Hustler mowers are manufactured by Excel Industries at its headquarters in Hesston, Kansas. Hustler is a respected zero turn mower brand credited with building the first hydrostatic zero turn mower back in 1964.
Excel Industries, the parent company, has been part of Stanley Black and Decker’s outdoor power equipment division since 2021.
The brand continues to build its residential and commercial mowers inside the same Kansas facility where the zero turn concept was born.
What makes Hustler’s engineering approach different from other zero turn brands, and how has it stayed competitive against larger manufacturers for six decades?
This guide will explore Hustler’s ownership, manufacturing process, brand history, and what makes its mowers a strong choice for homeowners and landscaping crews. So let’s get started.
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Who Owns Hustler Mowers
Hustler Turf Equipment is owned by Excel Industries, a manufacturer based in Hesston, Kansas.
Excel Industries has been part of Stanley Black and Decker’s outdoor power equipment portfolio since 2021, when the tool company acquired it for a reported 375 million dollars.
Stanley Black and Decker also owns Craftsman and Cub Cadet, giving Hustler access to shared engineering resources across its outdoor power equipment brands.
Despite the corporate ownership change, Hustler still designs and builds its mowers under its own name and engineering team in Kansas.
Where Are Hustler Mowers Manufactured
Hustler mowers are built at the Excel Industries manufacturing campus in Hesston, Kansas.
This is the same facility where the brand’s founder developed the first hydrostatic zero turn mower in 1964.
The Kansas plant handles welding, painting, and final assembly for most Hustler residential and commercial models sold across North America.
Some components, such as engines and hydraulic drive systems, are sourced from outside suppliers like Kawasaki, Kohler, and Hydro Gear before being installed on the assembly line in Kansas.
Is A Hustler Mower Worth The Investment
Hustler mowers are generally considered a strong investment for buyers who want commercial grade durability without paying for a fully commercial brand name.
The Fastrak and Raptor lines are popular with homeowners who want faster cutting speeds and a more rugged frame than typical big box store mowers.
Commercial landscapers often choose the Super Z and X One models for their heavier steel decks and higher horsepower engine options.
Buyers should weigh the higher upfront cost against resale value and the strength of the local dealer network before making a final decision.
History Of Hustler Mowers
Hustler traces its roots to 1964, when founder Roy Mullet built the first hydrostatic zero turn mower in a small Kansas workshop.
The design let operators steer with two levers instead of a wheel, a concept that eventually became the standard across the entire zero turn mower category.
Excel Industries grew the Hustler brand over the following decades by expanding its residential and commercial lineups and adding the BigDog Mower Company brand to its portfolio.
In 2021, Stanley Black and Decker purchased Excel Industries, bringing Hustler under the same corporate umbrella as Craftsman and Cub Cadet.
Hustler Mowers Comparison
Hustler mowers compete most directly with Bad Boy Mowers and Gravely in the zero turn category.
Compared with Bad Boy, Hustler tends to offer a wider range of deck sizes and engine options across its residential Raptor and commercial Super Z lines.
Gravely, which is owned by Ariens, is often seen as a closer commercial rival, with both brands targeting professional landscaping crews with heavy duty steel frames.
Buyers comparing the three brands should test drive each model locally, since dealer support and parts availability can vary by region.
Are Hustler Mowers Made In The USA
Yes, Hustler mowers are assembled in the United States at the Excel Industries plant in Hesston, Kansas.
While final assembly happens domestically, some individual parts such as engines, tires, and certain hydraulic components are imported from international suppliers.
This mix of domestic assembly and globally sourced parts is common across the zero turn mower industry, including brands like Toro and Cub Cadet.
Shoppers looking specifically for USA built outdoor power equipment often view Hustler as a solid option within that broader manufacturing landscape.
Hustler Mowers Warranty And Customer Support
Hustler backs its mowers with tiered warranty coverage depending on whether the machine is used residentially or commercially.
Residential models typically carry coverage between two and four years, while commercial machines are covered for a set number of years or up to 1200 hours of use, whichever comes first.
The company supports its warranty through an established network of independent dealers who handle service, parts, and repairs.
Customers can also reach Hustler’s support team directly through the brand’s official website for questions about registration, coverage, or troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures Hustler mowers
Hustler mowers are manufactured by Excel Industries at its factory in Hesston, Kansas, a company owned by Stanley Black and Decker.
Are Hustler mowers made in the USA
Yes, Hustler mowers are assembled in the United States, though some components are sourced from international suppliers.
Is Hustler a good brand for zero turn mowers
Hustler is widely regarded as a reliable zero turn brand, credited with pioneering the hydrostatic zero turn design in 1964.
What is the warranty on a Hustler mower
Warranty terms vary by model, with residential mowers typically covered for two to four years and commercial mowers covered by hours or years, whichever comes first.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.