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hi folks this is my first post. I'm looking at an x one and I don't know if they have been around long. does anybody have any time in the seat on one of these mowers? I currently have a little grasshopper 614 for 15 years! A good mower but nothing like the newer ztr. Thanks for any info in advance

I have a 2012 X-ONE, 60" rear discharge deck, 23.5 HP Kawasaki FX730V. It is primarily used for cemetery service. It is one fine machine, it can mow fast or slow and its slow speed handling and response is very comfortable. X-ONEs are heavy duty commercial machines, with possibly the best maintenance schedule of any comparable unit. Although they weigh over 1,200 LBs, the fuel consumption is reasonable. Where my machine is used, it takes 2- 2 1/2 ten hour days to mow the cemetery. The unused portion of the cemetery is 5 acres and is usually hayed by a local farmer. When he isn't able to hay the field, the X-ONE gets the job and does better at it than expected. I highly recommend the X-ONE, but if you have smooth and flat areas, then you may consider a Super Z or a Super Z HD as they have a faster ground speed. My dealer has sold over 200 X-ONEs since they came out, the bulk of them with rear discharge decks and delivered to the State of Connecticut for highway dept use.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

It's a nice machine, very solid and smoothe, great control, easy maintenance layout. Go try one, you'll like it.

Yes it does look like a great mower. I have looked at several different kinds ferris, bad boy, grasshopper, hustler , exmark, gravely, and husky. All nice stuff but I keep going back to hustler. Just seems like the best bang for the buck. My mom has a fast trak so I have been around the hustler brand. I just know after comparing I needed someone with real world experience to reassure me that this machine is as good as it looks. I really want to buy this mower if for no other reason the dealer seems to be top notch. Not that I would need someone to maintain the machine but it is peace of mind knowing you have good dealer support. thanks for the info guys keep it coming.

Hustler has a method of tensioning V belts that makes V belt replacement and tension adjustments almost a pleasure. The hydraulic oil reservoir has the filter inside it. The engine is turned sideways which makes oil and filter changes very easy and not messy. Probably most impressive of my X-ONE is the way it handles while mowing around gravestones and with the rear discharge deck, it doesn't take long before the operator becomes proficient at close operation on both sides of the machine. I demoed five other makes in 2012 when I purchased the X-ONE and none compared. None of the dealers brought standup type machines, I was looking forward to trying one but I have become aware that standers are not well suited for this type of service as the deck cannot be easily raised up.
By the way, Excel Hustler invented the zero turn mower. I was a mechanic at a power equipment/boat dealer when a Hustler rep brought one by for us to check out, very different machines now but still the same basic principles.

A buddy of mine purchased an x one last year after I suggested he try a hustler. His lawn is like a goat farm with steep hills. He also has a pond at the bottom of one of the hills. He ran his previous zero turn (jd residential) in it twice. He hasn't gotten the hustler wet yet, and it cuts great. Fine mower. I think once you get into commercial quality mowers all brands make fine machines, but I would put hustler up near the top.

Mad Mackie said:

By the way, Excel Hustler invented the zero turn mower. I was a mechanic at a power equipment/boat dealer when a Hustler rep brought one by for us to check out, very different machines now but still the same basic principles.

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I hear this all the time, but question it's a valid statement.. Was this before 1973-1974?????? My research indicates that Dixon holds the original patent for a zero turn lawn mower(Model ZTR-1) introduced in 1973 and put into production in 1974. Here is a quote from the my Dixon dealer and the information is confirmed on the Dixon website:

"In 1973, Dixon purchased a unique, patented zero-turn transaxle which delivered independent drive power to the rear wheels for ultimate control. In 1974, Dixon ZTRｮ was born when the first model rolled off the assembly line. Homeowners could now experience the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower at an affordable price."

Unless Hustler(Excel Industries) was in production prior to that, they cannot claim to be the "first ZTR mower". Otherwise, can you provide any information to substantiate that Hustler was the first??? Model and production date??????

djdicetn said:

I hear this all the time, but question it's a valid statement.. Was this before 1973-1974?????? My research indicates that Dixon holds the original patent for a zero turn lawn mower(Model ZTR-1) introduced in 1973 and put into production in 1974. Here is a quote from the my Dixon dealer and the information is confirmed on the Dixon website:

"In 1973, Dixon purchased a unique, patented zero-turn transaxle which delivered independent drive power to the rear wheels for ultimate control. In 1974, Dixon ZTRｮ was born when the first model rolled off the assembly line. Homeowners could now experience the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower at an affordable price."

Unless Hustler(Excel Industries) was in production prior to that, they cannot claim to be the "first ZTR mower". Otherwise, can you provide any information to substantiate that Hustler was the first??? Model and production date??????

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Personally, I don't think it matters who invented the first one. I'm not interested in owning the first zero turn. It is a dinosaur by now. I'd rather have a new one lol.

Shughes717 said:

Personally, I don't think it matters who invented the first one. I'm not interested in owning the first zero turn. It is a dinosaur by now. I'd rather have a new one lol.

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I hear ya...and even though Hustler is one of my favorite brands I just can't help questioning misleading information:0)

I do find, however on the Hustler website the following statement regarding them to be "the first"(however there is no date and the picture of the mower does not look like the "conventional zero turn....the Dixon ZTR-1 does):

"Hustler Turf Equipment was born of a simple need - a mower that would maneuver the irregular landscape of the family home - complete with bird baths, gardens, and winding front walkways. The first Hustler was a compilation of mower parts and farm machinery, created by a genius named John Regier. Mr. Regier痴 mower cut grass and steered like no other. It could hug a flag pole or reverse directions at a fence line, with a turning radius of zero. With this, the world痴 first zero-turn mower was born.
And it changed everything."

Maybe contacting Hustler and Dixon directly may settle exactly who should get credit for the first production ZTR:0)

djdicetn said:

I hear ya...and even though Hustler is one of my favorite brands I just can't help questioning misleading information:0)

I do find, however on the Hustler website the following statement regarding them to be "the first"(however there is no date and the picture of the mower does not look like the "conventional zero turn....the Dixon ZTR-1 does):

"Hustler Turf Equipment was born of a simple need - a mower that would maneuver the irregular landscape of the family home - complete with bird baths, gardens, and winding front walkways. The first Hustler was a compilation of mower parts and farm machinery, created by a genius named John Regier. Mr. Regier痴 mower cut grass and steered like no other. It could hug a flag pole or reverse directions at a fence line, with a turning radius of zero. With this, the world痴 first zero-turn mower was born.
And it changed everything."

Maybe contacting Hustler and Dixon directly may settle exactly who should get credit for the first production ZTR:0)

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Yeah, that's like Dixie chopper claiming to be the worlds fastest mower. Other than one model they make that is claimed to mow better than 20 mph, the other models in the class with different brands doesn't seem to go any faster.

In the 70s I was a mech at a power equipment/boat dealer. I remember an Excel rep bringing a demo ZTR but I don't recall the year. But 1974 was their last year for power equipment and completely gone by 1975 and then just boats. If I recall, it was called an Excel and it was a strange machine to us being a Gravely, Bolens, Homelite, Pioneer, Lawnboy, McCulloch, and I don't remember what else. And yes, Homelite and McCulloch under the same roof, it would take an old power equipment mech to know what is meant by this!!! All this plus Boston Whaler, Grady White, Mako, SeaCraft, HiLiner, Johnson Outboards, OMC, Volvo and MerCruiser inboard/outboards, Perkins and Cat diesels, so the power equipment had to go!!! They even had a hovercraft line for a few years!!! I think that Excel/Hustler had the first with twin pumps and wheel motors.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

Mad Mackie said:

In the 70s I was a mech at a power equipment/boat dealer. I remember an Excel rep bringing a demo ZTR but I don't recall the year. But 1974 was their last year for power equipment and completely gone by 1975 and then just boats. If I recall, it was called an Excel and it was a strange machine to us being a Gravely, Bolens, Homelite, Pioneer, Lawnboy, McCulloch, and I don't remember what else. And yes, Homelite and McCulloch under the same roof, it would take an old power equipment mech to know what is meant by this!!! All this plus Boston Whaler, Grady White, Mako, SeaCraft, HiLiner, Johnson Outboards, OMC, Volvo and MerCruiser inboard/outboards, Perkins and Cat diesels, so the power equipment had to go!!! They even had a hovercraft line for a few years!!! I think that Excel/Hustler had the first with twin pumps and wheel motors.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

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I don't know if they made the first one, but hustler sure makes a heck of a mower now. I love my snapper pro, but I would be just as happy with an x one.

John Regier invented and built the first zero turn mower and cut his back yard with it in 1963. At midnight.
Ha named his mower WORKHORSE.

He quit the company he was working for because they would not back him.

He built 24 of these mowers and renamed them HUSTLER after a B-58 fighter bomber he saw in a magazine.


Excel Industries hired john and produced the 64 inch 12hp hustler.

So yes hustler sold the first commercial ztr.

The motors used on the first workhorse came off of a hay machine.

Technically husqvarna is the fastest mower built that can cut grass.

Even though at 111 mph it does not cut grass very well.

The fastest mower type thing is a honda.
Looks like a mower but no deck or any mower parts on it.

Carscw said:

The motors used on the first workhorse came off of a hay machine.

Technically husqvarna is the fastest mower built that can cut grass.

Even though at 111 mph it does not cut grass very well.

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Maybe someone should let dixie chopper know that so they will stop making the claim. Lol

Carscw said:

John Regier invented and built the first zero turn mower and cut his back yard with it in 1963. At midnight.
Ha named his mower WORKHORSE.

He quit the company he was working for because they would not back him.

He built 24 of these mowers and renamed them HUSTLER after a B-58 fighter bomber he saw in a magazine.


Excel Industries hired john and produced the 64 inch 12hp hustler.

So yes hustler sold the first commercial ztr.

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Thanks for those clarification details!!!!! A little more Googling(Zero-turn mower) revealed the history of Hesston Corp.(later became Excel Industries) and the details that you provided.

"We(Hustler) were the first company to offer mowers with zero-turn technology, says Paul Mullet, president of Excel Industries. "After Regier sold us the patent, he came to work for us and the rest is history. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf Equipment, Inc., which manufacturers Hustler Turf and BigDog Mowers zero-turn mowers. In 1969, Grasshopper Mowers introduced the first commercially viable zero-turn mower, and in 1974, Dixon coined the term "zero-turn radius" with their entrance into the mower market"(these are quotes from Wikipedia).

This settles it and from henceforth I will refrain from giving Dixon credit for something they didn't do(they were actually the third ZTR producing company). My apologies to those users that I have questioned when they said Hustler invented the ZTR!!!!!

djdicetn said:

Thanks for those clarification details!!!!! A little more Googling(Zero-turn mower) revealed the history of Hesston Corp.(later became Excel Industries) and the details that you provided. "We(Hustler) were the first company to offer mowers with zero-turn technology, says Paul Mullet, president of Excel Industries. "After Regier sold us the patent, he came to work for us and the rest is history. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf Equipment, Inc., which manufacturers Hustler Turf and BigDog Mowers zero-turn mowers. In 1969, Grasshopper Mowers introduced the first commercially viable zero-turn mower, and in 1974, Dixon coined the term "zero-turn radius" with their entrance into the mower market"(these are quotes from Wikipedia). This settles it and from henceforth I will refrain from giving Dixon credit for something they didn't do(they were actually the third ZTR producing company). My apologies to those users that I have questioned when they said Hustler invented the ZTR!!!!!

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Think about in 1963 a man built this in his backyard. Just to make mowing the yard easier for his wife.

WOW!!! From a hodge podge of parts to the new x one. ztrs have come along ways:laughing: thanks for the interesting history lesson. You guys are a wealth of info.

Anyone have concerns about the RED version of the Hustler "Big Dog"? Both made by Excel.

I'm in need of a new mower, never owning a ZT and not the the profession of lawn maintenance, I'm getting lost in the "This is the best, or THAT is no good" comments.

I'd like to get a commercial quality mower for a 1acre lot, with the possibility of doing some yards to offset the cost of the mower.

THanks,

Dave

dshoffman77 said:

Anyone have concerns about the RED version of the Hustler "Big Dog"? Both made by Excel.

I'm in need of a new mower, never owning a ZT and not the the profession of lawn maintenance, I'm getting lost in the "This is the best, or THAT is no good" comments.

I'd like to get a commercial quality mower for a 1acre lot, with the possibility of doing some yards to offset the cost of the mower.

THanks,

Dave

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I have no experience with big dog, but hustler is one of the most available brands in my area. I know they are both manufactured by exel, but I have never been around big dog to have an opinion. Hustler mowers are very good machines. There are many on here who say this brand is better than that brand, but in truth, once you get into commercial quality mowers they are all well made. Most companies offer the same, or similar, drive train options. What you are paying for is added features that each company has, such as flex forks, independent suspension, electric or hydraulic deck lift (on some top end models), single joystick controls, different engine options, etc. All have heavy made welded, or in john deere's case stamped decks. They all have a blade tip speed around 18,000 feet per minute. you only mow an acre, so you really don't need a 60" commercial mower with a big block engine that will cost $9000 to $10,000. What is your budget?

Shughes717 said:

I have no experience with big dog, but hustler is one of the most available brands in my area. I know they are both manufactured by exel, but I have never been around big dog to have an opinion. Hustler mowers are very good machines. There are many on here who say this brand is better than that brand, but in truth, once you get into commercial quality mowers they are all well made. Most companies offer the same, or similar, drive train options. What you are paying for is added features that each company has, such as flex forks, independent suspension, electric or hydraulic deck lift (on some top end models), single joystick controls, different engine options, etc. All have heavy made welded, or in john deere's case stamped decks. They all have a blade tip speed around 18,000 feet per minute. you only mow an acre, so you really don't need a 60" commercial mower with a big block engine that will cost $9000 to $10,000. What is your budget?

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Just looked at the specs for Big Dog mowers, the Diablo is very similar to the Hustler X-ONE, and the Diablo MP is very similar to the Hustler Super Z. The Diablo MP and Hustler Super Z have larger capacity pumps and wheel motors and therefore have faster ground speeds, which is not always usable to operators and depends on the smoothness of the lawns being mowed. The slow speed steering ease of the X-ONE is noticeable and the top ground speed is OK.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

Mad Mackie said:

Just looked at the specs for Big Dog mowers, the Diablo is very similar to the Hustler X-ONE, and the Diablo MP is very similar to the Hustler Super Z. The Diablo MP and Hustler Super Z have larger capacity pumps and wheel motors and therefore have faster ground speeds, which is not always usable to operators and depends on the smoothness of the lawns being mowed. The slow speed steering ease of the X-ONE is noticeable and the top ground speed is OK.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

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I would have assumed they would be the same as the hustler mowers except for paint, but having never been around one I couldn't comment on them. If they are the same as the hustler line then they are great mowers. I have mentioned this before, but every brand commercial mower I have been on is a very good mower. Choosing one just depends on the buyer's budget and the particular features he/she likes. Once you get into the 5k range and up you will be getting a lot of mower.

Shughes717 said:

I have no experience with big dog, but hustler is one of the most available brands in my area. I know they are both manufactured by exel, but I have never been around big dog to have an opinion. Hustler mowers are very good machines. There are many on here who say this brand is better than that brand, but in truth, once you get into commercial quality mowers they are all well made. Most companies offer the same, or similar, drive train options. What you are paying for is added features that each company has, such as flex forks, independent suspension, electric or hydraulic deck lift (on some top end models), single joystick controls, different engine options, etc. All have heavy made welded, or in john deere's case stamped decks. They all have a blade tip speed around 18,000 feet per minute. you only mow an acre, so you really don't need a 60" commercial mower with a big block engine that will cost $9000 to $10,000. What is your budget?

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I'm trying to stay around the 5500.00 dollar mark.

dshoffman77 said:

I'm trying to stay around the 5500.00 dollar mark.

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You can get a very good mower in that price range. Is hustler and big dog the only brands in your area?