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Hello all, I am new to the site. I recently purchased a home on 1.25 acres and am on the market for a zero turn. The property is flat with very few trees. As of right now, I am debating on the Hustler Fastrak SD, but I how no experience with any of the mowers on the market. Of course I am like most, I would like the best bang for my buck and would love to spend less that the $7,000. However, $7,000 is my max. What would you buy? Deck size? etc, etc...

TigerFanatic1 said:

Hello all, I am new to the site. I recently purchased a home on 1.25 acres and am on the market for a zero turn. The property is flat with very few trees. As of right now, I am debating on the Hustler Fastrak SD, but I how no experience with any of the mowers on the market. Of course I am like most, I would like the best bang for my buck and would love to spend less that the $7,000. However, $7,000 is my max. What would you buy? Deck size? etc, etc...

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Welcome aboard! A Fastrak SD would be more than enough mower for that acreage. My local dealer sells the 54" for about $5800 and the 60" for about a grand more. You're getting commercial quality equipment with the SD. As far as deck size goes, you have any areas where big is too big?

RetiredGuns said:

Welcome aboard! A Fastrak SD would be more than enough mower for that acreage. My local dealer sells the 54" for about $5800 and the 60" for about a grand more. You're getting commercial quality equipment with the SD. As far as deck size goes, you have any areas where big is too big?

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Thanks for the welcome. I don't think I could go wrong with the Fastrak SD, just wondering if I should back it down to the Raptor since it is strictly residential use on a small property. I think my local dealer is around $6700 for the 54" and around $300 more for the 60". No doubt, I would spend the extra for more mower, if there aren't any pros vs the 54". I have a few awkward areas, but nothing that 6" would matter. I do need to take a few shed measurements, but I can always widen the door if needed there. With all that said, I am not familiar with any brands, so I am not stuck on Hustler yet. I do have a family member with the Fastrak SD, so I will be able to demo one easily.

Man your dealer is high. Well, there is no such thing as too nice of equipment. If you can afford a FTSD it would likely last a long time. You could easily cut 1.25 acres with a Raptor SD as well. It won't have an FX motor or a chain hung deck, but you'll still have a good deck, Kawasaki motor, serviceable hydros and a great warranty. My dealer sells the 54" for $3999. You could do a lot with the 2-3k you'd save!

RetiredGuns said:

Man your dealer is high. Well, there is no such thing as too nice of equipment. If you can afford a FTSD it would likely last a long time. You could easily cut 1.25 acres with a Raptor SD as well. It won't have an FX motor or a chain hung deck, but you'll still have a good deck, Kawasaki motor, serviceable hydros and a great warranty. My dealer sells the 54" for $3999. You could do a lot with the 2-3k you'd save!

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They are high for sure, it is a small town issue. They are pretty much at and stay at the MSRP. The cost savings is exactly what I am debating. lol

TigerFanatic1 said:

Hello all, I am new to the site. I recently purchased a home on 1.25 acres and am on the market for a zero turn. The property is flat with very few trees. As of right now, I am debating on the Hustler Fastrak SD, but I how no experience with any of the mowers on the market. Of course I am like most, I would like the best bang for my buck and would love to spend less that the $7,000. However, $7,000 is my max. What would you buy? Deck size? etc, etc...

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There are a lot of mowers out there that will mow 1.25 acres in an hour or less for less than $7000. What brands have dealers in your area? What type of lawn do you have? Grade slope, smooth or rough terrain, trees, ponds, etc.

TigerFanatic1 said:

Thanks for the welcome. I don't think I could go wrong with the Fastrak SD, just wondering if I should back it down to the Raptor since it is strictly residential use on a small property. I think my local dealer is around $6700 for the 54" and around $300 more for the 60". No doubt, I would spend the extra for more mower, if there aren't any pros vs the 54". I have a few awkward areas, but nothing that 6" would matter. I do need to take a few shed measurements, but I can always widen the door if needed there. With all that said, I am not familiar with any brands, so I am not stuck on Hustler yet. I do have a family member with the Fastrak SD, so I will be able to demo one easily.

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The Hustler FasTrak SD is a very good Residential ZTR and I made an offer on one myself in 2012. I would recommend that you find out what all of the reputable dealers in your area are and look at/demo several different ZTR's before making a purchase. If you have a Gravely dealer nearby a base Pro-Turn 60" with Kawa engine will run you about $6,599(Gravely Dealers current No Haggle Pricing). It is comparable to the FasTrak SD and worth looking at before you decide. Here's a link to my local dealer's website with specs and pricing:

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Shughes717 said:

There are a lot of mowers out there that will mow 1.25 acres in an hour or less for less than $7000. What brands have dealers in your area? What type of lawn do you have? Grade slope, smooth or rough terrain, trees, ponds, etc.

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Right off the bat, I know we have Kubota, John Deere, Hustler and Exmark in the town. Of course I would love to use one of them, but not if I can save $1000 going out of town. I probably have access to all major dealers within an hours drive. The lawn is pretty much smooth, there is a steady slop but not bad. There is only one tree, most obstacles are home related.

djdicetn said:

The Hustler FasTrak SD is a very good Residential ZTR and I made an offer on one myself in 2012. I would recommend that you find out what all of the reputable dealers in your area are and look at/demo several different ZTR's before making a purchase. If you have a Gravely dealer nearby a base Pro-Turn 60" with Kawa engine will run you about $6,599(Gravely Dealers current No Haggle Pricing). It is comparable to the FasTrak SD and worth looking at before you decide. Here's a link to my local dealer's website with specs and pricing:

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I don't know, that Gravely looks like a toy next to the Hustler! :laughing:

RetiredGuns said:

I don't know, that Gravely looks like a toy next to the Hustler! :laughing:

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That is too funny. I hope the op has at least a few local dealers to compare products. Any mower in the $5000 to $7000 range will be over kill for a 1.25 acre lawn and should last 20 years.

With your budget you listed you have a lot of options. I am not saying spend for spending sake, but a good zt is an investment that can last. I would throw in the Exmark Pioneer S. Either 54 or 60 inch. Impressive power, cut, and quality. Just short of commercial and maybe more than you may want, but one to look from the Exmark dealer. All the zero turn suggestions you will get will have their selling points and will be very good mowers to handle your property. My biggest suggestions... Find the dealer close you trust for fair pricing, you feel good about working with, and will offer great service for a long time to come. Was a big deal in my decision this year. Second would be demo all the ones you are considering.

TigerFanatic1 said:

Right off the bat, I know we have Kubota, John Deere, Hustler and Exmark in the town. Of course I would love to use one of them, but not if I can save $1000 going out of town. I probably have access to all major dealers within an hours drive. The lawn is pretty much smooth, there is a steady slop but not bad. There is only one tree, most obstacles are home related.

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Sounds like a pretty easy lawn to mow. When you are willing to spend $5000 plus on a mower you will get a very good product. Look for dealer support, some will try to push the brand they purchased on you, but the truth is all of the brands pretty much offer the same main drive train components. The main difference is the different extra features each brand offers, such as different controls, independent suspension, and of course price. My advice is test them all and see what is most comfortable to you. If you have a question about a particular brand you are interested in there will be someone on here with a great deal of knowledge that can help. Be careful with the members who post "no other brand compares to -----" that is someone who is just being loyal to their brand and don't have much if any experience with the other brands. We can give you opinions on how different decks cut, which engines we like, and which trannys suit what you need.

By the way, I wasn't directing that at anyone in particular. Everyone who has posted a reply on this thread is knowledgable and their input should be valued.

Thanks for all the responses guys. I mainly wanted to ensure there is no brands to stay away from. I bought the home from an uncle, so for this summer, I have access to a John Deere Sub-Compact tractor with a 60" deck and another family member with a Hustler Fastrak SD with a 54" deck. I will probably try both out to see how each size mows and look to buy in the off-season. As stated before, I live in a small town and they do not like to budge from MSRP. Maybe they will flex a little more during the winter.

TigerFanatic1 said:

Thanks for all the responses guys. I mainly wanted to ensure there is no brands to stay away from. I bought the home from an uncle, so for this summer, I have access to a John Deere Sub-Compact tractor with a 60" deck and another family member with a Hustler Fastrak SD with a 54" deck. I will probably try both out to see how each size mows and look to buy in the off-season. As stated before, I live in a small town and they do not like to budge from MSRP. Maybe they will flex a little more during the winter.

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Great idea, and you are right. They usually come down in November to try to get rid of current models and get ready for the new line coming in. The one thing I will say is if you go with a zero turn you will have a blast mowing. I used to hate mowing until I purchased mine. Now I can't wait for the grass to grow so I can get back out there. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you went with.

Shughes717 said:

Great idea, and you are right. They usually come down in November to try to get rid of current models and get ready for the new line coming in. The one thing I will say is if you go with a zero turn you will have a blast mowing. I used to hate mowing until I purchased mine. Now I can't wait for the grass to grow so I can get back out there. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you went with.

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Well I did forget to mention that I have a ranch style fence around the yard. I hope the zero turn doesn't turn me into an expert fence repairman. :laughing:

TigerFanatic1 said:

Well I did forget to mention that I have a ranch style fence around the yard. I hope the zero turn doesn't turn me into an expert fence repairman. :laughing:

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It will turn you into an expert at getting that front tire just in front of each post and gently swinging the deck in for a darn near no trimmer needed job!

RetiredGuns said:

It will turn you into an expert at getting that front tire just in front of each post and gently swinging the deck in for a darn near no trimmer needed job!

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I hear you on that one lol. Anything we can do to stay on the mower and off that weed eater.

1.25 acres is not a lot to mow. A 48" deck might be plenty and it helps with those odd areas, ditches, tight places, etc... snapper pro and ferris have good units too, should you have a dealer nearby

RetiredGuns said:

I don't know, that Gravely looks like a toy next to the Hustler! :laughing:

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Ya...kinda funny picture(but I know you are joking). The comparison specs that take the funny out of it are (1)Gravely Pro-Turn(GPT) has 10gauge deck, Hustler FasTrak(HFT) has 11 gauge; (2)GPT has cast iron spindles, HFT has aluminum; (3)GPT has 5" deep deck, HFT has 4.5"; (4)GPT has 1/2" front forks, HFT has 3/8"; (5)GPT has double brackets on anti-scalp wheels, HFT has single; (6)GPT has ZT-3200(9mph), HFT has ZT-3100(8mph); (7)GPT has 22" rear tires, HFT has 20"; (8)60" GPT weighs 963lbs, HFT weighs 885lbs; (9)GPT has standard suspension seat, HFT is an upgrade option; (10)the ONLY real advantage for the Hustler would be the GPT has the FS Kawasaki and the HFT has the FX series(9 out of 10 ain't bad).........but if the engine were the only component that you compared, the Hustler would win hands down:0)

djdicetn said:

Ya...kinda funny picture(but I know you are joking). The comparison specs that take the funny out of it are (1)Gravely Pro-Turn(GPT) has 10gauge deck, Hustler FasTrak(HFT) has 11 gauge; (2)GPT has cast iron spindles, HFT has aluminum; (3)GPT has 5" deep deck, HFT has 4.5"; (4)GPT has 1/2" front forks, HFT has 3/8"; (5)GPT has double brackets on anti-scalp wheels, HFT has single; (6)GPT has ZT-3200(9mph), HFT has ZT-3100(8mph); (7)GPT has 22" rear tires, HFT has 20"; (8)60" GPT weighs 963lbs, HFT weighs 885lbs; (9)GPT has standard suspension seat, HFT is an upgrade option; (10)the ONLY real advantage for the Hustler would be the GPT has the FS Kawasaki and the HFT has the FX series(9 out of 10 ain't bad).........but if the engine were the only component that you compared, the Hustler would win hands down:0)

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Of course it was in jest. Gravely makes great mowers. I didn't have a chance to look at them though as my (convenient) dealer carries Scag, Exmark, Bobcat & Hustler. I also had a very strict budget and at that point the only Gravely choice would be the ZT.

RetiredGuns said:

Of course it was in jest. Gravely makes great mowers. I didn't have a chance to look at them though as my (convenient) dealer carries Scag, Exmark, Bobcat & Hustler. I also had a very strict budget and at that point the only Gravely choice would be the ZT.

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I hear ya...if the Hustler dealer had come off the MSRP and accepted my offer, I would possibly be a FasTrak SD owner. But then I saw the 52" Gravely Pro-Turn 100 XDZ(a step up from the base Pro-Turn) and got it out-the-door for less than the 54" HFT. The Gravely was a fully Commercial ZTR with 7gauge deck, ZT-3400's, cast iron spindles and full suspension seat. I've never looked back. I would have had to get a Hustler X-One or Super Z to get everything that's on my Gravely. I really lucked out that the Gravely dealer wanted to get rid of his 2012 floor models before the 2013 models arrived!!!

djdicetn said:

I hear ya...if the Hustler dealer had come off the MSRP and accepted my offer, I would possibly be a FasTrak SD owner. But then I saw the 52" Gravely Pro-Turn 100 XDZ(a step up from the base Pro-Turn) and got it out-the-door for less than the 54" HFT. The Gravely was a fully Commercial ZTR with 7gauge deck, ZT-3400's, cast iron spindles and full suspension seat. I've never looked back. I would have had to get a Hustler X-One or Super Z to get everything that's on my Gravely. I really lucked out that the Gravely dealer wanted to get rid of his 2012 floor models before the 2013 models arrived!!!

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I've been a bit surprised at some of the prices I'm seeing posted. I live in Northern, IL where stuff isn't usually cheap, but the mower prices seem very reasonable in comparison. I do notice that the Exmarks are expensive though.
It is nice though that most our mowers are made in the USA!