We have a 2008-ish Hustler FasTrak Super Duty 60″ with a 25hp Kawasaki and a 2018 Gravely ProTurn460 60″ with a 36hp Yamaha EFI that we use heavily on our property. At the Campgrounds we regularly mow approximately 10 acres or more depending on trails and other areas getting used that may need mowed.
Thoughts on the Hustler: At 900 hours, the ol’ Hustler is hard to beat in terms of reliability and ease of use. Dual tanks ensure you can mow all day, but the seating position is a little snug for a big man. At 6’4″ tall I find the control bars hit my knees when pushed forward to full speed. The controls can be adjusted in and out, but there doesn’t appear to be a vertical adjustment for the height of the bars. All in all, the carbureted Kawi is forever reliable and the build is a simple, straightforward machine. This is a perfect unit if you have a big yard in town or a small ranch in the country and need to mow up to 4-5 acres and don’t mind the slower 5mph mowing speed. Parts are cheap and still available!
Thoughts on the Gravely: this machine simply can’t be beat by the Hustler when it comes to fuel efficiency, power, and speed – oh, and comfort with the air-ride seat. Purchased with only 25hrs on it, the Gravely had a rough start (pun intended) in our fleet. After much back and forth with the dealer, finally around the 250 hr mark we figured out the cold start issue and it has been an excellent mower since and has just under 350 hrs now. With the addition of the LED light bar and pods, you can mow any time, rain or shine, day or night. This is a great mower if you’ve got a lawn care business or a bigger farm or ranch with a 5-10 acre yard. I used to have a 6 ft finish PTO mower for my compact tractor and the Gravely would leave it in the dust, too. At 11mph, the Gravely can mow as fast as you can hang on to the controls, and that’s a fact. Repairing this is a little trickier because the EFI and may require a trip to the shop to sort those issues out. Regular serviceability is equal to the Hustler with parts easily available.
Another thing, a quick search says the Hustler weights 860 lbs while the Gravely weighs in at 1400 lbs, this is a HUGE deal if you ever get them stuck. The Hustler is light enough that a grown man can pick up on the front wheels and help pull it out. If the Gravely gets stuck, you need to get a chain and a tow. You’re not lifting any part of it to get it unstuck.
This is an apples and oranges comparison, for sure. But if you find yourself in the market for one of these rigs, I hope my information helps you out in making your decision.
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