I have a 54-inch Raptor. When I bought it I was looking at an Exmark also. My uncle had a Hustler and had great luck with it, but I have not been pleased with mine overall. I find this same problem-that the grass packs under the guards. I also had a defective deck bearing already. I replaced them all while I had the deck off to save doing the other two later. The mowers are great the first 100 hours or so, but the required maintenance has been excessive. They have some real design flaws that make the maintenance more difficult and time consuming than it should be. Wait until you have to change the oil in the transmission drives! That is a real treat. The sight plugs (to check the oil level as you refill) could not be located in a worse place and it seemed like they welded them in. (Those plugs, and the filters, were torqued way too tight). They're not terrible mowers, but I won't buy another one. There are better choices out there.
On the belt covers and the safety aspect of it--I took the back trailer flap off a push mower because I didn't like the way it behaved when I pulled the mower backward. When I ran over a hidden golf ball 6 months later I regretted that decision--the ball slammed into my shin and my pants leg filled up with blood. Went to the ER but the thing didn't heal right because of buried dirt in the wound and it took about 6 weeks of wound care clinic to clear it up.
Thanks to your video I went and checked my grandfather's Raptor earlier today. It's a 2015. model 42"/ Kawasaki. Has around 60 hours. The deck bolts looked fine but the grass under the covers was jaw dropping. I don't see how the belt stayed on.
231MasseyFerguson yea alot of peeps have had issues with the deck dropping.. not to much of a big deal ...but damn if under warranty let them out bracket and balance it for ya
I have a 2013 Raptor 52 and those nuts never worked themselves off. I recommend that you replace them with new nylon lock nuts or use Loctite Blue on the threads to eliminate the problem. Replace the deck hanger bolts with grade 8 ones.
Nice video with great information. I've had those same problems with other zero turns I've had. I leave the belt covers off of mine but I'm thinking about having replacements made with expanded metal. I did see a video where someone bolted some plexiglass panels to the front top of the deck to keep the grass from accumulating on the spindle depressions. As for the linkage issue I replace the factory bolts with harder and longer ones so I can use a second nut as a jam nut and leave room to drill a hole and insert a spring clip. I keep an eye on them by checking them after every use.
Only reason to keep the covers on is, to protect the pulleys from hitting the under side of the frame itself. Just cut them. As to the bolts, drill through the bolt and the nut and put on a split pin. Just like with you trailer wheels. OR buy them without a thread, with a split pin and a washer. That is what my Husky has for holding the deck. 700 hrs on one and 215 hrs on the one I got at Xmas never had an issue like that. Only replaced two gear boxes and front steering, but never a lose bolt & nut. lol ;)
hey buddy ..yea in this mower you don't really have to worry about the pulleys hitting the frame ...yea it's tightend up with a high torque impact ...it's good for now if it ever dripped on this mower I'd have Fred fix it and out bracket on it
thanks for the video, I have the same mower and just pulled the plastic guards off, it was as packed as yours... bolts were ok but mine isnt used as much as yours, will keep an eye on them regardless
+ednightingale Awesome bro....ya I've been taking the guards off for years on this mower .. not sure why it is could be deck design again but debris loves it under those guards on this mower... thanks for watching
I would put flat washers on both the bolt and the nut side to keep it from cutting into the metal. I would also swap out those #5 bolts for #8 bolts. Installing a set of flex forks should cut down the amount of deck bounce you are getting. Get an air shim bag from Home Depot to place under the deck edge to make installation quicker and easier.
I bought a used 52 inch Raptor 2 years ago and as I was looking at the parts manual I recently discovered that it was suppose to have a center deck cover. I may get one to see if it reduces the collection of clippings under the belt covers.
While listening to your video you mention "not being that lucky". Well, I am 100% residential and mine came. I understand they now have a replace as needed type recall on them, but I couldn't get mine fixed. Personally, I think Hustler Customer service is the worst in the industry, but overall not a horrible machine. Your brackets are designed for a bearing type shim. If you go to the auto parts store and get a front caliper bolt for let say a 1979 Blazer K5 you will notice the bolt goes through a sleeve. Remove the bolt and use the sleeve. Use a longer bolt through it and you should be good with nylon nuts-plural on purpose. I used two to help lock the first one. So far it is alright!
Hi guys, I just bought a hustler raptor last year(2016) with less than 30 hrs. it has went thru 2 blade belts and been in the shop for deck leveling twice. It is a 24hp Kohler and a 52inch cut. I hope I did not end up with a lemon(right color). They get your money and you are on your own. Sure you get a warranty but they play that till the end, they are pros.
charlie nasello yea the deck lift system is definitely a issue ...I never buy used mowers ..you got to remember why are they getting rid of it , people suck ...don't ever forget that
On the deck cut the belt covers to allow blow-out of clogs. There is a guy here but he cut too much ;IMO .Check-out now Bad Boy mowers are vented to blowout.
My bolt came off and tore part of the deck apart. Under two years old, but don't be fooled there is NO warranty on these machines. That deck is NOT warrantied!!!
My dealer fixed it twice ..not that big of a deal fixing wise , but something that shouldnt happen ..i guess it comes down to dealer support ..my guy fixed no issue ...i cobvisoly could of done myself ..but 1. didnt want to void warranty as mine dropped with 8 hours on it ..2. i want them to fix there crappy designed mower
@ Jeremy Clayton, that is exactly correct. Change the nyloc nut also, don’t use thread locker or Loctite with the nyloc nut. Don’t overtorque and make sure the hardware is installed correctly. Same mower no issues.
I’m had that exact bolt fall off mine while using it after just one season on my 52 limited. I’ve been trying to find videos on how this is supposed to be set up because I didn’t find the hardware after it came apart.
My question is if people are having so much trouble with the nt working loose and the bolts breaking ,why not remove that bolt and go fastenall and get exact same bolt in a better quality such as grade 8 and have it drilled past wher the nutt will be and place a small keeper ( cotter pin ) through it ,the nut can not work loose then ,and grade 8 bolts will last ,look at the head of said bolt for small marks this is the hardness grading of the bolt ,come on guys !
Tracy Hardin yea thats an option ...im not doing that tho ...its under warranty and im not voiding a warranty to mess with deck that they produced ...they fixed it ..maybe when warranty is over i will think about...oh yea i never keep these longer that a year or 2
I put bolts going up from the underside of the deck and use wing nuts to hold the guards on. Takes about twenty seconds to remove and clear out. I was wasting 10-15 minutes each time
I have a 52 inch Hustler in my pulley is hauled out every time I try to take the nut off to get it off the blade comes loose any ideas how to fix this problem so I can change the pulley
My 52 just had a major failure. The "bowls" that the spindles mount to ARE NOT FABRICATED! Despite the large stickers advertising FABRICATED DECK, the "bowls" are made of STAMPED STEEL! The grass that accumulates in the bowls will hold water and make them RUST, then FAIL! New 52 inch deck will be costing me over $600, unless I can FABRICATE new mounting points for all three spindles...
With the 42 you have to engage the blades at half throttle, I had to figure that part out in the instructions, I was having the same deck jump. ya half throttle, better for the belts anyway.
+Supreme Services Lawn Care ok, cuz i was taking off to sharpen for 1st time and on my other mowers where the bolt goes thru there notched out with a pattern so they can only go one way
That is a 42" in your video. Have you changed a bearing spindle (Blade bearing block) How do I get the nut off the top? All it does is loosen the blade when I try? Everything turns within the bearing block. Thanks in advance if you can help.
Get a blade locking tool from amazon or block it with a 2X4. smile.amazon.com/CUB-CADET-Removal-Mowers-490-850-0005/dp/B07HGHNBCF/ref=sr_1_6?crid=146L6XNEHXMXH&dchild=1&keywords=blade+lock+for+lawn+mower+blades&qid=1605123781&sprefix=blade+lock%2Caps%2C540&sr=8-6
why not add some locktite or a lock washer to that bolt? The nylon part of the locknut is worn out and not keeping the vibrations from causing the nut to loosen up.
Yea could do that ,but don't wanna violate warranty ..more of a principal thing, especially from a dealer this dealer had alot of complaints , actually Hustler terminated them as a dealer
you need to get lock nuts to replace those bolts and from what I heard you need to do the same with the mount nuts. You have to reverse the screws and put the lock nuts on them.
Once you get the nut tight where you want it drill a hole through it and put a Carter key in it or you can go buy a castle nut and then drill a hole through the end of the bolt and use a Carter key
Rafael Torres yea good idea ...I sold this particular mower ..but I got a 42 same thing happened...I tightened will 700 ft lbs ...they been holding...but it's a real bad design....only issue with this mower I've had
Mine came off and the deck went into the cliff edge (all rock, done a lot of damage). It needs a bearing (tube) installed with a bolt through it or the deck will fall. I used a bushing from a front caliper bolt on the old school GM trucks and many cars. It is working good with no more issues. Simple .10 fix Hustler won't do. I think they suck, but whatever.
Mines cracked.but i called the place of purchase,it was picked up,repaired,hustler paided for the damages under warranty,under their lifetime deck,frame warranty per contract.so far no problems but ill be buying a x mark next time
Yup POS design I have had so many belts get thrown off Also I had to replace the deck mount nuts with nyloc nuts cos the factory ones undo.Have you had to replace the drive belt not the deck belt yet? Now that is a pain.
If you don't believe me and this video, Take off your covers and look what you have ( surprise ) They are only put on at the factory for safety to the company..PLEASE take the covers off and leave them off ( forever )==
I bought the hustler raptor and the same thing deck actually fell of doing all kinds of problems today I am taking it to the dealer and about the cover I guess blow them out every use poor design very disappointed in the deck design they ought to be a recall to fix the problem
Enrique Pimentel yeah Enrique I really does suck I don't know what Hustlers been doing with the really dropping the ball many people in this is happened to I'm just bringing people to wear to it I just got a good deal on the Raptor sdx and thing it's literally falling apart that'll be mechanical Savvy if you're going to own one of these hustlers....good luck let me kno how you make out
well I bough it t the deck fell then rear tire fell off breaking two lugs I took it back to the dealer they fixed it they told me hustler had a bunch of high school kids put it them together.because of high demand, that explained it anyway they fix it they were honest I heard they now beef it up on deck area should have had a recall fix that
I am now looking to buy a hustler raptor SD 60 inch 27 hp they are checking to see if I can upgrade to the Kawasaki they are supposed to call me and let me know it is priced for 4,995 with $200 off what is your opinion of this mower? It is at Lowes home-improvement not sure if that makes a difference or not I will not be mowing other peoples yards just mine which is about 2 acres
it's 3995 ...it's a decent mower from some of the people I kno who run them ...you can't get $200 off with kawi just to let you know ..but I just think you get more bang for buck with the Bob cat CRZ ...but you will be fine
+Supreme Services Lawn Care excuse me I miss spoke here in north Georgia at Lowe's it is actually 4,495 with $200 off they have not called me yet but I'm thinking the Kawasaki is a $200 upgrade so yes I probably would not get the 200 off and you're saying The raptor SD 60 inch is where you're at at Lowe's it is 3,995?
+huntnfish549 you can not get a Kawasaki engine on a Hustler Raptor sd or Raptor anymore ...not sure if Lowe's is telling you that or what ...can you still get one with a Kawasaki yes ...but your getting a 2015 model ..the only Raptor or Raptor sd 2016 that comes with a Kawasaki is the 36 inch ... starting in 2016 hustler switched to Kohler engines ... Lowes are probably not going to have 2015 leftovers...a dealer might tho ...good luck buddy
you got it ,,good luck ..get a bob cat crz..you will get your kawi for same price and many more upgrades ..check my bob cat crz review vid out you will see how much more you get with the bob cat
+Supreme Services Lawn Care no, Loctite is like this liquid that you put on the bolt so when you screw on the nut it keeps the nut from loosening up so easy, but it's not like superglue, you can just take a wrench and break the seal by hand
+SEF the Lawn Surgeon lolol....I'm well aware what it is ..that part is not really the issue ...it's the bolt holding deck on that lifts the deck up and down ....the mechanic who fixed that first time put loctite on ....2 weeks later it snapped
wow bro . sorry to hear that ..mine dropped at 15 hours on left side and 99 hours on right ....yea it's a bad deck design ...it's almost like the deck is to heavy for those strange bolts ...seems to only happen with the 52 ...
+Supreme Services Lawn Care I threw a bolt on and finished mowing. I took it to the dealership and they were nice enough to fix it under warranty. funny thing is I watched this video before I bought mine. I just assumed it wouldn't happen to me lol.
I'd like to mention grease those front roller bearings. The fitting CAN NOT BE FOUND by the people who sold us the raptor and noone around here can either. It rusted shut. I back it out & squirt oil in it.
I have raptor 52 and bolt came lose last week. I also removed covers in first few weeks. Otherwise its a good mower. Much better than john Deere I had before. One question. How do you level the deck? Nothing in manual that I can find.
Ok im gonna start off by saying i work on these things every day for a hustler dealership. He has the deck lift system improperly assembled and is missing several deck leveling components. If you think im wrong search the service manuals. Please let qualified techs work on your units. Dont listen to this guy.
My deck dropped and the dealer wouldn't do anything other than tell me to buy a bolt at Tractor Supply. The second time it dropped done damage to the deck. Hustler doesn't give a crap! I took mine to a dealer in Conway, Arkansas who welded the deck, replaced the blades and told me my bolt design for the deck is twice as good as Hustlers and I should leave it. He added two washers to help it rotate. I'm not saying it is a horrible machine, but the customer service in my opinion is f-ing horrible!!! I am an ASE/Michigan state master automotive and truck technician with advanced machining to boot. I restore vehicles and worked on a ton of stuff. I agree with you to let a qualified tech work on equipment, although finding one is very difficult, and the warranty on hustler is all BS very limited blah blah blah BS.
I had 42 hustler and it did same the bolt fell off on my frist mowing and it did 3 more time after that and I fixed myself .. so I no what this guy is talking about. He's no dumbas
+Supreme Services Lawn Care yea ...I got ya on the loctite tho def wouldn't hurt with the one side ... I think Hustler definitely knows about the problem you can read on the web and you too many people have had this issue just kind of letting people know and I think the last time they fixed it they had a bracket that they attach to it
yea it's really just with the 52s ...I think the deck is just to heavy for there bolt system ...and with vibration and raising deck up and down it comes loose ...
Supreme Services Lawn Care right.hustler will fix it.by reinforceing it with some heavyier bolts,hustler is quite fair to deal with but i mite buy the 52 inch later. with a more of a commerical unit,heavy duty,stronger deck material,bigger engine.
Lolol..for 3k less than crap FasTrack I would of dealt with deck falling every day ..Scag ,Ferris ,Bob cat much better ztrs.. would not be surprised excel be out of business soon ..just laid off 30% of work force last year ,sure this Pandemic will bury them
I can agree with you about the Scag and Bobcat but they are way over priced. I have owned and used the same Hustler Fastrak since 2008 and have only done the regular maintenance (no break downs) my yard is 4 acres with sandy conditions in the extreme southeast part of Alabama so nobody can complain about that a mower lasting this long.
@@scottmitchell1884 really yes I think they all are but Hustler FasTrack new I'm talking is way over priced,I guess used u can get good deals on them cause They don't hold there resale up like Scag and bobcat. Ferris only with kawi motor fyi
My dad got talked out of thebeefy Toro he was looking at. The dealer said "you don't want a Toro, you want a Hustler." He's an old man and we were at work when he went shopping and brought it home. 5 years later, problems all year, month after month.
