ZTR, Toro or Hustler?

ChrisW · Feb 17, 2005

I am going to be getting a ZTR for about 1.6 acres in a few months and was wondering what you guys think is a better mower. I am looking at the Toro Timecutter 19-52ZX with a 19hp Kawasaki v-twin and 52in cut. The other mower is the Hustler Super Mini Z with a 20hp Honda twin cylinder and a 52" cut. These are very close in price so that is not a factor.

Please let me know what you think is a better mower.

Chris

Nasty135 · Feb 17, 2005

ChrisW, I have looked at the hustler line ie; The super Z 60" and when I buy it will be Hustler because of their oil coolers for the parker hydro pumps and the oil cooler for the engine,using synthetic fluids in the hydro's should insure trouble free operation for years,mostly steel hydro lines with a short section of flexible line... Also the super Z has a weight adjustable seat to help cushion the user somewhat so you can mow a little faster without being bounced all over the place /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif ,Don't know if the 52" has that option,but its probably worth getting.. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Not knocking the toro timecutter as I really don't know anything about the 52" unit they sell. I know Bird has a 38" I beleive? which suits him just fine , But I think the bigger you go the more commercial they build'em

65hoss · Feb 17, 2005

Not sure were the info came from, but those are not close in price or quality. The Toro you mentioned is a homeowner version and much cheaper in price. The Hustler Super Mini is a very comm'l grade unit and more expensive. If you can get the hustler mini super Z for even close you better quit reading now and go pick it up before they realize it. The Toro Timecutter is probably $4-$5k and the Hustler super mini is close to $8k.
Hustler makes some of the best equipment on the market. I run eXmarks now, but the only thing I would ever consider changing to is Hustlers. I did the field testing on a Proto-type Hustler all season last year. Hustler over-builds everything. You want a machine to last forever...this is the one. Especially since its only going to be on 1.6 acres. But let me warn you now...you will be finding other places to mow. 1.6 acres on a mini Super will take you about 20 minutes to cut...you will not want to get off that quick. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want any info or help with any of these choices. I've been working with mowers and Z's for a number of years now.
Eric

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Feb 17, 2005

I have 2 relatives in FL who use hustlers to maintain multiple rental properties...........They can't say enough good things about 'em.............Tom

Bird · Feb 17, 2005

Yep, I've got the little 38" Toro Timecutter and it's generally great for my use except for the lack of traction if there's any moisture at all on the ground. I got stuck twice day before yesterday. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Maybe I need R1 tires. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

But given the choices ChrisW asked about, if the prices really are close (which would be surprising), I think I'd have to go with the Hustler.

ChrisW · Feb 18, 2005

I saw both the Hustler and the Toro at a local home show in Dayton, OH on Sunday. The Hustler may have been a Super Z but I know it had a 20hp Honda twin engine and that it had a 52" cut. The price they had on it was $4495. I can look today at lunch for for the info I got from the dealer to see which model it was. I do remember that it was built like a tank. They also had a larger one next to it that had to be 2 feet taller and had a 72" cut but it was like $9000 or so.

Chris

Nasty135 · Feb 18, 2005

Chris , Maybe you were looking at the fast track Z it has a 20hp honda check out all the products offered by hustler /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif And no I'm not a salesman

ChrisW · Feb 18, 2005

That was it!

Thanks
Chris

65hoss · Feb 18, 2005

That Hustler is a much better machine. I would take that one over the Toro any day.

sweettractors · Mar 7, 2005

I am going to be getting a ZTR for about 1.6 acres in a few months and was wondering what you guys think is a better mower. 

If you have not already made your purchase? Go to our website below and check out the Dixon ZTR Mowers and pricing and If you have any questions? Please call 270-524-0385 or email glsweet@scrtc.com Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Authorized Dixon ZTR dealer and inexpensive nationwide shipping available*

bigtractor · Mar 7, 2005

Chris for only 1.6 acres the Hustler Fastrak with the 20 hp honda and a 52" deck would serve your purpose.
It will seem very quick ( not mini z or super z fast) on that size property.
Also the new warranty is 4 years on that machine.

Should be priced around $5000.

Can probably get into a Mini Z in the low $6's

Just my thought,
Dave

REX · Mar 8, 2005

How does Scag compare to Hustler. They both are commercial ZTR's. The dealer I'm speaking to, carries both and recommends Scag. Any input to clarify. REX

Nasty135 · Mar 9, 2005

REX, I guess it depends on which unit your considering , Do they both have Hydro and oil coolers? Are the coolers passive or active(fan)? Do they both have weight adjustable seats? Hustler commercials are using Parker pumps(very good) what kind of pump does Scag use? Then you have to decide between Kohler,kawasaki,honda,briggs with kohler having the most torque per hp generally or are you looking at diesel models? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Decisions Decesions /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

What does your dealer base his recommendation on? I would like to know his answer... hopefully something other than Scag's have a higher profit margin

BLUEBONNET2 · Mar 9, 2005

good afternoon,
haven't posted lately.....to much work and rain /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif, however i looked at the Hustler fastrak 44 and it looks like its built like a tank....the guy said it would be just fine for 1.5 acres /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
i was impressed with the warrenty, 2 yr bumper to bumper, 3 yr on spindle bearings, 3 yr on front fork bearings, lifetime on frame and leading edge....about 7 mph in forward (thats a lot of cutting).... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

$4399 pl tax....free delivery and he has a shop just for mowers /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

regards,
bluebonnet2

P>S> looks like we need a forum for ZTR's.... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

REX · Mar 9, 2005

I have 10 acres of grass to cut, with a fair amount of trees (78-80) to consider, so the dealer is suggesting Scag Turf tiger 61", 27hp Kohler command, air cooled or oil cooled engine, depending on $$$. The suspension seat is additional (don't know how much), and the is PTO/direct drive. Adjustable ROPS is optional well. They describe the Hydraulic pumps as "dual 16cc displacement Hydo-Gear BDP-16A. According to you message, are you suggesting the Scag carries a higher profit margin than other ZTR's especially the Hustler. He's quoting me $8700 for the Air Cooled, and $9100 for the oil cooled models. I've read a lot, and have followed the discussion groups opinions on other equipment I have bought over the past several years, and will probably do the same this time. I takes me and my wife with a 61" John Deere lawn tractor (x595) and my Kubota with 72" finishing mover, 7-8 hours to cut and finish the yard. So, I'm eager and hungry to buy the RIGHT ZTR. REX

milkman · Mar 9, 2005

He's quoting me $8700 for the Air Cooled, and $9100 for the oil cooled models

In that price range, I'd be looking at the Kubota ZD, or have you already looked?

Nasty135 · Mar 9, 2005

REX, Hey buddy fill out your profile because sometimes we can help faster if we know your general area. Reason is if your looking for a 72" hustler with 27hp kohler there is a dealer in Md. that has 2 left from last year brand new that he is selling for $7300 . They had a bunch of 60" units they had to move before paying interest they were 27hp kohlers also they went for $7000. I kick myself in the butt now because I didn't want to buy last fall and store it all winter and now they are $7900. which is still less than most other areas.

I might just go with Gravely's 260Z which will do my little 5 acres no problem 27hp kohler good warrenty adjustable seat ,lights for your nightime neighbor annoying pleasure /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif and a price of $6500. It even has the easy drain option for changing the oil . Gotta like that . /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

OH yea I agree with milkman, those prices seem a little steep.

Also I don't have a clue about profit margins it was more or less a joke. Guess it wasn't funny /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

fig · Mar 10, 2005

I would have to second what milkman said. I feel like I have looked at all of them! I am looking at buying a ZTR, but I might have to wait one more season$$$$$. When I do buy, it will be one of the Kubota ZD's. Local dealer let me take her for a spin and mow a patch or two at the dealership. I did not want to get off. The ZD should last as long as you do and I think is the best ZTR for the money.

REX · Mar 14, 2005

72" is too large. Need 60 - 61". Any comment on Scag vs. Hustler. REX

rbeitz · Mar 15, 2005

( 72" is too large. Need 60 - 61". Any comment on Scag vs. Hustler. REX )

Scag and Hustler are both highly regarded by the commercial mowing guys. I believe they are on a par quality wise as well. Personally, I use a Scag Turf Tiger and had previously owned a Scag walk behind. I have been extremely pleased with the quality and reliability of my Scags.