I have it , use it 6 days a week in my lawn business for the last 2 5 years , the fuel injected engine is awesome the mower smashes big lawns. That is a fully commercial mower the air cleaner is deferent but really about same as canister type with the rain cap and I like it better over time I had problems breaking the big canister on my old scag. Actually really like the vertical air filter on this mashine. Just l grab the bar behind the seat and lift the seat up to get the oil filter easy ,you put filter on by hand until it's snug then only half a turn tighter . Then it comes of easy by hand .Don't forget to grease the spindles once in a while . The fuel injection smokes a carburetor any day all day. If you understand how fuel injection works ,it is all ways adding or subtracting small amounts of fuel trying to maintain the best fuel air ratio. Basically if you hit a thick patch of grass it will add more fuel to try and keep the motor running smooth or the same rims as it was before the thick spot ,it's like more power to me
My son is purchasing my Tiger Cub 48” deck that I owned for 11 years. 465hrs non commercial use. Great mower. Scag does it right. I just purchased a Tiger Cat 2 with a 52” deck. Probably overkill for a 1 acre lot with +100 trees. Great machine.
If it makes you feel any better about the quality of these mowers, I’ve got one that is 15 years old. It’s your mower back when It used to be called the tiger cub. The tiger cub and the tiger cat version one are nearly identical. These are just downright awesome mowers.
Thanks for the review. Very nice tough mower. I have a high velocity deck 52, but I have a Briggs & Stratton 28 EFI. It’s the same as yours, very dependable, durable & and extremely high quality cut. At times I use the mulched plate, & it cuts the grass very small. The Kawasaki must be a great engine, when I purchased mine they only had the 28 EFI inn stock.
I am considering a used 2013 Scag Tiger Cat with 960 hours. Has a 52" Velocity deck and Kohler engine. A dealer near me says it was taken care of. It would be overkill for our 2/3 acre. It would be my baby, like a race horse put out to pasture. But if I pull the trigger, it would be cheaper than a new 48" Liberty Z. Will wait and see what decision in the next couple months.
Sounds good. Hopefully the dealer is being straight with you. Do you know if it was used by a lawn maintenance company? I think that is around 130+ hours a year.
@@MrRockBluff Thanks for the video. The dealer is a small business, been around a long time with a good reputation. The Tiger Cat was used commercially. The dealer says was well maintained. I saw the mower, it looks like good condition. So I have to choose commercial mower used slightly cheaper, or residential mower new slightly more expensive. Right now I'm leaning toward the used commercial mower.
@@MrRockBluff I bought a ex fleet used scag tiger cub, think its around 05 model with a 19hp kawasaki in it. Its got 2700 hrs on it but its the best cutting machine Ive ever had. Stole it for 750 bucks!
The issue regarding your legs hitting the lap bars. I had the same problem 6' 3'" The lap bar unbolts . You can drill two more holes just 1 inch makes the biggest difference and then re-bolt them back on . Measure the distance between the two holes and drill it on the lap bar itself on the silver part it works great. Some of the older Scags used to have the holes in it already to move the lap bars upper down for taller people
Anyone know how Scag compares to Grasshopper? I've narrowed the selection down between those two. I'm not talking spec. sheet comparison, I'm referring to real world use. Thanks.
I have the 61 Tigercat II with the 26 Kawasaki, and I couldnt be any happier. I was worried abput scalping as well as I have a diverse terrain, to say the least. I have had virtually no problems with this issue. This mower comes highly recommended, and I'm no stranger to a commercial lawn mower.
Buy a SCAG. Last May I got a 31hp Cheetah with bagger replacing a 10 year old plus Ransomes. While waiting for delivery, I used a demo Tiger Cat Diesel model, that had a lot of torque and got through 12 inch grass in my one field easily. The mower works fine with a great ride. As with the author of this article, I have a few comments. If Scag reads these, they really are small and would not effect my strong recommendation to purchase. None of the machines that I looked at were truly intuitive. In fact, SCAG should be like the airlines with new seats and get serious users involved in a feedback group before launch. My quirky issues are, 1/ to check the hydraulic level you have to take the cover off to illuminate with flashlight 2/ it would be nice to easily get front weights off 3/ most of the Tiger Eye is focused on water cooling that I don't have 4/ it is about time for a USB charging port and a place to mount a phone or IPAD. (BTW, BOSE wireless noise cancelling headsets are relaxing and you can answer phone calls while cutting) 5/ it is very easy to mount the bagger and get the belt pinched or in the wrong position 6/ the release mechanism on the engine cover is hard to get at 7/ it would be nice to be able to keep the floor above the deck elevated when cleaning
I have the same mower purchased 8/19. It replaced a snapper pro purchased in 2007. The scag is a much better mower. The 26 efi Kawasaki is as fuel efficient as the 19hp Kawasaki it replaced. Thanks for the video and good luck
I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2019 Tiger Cat 52 22hp. ANY reason I should instead go for the 2019 Cheetah 61 with the 31hp?? Tomorrow I'm signing papers.
Sorry for the late response. Hopefully, you got what you wanted. Both are great machines. I would say it just depends on what you are doing with the machine as to which one to go with. Which one did you pick?
Been running scags since 2003. Now own 5. 52in v ride with mulch kit, 2 52 in tiger cats, one side discharge an one with clamshell catcher. One 61in cheetah side discharge an a 61in turf tiger with mulch kit. Have owned everything from Dixie chopper to ferris diesel, but keep coming back to scag. Best all around brand for heavy duty work.
@@johnwood4043 I got a used scag tiger cub thats a 05 model with 2700 hrs on it for 750 cash. Its a ex fleet scag but man that thing cuts great and is still holding up. Change the fluids and grease the fittings and it should last you along time. Im eventually going to buy a newer one just wanted to get my feet wet with the brand and im impressed with this old one even lol
@@MrRockBluff Thank you for your quick reply. That's an awesome mower and I have about 4 Scag dealers in about a 40 mile radius. I will be making an offer to them tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes. Nice property you have there also. Thanks again for your help.
So far, I haven't had any of these issues thankfully. Here is the recall notice: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/kawasaki-motors-usa-recalls-lawn-mower-engines-due-to-burn-and-fire-hazards-recall Seems to be related to Ferris mowers with that engine. Serial number range FT730VA02330-FT730VA05073
Im looking to buy this exact model. Would you still recommend it? How has the engine been and does it ever feel underpowered? Appreciate any input you can offer thank you!
I would still recommend it. There have been a few times when it would be nice to have more power but being I'm a homeowner and not using it commercially its perfect for me. I've never had it bog down through thick grass but you can hear the engine fluctuate.
Going to buy either this exact ft730v or the 32 vangaurd tomorrow. Looked at all brands and scags stuck out for some reason. 9500 for the kaw and 10k for the briggs.. prob will end up with the kaw just because its cheaper and fuel injected. American made mower and engine if I am correct. That is important to me. I only have prob 2 country acres to mow, so I'll follow and look foward to more maintenance videos. Thanks for this one!
Shopping for a Scag too, but I would definitely buy a mower whatever the brand based solely on the fact that it has a Kawasaki engine in it-- next best thing to a Honda engine, which would smoke every lawn mower in existence.
I have almost 60 hours on it now. No problems so far. Its been a great mower! The Kawi EFI has plenty of power for me and has run perfectly. I will say I've heard some great things about those Vangaurd engines though (specifically the 36 or 37hp ones I think). Good luck and thanks for the comments.
@@MrRockBluff I figured that 26hp was enough. Ill never use a bagger. First mow today, cut time in half of a 48" cub tractor. Wide dispersion is great, nothing laying around. Took a minute to get used to a ztr but im loving it. Was looking for more grass to mow lol. I look forward to matienence, but other than some greese a few times a year, oil and blades once a year, i shouldnt have to have valves adjusted or anything for at least 5-10 years lol. Perfect home owner mower of 2 acres or more. Cant imagine a turf tiger, this thing is plenty! Prob could throw a bagger on the 26 kaw efi and it would prob be fine though.
I demoed this mower and couldn't use the foot pedal like you were showing. But... I adjusted the handles moved oved the seat and most importantly I moved the foot peg to the closer hole and it fixed the issue I can float the deck with my foot no problems now. How many hrs do you have now? Any cons? I'm wanting the 61 now but afraid of scalp issues?
That was a concern of mine when I got my 61. I dont have any problems even on the rolling portion of my lawn. On one part it will pull the front wheels off the ground if I'm not careful!! Haven't had it scalp anything yet!!
That was a concern of fine when I got my 61. I dont have any problems even on the rolling portion of my lawn. On one part it will pull the front wheels off the ground if I'm not careful!! Haven't had it scalp anything yet!!
Run a Scag for years and I am long legged like you,,,,,,,,cross over with your left leg / foot to raise and lower the mower deck and you will not have clearance problems.
It’s a lot of mower for my 5 acres .I mow it in about an hour.I can’t go real fast because it’s rough in areas.I put a whopping 15 hours on it last year’s mowing season .I have a 61” Cheetah FX850 something motor, carb not fuel inj.It’s an A-OK mower so far:)
No mower is going to be perfect to every individual unless you design it how you want it. Professional lawn Care people are so particular about their mowers. There's no such thing as perfect.
That’s definitely a commercial engine bud. That’s the way the new air filters are. The engine with the air filter on top is a carbureted engine. I have the same one on a 52 inch and it has plenty of power on the 52.
Jarrett Maxwell the intro is in stereo but your commentary is just on the left side. (Just FYI) Good video info though, I’m looking at the scags and appreciate you taking the time to make the video. It helped with my decision.
@@MrRockBluff that would do it. No complaints from me, I'm just a consumer here on YT. I have lots of ideas for videos yet I've not made any. Smh. Have a great one!
Possibly the only SCAG thats worth anything. The Patriot, and all the lower models are complete junk. Dont waste your $$$$, way over priced. Nearly all zero turns are complete junk compared to a real tractor, and will start falling apart after about 3 years. No way in hell any of these will still be running in 40 years. Buy a zero turn if you like working on them, "invest", in a tractor, if you want to get your work done.
I have a 2011 Freedom Z with 19 hp kawasaki I use to mow my 2.5 acres. Paid $4600 for it and I just hit 12 years old and 500 hours. Never done anything but oil changes, hydro oil change, air filters. The governor seal on the kawa started seeping a little oil and I had to replace that, which was easy. I plan on getting another 500 hours out of it over the next 12 years. I think for commercial work it wouldn't hold up, but that's why they make a turf tiger.
I have it , use it 6 days a week in my lawn business for the last 2 5 years , the fuel injected engine is awesome the mower smashes big lawns. That is a fully commercial mower the air cleaner is deferent but really about same as canister type with the rain cap and I like it better over time I had problems breaking the big canister on my old scag. Actually really like the vertical air filter on this mashine. Just l grab the bar behind the seat and lift the seat up to get the oil filter easy ,you put filter on by hand until it's snug then only half a turn tighter . Then it comes of easy by hand .Don't forget to grease the spindles once in a while . The fuel injection smokes a carburetor any day all day. If you understand how fuel injection works ,it is all ways adding or subtracting small amounts of fuel trying to maintain the best fuel air ratio. Basically if you hit a thick patch of grass it will add more fuel to try and keep the motor running smooth or the same rims as it was before the thick spot ,it's like more power to me
My son is purchasing my Tiger Cub 48” deck that I owned for 11 years. 465hrs non commercial use. Great mower. Scag does it right. I just purchased a Tiger Cat 2 with a 52” deck. Probably overkill for a 1 acre lot with +100 trees. Great machine.
If it makes you feel any better about the quality of these mowers, I’ve got one that is 15 years old. It’s your mower back when It used to be called the tiger cub. The tiger cub and the tiger cat version one are nearly identical. These are just downright awesome mowers.
Thanks for the review. Very nice tough mower. I have a high velocity deck 52, but I have a Briggs & Stratton 28 EFI. It’s the same as yours, very dependable, durable & and extremely high quality cut. At times I use the mulched plate, & it cuts the grass very small. The Kawasaki must be a great engine, when I purchased mine they only had the 28 EFI inn stock.
I am considering a used 2013 Scag Tiger Cat with 960 hours. Has a 52" Velocity deck and Kohler engine. A dealer near me says it was taken care of. It would be overkill for our 2/3 acre. It would be my baby, like a race horse put out to pasture. But if I pull the trigger, it would be cheaper than a new 48" Liberty Z. Will wait and see what decision in the next couple months.
Sounds good. Hopefully the dealer is being straight with you. Do you know if it was used by a lawn maintenance company? I think that is around 130+ hours a year.
@@MrRockBluff Thanks for the video. The dealer is a small business, been around a long time with a good reputation. The Tiger Cat was used commercially. The dealer says was well maintained. I saw the mower, it looks like good condition. So I have to choose commercial mower used slightly cheaper, or residential mower new slightly more expensive. Right now I'm leaning toward the used commercial mower.
@@chrisradano good deal. I can tell you after going with a commercial mower I'll never been able to go back.
@@MrRockBluff I bought a ex fleet used scag tiger cub, think its around 05 model with a 19hp kawasaki in it. Its got 2700 hrs on it but its the best cutting machine Ive ever had. Stole it for 750 bucks!
@@brandonlewis5045 yeah you did steal it. Let me get some of that rabbit's foot. LOL. Congrats bro.
The issue regarding your legs hitting the lap bars. I had the same problem 6' 3'" The lap bar unbolts . You can drill two more holes just 1 inch makes the biggest difference and then re-bolt them back on . Measure the distance between the two holes and drill it on the lap bar itself on the silver part it works great. Some of the older Scags used to have the holes in it already to move the lap bars upper down for taller people
Anyone know how Scag compares to Grasshopper?
I've narrowed the selection down between those two.
I'm not talking spec. sheet comparison, I'm referring to real world use.
Thanks.
I have the 61 Tigercat II with the 26 Kawasaki, and I couldnt be any happier. I was worried abput scalping as well as I have a diverse terrain, to say the least. I have had virtually no problems with this issue. This mower comes highly recommended, and I'm no stranger to a commercial lawn mower.
It was a great mower for me. I no longer have it because we sold the property we used it for. Thank you for the comment!
Buy a SCAG. Last May I got a 31hp Cheetah with bagger replacing a 10 year old plus Ransomes. While waiting for delivery, I used a demo Tiger Cat Diesel model, that had a lot of torque and got through 12 inch grass in my one field easily. The mower works fine with a great ride. As with the author of this article, I have a few comments. If Scag reads these, they really are small and would not effect my strong recommendation to purchase. None of the machines that I looked at were truly intuitive. In fact, SCAG should be like the airlines with new seats and get serious users involved in a feedback group before launch. My quirky issues are, 1/ to check the hydraulic level you have to take the cover off to illuminate with flashlight 2/ it would be nice to easily get front weights off 3/ most of the Tiger Eye is focused on water cooling that I don't have 4/ it is about time for a USB charging port and a place to mount a phone or IPAD. (BTW, BOSE wireless noise cancelling headsets are relaxing and you can answer phone calls while cutting) 5/ it is very easy to mount the bagger and get the belt pinched or in the wrong position 6/ the release mechanism on the engine cover is hard to get at 7/ it would be nice to be able to keep the floor above the deck elevated when cleaning
I just bought one, 52 inch 26 hp Kawasaki EFI. Homeowner also.
Congrats!
How is it holding up? Im wanting to buy that exact model.
I have the same mower purchased 8/19. It replaced a snapper pro purchased in 2007. The scag is a much better mower. The 26 efi Kawasaki is as fuel efficient as the 19hp Kawasaki it replaced. Thanks for the video and good luck
I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2019 Tiger Cat 52 22hp. ANY reason I should instead go for the 2019 Cheetah 61 with the 31hp?? Tomorrow I'm signing papers.
Sorry for the late response. Hopefully, you got what you wanted. Both are great machines. I would say it just depends on what you are doing with the machine as to which one to go with. Which one did you pick?
31 hp .
@@MrRockBluff chose the 2019 V-Ride 2, 52” deck and 23.5 hp Kawa… love every second I’m on it.
I may get one of these for a part time lawn service, but I wont a 48'' deck.
Been running scags since 2003. Now own 5. 52in v ride with mulch kit, 2 52 in tiger cats, one side discharge an one with clamshell catcher. One 61in cheetah side discharge an a 61in turf tiger with mulch kit. Have owned everything from Dixie chopper to ferris diesel, but keep coming back to scag. Best all around brand for heavy duty work.
Good info . I have about a1 1/2 acre yard and been debating which one to get.
@@johnwood4043 I got a used scag tiger cub thats a 05 model with 2700 hrs on it for 750 cash. Its a ex fleet scag but man that thing cuts great and is still holding up. Change the fluids and grease the fittings and it should last you along time. Im eventually going to buy a newer one just wanted to get my feet wet with the brand and im impressed with this old one even lol
We're going to demo this tomorrow. That is a nice cut right there. Glad to hear the Kawasaki FT is treating you well. Thanks for sharing.
Push the seat back and you won’t have the issue with raising and lowering the deck!!
You can adjust the handles?
You can, but there is limited adjustment.
I got a 2024 Scag tiger cat 2 26 hp I love it
How do you like the hitch? I’m thinking about getting one of these mowers and haven’t seen much out there about the hitch.
It was great just wish the hitch could be mounted lower. If you can find one that will mount lower that’s the one I would go for.
What does something like that cost out the door?
Got mine for $8700 OTD
@@MrRockBluff Thank you for your quick reply. That's an awesome mower and I have about 4 Scag dealers in about a 40 mile radius. I will be making an offer to them tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes. Nice property you have there also. Thanks again for your help.
I heard they recalled that engine due to fuel leaking and possible fire? My dealer put a stop sale on it so waiting now
So far, I haven't had any of these issues thankfully. Here is the recall notice: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/kawasaki-motors-usa-recalls-lawn-mower-engines-due-to-burn-and-fire-hazards-recall
Seems to be related to Ferris mowers with that engine. Serial number range FT730VA02330-FT730VA05073
Good review Jarrett! Love the music in your other videos!
Im looking to buy this exact model. Would you still recommend it? How has the engine been and does it ever feel underpowered? Appreciate any input you can offer thank you!
I would still recommend it. There have been a few times when it would be nice to have more power but being I'm a homeowner and not using it commercially its perfect for me. I've never had it bog down through thick grass but you can hear the engine fluctuate.
I appreciate the reply sir. Thanks for the input!
I have a 2021 scag cheetah 2 with the kawasaki fx1000 38.5 hp and it is a beast of a machine
Id love to have the Tiger Cat. My budget had me get a Freedom Z model but I love it! I know Id like any of the higher end models
Simply the best !
It's not scag manufacturer..is the Kawasaki engine manufacturer on the oil dipstick location.
Very well made Video! Thanks for the review!
Going to buy either this exact ft730v or the 32 vangaurd tomorrow. Looked at all brands and scags stuck out for some reason. 9500 for the kaw and 10k for the briggs.. prob will end up with the kaw just because its cheaper and fuel injected. American made mower and engine if I am correct. That is important to me. I only have prob 2 country acres to mow, so I'll follow and look foward to more maintenance videos. Thanks for this one!
Shopping for a Scag too, but I would definitely buy a mower whatever the brand based solely on the fact that it has a Kawasaki engine in it-- next best thing to a Honda engine, which would smoke every lawn mower in existence.
@@featheramericangoodeagle good to know because I did go with the 26hp kaw ft730v efi.. just waiting for it to get here now.
@@Pygmara You won't be disappointed, and congratulations!
I have almost 60 hours on it now. No problems so far. Its been a great mower! The Kawi EFI has plenty of power for me and has run perfectly. I will say I've heard some great things about those Vangaurd engines though (specifically the 36 or 37hp ones I think). Good luck and thanks for the comments.
@@MrRockBluff I figured that 26hp was enough. Ill never use a bagger. First mow today, cut time in half of a 48" cub tractor. Wide dispersion is great, nothing laying around. Took a minute to get used to a ztr but im loving it. Was looking for more grass to mow lol. I look forward to matienence, but other than some greese a few times a year, oil and blades once a year, i shouldnt have to have valves adjusted or anything for at least 5-10 years lol. Perfect home owner mower of 2 acres or more. Cant imagine a turf tiger, this thing is plenty! Prob could throw a bagger on the 26 kaw efi and it would prob be fine though.
I demoed this mower and couldn't use the foot pedal like you were showing. But... I adjusted the handles moved oved the seat and most importantly I moved the foot peg to the closer hole and it fixed the issue I can float the deck with my foot no problems now. How many hrs do you have now? Any cons? I'm wanting the 61 now but afraid of scalp issues?
Freeman Lawncare only have about 50 hours on it. No concerns.
That was a concern of mine when I got my 61. I dont have any problems even on the rolling portion of my lawn. On one part it will pull the front wheels off the ground if I'm not careful!! Haven't had it scalp anything yet!!
That was a concern of fine when I got my 61. I dont have any problems even on the rolling portion of my lawn. On one part it will pull the front wheels off the ground if I'm not careful!! Haven't had it scalp anything yet!!
@@craigroth8710 I've had it scalp some areas of my lawn but those areas are really uneven.
I have the cheetah 2 in 61” deck
Sweet mower! How many hours?
Just over 50 hours now.
Run a Scag for years and I am long legged like you,,,,,,,,cross over with your left leg / foot to raise and lower the mower deck and you will not have clearance problems.
Nice mower
That is a commercial engine , just fuel injected. Kawasaki FR and below are residential engines. Nice mower.
That’s a lot of mower for 3 acres.Probably the last mower you’ll ever buy!
It’s a lot of mower for my 5 acres .I mow it in about an hour.I can’t go real fast because it’s rough in areas.I put a whopping 15 hours on it last year’s mowing season .I have a 61” Cheetah FX850 something motor, carb not fuel inj.It’s an A-OK mower so far:)
10 mph with 10% overlap is 5.55 acres an hour with a 61’ deck.I believe a Cheetah runs 12 mph in low,always in low and 16 mph in high.
That’s why I bought my 61” TT2 for my 3/4ths of an acre! I’m done mowing my yard in about 20 minutes.
No mower is going to be perfect to every individual unless you design it how you want it. Professional lawn Care people are so particular about their mowers. There's no such thing as perfect.
That’s definitely a commercial engine bud. That’s the way the new air filters are. The engine with the air filter on top is a carbureted engine. I have the same one on a 52 inch and it has plenty of power on the 52.
The best on the planet
No volume!
Odd, just checked it and its working for me.
Jarrett Maxwell the intro is in stereo but your commentary is just on the left side. (Just FYI) Good video info though, I’m looking at the scags and appreciate you taking the time to make the video. It helped with my decision.
@@jeffsecules Bad video editing on my part. Forgot to set the audio to both channels.
@@MrRockBluff that would do it. No complaints from me, I'm just a consumer here on YT. I have lots of ideas for videos yet I've not made any. Smh. Have a great one!
Those 2 things aren't minor if your trying to run a business. Thank you.v
You get what you pay for. Buy a turf tiger with a kawasaki engine
Possibly the only SCAG thats worth anything. The Patriot, and all the lower models are complete junk. Dont waste your $$$$, way over priced. Nearly all zero turns are complete junk compared to a real tractor, and will start falling apart after about 3 years. No way in hell any of these will still be running in 40 years. Buy a zero turn if you like working on them, "invest", in a tractor, if you want to get your work done.
I have a 2011 Freedom Z with 19 hp kawasaki I use to mow my 2.5 acres. Paid $4600 for it and I just hit 12 years old and 500 hours. Never done anything but oil changes, hydro oil change, air filters. The governor seal on the kawa started seeping a little oil and I had to replace that, which was easy. I plan on getting another 500 hours out of it over the next 12 years. I think for commercial work it wouldn't hold up, but that's why they make a turf tiger.