20 Plus year old hustler first part break

AllDodge · Mar 23, 2019

Have had my Hustler Fastrack for over 20 years. Last year I put new deck bearings in and replaced belts. It didn't need the belts

Was cutting and the left wheel just stopped pulling. Find that a 5/16 rod snapped behind the jam nut. The part cost $32 for a 5/16 rod threaded with left and right hand threads. Hustler sure is proud of their parts. I managed to readjust the rod and got it going again, but there are only a few threads holding each end now. So thinking of repair or replace.

Repair, can weld the end back on, then re-thread the RH side (one that snapped). Could also get some rod and thread the ends. The cost would be the rod and a LH 5/16-24 die (I have the RH die).

Weld - not much cost
Rod and die - maybe $20
Replace - $32 + ship or gas

Maybe someone has other ideas

BoylermanCT · Mar 23, 2019

I don't think a weld would hold for long, especially if you can't reinforce the rod with additional stock on each side. Go for the rod and die. Then you have a LH and RH die for another project. I always add to my tool collection if the project needs it.

Your mower owes you nothing since it has lasted 20 years. I hope I get that much out of my Hustler.

DK35vince · Mar 23, 2019

If it were mine, I would just spend the $40 and fix it right.

AllDodge · Mar 23, 2019

Have to agree with you CT, think I'll get the rod and die, manly because the hustler part is just cheap steel that has been zinc plated. No since in spending that much for cheap piece on mild steel. I'll put it together with anti-seize and dab of paint

Similar kind of part broke on my backhoe and wound up getting it from CAT (about $50 if I remember) and it was a 3/8 rod with some bends in it.