler. They said the quality and build on Hustler were much better. Husqvarna had a higher rate of warranty issues, and Husqvarna denied more claims. Found the same story at my local Scag dealer who just dropped Husqvarna the year before for their lack of warranty support.

I went with the Hustler Raptor SD and really like it. Put high lift blades on it and it plows through anything. Would have liked to have bought a Scag commercial mower, but was way out of my price range!

Boyler,

I've told this story before. I have a SD60, neighbor across the street has the most expensive Hustler with a 52" deck. His runs 16 mph, mine runs 7.5.

We both mowed my yard, we both mowed his yard. My little ole cheap SD took less time to cut both yards and that is mainly because I cut using my entire deck, he cuts loosing about ten inches of his effectively making his a 42" cut. I cut my yard which is larger than his by a third in a quarter less time. Plus, mine rides better than his. I thought I wanted his until I rode it. Staying with the SD60 although some say I should get a 54 so it won't scalp. Wouldn't it have to first scalp in order to not scalp? lol I call BS on a narrower deck.

If you got it, flaunt it. I'm not into mowing, I'm into getting it over with. lol.

I haven't found anything the SD doesn't do just as well as a Fastrack, XOne or any other Hustler with the exception of wheelies. Dang thing won't wheelie yet. That is coming.

Max

Looks like the Hustler gets the vote!
Thanks for the input.

Lowe's appears to have 2 Raptor SD 54" models at the same price.
Model #'s 934760 and 935882.
I think they are just 2016 and 2017 models respectively.

Anyone aware of any changes between the two??

Go for the higher serial number in case of any recalls, the older one may not have been updated. Plus, it will have the better foam in the seat.

Well... just for fun I'll come to the defense of the Fastrac since I came from an SD to a fastrac...both 54".
Fastrac pluses.....
It's a heavier-duty unit sporting more weight and the protection of a roll bar if you need it.
You get an extra year warranty
Bigger fuel tank and roomier operator station. Electric fuel gauge.
Both my units had the Kawasaki engine but the fast track is much quieter.
You get the next Notch heavier hydros and for some reason they are much more accurate and less jumpy than the ones on the SD.
The traction is noticeably better for some reason... must be the extra weight /taller tires yet for some reason it seems to leave Les tire tracks when the ground is soft.
The front wheels stay planted better.
The open design of the mower deck discharge is better and keeps the deck cleaner on The Fast Track.
The deck lift linkages are much heavier Duty and the lift assist spring is really sweet when you're dial it up to help you lift the deck.
Fast Track definitely rides better on rough ground
I like the deck adjustment pin setup better.
For some reason it leaves a little more striping effect.
That's about all I can come up with right now but I would buy it again and spend the extra money in a heartbeat.

kraky said:

Well... just for fun I'll come to the defense of the Fastrac since I came from an SD to a fastrac...both 54".
Fastrac pluses.....
It's a heavier-duty unit sporting more weight and the protection of a roll bar if you need it.
You get an extra year warranty
Bigger fuel tank and roomier operator station. Electric fuel gauge.
Both my units had the Kawasaki engine but the fast track is much quieter.
You get the next Notch heavier hydros and for some reason they are much more accurate and less jumpy than the ones on the SD.
The traction is noticeably better for some reason... must be the extra weight /taller tires yet for some reason it seems to leave Les tire tracks when the ground is soft.
The front wheels stay planted better.
The open design of the mower deck discharge is better and keeps the deck cleaner on The Fast Track.
The deck lift linkages are much heavier Duty and the lift assist spring is really sweet when you're dial it up to help you lift the deck.
Fast Track definitely rides better on rough ground
I like the deck adjustment pin setup better.
For some reason it leaves a little more striping effect.
That's about all I can come up with right now but I would buy it again and spend the extra money in a heartbeat.

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+1
My neighbor had a Raptor SD 60". He had several issues with it the first year. (deck lift brackets and transmission cross brace issues)
My previous zero turn was a FasTrak. Never had a single issue with it the 4 years I owned it. Nice mower I just needed something bigger, faster with more power for my 8 acre lawn.
Upsized to a Hustler Super Z 72" (35 HP Kawasaki). Love it. I've owned 4 years now, never a single issue so far and this thing mows awesome fast. (and yes mhavanti I've seen my neighbors Raptor mow and my Super Z and there is a considerable difference in mow speeds/time on our large yards. Super Z hands down)
With the suspension seat , flex forks, longer wheel base and over double the weight it rides better doing it.
Mows my 8 acre lawn in 2 hours.

Picture of my Super Z beside the FasTrak when I first brought it home (flex forks were added to the Z soon after this photo was taken)

mhavanti said:

Boyler,

I've told this story before. I have a SD60, neighbor across the street has the most expensive Hustler with a 52" deck. His runs 16 mph, mine runs 7.5.

We both mowed my yard, we both mowed his yard. My little ole cheap SD took less time to cut both yards and that is mainly because I cut using my entire deck, he cuts loosing about ten inches of his effectively making his a 42" cut. I cut my yard which is larger than his by a third in a quarter less time. Plus, mine rides better than his. I thought I wanted his until I rode it. Staying with the SD60 although some say I should get a 54 so it won't scalp. Wouldn't it have to first scalp in order to not scalp? lol I call BS on a narrower deck.

If you got it, flaunt it. I'm not into mowing, I'm into getting it over with. lol.

I haven't found anything the SD doesn't do just as well as a Fastrack, XOne or any other Hustler with the exception of wheelies. Dang thing won't wheelie yet. That is coming.

Max

Click to expand...

I should have gotten the 60" version of the RSD, that extra 6" would shave time off my 2 hours of mowing.

Now the real test would have been for you to use your neighbor's high end Hustler!

I would like more speed. I mow 90% of my yard at full speed on the RSD, and the yard is smooth enough to go faster than the 2800 hydros will go. Do I need 16mph? Definitely not! But 10-12mph would be useful and would cut my mowing time down even more.

I test drove both when I was looking for a mower. Went with the SDX during the Raptor Season Sales event in June/July, combining it with the 10% off coupon and a bunch of GC's lol

Once I drove both, it was an easy decision. Steering was smoother, ride felt better. Even the regular SD seat felt better. I believe the SD60 & SDX have the same or similar seats. SD54 had a little less cushion, but still better than the Husky. If you can, sit on them both and see what feels better to you.

I believe the big difference between 2016 & 17 is 17 has the Kohler engine with the cylinder or canister style air filter and a bigger oil filter. The air filter is inside that big hump on the back of the engine.


If they're priced the same, go for the 17

Good Luck

Top98Percent said:

I test drove both when I was looking for a mower. Went with the SDX during the Raptor Season Sales event in June/July, combining it with the 10% off coupon and a bunch of GC's lol

Once I drove both, it was an easy decision. Steering was smoother, ride felt better. Even the regular SD seat felt better. I believe the SD60 & SDX have the same or similar seats. SD54 had a little less cushion, but still better than the Husky. If you can, sit on them both and see what feels better to you.

I believe the big difference between 2016 & 17 is 17 has the Kohler engine with the cylinder or canister style air filter and a bigger oil filter. The air filter is inside that big hump on the back of the engine.
View attachment 33875

If they're priced the same, go for the 17

Good Luck

Click to expand...

Thanks for all that.

I had been able to sit on a Raptor SD and was quite comfortable.
The Husqvarna model was not available anywhere, so I could not give it a sit-see.
I called hustler (no small feat getting a phone # ) and even though the model #'s were good, they could not tell
the model years for those numbers.
The rep did seem to think that the higher # would be a newer model.
I did find out that the new hydro cross brace was installed on mowers built in (or after?) 1702 serial #'s.
My mower should arrive at the store on Thursday (8/17) and I will be able to get the serial # at that time.
I'm not sure if I will accept a pre-mod mower, as the Hustler guy said I would have to take it to a dealer for the new brace.
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

One interesting note: Lowe's now lists the one I ordered as "unavailable."
I hope that is not ominous...........

Well.....SHOOT...
I just received a call from a rep at Hustler.
They are out of the 2017 Raptor SD that I ordered.
They could fill the order with a 2016 model, but would not have the updated hydro cross brace or other 2017 changes.

In a quandary now...........

I'll just go ahead and tell ya, I've never been a Hustler fan. Especially the lower end versions. I've had local dealers tell me they won't even work on anything under the Fastrak.

I do like the Husqvarna. There's really nothing wrong with it other than some who will snarl at the Briggs engine. I'll let you in on a secret though, even if you needed a full engine replacement after their 4 year warranty expires, you'd still spend less than the other brands as the briggs engines are just less expensive. I use briggs on most of my equipment, and I've not had any issues to date.

The MZ has 3100 hydros, plenty for any residential application, and good enough for commercial longevity. Easy deck belt access, foot assist deck lift, and plenty of power. It's also light at only 700 lbs, and again, 4 year warranty. The only thing it might not have is the fabricated deck, but the argument over the fab decks vs stamped decks is always coming up somewhere. Some people swear the stamped decks have better airflow.

The MZ48 does comes with a Kohler engine option albeit the 7000 series, which they claim is based off the command series, and offers the fabricated deck for about 500 more. Same hydros, same warranty.

I have a neighbor that owns the MZ48, and he seems to love it. It cuts nicely and is reliable.

Not that the Hustler is all that bad, it may be built a little tougher, but I believe the husqvarna has some better options, especially the transmissions.

The key is, Don't be in a hurry to buy. You will almost always find something better the week after you do. Shop around if your set on the Hustler, check with other Lowes stores and see if they can deliver it for free to yours.

They are out of 2017 models, but will sell you a 2016. Sit back and think about what you have gone through, do you trust them? I can't believe there are no 2017's available, don't think they want to work with you, just want to get rid of old stock. What does your gut feel like right now? I would start over and really think if I want to go with a big box store. Maybe time to start looking at dealers, who know what is available in their lines. Just my two cents worth.

Rivets said:

They are out of 2017 models, but will sell you a 2016. Sit back and think about what you have gone through, do you trust them? I can't believe there are no 2017's available, don't think they want to work with you, just want to get rid of old stock. What does your gut feel like right now? I would start over and really think if I want to go with a big box store. Maybe time to start looking at dealers, who know what is available in their lines. Just my two cents worth.

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It is not the store that is out of the 2017 SD 54" models----it is Excel themselves.
So I really have no reason to distrust the store.......
I even called the store's headquarters, and they searched their entire national inventory and-not a one to be found.

Well, the big box store knocked another $400.00 off the price for me to take a 2016.
That makes it $700.00 less than the local dealers for a 2017.
I may have to deal with the hydro cross brace issue someday, maybe not.
But, for a savings of $700.00......................................

Is the warranty the same on the Lowes model as the Hustler dealer? Someone on this website said the big box version had a 2 year, 200 hour warranty. The dealer version is 3 years, 300 hours. For $700 off, take the 2016. I have a 2015 RSD (came with the Kawasaki engine) and have not had any issues except a broken deck spring. I figure if the hydro brace is going to break, it will do so in the first 3 years and I can get it replaced for free under warranty. Even if it is not under warranty, it won't cost anywhere near $700 to replace. You will love the RSD. For the money, you can't find a nicer mower, especially at $700 off! Are you at $3100 or so? That's steal!

The warranty stated on Lowe's site is 3 years. Hours not specified, but I will verify.
Net delivered price before tax is $3199.10.
Dealer price is $3899.00 + tax and I would have to pick up.
Just couldn't pass it up.

Outstanding deal, enjoy your new mower.

That's a good deal. Enjoy.

Warranty is the same no matter where you buy it.

2 year 200 hour warranty from BB store is what was indicated in post #4 here:

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showt...5-Raptor-sd-54-quot?highlight=raptor+200+hour

The Lowe's website states 3 year (hours not specified) but I will verify the 300 hour limit.

Sounds like you came out alright. Hard to pass up savings like that. Congrats.

I verified with Hustler that the full factory warranty in in place for Hustler mowers purchased from big box stores.
3 years or 300 hours.

You got a fantastic deal! Congrats!

My Raptor SD 54 was delivered this morning.
Much has transpired since my last post.
Due to Lowes delay in cancelling the order for the 2017, and subsequent delay in ordering the 2016 model,
I received additional discounts.
Net delivered to me $2735.15 + tax.
AND, to make things even better, Hustler is sending me the rear engine guard...FREE OF CHARGE !!
BTW- I am a retired Purchasing Manager......

I just hope it runs for years without trouble..........

Unbelievable! You got the deal of the century - over $1000 off normal price!

You will love your RSD, I know I love mine!

I found that high lift blades work the best in the growing season, and Gator Blades work great in the fall. I just switched over to the Gators. They mulch really well, and pulverize dead leaves to powder.

BoylermanCT said:

Unbelievable! You got the deal of the century - over $1000 off normal price!

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$1264.84 or 31.6% off, plus free delivery and the free rear guard that shipped from Hustler.

Hustler shipped via 2 day UPS, but won't be here til Tuesday after Labor day.
I hope I can expect that kind of service from them in the future (but hope to not need it...)

Interesting to note that Lowe's no longer lists either year of the Raptor SD 54" for sale.....

Wow, that is a steal of a deal.. Odd about the lack of inventory though. I ordered 2017 RSD 60" from local dealer in early Sept, they delivered it a week later. Fortunately dealer just sold a commercial order, so mine was ordered with those units. The SN shows it was made 4/2017. About 4 mows in and the RSD 60" has great power, cut and easy for my first ZTR. 2017 you get the updates and the guard comes on the 60 as well. These are all good things but I would of jumped on your deal, Congrats on that. Awesome ZTR for the price you paid.