Recommendation for new 0 turn mower

[Mjhover]

Hey was just looking for some recommendations on a new 0 turn mower.
My old Craftsman tractor/mower finally broke after 20 years. But was looking for a new 0 turn mower kinda leaning towards the hustler raptor xl but any suggestions would help thank you.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello Mjhover,

That model with a Kawasaki engine is bordering on commercial grade. If you have a lot to cut it would be great. How many acres do you plan to cut?

My advice is to avoid "big box stores" (They have no service or repair capabilities) and avoid any new mowers with digital display, fuel injection or electric throttle controls.

The more electronics that have, the more problems you will have in a very short time.

Mowers work in very rough conditions most of the time, so keep that in mind.

There is an old biker saying: "Chrome don't get you home, but you look good sitting on the side of the road." Funny but true. Look at practicality and longevity of any machine you are interested in.

Aside from that, make sure there is a servicing dealer who can handle warranty issues (if needed). Buy your mower from an actual dealer, if possible, who can also work on it.

Hope this helps you.

 

[MParr]

Hey was just looking for some recommendations on a new 0 turn mower.
My old Craftsman tractor/mower finally broke after 20 years. But was looking for a new 0 turn mower kinda leaning towards the hustler raptor xl but any suggestions would help thank you.

Look at the Raptor XD model. It's transaxles are a step up from the ZT2200 found on the XL model.
As @Auto Doc's said, buy from a servicing dealer and not from a big box store.

 

[slomo]

Ever tried working on a 0 turn? Are you good with small engines? Or have a truck and trailer when she breaks down?

Is there a spouse in the family? Maybe a kid or four? Push mowers for all. Great way to spend some much needed family time. 3 pushers = a 63" 0-turn deck. All for peanuts compared to a 0. Easier to work on. Less fuel and oil needed. Pushers are also 0-turns.

 

[Mjhover]

I think I’m going to go with the Hustler raptor xd 60in. And going to get it from a local hustler dealer

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello Mjhover,

Sounds like a plan.

Make sure you have a way to transport it in the future if needed. Pickup and delivery are never free regardless of warranty. A good extended warranty is advised from the selling dealer.

Blades, belts, tires and batteries are considered wearable items so there is no warranty unless it is related to an item that can be covered under warranty (rare).

Have the selling dealer run and cut with it to demo the machine to verify the condition and operation before purchase.

I was a service manager for a local John Deere dealer for a few years, and I had a few surprises with "new" equipment.

Shy away from any excess electronics or gadgets a salesperson pushes on you. It is a mower, not a car. Salespeople are trained to push all the gizmos and gadgets to steer you into making a higher cost machine purchase.

The last thing I have to offer is only use non ethanol fuel if you can get it in your area. If not, use mid-grade pump fuel with a little Stabil added to it. Fuel problems are the number one issue with all lawn equipment, especially when they sit for extended period of time.