New Hustler/Gravely Fastrak/Raport SD Type vs Used Commercial ZTR
- Thread starter monteu
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southernAL
Gold Member
Given those two mowers, I would choose the new hustler with warranty. I've looked at the bad boy mowers, and they seem like nice machines, but it seems like they've had problems with spindles. I could be wrong on that but I know my neighbor has had problems with his. Then again it all narrows down to how well you treat your equipment and maintain it.
whitexc
Bronze Member
Are going big box store on the Hustler? That is likely where the Bad Boy came from as well. Tractor Supply? If you are going to spend that much, do yourself the justice and look at some other brands. You may spend a bit more but will get a machine that is built to last. Yeah, they throw on a fabricated deck but what are the spindles and bearings like? How is the deck lift system? Foot pedal lift or some hand lift (very handy for not scalping things) that you have to operate while still controlling the machine? Is there one hydraulic pump that is shared by two wheel motors? Fan cooled hydraulics? Spin on filters for the hydraulics for easy servicing? So many questions.
I am not trying to talk you into spending more money but more getting a unit that will last you a long time with proper care. I would give Gravely a look and if there is a Bobcat dealer around you I hear good things about them. Shop around and do yourself a favor.....stay away from the box stores. Best of luck. Let us know what you end up with.
I am not trying to talk you into spending more money but more getting a unit that will last you a long time with proper care. I would give Gravely a look and if there is a Bobcat dealer around you I hear good things about them. Shop around and do yourself a favor.....stay away from the box stores. Best of luck. Let us know what you end up with.
Actually the Bad Boy was sold by a local dealer here that sells Gravely also. I have looked at his Gravely offerings, but sort of decided against them. The Hustler is coming from the local dealer where I purchased the Fastrak new 11 years ago.
TSO
Elite Member
600 hours is nothing on a mower... Fix yours for $1k and drive it for another few years with no payments.
rustyshakelford
Veteran Member
Or fix for 1k and sell for $2500? I get the wanting to start over but don't lose out on the value of what you already have.
Brett
Brett
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
Fix it. $1000 is not out of line. Hydro is the weak point on that particular mower. It is not bad, It just is not as durable as what you find on the more expensive mowers. Look at the rear tires on a ZTR. the larger the rear tires, the stronger hydo unit it has. 20 inch tires show up on the smaller units. The big hydos can handle 24 or 26 inch tires.
nosurprise
Silver Member
Make sure that whatever one you buy that the hydro pump's are serviceable and rebuildable. Most of the entry levels aren't like the raptor, big dog c series etc....
Bought a Hustler Raptor SD from the local Hustler dealer. It has serviceable hydros. All around a heavier machine than the Fastrak I bought 11 years ago and the price was almost $1,000 cheaper than I paid then. I brought the old Fastrak home. I can buy a rebuild kit off of Ebay for the hydro for around $350. When I get some time I want to do that and then sell it or keep it for an extra mower.
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Texasmark
Elite Member
- Joined
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- Tractor
- Ford: '88 3910 Series II, '80 3600, '65 3000; '07 6530C Branson with FEL, 2020 LS MT225S. Case-IH 395 and 895 with cab. All Diesels
Wise decision not to repair. The whole machine wore out over time....just the hydros beat the rest of it to the punch....just a waiting game .....what's next to fail.
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I never bought a used mower and never will. Too easy to be abused. One of my ZTs is a Hustler Fastrak 44 I bought back in 2005 and has served me well so I'm not knocking them.
I just bought a new Ferris IS700Z and in doing so I shopped most all other brands. Lot of good machines out there and Gravely seems to be at the top with several others. While shopping $12-15k machines were everywhere so the $12k new price is probably correct for the used Gravely you are looking at. My machine was $7200 new and I bought it for a soft ride and added another several hundred for aftermarket extras to suit me, plastic canopy, balloon traction rears, and extra seat springs although mine has the deluxe seat.
I think an upper cut (not big box store lower cut model built to meet pricing demands), heavy duty, commercial, Industrial Service type machine may be worth the gamble. It all depends on the PO and how the machine was cared for. The reason for selling, if truthful, is a good indicator as to what to expect.
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I never bought a used mower and never will. Too easy to be abused. One of my ZTs is a Hustler Fastrak 44 I bought back in 2005 and has served me well so I'm not knocking them.
I just bought a new Ferris IS700Z and in doing so I shopped most all other brands. Lot of good machines out there and Gravely seems to be at the top with several others. While shopping $12-15k machines were everywhere so the $12k new price is probably correct for the used Gravely you are looking at. My machine was $7200 new and I bought it for a soft ride and added another several hundred for aftermarket extras to suit me, plastic canopy, balloon traction rears, and extra seat springs although mine has the deluxe seat.
I think an upper cut (not big box store lower cut model built to meet pricing demands), heavy duty, commercial, Industrial Service type machine may be worth the gamble. It all depends on the PO and how the machine was cared for. The reason for selling, if truthful, is a good indicator as to what to expect.
