Hustler mower bracket upgrade?

[Bill M]

Any Hustler mower owners had to upgrade the brackets for the Hydro transmissions? Apparently, it is a known issue where these brackets were too weak and have been redesigned. Mine is a 2016 Raptor SD.

*This is a problem with the Raptors.

[Rubi513]

Just welded mine back. It’s still holding as of now.
The best upgrade for me was buying a Scag.

[tpack]

Think it a Hustler Raptor issue only. Can’t recall a Fastrak having my that problem, but very common on the Raptors.

[Bill M]

Think it a Hustler Raptor issue only. Can’t recall a Fastrak having my that problem, but very common on the Raptors.

You're correct. I added that to the OP.

[jerp]

My Raptor is just a couple years old - any idea if they got it fixed by then?

[Drycreek3189]

What year models ?

[Das71198]

Think it a Hustler Raptor issue only. Can’t recall a Fastrak having my that problem, but very common on the Raptors.

Mine is a 2013 model & I have not had any issues. It has about 270 hours on it. I will keep an eye out for it - thanks.

[Arrowsmith]

Mine is a 2018. It has the upgraded brackets. I had the battery box which broke (known issue) changed out and a spindle replaced under warranty. The design of the discharge chute causes it to clog up. There is an aftermarket mod for that. I have not done that mod. It only happens with wet cuttings.

[Bowtech38]

Yes it is an issue and yes there is an upgrade kit. We change out a few a year still

[Bill M]

My Raptor is just a couple years old - any idea if they got it fixed by then?

John I would think they have on that new a model.

What year models ?

I'm not sure honestly but I think it has been corrected.

Mine is a 2013 model & I have not had any issues. It has about 270 hours on it. I will keep an eye out for it - thanks.

Mine shows no sign of cracking or bending but I do have a bolt loose on the cross brace below. They have an upgrade for that as well. I am waiting to hear from Hustler on discounted parts pricing due to the low hours on mine.

Mine is a 2018. It has the upgraded brackets. I had the battery box which broke (known issue) changed out and a spindle replaced under warranty. The design of the discharge chute causes it to clog up. There is an aftermarket mod for that. I have not done that mod. It only happens with wet cuttings.

Mike, I was told to look out for the battery box as well. Fortunately all appears well there. I just replaced my first spindle in the 7th year of operation. Not too bad I'd say.

[Drycreek3189]

John I would think they have on that new a model.


I'm not sure honestly but I think it has been corrected.


Mine shows no sign of cracking or bending but I do have a bolt loose on the cross brace below. They have an upgrade for that as well. I am waiting to hear from Hustler on discounted parts pricing due to the low hours on mine.


Mike, I was told to look out for the battery box as well. Fortunately all appears well there. I just replaced my first spindle in the 7th year of operation. Not too bad I'd say.

Thanks for the info, mine is brand new so I’m hoping no problems with it. It ain’t the mower my old Fastrak was though.

[texan16]

I have a 2017 model and I just repaired my brackets last week. Just welded them back together. This weekend I need to replace the little cheap plastic fans that sit over the hydro drives. One had gotten too hot I guess and warped causing it to get into the hydro drive belt and kept knocking it off the pulley (big pain in the butt). So I trimmed the blades back a little and made it work. Overall my Raptor has held up fairly well….

[jlp04c]

Yes, I replaced all the brackets... it's a half day job, not too bad really..Mine is a 2018 Hustler Raptor. Bought all the parts off of amazon.

[Bill M]

I have a 2017 model and I just repaired my brackets last week. Just welded them back together. This weekend I need to replace the little cheap plastic fans that sit over the hydro drives. One had gotten too hot I guess and warped causing it to get into the hydro drive belt and kept knocking it off the pulley (big pain in the butt). So I trimmed the blades back a little and made it work. Overall my Raptor has held up fairly well….

I've had those belts last and fail quickly. I had to put one on 4 times this morning to mow. I have learned today that a cogged belt is no longer the standard so I ordered OEM belts this morning. Tired of the Amazon rubber. I have looked at my fan blades and they seem to be fine. I'll do the repair of the brackets and look at replacing them at that time.

Yes, I replaced all the brackets... it's a half day job, not too bad really..Mine is a 2018 Hustler Raptor. Bought all the parts off of amazon.

I'm waiting to hear from Hustler since my 7-year-old mower meets their standard of 350 hours or less to get discounted replacement parts. Hopefully, I can get the prices I have seen posted.

[ohuett]

Anyone have a newer Raptor XDX? I’m looking at buying one and was hoping to get some green screen opinions.