Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Bobcat ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Hustler Turf Surfer X — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower has a HG ZT-3400 Hydrostatic Transaxles transmission; Surfer X has a Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower has a published top speed of 10 mph; Surfer X has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 3 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower holds 7.8 gal (29.5 L) of fuel; Surfer X holds 5.4 gal (20.4 L) of fuel, a 2.4 gal difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.9 in (124 mm); Surfer X cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower weighs 773 lbs (350.6 kg); Surfer X weighs 730 lbs (331.1 kg), a 43 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower's weight means for a trailer ›
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower has a 21.5 hp engine; Surfer X has a 22 hp engine, a 0.5 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower works out to 3.9 acres/hour; Surfer X works out to 2.7 acres/hour, a 1.2 acres/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Not comparable
- Displacement: not published for ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower.
- Warranty: not published for ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower.
- Engine Make: not published for ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower.
- Deck Construction: not published for Surfer X.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower Bobcat · Commercial |
Surfer X Hustler Turf · Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Make | — | Kawasaki |
| Displacement | — | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 22 hp |
| Engine Model | Kaw FX651V | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Deck Construction | TufDeck Pro 10-gauge Top with 7-gauge Spindle Supports; 7-gauge Side Skirts | — |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Blade Tip Speed | 17365 ft/min (5293 m/min) | — |
| Max Cut Height | 4.9 in (124 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | HG ZT-3400 Hydrostatic Transaxles | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Ground Speed | 10 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 23 x 10.5-12 | — |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 773 lbs (350.6 kg) | 730 lbs (331.1 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.8 gal (29.5 L) | 5.4 gal (20.4 L) |
| Length | 76 in (1930 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | High-Back, Spring Suspension Seat | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 4 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — bobcat.com.
Surfer X: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — hustlerturf.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.