I have the exact same model and cut width. I fixed the discharge problem with my 4” grinder after the first season. The early spring mowing was very frustrating because the grass was ALWAYS damp. I opened up the discharge and haven’t had a problem since. Had a head gasket leaking after 4 seasons so I just replaced both sides with the updated gaskets. I’m happy with mine so far. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. 👍

I cut the discharge opening out towards the rear. Leave the frame for support. I can brush hog with mine. Don't be afraid to cut it. I would trim a little at a time. Did that 5 times. lol

Bought the SDX in '18. Never have had 1 problem with it. I mow 4 acres at my house and also use a base model Raptors bought in '15 to mow 3 acres. I have VERY little problems with grass build up on the decks, however I only mow when the grass is dry. The times it has built up, was because a few friends helped mow, and I found out the grass was damp when they mowed. The discharge opening is bigger on the sdx. However, if the grass is damp, it will still build up. I was told when I w a s looking at the Hustlers to stay away from the Kohler motor, even the local dealer will only have one if customer requests it. They stock mowers with the Kawasaki engines. (Manual choke) Never had 1 issue after 6 yrs on 1, 7+ yrs on 2 others, all 3 mowers still going strong. I have noticed the scorched marks left by mowers. Be interested to see what a heat shield would do. As far as Striper kits, most bought kits are expensive. I just went to Tractor Supply and use $30 baler belting, cut to length and bolted to the back side of the mower deck vertically using a $14 piece of steel flat stock and some 1/4 x 1 bolts. Striper works AMAZINGLY! Although strips are more visible with certain types of grass and mowing height. I mow at 4+ inches.

I’ve been a mower mechanic for 40 years. Never like the fancy thing like auto choke or electric fuel gauges. I alway recommend the simpler things to people. I have a hustler super Z and a 18 year old Exmark lazer HP. Other than the electric fuel gauges on the super Z both are simple machines. Easy to work on. That auto choke is an issue on many different mowers. People like fancy smancy stuff therefore mechanics make more money. Also hustler has updated a lot of the issues on that raptor with the SDX.

I bought a home here in Alvin Texas. I have 1.13 acre. One of my dad's ex girlfriends live like 2 minutes from me and just gave me one of these because she couldn't get it running. I troubleshooted it and all it needs is a starter and tune up lol. Bought all the parts on Amazon for $75 bucks, will get them soon. Wish me luck on getting it running soon and thanks for the video 👍

Thanks for the muffler tip......I have an older 2015 year model.......never had any trouble with it........

I have the same, except I use it for a lawn care biz....so in 2.5 seasons, I've put 400h on it. I've reinforced areas of the deck, added a foot operated chute lift, added the commercial air filter. I've replaced the belts once, one spindle, one steering damper and the key switch. It does stay outdoors all the time, so weather hasn't been it's friend. I dislike the fact that you can't tell how much fuel is left...you can see none on the side but still have almost a gallon. Mine has the kawasaki motor, and a 42" deck. The kawasaki motor doesn't have the muffler sitting as low, it is at least a bit higher up. That said, it certainly isn't enough to burn a lawn.

Have and older Hustler 52", 10yrs old, I am now mowing 5 acres and was getting alot of build up underneath. Started spraying Fluid Film, lanolin based spray. Hardly any build up now and if a small amount hets on it. Flicks right off.

there's a kit for the deck shoot on e bay for $117.00 shipped seems to solve the discharge problem

I just read about Hustler being bought by Stanley Briggs.......they also just partnered with Stiel.......they are about to introduce a zero-turn mower................it's called a monopoly on lawn equipment.....they will control the quality and price on around a dozen brand names.....

I got hustler slow trek. 900 inch. I had to put disk breaks on it. It's to fast.

I put carbolic acid on my mower. It brings out the new look.

You say you've got 1.4 acres, you can get two cuttings from one tank of gas... but all that means nothing unless you tell people it has a 3 gallon tank. The heat shield is about $100 - or just do what everyone else does and make one for like $10. My smart choke works perfect every time. There are NO electronics. It's all heat operated. Clean all the crap from around the carb. Dirt and grass builds up on everything down there. Sharp, sharp, (oh crap that's sharp) blades helps. No new blade comes sharp. Also clean the deck very good and give it a few coats with a product _made_ for it. It must dry. It can't stay went, sticky, etc. Also they do make a 'upgrade' kit that includes cutting the opening larger but is really not needed. Don't cut wet grass. And cut off no more than 1/3 the grass blade. You don't have to raise up the flap. The SD's _do_ strip very well. It's all about the adjustment and how high you cut and what type of grass you have. Weeds don't strip well. I've patched the sidewall, several times. I think the best way is to do a internal patch _plus_ a external patch. You can always drill holes in the deck belt covers. 7 years - 800 hours 54"SD, Kohler.