RocketManJeff
New member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2019
- Messages
- 11
- Tractor
- Hustler Super 104
Greetings! I am a long time reader, first time poster and am here for some advice. Please pardon the long post, but I hope that the details will help garner the most helpful responses.
I own about 15 acres of orange grove down in sunny Florida. For the past several years I have used a Hustler Super 104 (large zero-turn mower) to cut the grass around the trees and in the pastures. Recently, unfortunately, the mower was involved with a mishap and I am now searching for a replacement. While the Hustler got the job done, there were definitely pros and cons with the machine that make me want to research replacement options before spending the money.
Things I liked about the Hustler:
- Massive productivity with the 104 cutting deck
- Very maneuverable. Grown orange trees have trunks around 6-8
- Contouring deck really helped get an even cut. For those that do not know, orange groves often have drainage depressions cut between rows of trees to avoid flooding in certain places.
Things I did not like about the Hustler:
- Did not like tall grass. While I understand that this was a finish mower and not a bush hog, it got bogged down rather easily. Florida grass grows very think in the summer months and oftentimes I would have to cut very slowly to avoid wearing the belt down quickly.
- Like most zero turn mowers, it gets stuck on muddy slopes. While my land is mostly flat those drainage depressions are tricky at times. In the summer months we get rain almost every day, so waiting for the property to simple dry out usually is not an option.
- Limited use - it only cuts the grass and can pull a cart.
For my upcoming purchase I would like to consider something a little more capable. This has led me to consider units from Ventrac, Steiner, and Power Trac. I know from reading other threads here that it is apple and oranges between the Ventrac/Steiner units and a Power Trac. I am attracted to the added hydraulic capabilities of these units (primarily the Power Trac) and what additional work I could do with these machines.
I plan to see/demo all three, but my question to the collective brain trust here (aside from general advice) is if there is anything I am missing. While none of these machines are zero turns, I am hoping that the articulating chassis will still give me enough maneuverability to get around my trees, yet the 4 wheel drive will help immensely in the traction department. While I am naturally hoping to spend as little as possible, my realistic budget is low to mid 30s. Any input will be much appreciated!
Thanks,
-Jeff
I own about 15 acres of orange grove down in sunny Florida. For the past several years I have used a Hustler Super 104 (large zero-turn mower) to cut the grass around the trees and in the pastures. Recently, unfortunately, the mower was involved with a mishap and I am now searching for a replacement. While the Hustler got the job done, there were definitely pros and cons with the machine that make me want to research replacement options before spending the money.
Things I liked about the Hustler:
- Massive productivity with the 104 cutting deck
- Very maneuverable. Grown orange trees have trunks around 6-8
- Contouring deck really helped get an even cut. For those that do not know, orange groves often have drainage depressions cut between rows of trees to avoid flooding in certain places.
Things I did not like about the Hustler:
- Did not like tall grass. While I understand that this was a finish mower and not a bush hog, it got bogged down rather easily. Florida grass grows very think in the summer months and oftentimes I would have to cut very slowly to avoid wearing the belt down quickly.
- Like most zero turn mowers, it gets stuck on muddy slopes. While my land is mostly flat those drainage depressions are tricky at times. In the summer months we get rain almost every day, so waiting for the property to simple dry out usually is not an option.
- Limited use - it only cuts the grass and can pull a cart.
For my upcoming purchase I would like to consider something a little more capable. This has led me to consider units from Ventrac, Steiner, and Power Trac. I know from reading other threads here that it is apple and oranges between the Ventrac/Steiner units and a Power Trac. I am attracted to the added hydraulic capabilities of these units (primarily the Power Trac) and what additional work I could do with these machines.
I plan to see/demo all three, but my question to the collective brain trust here (aside from general advice) is if there is anything I am missing. While none of these machines are zero turns, I am hoping that the articulating chassis will still give me enough maneuverability to get around my trees, yet the 4 wheel drive will help immensely in the traction department. While I am naturally hoping to spend as little as possible, my realistic budget is low to mid 30s. Any input will be much appreciated!
Thanks,
-Jeff
