Hustler RAPTORSD 4.80 star(s) (4)

Hustler SD 48
Model Year: 2014

Totally impressed with the quality of cut. Have not had to mulch or bag so far, but might need this in Spring. Everything works top notch. The only problem was the noisy clutch issue that has been posted out here. Dealer took it back and welded a piece of metal between the clutch and clutch anchor. Haven't tried it yet, but that seems to be the fix that is working longer term. Would buy again! Had a Murray 42" 14 HP and took an hour or so. The Raptor eats my yard up in less than 30 minutes! 2 Hours using a 21" Craftsmen Front Wheel Drive.

Pros: Awesome cut and power.
Cons: Noisy clutch assembly.

So Far So Good
Model Year: 2014

My first zero turn, so it takes some getting used to. But so far I am pleased. Always wanted a Hustler and since my Ford LGT 18H bit the dust. It didn't take much to pull the trigger on a new Raptor SD. The financing special that they have going on sealed the deal. After 3 weeks of mowing 3 lawns each week I can already see my work getting done quicker. Can't wait until I'm really comfortable with it to see those times trimmed down even more. Might be able to do better pros and cons once I've had it for a while.

Pros: Zero-turn speed.
Cons: $22 touch up paint.

Photo Uploads:

Raptor SD
Model Year: 2014

Had a couple issues at first. Oil leak right of the gate. Plugs for after market oil cooler lose. Could have fixed my self but but did not see them. Starter solenoid stuck at around six hours. Would just go with bad luck on that one. Dealer has taken excellent care of me. Would buy again if had to. Cut my mowing time in more than half. Added to flex forks also. It is not the smoothest ride out there. Huster did a great job with this one. Just enough options to have good quality yet a reasonable price. Shopped around for year before I pulled the trigger. One downfall I though was the small gas tank but after using I can get two mowings out of a tank. Maybe three if I pushed it. Takes around hour to mow. Thought about getting more expensive machine but chose this one. It comes down to the fact that I am not using it to make a living. Just to mow my yard. Have read and still read a lot of reviews on the Raptors. There are a lot of folks that want a million dollar machine for a low price. This is exactly what Hustler had advertised. High end residential.

Pros: Built like a tank.
Cons: Rides like a tank.

Hustler Raptor SD 54
Model Year: 2014

I looked into a lot of mowers. Co-worker told me about the Hustler Raptor SD. A local lawn service that's been in business 15 plus years swears by them. The mower is solid built with a Kawasaki engine. It took me 4 1/2 hrs. to mow with my 48-inch tractor type mower. My new Hustler took 2.1. My yard looked nice and even and clippings were not visible. I also mowed my neighbors yard 1.2 hrs and the yard was a little damp but it still looked pretty good no clumping. Very satisfied with performance and quality of cut. If it ever has any issues I will post on Hustler forum.

Pros: Construction quality and cuts nice and even.
Cons: No exhaust shield.

Photo Uploads: