Buying Advice 1st hand experience with 35hp/big block briggs on scag turf tiger?

[disney]

Looking at getting a new scag TT, likely within the next year, maybe much sooner if the right deal comes along. looking at buying new, and was wondering if anyone had actual first hand, or maybe direct second hand (ex. good friend of yours has one) knowledge of that engine as used in a turf tiger (horz. shaft engine). I know they are air cooled, and after having a coolant leak in my f725, I am ok with air cooled. Not too worried about higher fuel use compared to the efi models, as it will likely see less than 50hrs a year. Thank you all for any input you may have about the engine.

 

[bilrus61]

I have a early Cheetah with the Kawi 850 on it and a new Turf Tiger with the Kubota 25 diesel. The new Kenda tires on the Turf Tiger have a more aggressive tread and are softer more tacky rubber. They grab the turf and tear it more on the turns. I think they are Chinese tires. The Carlisles on the early Cheetah have rounded edges on the tread lugs and the rubber seems slicker and harder. They leave much less turf damage. Current Cheetah's have Kenda tires also. If you mow 50 hours a year with a Turf Tiger you'll mow just 40 with the Cheetah! If your getting air cooled the B&S Vanguard 35 is a great choice. Its made in Japan by a division of Toyota. Are you getting a 61 deck or the 72" deck?

 

[disney]

Thank you for the input, not trying to start a cheetah vs tiger discussion, as each may have it's own pros and cons. As much as I would love to get the 72 (especially since it's only about 500$ more) I would be getting the 61"

 

[Texasmark]

On tire type/pattern, I got some bar lug tires for a couple of my mowers for farm associated mowing. However with one I also do yard work. The lugs have sharp corners and can rip up your lawn. However, operator actions can significantly if not completely eliminate them.

On turns, stay off the inside brake.
When cutting around trees, easy on the inside brake and take it slow.
Don't get in too big a hurry to finish the job.
If possible, don't mow when the lawn is wet/damp.

Surely there are more, but these come to mind.

HTH,
Mark

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

The Briggs Vanguard engine is as good as they come in an air-cooled gas engine. Pretty much bullet proof by everything I read. I've got a much smaller 18hp Vanguard in my Deere GT235e. It's 11 years old and has given me no problems at all. (Knock on wood.) My order of preference in air-cooled carbureted lawnmower motors would be:

1. B&S Vanguard
2. Kawasaki (except the Kawasaki big blocks, like the FX1000, which I hear have been having some issues)
3. Kohler Command Pro (NOT the Courage Pro)
4. N/A (I wouldn't buy anything else including any other B&S or Kohler).

I did not include any EFI engines in that list because I have no experience with them. For a mower that I might have for 15 years, I'd rather have a carb. I can work on a carb 15 years from now. Will I be able to diagnose a problem in a 15 year old EFI motor? Probably not.

I've been hearing great things about the Kubota GASOLINE engines in the ZG series of mowers. They are supposed to have lots of power and have great fuel efficiency, and I would expect them to be tough and dependable, considering Kubota's pedigree with engines.

Of course, I'd rather have a diesel than any of those carbureted air-cooled gasoline engines. Pick any major manufacturer - Kubota, Yanmar, Shibaura - they're all good. But they're also a LOT more money.

FWIW, I think Kenda is based in Taiwan, not China. They have factories in both countries and in Vietnam.

I think the trade-off for hard vs. sticky tires is traction, which is important on hills and slopes. While it might be easier to tear up turf with sticky tires, the extra traction could help at some point on a slope.

 

[Texasmark]

3. Kohler Command Pro (NOT the Courage Pro)
4. N/A (I wouldn't buy anything else including any other B&S or Kohler).

I bought a Husqvarna 46" conventional with a 20 HP Courage single cylinder. The thing started leaking oil after about 300 hrs. Investigation revealed that the main engine casting had a 2" crack up near where the lid (removable side) attaches.

Never in my life have I had a crankcase crack. Really turned me off Kohler and I have 2 others and before this respected the brand. I think the problem is that the single 20 hp cylinder vibrates too much and puts too much torque on that side of the casting. Design flaw if you ask me.....not enough reinforcing.

Mark

 

[vgodenwa]

Looking at getting a new scag TT, likely within the next year, maybe much sooner if the right deal comes along. looking at buying new, and was wondering if anyone had actual first hand, or maybe direct second hand (ex. good friend of yours has one) knowledge of that engine as used in a turf tiger (horz. shaft engine). I know they are air cooled, and after having a coolant leak in my f725, I am ok with air cooled. Not too worried about higher fuel use compared to the efi models, as it will likely see less than 50hrs a year. Thank you all for any input you may have about the engine.

I own 2. An older water cooled from about 2005? with about 1500 hours, and a newer air cooled about 18 months old with about 300 hours. Great machines. Ride rough. Radiator wasn't welded well, plus coolant guage went out and thought it over heated. Air cooled is better. They have been beat on and do well. I would buy a better riding machine, but want the shaft drive for the type of mowing I do.
Von

 

[bilrus61]

Yeah I"ve named my Turf Tiger "Dr. Leaky" due to radiator issues on the Kubota D902 engine. It's on it's 4th warrenty claim and has 23 hours on the machine. I got the pnumatic tires for the front casters and that seems to have helped a tiny bit with the ride. I'm about to get on it and mow my yard here in a minute. Keeping my fingers crossed!!