Hustler Raptor Zero-Turn Mowers – Are They Really That Different?
Is this mower the best for you? In this review I will go over the features, strengths and weaknesses of this zero turn mower and compare it to the brands you are familiar with.
If your main concern is price, this is not the mower for you. This mower does have one feature not found on the other residential zero-turns. Because of that the price is higher than all the rest. Read on to find out why it costs more.
Raptor 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower
Brand: Hustler
Manufactured By: Excel Industries
Model/Series: 931741/Raptor 42
Item Number: 204612934
Find your nearest dealer here: Dealer Locator
Street Price: $2799.99
Hustler calls this a Residential Zero-Turn. It has more features than a yard tractor but less pulling power than the G5500 garden tractor.
Compare it to: Craftsman 42 inch or Craftsman 46 inch zero turns
Quick Summary Review
Pros:
- 21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine
- Top Speed 6 mph
- Heavy duty fabricated deck. 4.5 inch cutting height!
- Low Seat Height.
- Patented Automatic Park Brake System.
- Heavy Duty Front Caster Forks
- Disperses clippings evenly in side-discharge mode.
- Mulches well, leaves fine clippings with little or no clumps.
- Optional engine guard .
- Maximum mowing area per hour (acres): 1.5 acres at 5 MPH
- Recommended for moderate slopes? Yes, Moderate slopes
- Excels in mowing around obstacles? Yes
- Will Mow In Reverse? Yes
Cons:
- This zero turn has the EZT transmissions that all the residential zero-turns use. You will not be able to pull heavy loads like a leaf vac.
Find your nearest dealer here: Dealer Locator
My Full Review:
The Raptor is Hustler’s entry-level zero-turn mower and you can buy one for less than $2800. It features a fabricated deck that cuts just as well as the stamped decks on the other residential machines. Overall it is a well built mower. The Husler Raptor is designed and built by the manufacture with the most zero-turn experience, Excel Industries in Hesston, Kansas
Features:
HydroGear EZT Transmissions, Mowing Speed 6 mph, Patented automatic Parking Brake, 42″ Cutting Width, 1.5″-4.5″ Cutting Height
Kawasaki Engines
21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin. Kawasaki V-Twin engines offer durability, dependability, and the power you need to get the job done. Many owners prefer the Kawasaki over the Briggs and Kohler engines but I am not going to argue which Brand has the best engine.
Heavy Duty Welded Steel Deck
If you are really hard on your equipment the heavy duty welded steel deck may be the best choice. Owners like the cut and tell me it cuts as well as a stamped deck. Instead of a rolled edge it has welded in wear strips that keep the sides of the deck from getting dented. It is the strongest deck you can buy in this price range. Even though this is a fabricated deck it side-discharges so well that you do not need an aux blower for a bagger.
Heavy Duty Fabricated Frame
8ga welded steel tube frame.
Hustler’s heavy duty fabricated frames are the best in the category. Hustler took everything they know about building heavy duty commercial machines and used that knowledge to make a tough chassis. I see no problems with cracking of flexing over time. The front caster forks are built-up 1/4 in steel with a tall 11in x 4in front caster tire.
It will handle 15 degree slopes well. Watch the video below:
Patented Automatic Park Brake System
A simple, convenient and patented system that automatically engages the parking brake when you open the steering levers. It just works and keeps the mower from wandering around when parked on a slope.
Find your nearest dealer here: Dealer Locator
Hustler Mowers are also available through the 1600 local dealers. If you need financing Sheffield Financial is the only lender Hustler uses and they have 0% financing programs with zero down for qualified buyers. They also have rates that start at 3.99% and go up from there depending on credit score. Sheffield Financial has been great to work with. You can apply online as well as in the dealer’s store. Many new owners come in and walk out in less than 30 minutes with a new mower and nothing out of their pocket. You can find you nearest dealer here: HustlerTurf Find A Dealer
GGRussell
Hustler would not post this on their website:
This was my first zero turn mower and i did a lot of research before purchasing. I decided on the Hustler Flip mostly because it would be easy to service the blades. I’m an older person and I have had back surgery so crawling under a mower just wouldn’t work and didn’t want to spend another $200 on a mow jack. Issue 1: After the first season, I noticed the paint under the deck was completely gone and the deck had started to rust severely. NOT covered under warrantee. This thing cost more than my first car and you would think they would have used better paint or at least used some sort of rust retardant. Issue 2: 2nd season, the starter died and gas gauge stopped working. Fortunately, covered by warrantee. Issue 3: Just got the mower out for 2020 season and noticed a rattle when starting the blades. Back in shop – two blade spindles and pullies need replacing. Hopefully under warrantee since I only have 138hrs on it. Even though this mower has had llllissues, It is still one of the best I have owned and Hustler has so far honored their warrantee.
Bryan
I have flat yard about 1/2 acre of Bermuda grass in Pueblo Colorado. Currently takes an 1 1/2 to mow with a 22 in Toro Recycler. Looking at the following zero turn mowers, Hustler Raptor 36 or Raptor 42, Toro Timecutter SS4225, Cub Cadet RTZ L42 and the Troybilt Xp Mustang 42.
Looking to cut at 2 inchs and side discharge. I think that these are all overkill but 3 hours mowing twice a week is not my idea of fun. Ian am open to a wide area mower, however, they seem to be twice the price of a residential zero turn.
Any suggestions
Paul
Hi Bryan, I’m Sorry. I have gotten way behind this week.
I don’t recommend the 36 inch ZTR. They are too small and have traction issues. You will hate it because it will tear up your yard. I also don’t care for the Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt 42 inch. The tractor is wider than the deck so you are running over uncut grass twice before it’s cut. The 46 inch versions I like though.
The leaves the Toro and Hustler 42 inch. I have not seen any reviews of the Hustler on Bermuda grass so I don’t know how well it will cut it. I do know the Toro does a decent job of cutting Bermuda. I suggest talking to your local Toro and Hustler dealers about which one will cut better.
Travis
Paul,
Love your sight and value your opinion. I really been eyeballing the Hustler Raptor SD 42″. I sat on one and I was squished. I know they make control arm extenders. The main issue is my size I’m 6’4″ and 375lbs. I have to mow a .51 acre manicured bluegrass lawn which is all slope that starts gentle and get more aggressive, there is a 20’x30′ section that is steep enough to make using a self propelled walk behind tough to use for my old knees. My thought is I need need to look for at mowers based on which transmissions they have. Do you think a ZT-2800 will have enough to move my heft around on a slope and last? I have 48″ inch gates which limits the size of mower I can get. I am also looking at the Gravely ZT XL 42″ and its Ariens counterpart. I would like to have you weigh in your opinion on this situation. I would live to get something with a ZT-3100 or better even at the ZT-3100 price range equip mowers the prices really jumps up. Thanks.
Paul
@Travis, The biggest problem is the drives overheat and then they don’t have the holding power on slopes. But you have a very small area so that won’t be an issue. I’m a lot more worried about a zero-turn being able to stay on that slope. Remember, you only have one wheel giving you traction.
I do have to say that the manufactures only rate these mowers for 15 degree slopes or less.
I like the Gravely ZT XL and Ariens IKON XL a lot. Don’t be afraid to get one if the price is right.
Joe
Hi Paul. Wondering if you had any insights and/or preferences on the Hustler Raptor 42″ vs the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 for my less than an acre flat lawn. The main difference that stands out to me is the fabricated vs stamped deck. Anything else that might help me decide on the two?
Thanks,
Joe
Algonquin, IL
Paul
Hi Joe, Typically stamped decks cut better, fabricated decks take more abuse. Consumer Reports rates the Toro decks and give it an above average cut, bag and mulch. They do no rate fabricated decks.
One thing I do like about the Toro is the Smart Speed. You set a lever between your legs for mowing, towing, trimming. The speed selector helps increase the life of the transmission and makes the ZTR easier to use for trimming.
Zach
Paul,
Thanks for the site, lots of good info. We live in Stillwater, OK and bought a house with 2.6 acres, fairly flat with about 1.3 acres of open pasture and 1.3 acres with 4-5 trees, flower bed and light pole. Which takes us about 4 hours with current equipment. We have been using 2 old Craftsman LT 1000 movers one with 18 HP and 19.5 HP engine and 42 inch Cutting deck. We are looking to upgrade to a zero turn or better mower. Have been looking at 54-60 inch decks and have looked at the Hustler Raptor SD/ Big Dog Alpha MP and a few other brands but were not sure what would benefit us best. Have had some experience with husqvarna semi pro mowers but they cost much more than the Hustlers. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Ultimately looking to save time but also buy a mower that will last and is durable.
Paul
Hi Zach, Good, you know that Hustler and Big Dog are the same.
Since your yard is fairly level and you just want to upgrade the 54 inch Raptor/Big Dog will cut your mowing time down to an hour or so. Going to the Hustler Raptor SD/ Big Dog Alpha MP gives you a heavier built machine that will last longer. Because of the deeper deck you may be able to cut your mowing time to under and hour.
The Hustler Raptor SD/ Big Dog Alpha MP are worth the money if you have it to spend.
Zach
What is your thought on a 54 inch versus 60 inch of the Hustler/ Big Dog. You said in an earlier post 60 inch is the way to go. We have clearance for most of the yard to use a 60 inch and have a push mower and weedeater for the areas that the 60 inch can’t make it through. Also for the price are there any other mowers I should consider for the money? Thanks!
Paul
Hi Jach, If you have the room I would always buy a 60 inch over a 54 from the name brand manufactures like Hustler/Big Dog. The longer blades usually give you more lift so they cut better and also throw/mulch better.
There are so many good mowers in that price range that it’s almost just as easy to go around and pick one of two local dealers that you like and trust. Then narrow your choices down between the models that they sell.
Devin Wanzor
Hi,
I live in Tulsa, OK and just purchased a home with a relatively flat 1 acre yard. I have read a lot of the posts on your site to try and determine what mower I need (currently have a small yard that I push mow).
I have looked at:
Craftsman Pro Tractor style 46″
Hustler Raptor 42″
Toro Timecutter 42″
Here are some concerns I have. The sales guys at the dealers are trying to talk me out of the lower end Zero Turns because they have stamped instead of fabricated decks. Should this matter to someone like me?
They are also trying to talk me out of the lower end zero turns due to the non-serviceable components they have in relation to the higher end models with serviceable components.
I have no brand loyalty here and don’t really care about whether I get a tractor style or zero turn. I am just trying to find the best machine for my money that will last a long time. All things being equal, I would rather spend less time mowing my lawn if I could.
Do you have some other ideas/suggestions for me?
Devin Wanzor
Paul,
Thank you for the reply.
I measured the gate at my new property today and I have 70″ of clearance to get into the back yard. I don’t have very many obstacles to mow around. Maybe 3-4 trees in the front yard and 7-8 trees in the back yard. None of of them are very close together.
My next question is – should I stick with a 42″ machine based upon the above? I went a physically looked at the machines this weekend.
I was a bit concerned about the Toro Timecutter. The deck seems very flimsy. I shouldn’t be running into things but it still just seems very flimsy to me.
The Craftsman Pro tractor is nice but I am thinking I’d like to go the zero turn route because I am an avid golfer and the most important thing to me about mowing the yard is getting it done so I can go and play some golf on the weekends.
I looked at the Hustler 42″, nice machine. I also looked at the Hustler SD machines and I quite liked these. These seemed very well built and I was especially impressed by the larger front wheels on these machines, and the seat seemed much nicer.
The thing about the Hustler SD is that the 42″ version is $3799 and it only costs $3999 to step up to the 54″ version.
I am fairly certain I am leaning toward the Hustler brand at this point because based on the options I have looked at, it seems to be much better built.
The dealer I am looking at has been around forever and they seem to do a good job with service, etc.
OK – so any thoughts on the regular 42″ raptor, regular 52″ raptor and the 54″ raptor SD?
I am comfortable with the cost of any of these machines and just want to get my yard done quickly, pretty good cut quality, and want the machine to last a long time for me.
Thanks!
Paul
Hi Devin, The Raptor SD is the best. It has a thicker frame and larger transmissions.
The regular Raptors use the lightweight EZT transmissions like the Toro.
Daniel Lee
was mowing yard and hit small bump. Motor went dead. will not start, will turn over but noy crank. can remove wire from solenoid on front of mower and it will crank and run for about 3-5 seconds.
Paul
Hi Daniel, I am not a mechanic and I don’t know anything about the wiring on a Hustler Raptor. I would call the dealer where you got it from.
Duane David
We have about 1/3 acre of lawn and also a windbreak that we have been developing for the past couple of years. The lawn is relatively flat, but somewhat rough. Several times a year I also need to mow around all of the trees in the windbreak, avoiding the trees and also the drip irrigation system that is in place. I have been considering a zero turn mower for sometime and am especially interested in the Hustler Raptor 42 model due to the price range involved and the overall quality of the brand. A neighbor has a 2014 Raptor 42 for sale that has only a few hours on it. It belongs to his son-in-law, who will be moving to a larger acreage next year and is planning to upgrade to a larger mower at the time. Our neighbor isn’t exactly sure what its worth, but has suggested maybe $2400 for the mower. Can a mulcher kit be purchased for the Raptor 42? Also, what would be a fair price for this mower? They only used the mower to mow a fairly small lawn during one season. The mower looks to be in almost new condition.
Paul
Hi Duane, I don’t do used here but that ZTR sold for $2799. If it’s like new I suppose $2400 is a good price from someone you know. It should have a mulch kit. Check out their website or your local dealer.
Tom
Hi Paul,
I’ve been doing research and came across your site (very helpful!). I am very interested in the 42″ Raptor, because it will fit through my shed door. I am now learning from the Hustler site and Loews, that the 42″ Raptor is equipped with a Kohler 22HP and not the 21 HP Kawasaki. What a disappointment. Did that change recently? I love the Kawasaki engine on my 27 year old JD.
I mow 1 flat acre with lots of trees and landscaping.
Tom
New Albany, OH
Paul
Hi Tom, Yes, The water cooled Kaw’s have held up well. Their FR series residential motor is no better than any other brand now days though. You will like the the new Kohler 7000. It runs well, has a great torque curve for grass cutting and is very fuel efficient.
I don’t know exactly what Kawasaki did but all the manufactures are running away from that brand as fast as they can. I know most dealers and brands are very sensitive about warranties. If you are a primary supplier and you make them jump through extra hoops to get warranty parts or deny warranty claims for no good reason – it won’t be long before they look somewhere else.
Joel
Hi Paul have a question i saw the youtube with corey and he says he uses his for a busness i have about 2o yards in florida that i keep up with a 42inch craftsman with the kohler mower been doing them for the last 3 years with it but thinking of the raptor being im not indepently wealthy lol would you suggest to use it for it they are all residential yards .5 to 1 acre which only 2 are a acre corey says his does great what is your input
Paul
Hi Joel, To become independently wealthy you have to buy equipment that will pay for itself instead of keep you in debt. The Raptor has residential EZT transmissions and you will never cost-justify the equipment. Meaning, Take the money you charge to mow, minus your weekly expenses. That leaves you with the money you have to pay off your equipment