I narrowed my choices down to the hustler or gravely becuase of the service availability I have locally. Either that or a used top of the line, like the Kubota. Don't know much about the new price for that model, but it seems like a great price!

I agree with others about not buying from box stores, as if something goes wrong they have to ship it off to get repaired. Another thing to look at is the transmission. The lower end models have a sealed transmission that cannot be serviced. The first Hustler model with a serviceable trans was around $3800...

Anyone have experience with gravely? Just looking at their literature, they seem priced fairly and well made

I have 4 acres, and besides mowing around (and sometimes over) stumps and outcroppings, I also needed something for hauling cedar trees to the brush pile. So I went with a lawn tractor, the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX. I've been very happy with it, and it even has a really great turn radius for a lawn tractor.

Just bought Cub RZT-L 46..... Honda motor... fingers crossed that its a good as our tired ol Cub rider thats 20 yrs old

Chetos said:

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Anyone have experience with gravely? Just looking at their literature, they seem priced fairly and well made

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Gravely makes a good machine.

I bought a country clipper 54" deck. This thing is fantastic. It took a little getting used to driving with a joystick, but I have a free hand for my beer now. I mow about 3 acres with it.

Na Zdrav 87 said:

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LSB_2002 said:

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Hustler Raptor 54" deck................FTW!!!!!!

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Just bought one a few months ago. Kawasaki engine. The seat is like mowing while sitting in a comfortable easy chair.

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We've had zero troubles with ours after 3 years! Very pleased with the product.

Is there a specific Hustler Raptor that is being recommended or is the $3k version ok?

I bought my Hustler at Top Gun on Anderson Square just off Research. Been very happy. Now about 1.5 acres of rocks with it between Leander and Georgetown

Dr. Venkman said:

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Is there a specific Hustler Raptor that is being recommended or is the $3k version ok?

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The "SD" version of the Raptor has the commercial-grade components. The SDX line gets you into a Kawasaki.

Get a good Commercial Zero Turn. Look at Deck depth (Lets you know how much grass it will really eat), Thickness and BLade Speed.

In my Opinion you cant go wrong with the following:

Kubota, John Deere (Commercial Line), SCAG. They are more expensive than the big box store units, but they are 10x the machines those are. Kubota and some others have seats that have suspension. Look at the frames, etc.. for gas engines you cant go wrong with the Kawasaki nor the Kohler. The Diesel powered ones are just bullet proof, but will hit your wallet.

Only you can decide whats best for you and your circumstances. I shopped at Ewald (Kubota, Snapper, and SCAG) and R&R (John Deere) here near Boerne. Talked to both sales guys at length. Kubota won my favor,and fit my needs the best.

Anyone here ever heard anything about Altoz mowers. Was at the shop getting mine worked on and they had this beast in the showroom. Didn't ask how much cuz its waaay above my needs but it looked badazz

Out here Deere Commercial and Bad Boy seem to be the most popular. I borrowed a few before we made a decision and liked the Bad Boy 60" the best.

Full disclosure, I found someone to do all of my 2 acres like a golf-course for $75 a week. Hard to justify the purchase of $5k of equipment and dedicate 3 hours a week 5 months a year at that price.

reveille23 said:

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Anyone here ever heard anything about Altoz mowers. Was at the shop getting mine worked on and they had this beast in the showroom. Didn't ask how much cuz its waaay above my needs but it looked badazz

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Is that on tracks??!! I want one.

yes, yes it is! and the one I saw had a brush hog type deck, chains and all. freaking BEAST!

Resurect an older thread. I now need a mower for 3-4 acres that is rough in places. Lot of trees so ZT is probably where I'm going. Thoughts on a Scag Freedom Z? Also, how can you tell if the transaxles are serviceable?

AgEngineer72 said:

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Resurect an older thread. I now need a mower for 3-4 acres that is rough in places. Lot of trees so ZT is probably where I'm going. Thoughts on a Scag Freedom Z? Also, how can you tell if the transaxles are serviceable?

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Serviceable transaxles will have a spin on oil filter on them.

Since this thread started I've purchased the Kubota 25 hp diesel with a 72" deck.

Cut 6 acres here on my farm.

Amazing mower with an amazingly high price tag.

Has cut my mowing time in half.

I do not regret spending the money. Buddy in Mississippi bought a Husqvarna for his farm. Spends more time in the repair shop than mowing.