Hustler Raptor 42 in. Zero-Turn Mower Review

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