Hustler Mowers not acceptable from the factory!!

[@DarrenDay66]

I just bought the same mower and am having the same problem with the slightest slope, thought it was the air pressure but now that I have seen your video I’m going to try the flex forks. Thanks for the info!

[@doylemaintenance]

Awesome I'm glad you saw my vid.

[@kevinkelley3657]

You have way, way, way, way too much air in those tires. Lower the air pressure down to about 5-10 psi and traction will improve. Also, any zero turn that did not cost at least $6000 will have very cheap transmissions. If I could not spend at least $6000 on a John Deere 500 series that I bought at a John Deere dealer, not a big box store, then I would buy a tractor type mower.

[@DarrenDay66]

@@kevinkelley3657 yeah, I figured out it was partially due to the tire pressure. I am running 8 lbs now, it helped some but I also learned from other people the so called big bite tires are crap on these mowers. You would think a mower that cost 7 grand would have better tires. The transmission is commercial grade and has not given me any problems so far (365 hours) I’m still glad I put the flex forks on, they help with a smoother ride.

[@rogerwilliams4428]

I agree with one of the other answers. Your driving it wrong. When you make a right turn dont pull back on right handle. Simply push forward on the left and visa versa. Don't pull back on the one to the turn you are making, left and right, respectively. When you do that that acts as a brake.

[@mitchellsams3732]

Exactly!! All these mowers are a little different too, their handling/response/feel etc is not all the same. Definitely needs to slow down slightly on the turns, evenly, then push left/right handle forward. It’s easy on my Hustler to “pull back” and not think you are. Driver error not a machine error.

[@MonsterChuck]

This is user error..... You are reversing or stopping the inside wheel. You can see from the flex fork runs that you keep the inside wheel moving forward (for the most part). You are also moving pretty fast. I'm sure the suspension helps but it is only masking the real prob. And 16psi seems high. I believe mower tires are recommended something like 8-12psi.

[@bernl178]

Got a 60 here hustler on uneven land and frankly, it’s a charm. I have no problems with wheel spins, although I am really good now with the controls ghost where I want cut so I want I’m real happy with it.

[@jdirty3460]

Every mower is going to rut up a corner like that if you are turning sharp and fast on that little hill

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

90% of all mowers use the same transmissions (hydro-stat) so this is not a machine problem it is a driver problem.

[@doylemaintenance]

My old Ferris didn't have this issue. It's a suspension issue. Did you even watch the video

[@kendramckenna7312]

I have two toros 48” and 52” that are rigid just like this no independent suspension never had this issue. 48” couple years old the 52” is maybe 15 years old. Good luck with it.

[@PhoenixRising-nm1he]

No offense but I think you are just not driving the machine correctly. I've had one of these for years, on a mix of terrain. The inside wheel problem you're having is because you are actually driving the wheel backwards. Steering is controlled by a combination of left and right. You are in fact the acting differential. It is not easy after driving every other vehicle on Earth that uses front wheel steering. Another common problem with these is going down hill. A steep learning curve.

[@larryames8831]

Your problem is that the rear tire width and tread pattern are causing less traction. Change the tires, but drop the pressure to 9 to 11 psi first. The work you did, as per traction, is for not. You seem happy, enjoy the smoother ride - that is why Ferris has it. Where do you think the weight goes if one or both front tire comes off the ground.

[@kingsweettea9231]

1. Your not driving it correctly. 2. You really need an Xone or a Super Z hustler for that kind of acreage. 3.Tire pressure at 10 psi A Super Z has a much lower center of gravity and bigger tires that stick on hills alot better. All that being said I have A fastrak sdx that I use everyday commercially and it's an excellent mower, but the super Z is definitely a superior machine. I think if you let off the sticks earlier before you turn and use a W style maneuver you will get the hang of it and really love that mower. The flex forks and suspension seat make that mower a dream. If you go to the dealer and drive one of the higher end commercial units you will see a major difference. In my opinion a Raptor is designed for 5 acres or less for homeowners.

[@doylemaintenance]

I miss my Ferris

[@kingsweettea9231]

@doylemaintenance Ferris is a fine machine. I don't know what all brands you have access to, but badboys offer the best bang for your buck by a landslide. I run hustler because they are incredibly easy to work on and cut beautifully. Bad boys cut great also and if I just had my own acreage to mow I'd be purchasing a badboy Rogue with the Kawasaki.

[@cr250FoLife]

Those tires are supposed to be set at 8-12psi per the manual. Put them at 10 and you should notice a difference in traction and ride comfort

[@FindersKeepers88]

I'm no expert but the comments tend to explain that some of these issues may be user induced, furthermore that there are some reasonable hints & tips on how to avoid some of the issues. Hustler zero turns have boxed frames by design so that the frames do not flex much, as do many other manufacturers machines. I don't believe that it's all bad design, these basic design points are found with many brands, but you do need to buy the right machine for the job you expect it to do for you

[@dennisg.7498]

Was waiting for the mower to fall off on your foot. No wheel chocks, no jack stands. And yes, you are driving it wrong for the deck size. It's not going to turn like the other one with another foot of width. You are pulling back on the left lever causing the mower to stop. More push on the right and less pull on the left. Just like going from a small car to a bigger one. You have to adapt to the size difference.

[@doylemaintenance]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Bo-hb3eo]

The machine didn’t tear up anything… You did.

[@psav1520]

I’ve had 3 hustler ZTRs in recent years. They get worse with every new model. Had the hydro-drive brackets replaced, cracked fenders, severe vibration noise etc etc, etc. I have found that Hustler will work with you until they decide not to. My case was escalated to Nick (Sr. product representative). After failed attempts at a repair, Nick would not return any phone calls. The case was then escalated to the next level (Ken Coker). Ken provides nothing more than lip service. He did call me once. When I provided video proof of the complaint, he failed to ever contact me again. The mower has just gone out of warranty, the dealer will not do anything more and tells me that Hustler will not do anything more. I now have a Raptor SD with 60 hours of residential use with the same problem it had since it was new. I would never touch another Hustler mower, ever. Hustler will not honor the warranty if it is not a very simple problem. Either they don't know, or don't care about fixing a customer's mower.

[@gratzbuck9882]

I run Flex-Forks on my 2019 Hustler X-One. My Dealer talked me into them when I bought the mower. You need to lower your tire pressure ( read your Operator's Manual). Your tires won't un-bead. You need to work on your steering technique, you are bulldozer steering ( pulling back too far on the inside lever, stoping or reversing the inside wheel).

[@doylemaintenance]

bulldozer steering, good word for it. thanks

[@nathanhatcher7096]

I agree I run 22 psi in front and 8 psi in rear, world of difference and better ride! Another note is instead of stalling one side by stopping one wheel to turn against, try letting it work with it!

[@scufxz6841]

It’s the tires my boss has a hustler fastrack sdx and turning the corner it always slipes and it’s not like it’s a light mower it’s probualy one of the heaviest ones on the market and my exmark from the 2000s with almost bald tires never spins

[@jasonmelancon8096]

8 Acres you need a lot more mower than that

[@doylemaintenance]

What would you recommend?

[@leechjim8023]

60 should be just enough for 8 acres.

[@kenshaum3994]

Most zeroturn mowers have a rigid frame, I have a raptor sd 54" I don't have that problem if I do a three point turn.

[@doylemaintenance]

I guess i got spoiled with my old ferris

[@shaneparnell2128]

The back end isn't wide enough for the mower. The back tires need to be further apart.

[@georgesimpson3113]

It's not the front (lack of) suspension. First, learn how to drive a zero turn. Yea, there is a difference. Second, you can air down way, way more. i run about 6 psi. Yea, after airing down you'll need to reset your deck. Not everyone is wowed with those tires.

[@martineakes5143]

I run 10psi in my 60" Xone and my 54" FTSD. Also the regular turf tires would do better than the ones you are running.

[@doylemaintenance]

Ya I think your right, these were factory tires that came with it, they aren't the best. Tread pattern is wrong.

[@liaison66]

current price difference between factory and flex forks is about $173 American

[@doylemaintenance]

I'm in Canadastan, even more reason why they should include them on the machine stock from factory.

[@kelmartjack]

Dude, your tires are over inflated. They should have 8 to 10 psi of air. Not 16! Give it a try and see what happens. We have the same mower with the flex forks.

[@jedgmon5718]

Rear tires we run on ower 60 inch commercial hustler super z is 12 pounds

[@doylemaintenance]

Ok ill air them down a bit more thanks.

[@dannysummey5075]

I live in the mountains and I don’t have any problems like you do. I run lower tire pressure. Go slower. Maybe you need to get a Ventrac get off some money 😊

[@cheffsolo7739]

Is the deck a step on stool to get on , and off on like you did? Just asking Sir

[@doylemaintenance]

Good question. Its doesn't say "no step" like it would say if you were not supposed to. It is held up with a pretty stout connections

[@montybolinger6383]

$8600 Canadian seems a bit MUCH for a Raptor 60 first of all. I do think you need a little drivers ed on how to operate it correctly, also,,,,,,,,,,,that mower is front end heavy like a Bad Boy ZT so you can add weight to the rear axle or fill the tires with fluid to give them more bite along with a HDAP style tire. I'd just trade it for a Kawasaki powered Ferris IS3300 myself.

[@doylemaintenance]

Had a Ferris before, was a better machine, sold it cause I moved and the people who bought my property wanted it in the deal.😓

[@AStanton1966]

All you have to know is that Bleak and Darker, I mean, Black and Decker bought out Hustler.

[@bradjenkins932]

And?

[@AStanton1966]

@@bradjenkins932 How many contractors use Black and Decker tools?

[@bradjenkins932]

@@AStanton1966 A lot... It's Dewalt.

[@leechjim8023]

Maybe you need to slow down, esp. in turns or tight areas.

[@liaison66]

you said you aired the tires "down" to 16 psi. If you check your manual I believe you will find the proper pressure is 8 to 12 psi. So you already have too much air in the tires.

[@liaison66]

Drive wheels 8-12 psi. Front tires 8 -12 psi per the owner's manual

[@pauldavies6608]

I hate that I cannot fill the fuel tank because fuel comes out of the breather I can only fill it to bottom of spout

[@paigekay6386]

People comment on your steering it wrong. Nonsense My wife was getting stuck simply going forward up a slight incline. Also other said its fine if you do a 3 pt turn. Whats the point of owning a zero turn then lol My personal opinion is they have a lot of torque and not enough ass to hold it down. I like your solution to minimize the problem with the new front end! As you said tho it should come from the factory and not have to spend extra money on an already very expensive investment. Test drive a fast track model and youll see instantly its not user error. Others tweek psi and everything else and say your just steering it wrong. Im not a mechanic or a hustler salesman just a customer who was in the same boat. Cheers and best wishes

[@doylemaintenance]

Thanks for the support.😊 Yes My Old Ferris was nothing like this one

[@laylabono4035]

O gosh lucky i didnt buy 2 weeks ago i choose Bad Boy 54 instead...

[@kajlerdog628]

Get a scag tiger cat

[@Thibz68]

I noticed on the after video, you were not pulling back on the handle as far back as you were on the first video .. Not trying to bash on you, just looks that way in the video ..

[@StephenThorn-i2s]

Mate I’ve operated hustler mowers for 15 years on slopes up to 25 degrees , flex no flex forks,30 psi in all tires you are just operating it all wrong maybe get dealer to show you how to operate it

[@doylemaintenance]

Explain why my Ferris never did this?

[@doylemaintenance]

Also the Dealer owner himself was wanting my feedback on these flex arms cause he said his new personal machine was too stiff also and has now put these on his machine.

[@mikezahnow1605]

For that money you could have gotten a John deere and problem solved. Frames on a zero turn mower are supposed to be rigid. Add front suspension and now you pick up every single bump.

[@doylemaintenance]

You may be right there.

[@bradjenkins932]

LMAO... John Queere.

[@mikezahnow1605]

@@bradjenkins932 I have owned John deere zero turns personally and I run them for municipal ground care. I love those things. My own jd had over 3000 hours on it when I upgraded. Personally right now for my own use I own a Kubota diesel. Couldn't pass on the deal. But deeres 7 iron deck is indestructible. It's not my fault that you run a Murry.

[@stoweman34]

Oddly enough, they come standard on the XL…two grades lower than your mower.

[@doylemaintenance]

@@stoweman34 that's crazy

[@sherrischneider2794]

You are not driving the zero turn right.

[@doylemaintenance]

Ok, do you own this make and model?

[@doylemaintenance]

I drove my ferris the same way and it never spun like this.

[@rogerbrown3874]

I had a hustler FastTrack and drove the same way, and it never gave me problems. I’ve been running these mowers for 25 years. He’s not steering it wrong. The mower is a piece of junk.

[@theotherones8818]

⁠@@rogerbrown3874the fastrak was fine? I was planning to purchase a fastrak 48 but if it’s trash might look elsewhere

[@MonsterChuck]

@@rogerbrown3874 He is stopping or reversing the inside wheel..... He is def driving the mower wrong. If you are driving the same, then you have been doing it wrong for 25 years.

[@brianandsherryarmstrong3012]

Air down???

[@doylemaintenance]

Thanks.

[@jerryhenry662]

too ruff for me

[@Jimmy-Legs]

You’re driving it wrong bro.

[@doylemaintenance]

Flex forks fixed it though, and had a ferris for 10 years never drove like this. thanks for the comment though.

[@josephdavis3686]

My man you have to learn how to drive the mower correctly. One trick I uses is to roll back then turn and that prevent wheel spin. Get a little more practice I have used a Ferris, Cub Cadet. Dixie Chopper and X mark they all steer the same if you know what you are doing.

[@gulfcoaster210]

No offense, but user error 100%

[@bobleone1381]

You need to learn to drive a zero turn.

[@doylemaintenance]

Thanks for commenting.

[@donniewhopper6974]

Learn to drive. Lol

[@doylemaintenance]

Thanks for the click!

[@paigekay6386]

Its not you its the mower 2 weeks ago we purchased the raptor xd 54”. We previously used old used husltlers that were 10 plus years old. We loved them. When we purchased our new raptor we were incredibly disappointed with the same problem you have. We have 2 acres with uneven ground as well. Its a mower weight issue. Unbeknownst to us, our old hustlers were Fastrack models. We went thru the specs and a fastrack is commercial grade and weighs over 300# more and also has dual fuel tanks and hold 5 more gallons which is an extra 40#. So basically an extra 340# for the same 54” mower. Fortunately our dealer let us upgrade to the Fastrack model. Sticker shock tho unfortunately. 😢 Night and day difference on performance. Our dealer informed us in an effort for Hustler to keep up with competition they started producing “residential” mowers when previously only produced commercial grade. We have considerbly steep ditches we mow horizontally and i couldn’t make the mower “stick” only slide everywhere with the raptor and even on flat ground same problem. The only thing i can compare it to is driving an old rear wheel drive pickup with no weight in the rear. Frustrating for the amount of money you invest in a quality mower. Hope our experience helps.

[@doylemaintenance]

@@paigekay6386 thank you for the input. I put in the video that my old ferris did not handle like this but people don't watch the whole vid and blame me. Oh well.