In the market for a new zero-turn. Looking for a solid, well-built machine that will last. Mow about 4 acres and will probably go with a 60" deck. Currently using a MF Z29 diesel w/72" cut which is a bigger machine than I need. Any recommendations on a reliable brand/model

I have a Hustler Raptor XD. I bought it about 2 years ago. I have the 60” version. It works great. It’s been in the shop for a few weeks but not for its fault. It was time to get the transmisssions serviced and the oil changed, and they noticed where I cracked the deck, which was definitely my fault (hit a sizable rock that must have pushed up out of the earth). They’re lobbying to get me a new deck under warranty. If they do replace it, great. If they don’t, no big deal. I have a buddy I was going to get to weld it for me anyway.

It’s been very reliable and cuts good. The only problem for me is that while I have 4-5 acres to cut too, I have a ditch in my front yard along the road as well as a few other uneven spots where I would be better served with a narrower deck. The ditch isn’t real deep but it is steep. It’s easy to catch the deck in the ground.

The con would be.. Mine does NOT do super great cutting horizontally on a slope, like said ditch. Which, you aren’t supposed to do much anyway, but I believe it’s their “big bite” tires. A different set of tires might help stop it from sliding.

I think I paid $5500 for it about 2 years ago. It might be more now. One reason I bought it too was that it had the beefier transmission on the tires, that were supposed to be more durable and long lasting than what a lot of other models had. I don’t remember the model specifics of the transmissions but some were weaker and not serviceable if you look into them.

Kubota

Scag

x2 on the Hustler had one for 9 years and regular maintenance only, great mowers.

Iam still running my hustler made in 2001

Coming back for another pass at this, I will say this.. as much as I love my Hustler minus 1-2 things (mowing sideways on an incline, small tank, no gauge.. but I’ve cut with it so much I just usually know about how much I’ve got left) I have will say this..

1.) Buy from a dealer, not a big box store.
2.) buy from a dealer close to you.

My dad bought a JD from a big box store and when it needed repairs, it had to go to a dealer, over an hour away, and it naturally got deprioritized by the dealer because it wasn’t bought from there. You’d like to think that since dealers carry the name of the product they sell, they’d stand behind it. And to a degree, they will. Once they run out of work from people who bought from them, even if they came after you.

If my closest Hustler dealer was 1.5 hours away, but my closest Kubota dealer was 10 mins, I’d probably try to find excuses to buy the Kubota. Not saying to buy a crappy one just cause it’s closer, but definitely give that some priority.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. A friend recommended Badboy mowers - said he really likes his, They seem a bit pricey - are they worth it?

Kubota. Anyone you take care of, maintenance and keep it in the dry will treat you right.

I bought a Bad Boy Maverick 2 years ago. It's sort of a crossover commercial/residential model. Heck of a machine, and built to last. Zero issues with it. I bought the 54" model.

I previously had a Hustler Raptor which gave me great service for 8 years...but it wasn't nearly the machine that this Bad Boy is.

Have a friend who made the same move last year...he'll tell you the same thing.

I have a 54" Badboy and I am well pleased with it. Bought from Tractor Supply.

I have a Hustler with only about 450 hours. But I love it! I ran a Scag last year and my Hustler rode better and operated smoother. But maybe they are different level machines, so that is not to say all Hustlers ride better than all Scags. But I do love mine

Kubota

I have both Gravely and John Deere both are going strong. Gravely over 16 years.

Best advice is to choose a brand from a good dealer that is close by in case you need them.

I have two Hustler Super Z 60”(2012 and 2021 models) that I use commercially. Anything you are going to spend hours on at a time, do yourself a favor and pay the extra for the suspension seat. Also, if you deal with Bahai grass, look for a velocity deck rather than the standard fab deck. They are better at getting all those seed stalks on the first pass.

Whatever you end up going with I would get the Kawasaki engine. I’ve had really good luck with mine. It’s on a Husqvarna PZ60 which has been ok, not great though. Lots of trouble with the safety switches

Another satisfied Hustler owner . I have an older Raptor SDX , 54" , Kawasaki engine it's been a good one. Hustlers are good a great value in a mower. I still don't think they're well built as Kubota though. The bigger Kawasaki engines with HD air filter is just about indestructible .

Exmark

My decision process on equipment is simple.

Does Kubota make one? Then, get the Kubota.

They tend to be the most durable and have great parts availability in the unlikely event that you need parts.

We have had our BX2360 since 2012. Only parts bought so far are gauge wheels for the deck, mower blades, and filters, until last week when I replaced the original battery.

IMO it wont matter as much which brand you go with as long as you get a commercial mower. I'm a big fan of Toro and Exmark, but if I was given a homeowner model from either brand I would sell it and buy a used commercial model. call your dealers, some may be getting in off lease mowers this time of year and they usually sell at a significant discount (4-5K instead of 10-12K)