Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 Zero-Turn Gas Mower Review
Troy-Bilt is one of the leading names in lawnmowers with a long-standing reputation for quality, dependability, and power. This comes through in spades throughout their popular Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 zero-turn riding lawnmower.
It has a robust 724 cc Briggs and Stratton OVH engine that produces a commanding 24 horsepower. This engine has a reputation for being very powerful as well as one of the most dependable on the market. It has an easy to use the electric start.
The Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 also has a dual EZT hydrostatic transmission to make the most out of the power produced by the engine, while also providing the operator with responsive controls. It also allows for superior independent speed and direction control as well as PTO blade control for responsive control of the cutting blades.
The cutting deck of the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 is also robust. It measures in at a whopping 54-inches which really lets it chew up large swaths of grass in a single pass. It’s made from stamped steel which is known for it’s strength and corrosion resistance. There are also two small deck wheels to help prevent scalping on uneven turf as well as easy height adjustment.
When you’re all done, there’s a special deck wash port built into the stamped steel deck. You simply attach your garden hose and it will vigorously spray the bottom of the cutting deck to eliminate the organic lawn debris. This reduces long term corrosion issues while also keeping mold from afflicting the cutting deck.
The operator’s station is also thought out for comfort. Troy-Bilt realizes that the Mustang Z54 appeals to homeowners with large yards, as well as commercial lawn care companies and park’s departments. The seat has a comfortable high back and the controls are padded. Thought was even given in engineering it for lesser vibration and superior ride comfort. There’s even a 3.5-gallon fuel tank for longer runtime. All of which matters more in a zero-turn riding lawnmower like the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54.
Key Features
- Powerful & Dependable 724 cc 24 HP Briggs & Stratton OVH engine
- Electric start ignition
- PTO blade control
- Dual EZT hydrostatic transmission
- A 54-inch cutting deck made from stamped steel
- Deck wash port built-in
- Adjustable cutting height
- 2 deck wheels to prevent scalping
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank
- Comfortable operators station with a high back seat
Performance
The 724 ccs 24 HP Briggs & Stratton OVH engine is truly powerful and delivers all the torque you need to the cutting deck as well as powering the dual EZT hydrostatic transmission. The overall comfort of the operator’s station is also nice for professionals who might have to spend several hours a day driving the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54.
Ease of Use
The Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 was designed for easy use and comfort. Even the fuel port for the 3.5-gallon gas tank is easy to get to for quick refills. The operator’s station is comfortable with ergonomic controls and a high back seat.
One thing that you’ll come to appreciate about the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 is the deck wash system. You simply attach a standard garden hose, turn it on and a vigorous wash system cleans away all the spent grass clippings and other organic residues.
Cut Quality & Options
The 54-inch stamped steel cutting deck harvests wide swaths of grass in a single pass. The zero-turning radius also means that all the grass is cut when you make a turn for the next row. Yet the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 wasn’t just engineered for clearing wide open spaces. It’s also surprisingly nimble for a riding lawnmower this size.
It’s also very easy to adjust the height of the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54’s cutting deck. This lets you adjust for the current conditions or simply change the cutting height with ease to match specific landscaping features.
The two-deck wheels are also the sort of thing you’ll come to appreciate if you need to mow areas where the terrain changes a lot. Whether you’re cutting the grass on a bumpy lawn with exposed tree roots or you are carefully mowing the transition between the rough and the green at a golf course, those two small wheels will save not only the turf but the structural integrity of the cutting blades.
Maintenance
As a gas-powered, zero-turn riding lawnmower, the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 will require some routine maintenance in the form of oil changes, quality fuel, periodic air filter changes, and making sure all the moving parts are properly lubricated.
The dual EZT hydrostatic transmission is very reliable. So, you won’t have to worry about transmission maintenance like you might have to with an automatic transmission.
The deck wash feature is particularly nice. It spares you having to worry about organic buildup under the large 54-inch stamped steel cutting deck.
Safety Features
The Troy-Bilt Mustang Z54 comes with the standard safety features you expect to find with a zero-turn riding lawnmower. It’s also worth noting that the PTO blade control is very responsive. If you need to disengage the cutting blades quickly they’ll stop in short order, rather than slowly spin down like some lesser belt-driven systems.
Special Features
The dual EZT hydrostatic transmission is very responsive and truly lets you make the most out of the power produced by the 724 cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It also helps make the PTO blade control more responsive.
The deck wash system is very easy to use and a great way to keep stuck-on organic material from causing mold or corrosion issues. It truly helps protect your investment in the long run.
The two guide wheels on the 54-inch cutting deck also help reduce scalping problems as well as making it easier to mow transition areas.
Cost-Effectiveness
The large 3.5-gallon fuel tank means you have to stop less just to gas up, which adds to a lot of time savings. The deck wash system also keeps the underside of the cutting deck clean, which prevents rust and lets you see an even greater return on your investment.
