Hustler Fastrak 54" vs Toro Titan 60"

[gecko2424]

Hi all,
My wife has convinced me we do not need a tractor at this time and should get a ZTR mower instead. Read into that if you like .


Unless something comes up, here's the choice:
Hustler Fastrak 54" with a 21 HP Kawasaki ($5500) vs. Toro Titan 60" with 27 HP Kohler Courage Pro ($4700)

For obvious reasons, the Toro appears to be a better deal. I personally find the Hustler seat more comfortable and it has twice the fuel capacity. Per the websites, the Hustler has ZT3100's and the Toro ZT2800's. I'm new to this and don't know the difference really.

We mow about 2 acres of our land, and around about 100 oaks in that 2 acres.

Which do you recommend and why? I've tried a few others and these were the top picks.

It's probably not worth the extra cost to jump to a Super Duty 60".

Thanks


Edit: Ok, what is the difference with the Super Duty? I saw someone claim $5999 for a 54". In addition to a slightly larger engine, the website just says, "additional commercial grade components."

 

[Specop_007]

I've been kicking around getting a Sport which uses the EZT. In researching this transmission compared to others....

Hydro-Gear ? ZT Series

I dont see a 3100 listed. I see the EZT as used in the Hustler Sport and then of course the 2800. Both are listed as residential unit transmissions.

If you read this thread it might shed some light on it....
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=291353

Particularly page 3...

It is my understanding that the 3100 is a premium version of the 2800. It has a charge pump, shock valves, and steel gears. Hydro-Gear makes quality products. In the right application, the 3100 should last a long time.

So it seems on one you get a slightly bigger cut and on the other you get a slightly better transmission and, in my opinion, a better engine. Then again the Fastrak still isnt a full commercial grade unit.....

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=313999

 

[gecko2424]

Neither is the Toro it appears. The titan is a commercial like residential unit per their site, listed under the residental page.

thanks for the transmission info.

Are there any other differences between the Fastrak and Fastrak Super Duty?

 

[Specop_007]

Neither is the Toro it appears. The titan is a commercial like residential unit per their site, listed under the residental page.

thanks for the transmission info.

Are there any other differences between the Fastrak and Fastrak Super Duty?

Sorry I dont know the specific differences of the 2.

This is interesting in regards to the Kohlers though,.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=242411

 

[DK35vince]

Are there any other differences between the Fastrak and Fastrak Super Duty?

I have a Fastrak 54" w/21 HP Kawasaki. Nice mower, I really like it.
When I was looking last fall I think the Super Duty had 25HP Kawaski, bigger canister stlye air filter, larger diameter tires and heavier duty mower pulleys than the Fastrac. Everything else was the same as the Fastrac.

 

[gecko2424]

Thanks.


I hadn't really entertained it much, but drove a dixie chopper 50" too which was built like a tank. I haven't heard any opinions on those, but am still leaning towards the hustler.

 

[Specop_007]

Honestly, I dont think you'd go wrong with any of the units mentioned thus far.

MY choice would be the Hustler if for no other reason than they are local to me. In fact, its all we have locally. I would try to get a Honda or Kawa powerplant on the Toro if you go that route though.

 

[gecko2424]

Seat comfort puts the toro lower on the list and Hustler at the top. 10" of cut difference between the Toro and the Dixie muddles that choice too. I'll try to go see the Hustler dealer after work and see if he'll make a deal on a SuperDuty.

Note: don't type "Hustler" into your browser at work. It's not the mower.

 

[magicheater]

I have a Hustler 42" super duty. Really like the mower but the grass catching system they make leaves a lot to be desired. The company stands by their product and the super duty comes with a 5 year warranty. There are after market grass catchers that are much better, I would go with one of those. I got the 42" because it has only two blades and has a higher tip speed, very happy with the cut. Also needed to get in some tight spaces. Wanted the Kawasaki engine also and all the other brands at that size did not have it. I have the larger air filter also.

 

[gecko2424]

I went with a Fastrak 54". I couldn't justify the extra $800 for the SD.

Paid $5500 with him throwing in the suspension forks.

 

[magicheater]

You probably won't be sorry.

 

[DK35vince]

I went with a Fastrak 54". I couldn't justify the extra $800 for the SD.

I went with the Fastrak for the same reason.
I liked the Super Duty, but couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $$.
The Fastrak is a solid machine. Should last a long time.

 

[Specop_007]

I went with a Fastrak 54". I couldn't justify the extra $800 for the SD.

Paid $5500 with him throwing in the suspension forks.

Looking forward to the pics!

 

[Specop_007]

I went with a Fastrak 54". I couldn't justify the extra $800 for the SD.

Paid $5500 with him throwing in the suspension forks.

So about 800 off MSRP then? Not too bad. Wonder what I could score a 48" for.

 

[gecko2424]

I should have taken before/after pictures of my lawn. It was almost knee high in some places in the back yard.

The job used to take 4 hours on a 42" riding mower. I did the whole thing last night in 1.4 hours per the meter.

One question: The wheel motors seem to groan at lower RPM's. I don't remember that in the store. I mean the blades are off, engine is just above turtle speed and i'm maneuvering in and out of the garage etc. Is that normal?

 

[Specop_007]

Wow looks good! How did it handle the thicker stuff? I'm still considering a 48" Sport but you have me thinking about a Fastrak....

 

[gecko2424]

That's the one thing i wish i got the Super Duty for...

I had various build ups of leaves left over from fall, when my rider began to fail. It did not handle those well. The engine bogged down. I did have foot high damp grass everywhere which it handled like champ. It hadn't rained in a couple days, but certain parts of my yard don't get direct sunlight and have monstrous grass/weed growth.

My rating so far:
Grass: A
Comfort: B + (if i smooth my turf, it would be an A+)
Mowing noise: B
Speed: A
Cut Quality: A-
Features: A+ (for the price, had hour meter, flex forks and i love the dual tanks)
Engine Power: B- (maybe less when i try towing something)

 

[DK35vince]

One question: The wheel motors seem to groan at lower RPM's. I don't remember that in the store. I mean the blades are off, engine is just above turtle speed and i'm maneuvering in and out of the garage etc. Is that normal?

Its normal.
Mine does the same thing maneuvering around the garage at low RPM.

 

[soal man]

I've had my Fastrak 54 for a year now and it's been a great mower so far. Mine groans a little during slow turns so I wouldn't be concerned about that. I did have a problem with one of the handlebar safety switches that wouldn't stay in place. No other issues since it was replaced. Wish I would have gotten the hour meter now!