Buying Advice Used 2010 Hustler Fastrak or new Raptor SD?

turboshad · Apr 22, 2014

I am trying to purchase my first ZTR and am stuck on a decision. I have it narrowed down to a Hustler based on reviews I can find and proximity to a dealer. I have a small 1.1 acre lot so probably .75 acres of grass at most including the ditch. The terrain has some contours and steeper hills so I want the tractor that will work the best for these conditions. Currently my little Husky riding mower can't make it up some of the hills and I have to just let it bounce down the ditch. Side sloping is not an option.

My budget will allow a new Hustler Raptor SD 54" or I have found a used 2010 Hustler 54" Fastrak (model 928291) with 73hrs for $100 less. They both have the ZT2800 transmissions and both will be built to last a lifetime with the amount of yard I have to mow. The main differences that seem to matter is the newer Raptor has larger 20x12 drive tires and 13x5 front tires vs the older Fastrak with 18x9.5 drives and 11x4 fronts. The plus (I think) for the Fastrak is it is a couple hundred pounds heavier and about 5" wider. The Raptor SD also has a 23HP Kawisaki vs. the Fastrak's 21HP Kawisaki.

So which will work better for hills? The width should make the Fastrak side slope better but will the smaller wheels make it not climb as good? Will I get an advantage from the added weight or is this a negative?

Any other differences in the two models I'm not to concerned with as I think the Raptor SD frame is more than enough for me and things like .2mph and more fuel capacity don't really concern me. I just want what will work the best with the slopes I have.

Thank you for any advice you may be able to provide.

DJ

Xfaxman · Apr 23, 2014

:welcome: to TractorByNet! :thumbsup:

I would recommend the larger tires.

This is my "hill".

It is about a 27 degree slope. Even with 4WD the machine will slide sideways down hill!

turboshad · Apr 23, 2014

Thanks for the reply Xfaxman. Ya, my slopes are pretty close to that though only about 10-11ft tall so I can drive down them if I need to without reaching mach speeds. It's been hard finding dependable specs on the older Fatrak but I came across a sales brochure last night and it is actually only 1" wider than the Raptor which takes that advantage away. I think I will be going for the new Raptor SD.

TSO · Apr 23, 2014

For the $100 and bigger engine (plus longer warranty) I'd get the Raptor. I have a Hustler SuperZ-Diesel that I really like. They make very nice machines.

Texasmark · Apr 24, 2014

I have the 44" Fastrak and really like it. Have had it since '05 and work it hard all summer on my farm doing diversified mowing. Have had nothing but oil, oil filters, and gasoline to replace. I did buy blade lug tires for it (like R1 tractor rears) to help with the sloping pond banks. The individual wheel controls help to maintain steerage on slopes, course all ZTs have individual rear wheel pumps. If you wait till the grass is dry, like after 10 AM around here it helps to prevent sliding down the slopes. Also if you mow at an inclining angle rather than horizontally down the slope it helps.

HTH,
Mark

Roadbuilder6 · Apr 25, 2014

I wouldn't buy the hustler I have a john deere and a hustler z mowers and used to have a toro. I love my hustler mower. I soecialize in mowing very steep ground. My huslter is by far my favorite mower. But with that being said, it is horroble on hills. You can reverse up them for your life, and it slips and slids a lot (going slow and with no rain). I would look at a scag or john deere.

PVHIII · Jun 14, 2015

turboshad said:
I am trying to purchase my first ZTR and am stuck on a decision. I have it narrowed down to a Hustler based on reviews I can find and proximity to a dealer. I have a small 1.1 acre lot so probably .75 acres of grass at most including the ditch. The terrain has some contours and steeper hills so I want the tractor that will work the best for these conditions. Currently my little Husky riding mower can't make it up some of the hills and I have to just let it bounce down the ditch. Side sloping is not an option.

My budget will allow a new Hustler Raptor SD 54" or I have found a used 2010 Hustler 54" Fastrak (model 928291) with 73hrs for $100 less. They both have the ZT2800 transmissions and both will be built to last a lifetime with the amount of yard I have to mow. The main differences that seem to matter is the newer Raptor has larger 20x12 drive tires and 13x5 front tires vs the older Fastrak with 18x9.5 drives and 11x4 fronts. The plus (I think) for the Fastrak is it is a couple hundred pounds heavier and about 5" wider. The Raptor SD also has a 23HP Kawisaki vs. the Fastrak's 21HP Kawisaki.

So which will work better for hills? The width should make the Fastrak side slope better but will the smaller wheels make it not climb as good? Will I get an advantage from the added weight or is this a negative?

Any other differences in the two models I'm not to concerned with as I think the Raptor SD frame is more than enough for me and things like .2mph and more fuel capacity don't really concern me. I just want what will work the best with the slopes I have.

Thank you for any advice you may be able to provide.

DJ

With all the complaints on the Raptor and Raptor SD...I hope you chose the Fast Trak... Not one single complaint with mine... Love Love Love it!!!

DK35vince · Jun 14, 2015

A choice between a new Raptor SD or a used FasTrak with only 73 hours. Personally I would choose the FasTrak.

scaredychicken · Jun 14, 2015

Given the size of your property, and that it's intended use is residential not commercial, for the $100 difference I would probably go with the brand new and warrantied Raptor, rather than a 5 yr old FasTrak. Just my opinion (I'm considering the Raptor flip-up model with the same 23 hp Kawasaki engine as the Fastrak SD)

currently ...

2015 RAPTOR (RESIDENTIAL) has 3 yrs and NO HOURS LIMIT warranty; the Raptor SD and Raptor flip-up each have 3 yrs / 300 hrs

2010 Fastrak SD has 4 yrs or 400 hrs (but in this case that warranty has expired)

you mention front TIRES, are they tires or (no tread) CASTERS ? the new machines of any Hustler model, only come with front casters. that might make a difference for you on the slopes, but the hp of either machine should be fine.

if you went with the used Fastrak, AND were able to purchase a further extended warranty (who knows ???) that would probably be the $100 difference - so then you are even.

decisions, decisions ...