Why I wouldn’t purchase a new Hustler SuperZ again MUST WATCH

comparing an old hustler super Z with a new hustler super Z. 2012 vs 2019 briggs and Stratton vs Kawasaki. Side by side comparison of the two and likes and dislikes. the truth.

[@arepadetrigo]

Great video. You made and demonstrated your points quickly and clearly. It is refreshing to see a video that isn't a promo and also not a hit job.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks! I agree, all of the popular promo videos are getting annoying.

[@sidallen685]

I’ve had them all, Briggs, Kohler, and Kawasaki, nothing compares to the Kawasaki’s, stay away from the EFI’s if they give problems you have to have the dealer work on them. I’ve been in the landscaping business for 15 years, hands down the Kawasaki’s are King of the grass!

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for sharing some advice!

[@bradlindeman7417]

Agree 20000000%

[@pablopicaro7649]

have 2016 model 935007 (60" Super Z, FX850Z), it has the old deck and Kawasaki engine, but newer fuel gauges. It is a ferocious mowing machine, rugged as hell and 1/2 bush hog.

[@scottmurray2961]

Thank you very much by next season I will have me a 48" 0 turn and this is definitely one of the mowers I'm looking at buying and I do appreciate the the from somebody that has done this day in and day out the expertise and the knowledge and Trying to helped A brother out I really really appreciate it

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks. I am glad to have helped

[@ericstyer2890]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Just bought my Dad’s 04, this makes that decision seem better and better. EFI hard to start is nuts, stupid.

[@larryweaver9784]

My 2020 Hustler Super Z 60 in. has a Kawasaki 35 hp carbureted engine. It has plenty of power. They also changed the deck height adjustment back to dropping the pin in the top.

[@JustinBiddix]

I guess it didn’t take them long to hear complaints about the deck height adjustment system. That’s great that they changed it back.

[@coffinspiremgmt]

I have to agree with everything you said. I have a 72" 2007 with the Kawasaki a 72" 2017with the briggs. Just replaced the motor on the 2007 with 200 hours. Seals and manifolds went. My job neglects them and doesn't change the oil on time and they don't receive proper service. The 2017 gas gauge stopped reading on the tank this summer and this past week the gauge on the other tank stopped working. If I had to personally buy one Id buy a 2007

[@davidbethard6544]

Thanks for the comparison, good info. I just bought a 2021 carbureted Kawasaki Big Dog Diablo MP. Maybe they listened because they fixed the deck height adjustment, moved it to horizontal and put the legend flat on the floor so it’s easily seen. The rest is the same. Glad I got the carbureted Kawasaki. Not a Briggs fan.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It’s interesting to hear from people regarding this. I am glad you got the carbureted Kawasaki!

[@bobkeeler5964]

I have a 2016 Hyperdrive 60" with the same Vanguard 37hp EFI motor. I have found that the Fuel line has to be primed before it will start. When you are starting the motor you have to let the Fuel Pump PRIME before turning the engine over (you can hear it prime the line) after the line is primed the motor should start without issue (at least mine does) There are 3 positions on the Key (starter) OFF - ON - START. The ON position is where the Fuel Pump/Primer runs. I have had another problem with my B&S 37hp EFI motor. I have to run Super 93 octane fuel (Exxon, CHevron are best) in it or it doesn't run right. When I get to the last little bit of fuel in the gas tank sometimes the motor will start missing and it will lose horsepower and the exhaust will have a weird smell and faint black smoke will be coming out. If I turn the motor off and let is sit, it will reset and be fine, but sometimes it will do this several times throughout the day. Since I switched to the Higher Octane fuel it hardly ever does this. Also switching to a full tank of eliminates it. Also this motor had to have the Alternator completely replaced at 550hrs (which cost me $350+). Hustler needs to lose the Vanguard. Briggs and Stratton SUCKS.

[@JCourts2k23]

We had a 2017 Hustler 54” with Kawasaki, it was a beast

[@Purosanluispotosi]

Do this hustlers make god stripes???

[@mattman9259]

​@@Purosanluispotosi Only God can make good Stripes, Hustlers however make great stripes.

[@robertblunt9517]

Hey Hustler FasTrak is the way to go I have one you can't beat it the Kawasaki engine that came on it blew up I put a Kohler on it it has been kicking ass

[@travisricks3436]

I love my 2016 Super Z. Has the 60” VX4 deck and Kawasaki FX850V. Only thing I would have done different is bought a 72” deck. But I got a real good deal on mine so I went for it. This is my 3rd Hustler, 2nd Super Z. Can’t beat a Hustler!

[@DoctorRickSanchez]

The 2019 looks like a 2012 it's been working lol.

[@cherokeevapor8480]

Your video just popped up on KZbin recommended, I agree 100% . I have a 2007 super Z I bought new back then, I just had to replace the deck belt that broke after 16 yrs. Mine is also a carb unit. The old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it . I know it's the only way companies can justify the cost of a newer model, still doesn't make a better product

[@JustinBiddix]

That’s right. I agree with that saying. Simplicity is superior

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

I have a Super Z non-hyperdrive. FX 1000 carbed Kawi. Love it. I run a lawn care biz and am gonna purchase the new Super Z with the new Kawi EFI.

[@JustinBiddix]

Kawi is the way to go! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jimwirth7392]

Get the carbed motor if u can. Efi sucks

[@adamseymour3838]

2012 was best year to buy hustler. The new ones are junk like you said. Now black and decker bought out hustler. I can only imagine how how bad they are going to get now. I will probably switch brands when the time comes

[@JustinBiddix]

I didn’t know black and decker bought them. 2012 indeed was a great year! Thanks for watching!

[@wadenixon9455]

2012 72” Hyperdrive Kawasaki, 👍 part bush Hog, part ultra mower, very satisfied, 💯🇺🇸❤️

[@garylester8621]

I also agree with what you say. 2008 54'' fastrax commercial grade. I love it.

[@JustinBiddix]

The older ones are great machines!

[@kgmowers]

Hey bud I sell a ton of mowers. One of the largest volume dealers on the planet. The 37hp vanguard blows the 35 kawa out of the water. Take yours into the dealer when you have time to be down have him check compression and your system to make sure your getting max rpms. That is my best engine by far for 15 years I’ve begged people to get vanguard. Also that engine the dealer can plug into the laptop and it will tell him any issues it has. The cycles, it will tell him the history. He can get with Briggs and get your fixed up. On the fuel Guage dealer can fix it in about 30 minutes and get you going again. Man you need to be happy after dropping 14k or so on a mower. Wish you were closer I would drive out and swap you out to get you fixed up then swap you out when I got done. I would let you use another 37hp to be blown away by the vanguard.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for this information! I appreciate it

[@bradlindeman7417]

Kawasaki is king in rural America. Most mowers on lots have bs because of years of trouble!

[@DavidC1]

you should check the throttle cable attachment on the new one....a lot of these kholers come with the spring clip in the "75%" throttle notch. My kholers where like this...you just simply hook it in the other throttle notch and you can instantly see the difference in power....check where your throttle cable attaches and see if there is a spring attached to a clip with holes in it.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks! This one is a Briggs and Stratton fuel injected. The throttle cable seems like it’s on there correctly

[@999benhonda]

I get the tank level and cut height issues, my 2019 raptor SD has the same problems. But the motor might have been a choice, as most of the lineup has motor options. And it isn't like hustler builds the motors.

[@JustinBiddix]

Yes I agree with you. I would consider another hustler but it would have to have the issues addressed and the old simplicity back. And a carbureted Kawasaki

[@OGMRFACT]

I have to say I bought my Super Z 60in w/the Kawasaki 31hp bràn new in 2009 and in late 2017 my brother in law had decided on buying one and he was a Honda Man but needless to say he's been dissatisfied with his Honda over rated on power for sure. As for the deck height, hour meter and how you can't see the fuel I'll stick with my 09. I agree simple is much better. I wish they would go back to older style build. I like the xr7 deck as well much vacuum and throw of grass better than the vx4 deck. Good Video 😊

[@justinjones5288]

My 2012 bad boy has a 36hp vanguard. Oil changes every year and ive had to have the carb cleaned once cause i ran the tanks dry and sucked up trash. Other than that it alway starts usually without even choking it unlike alot of motors.

[@JWNLawnCare]

Interesting that your 2019 has the older style seat and height adjustment system. The latest models that have come out have the newer suspension seat and a much better height selector, more similar to the original 2012 one. They're also now available with a 38.5hp Kawasaki EFI engine, the 35hp carb version is still around too. Your other issues like the fuel gauge etc. should be fixed by the dealer as they shouldn't be failing that early. Another thing to note is yes your 66" has a wider footprint than the 60" because they use different frames for them. The 60" SD has its own frame, but the 60" RD and 66" SD share the same frame, and then you go up to the 72". They build them in relation to the deck width so yes you'll always have a wider stance and consequently better hillside stability on a larger machine. I'd definitely still be going to your dealer though and getting those other issues fixed, or maybe even trade your newer one in for a 2020 Hyperdrive if they give you a good enough deal on it.

[@JustinBiddix]

Hey, thank you for that information. I do appreciate it

[@professor_thunder]

The same goes for the Vanguard 32's, 35's and 36's. It's a Carb/EFI thing.

[@HunterThomasFishing]

The fuel gauge is not messed up. It’s the sending units in each tank. They warranty it. The Briggs vapor locks. It sucks but all you have to do is cycle the fuel pump and it will start fine. I have 3 of those mowers lol new and old. The 2012 model to like 16 were the best they ever made

[@ronniehallmark1278]

How do you cycle fuel pump.? I have this problem on my vangaurd

[@markjackson160]

Looking at a 2017 model. What about them? Thanks!

[@HunterThomasFishing]

@@ronniehallmark1278 turn off key for like 10 seconds. Then turn it on but don’t turn it all the way to start. You can hear it.

[@kennyplay5982]

I have the Xone- i.. 2012. Sweet machine

[@toddfry7861]

Sorry you are having problems. I have three of them. Never had a problem with any of them. The newest is a 20 model. The deck height adjustment is on top, not the side. I paid less than $12000 for mine. If you paid 20 you got took. I aways run Kawasaki engines. Never have a issue in 20 + years in the lawn mowing business.

[@JustinBiddix]

It was 16k with a bagger unit. It’s great to hear you are having great luck with yours! Thanks for commenting.

[@lawnchaser]

Just saw you rebuilt the deck. Thats why it looks less used. Lol

[@JustinBiddix]

Yes. Brand new deck. Had to show it some love. Still a great machine today.

[@LawnProAdviceTalk]

They have an update for that starting problem, Re routing fuel lines, my dealer did it for mine free, never did it again.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for the info!

[@plee501pl]

I used to have faith in B&S. Used to.

[@SuperDuckman24]

I still prefer the XR7 models, those were my favorite

[@TheMassdaddy]

Thanks for the comparison.

[@robertthorn9560]

I have 2012 FastTrack SD 54 inch with 23 kawi (AT 101 tires) and 2018 Super Z 60 inch, 35 kawi; I use mostly the SD majority of the time because of the ease of use you mention. It seems Hustle so called improvements are rooted in some engineer's interpretation not practical application.

[@MinnesotaPikeVideos]

Some great points.

[@austinlamb8112]

How many hours on the 2012 looks like it’s been kept up better than the 19. I’m not a hustler fan and never will be convinced.

[@JustinBiddix]

It had 1850 hours in that video. It had been cleaned up and I had just got done installing a brand new deck. The 2019 had like 250ish in this video

[@ABetterLifeInc]

Have you by chance looked at Bobcat mowers? Not sure if you have a dealer close by they are very well built. I have a Predator with the 35HP Kawasaki and the AirFX deck really works. Runs with Scags all day long and stripes just the same.

[@JustinBiddix]

I will check them out. I have a dealer 10 mins away. Thank you so much

[@jimwirth7392]

Bobcats suck compared to hustlers

[@ABetterLifeInc]

Hustlers suck compared to Bobcat.

[@jimwirth7392]

@@ABetterLifeInc I used to run bobcat exclusively. Did it for years. Switched to hustler super z’s with hyper drive. They are about twice is productive as those bobcats. Maybe bobcat has made some improvents since then. At least I hope they have.

[@ABetterLifeInc]

@@jimwirth7392 Yeah. They aren’t the same now.

[@brianbyrd6080]

You are correct i worked at a dealership an can say the new models are not as good as older i have a 2009 fastrack an still does great not buying new one no time soon i hope

[@JustinBiddix]

Pretty cool to hear from someone who worked at a dealership. They old units are great! This new one in this video is just used as a backup unit. The old one still gets run every day has about 2500 hours on it

[@pauls3758]

Wise man once said keep it simple stupid technology isn't good on a lawnmower

[@robertblunt9517]

But that Kawasaki cost about $600 more the 23 horse V-Twin Kawasaki that was on my FasTrak was about $2, 100 the 24 horse Kohler Engine was 800

[@High-Tech-Redneck]

I think you should go with the hyperdrive and Kawasaki or diesel........................forget Briggs.....................not sure if you can order the old fuel tanks and mount on new machine?

[@scottyd980]

My 1985 Ford Mustang with a Factory4 barrel caoperator would run circles around the 1986 Mustang same engine 5.0 with EFI.

[@JustinBiddix]

really?

[@AmusedKelpie-tc9du]

I have 2018 60in. super z and 2012 54in. Super duty, guess which one gets the work out ? Both have kaw. engines, but the 54in. super duty is more convenient with the readable on top cutting height guage and see through fuel tank. I saw your post which I was searching for video on how to change my fuel guage in my 2018 super z, hopefully there something out there to help...😮

[@donnellferguson7067]

I agree I have a hustler z it was the first one that I purchased had it for six years everything about was good over 2500 hrs on it purchased a hustler x one only have just a little over a 1000 hrs and the deck needs to be replaced I even had a representative from Hustler to come out to look at the deck and they did absolutely nothing for me so I definitely agree with you the newer hustler are definitely not worth the money

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for this valuable information.

[@bradlindeman7417]

How hard do you need be on a deck to wear it out?

[@bradlindeman7417]

Taking decent care of your stuff can make all the difference in how much you get out of your investment!

[@vintageexcellence]

Umm I know nothing about mowing, I have a couple acres and tired of relying on outside help to mow it so I looked on OfferUp the other day and found a 8yr old Hustler 60” and bought it for $3000. It has a broken idler pulley need to fix that then go. Man is this thing a hotrod mower, I buzzed through the field drunk last night no blades going and it was hilariously fun. Did I do good at $3k 😊??

[@JustinBiddix]

Yeah that should be a good one. Does it have a Kawasaki engine?

[@JustinBiddix]

And how many hours are on it ?

[@ironjohn5914]

Kawasaki #1

[@mr.glennlandscapes354]

My old hustler so much better than my 19 model, I sold it today. Going back to John Deere

[@JustinBiddix]

MR.GLENN LANDSCAPES was it difficult to get it sold without losing much money?

[@mr.glennlandscapes354]

@@JustinBiddix Sold it 2 days on marketplace, lost about 900 bucks, only had 94 hours on it.

[@Rockrewls]

Great info, Thanks

[@JustinBiddix]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jiggs49us]

Simple is always best.

[@49Percules]

Awww it’s hot and humid. Dude it’s landscaping that’s what you signed up for when you got into this field of work. Grow a pair and thug it out bro fudge the simplicity the older model has man hustler made their changes and most likely will fix the issues as they go. As for the deck height. Yea it might not be in plain sight but who’s changing their deck height that much if anything use your leg and float the deck over spots you want to cut on a different height it’s not that hard, the fuel gauge issue can be fixed it’s not that hard just pop the float out and replace but I can agree that it breaking after 200 hours is some bulls***. Also those Briggs EFI motors are crap get a Kohler EFI those have been the best motors I’ve used on any piece of equipment I never had any issues with those from that brand.

[@JustinBiddix]

I change the deck height a lot. Lots of different customers with different preferences and different grass type. I also use my leg to float the deck over uneven terrain but that’s different. I also have a pair. I’m just frustrated because hustler quality and robust design is not as good as it used to be.

[@49Percules]

@@JustinBiddix I also use my leg to float the deck a lot over uneven terrain

[@z_blev]

Damn Briggs extraction

[@TargetingPod]

Great video brother thank you !

[@JustinBiddix]

thanks for watching!

[@dougfranco9995]

well done , and right to the points thks

[@jeromepinkusjr.2251]

Thanks for sharing. Briggs is garbage IMO and we make them here in Wisconsin.

[@leongotto3515]

Crappie motors

[@paulthompson1654]

2012 is very similar to Toro Zmaster chain deck lift , deck ajuster etc

[@JustinBiddix]

After running the newer style for a few years… I don’t object to it. It’s nice and sturdy. But the chains do the job also!

[@hideawayoutdoors611]

I have a 2007 52" hustler fastrak it has all the things your older one has. Chain link hight adj. Smaller tires, visible DOUBLE tanks 7 grease fittings. Still runs and when you ingauge the pto it's not a loud rumbling vibration from hell like me 2018 54" SD. THE deck adjust pin is a JOKE. I know exactly what your talking about. SAD...

[@matthewb4902]

Well, unless you change the engine on the older one, it’s not 35hp. The rods on the deck level system actually has more movement than the chains. The fuel sight lines on older model has been known to leak over time.

[@JustinBiddix]

Thanks for the comment! The older one has a Kawasaki fx1000v that is rated at 35hp at 3600rpm and has a torque of 56 ft lbs at 2600 rpm. According to Kawasaki website.

[@JustinBiddix]

The rod designs are not terrible. I just think the chain is more simple and easy to work on. And I’m glad my fuel tanks have not leaked any fuel yet. Thanks for the heads up on that.

[@Fender664string]

More money, more Newer made which is 💩!!!Older is a hell of a lot better MADE . Got the 2011 model what a TANK !!!🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸

[@johnsteenland1292]

I know this was an old vid, but i just saw it and wondering if your efi had a faulty fuel pump.. You ever figure out why it was down on power? I have had better luck with efi engines compared to carb with the ethanol in fuel now..

[@JustinBiddix]

I have not figured it out yet. It needs to go to the shop and be hooked up to the computer to diagnose. Right now it just sits in the back of the garage and is only used when the other mowers rarely go down.

[@shanepipkin4041]

why I run nothing but fx kawasaki engines

[@marcyounker6379]

Do you have issues trying to get repairs done on warranty?

[@matheusdamasceno3197]

I have a 2012 on and my moter is not even 100 percent done and it can go up to 14 miles per hour and if you have it 100 percent you can make go 22 miles per hour

[@JustinBiddix]

22 is pretty fast!

[@ryanlawrence9587]

20,000 damn that’s high as hell. You could’ve bought a compact tractor for that

[@TNsher776]

They're not $20,000! Yes maybe for 2 them

[@HunterThomasFishing]

They 12k idk where he got 20 lol

[@TNsher776]

@@HunterThomasFishing I said the same thing! They're actually under $10,000 brand new

[@onetimeexcavation6015]

15000 canadian plus tax with 1000 kaw

[@lawnchaser]

The 2019 model you have looks like its seen more use than the 2012. Lol

[@acatnamedscoop7718]

briggs n scrap iron

[@davidhowell6908]

Take to dealer fixed mine!

[@JustinBiddix]

thanks! was it free of charge to have it fixed?

[@John_D2]

under warranty it's free of charge.

[@leongotto3515]

Never buy a B. S. Mower motor over 12 hp . They are all shit

[@angelaprater2679]

Which motor will out last the other

[@JustinBiddix]

the kawasaki will outlast the briggs

[@jeffreywhite7657]

Kawasaki is literally the king. Trust us commercial cutter guys. We know what we are taking about.

[@wildchops]

What about a new super z with the fx1000v?

[@JustinBiddix]

I’d consider that.

[@wildchops]

@@JustinBiddix good. Because I bought one yesterday lol

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

After watching your video again, chains on the deck suck. They stretch and are hard to level the deck. The shafts slip through the bracket and the deck moves just like the chains and are a lot easier to adjust the level. The newer models have the deck adjustment pin on top again. You can replace that component if you want. The 2023 Hyperdrive went back to manual fuel gauges. I have the 40HP EFI Briggs because the Kawasaki was on back order. I love it Power beyond my 14 Super Z Kawi carbed model.

[@JustinBiddix]

I am growing to like that shafts over the chains. I just needed some time to warm up to them! However I am a fan of the Kawasaki. Just got a exmark with a kawi 921 carbed that thing drinks gas but she’s got the power.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

I’ve got a diesel.

[@JustinBiddix]

Yanmar?

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

@@JustinBiddix Not sure. I just know I can find no way to disengage the drive to trailer the POS to take it to get serviced. Starts and runs intermittently. Thinking one of the stupid sensors but not sure which one. Bypassed the seat sensor wasn’t it. Think I’ll just bypass them all run a wire to the solenoid. Tired of wasting my time.

[@ironjohn5914]

Ferris #1

[@DRUMofTRUTH]

The vanguard engine is superior. It’s made by one mechanic. No more than one mechanic pretty cool!

[@bradlindeman7417]

That's not the prevailing opinion in my area!