Scag Turf Tiger

Mosby · Mar 1, 2006

Does anyone have any experience with the Scag Turf Tiger? I am looking at one with the liquid cooled Kawaski and 61" deck. I have searched the index and didn't really come up with much. Thanks for your input.

Spiffy · Mar 1, 2006

<font color="blue"> I have searched the index and didn't really come up with much. </font>

Probably because Scag buyers know exactly what they want and seldom have trouble with them?! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Sorry about the smart-aleck remark; I'm running a Snapper 21X52, so can't really help. One thing I will add [and this is second hand info at that], supposedly cleaning the cooling on a liquid cooled is even more critical than cleaning the fins on an air cooled engine. Not trying to deter your engine choice, rather encouraging good maintenance. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

dbear · Mar 2, 2006

My bro-in-law has owned one for at least 6 years now for personal use (2 acres) without any troubles at all. Granted he is pretty meticulous on maintenance to the point that he changes the hydro filter and fluid probably every other engine oil and filter change, and sharpens the blades at every oil change.

I borrowed it once when my machine (3-wheeled Ransomes) was down hard (bad engine) and I have to admit I was very impressed. Beast of a well-built mower with huge amounts of power (22 Kohler?, might be 25, not sure now), super handling, great speed, and manicured cut.

What I wasn't too crazy about was always needing both hands to operate (hard to deflect branches out of your face when passing close to trees/bushes) and the ride seemed a little stiff.

Both these "negatives" are subjective and from what I've read, can be overcome. The first with practice and a saw, and the second with a suspension seat.

If you're still with me, let me sum things up by saying I don't think you'd go wrong with a Scag. (I've been trying to convince the CFO of my need for one ever since.)

rbeitz · Mar 2, 2006

I have a 2001 Turf Tiger with 27hp LC Kawasaki and 72" deck. I have nothing but good things to say about my Scag. Prior to buying the Turf Tiger I ran a Scag walk behind for 7 years and never had one single problem with it. I mow my 2 acre yard in about 40 minutes at a nice leisurely pace. I have only had the Tiger for 1.5 mowing seasons so far but it works great with 1700+ hours on the clock! (I bought it used from a commercial landscaper when his lease ran out.)

There's lots of good mowers out there but you can't go wrong with a Scag.

Mosby · Mar 3, 2006

Thanks guys. I've looked around for a very long time. I only wish I had done this a couple mowers ago. I asked everyone that I saw and all had about the same answer which was that the Scag was a tough mower. My wife actually caused this purchase. She started by saying "why don't you just get over it and buy a new one. Get a good one. Buy a John Deere!" I was already set somewhat on the Exmark and had pretty much decided that was what I was going with. I had already convinced myself that the Scag had to be too much money. It is interesting what turns up when you start really comparing apples to apples and dollar for dollar. The John Deere dealer sells the Scag close to me. I stopped in and he started showing me the Deere's. They had the Turf Tiger set up on jack stands with a mirror under it like a car show. He kept telling me about the Deere's and I kept asking about the Scag. He kept asking me if I was mowing commercially. I kept replying no. He finally asked me why I was interested in the Scag. I simply replied that their repuation seemed to be somewhat bullet proof. I then explained that I was 43 and never wanted to buy another mower in my life. I asked him if that was his situation, what would he buy. He paused, smiled and said the Scag. It is now in the barn. My wife who doesn't really know what equipment we have, saw that it wasn't green and said, "I thought you were going to buy a good one this time". She also thinks they cost a couple thousand /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif And just for the disclaimer to the above post, I am in no way making any derogatory comments regarding any brand, color, style, model, place of origin, place of assembly or anything else that could even remotely be contstrued as anything other than my experience of my purchase. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Thank y'all again for your input and even the "smart aleck" one. There is a lot of truth in jest. I had to call a buddy of mine and read him that one.

Spiffy · Mar 3, 2006

Congrats!

I think Scag has Timpkin Taper bearings (a very good thing) in the deck, so be sure to give them a shot of grease (no idea what the book says, but after each mowing would be a good routine) and keep up any other recommended maintence; no doubt that Tiger will be your friend for life! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Post some pictures if you get the chance! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

DmansPadge · Mar 3, 2006

You made a good choice. As I've mentioned before... my only experience with them is that my Uncle has one he mows about 3 acres with. I've used it a few times just to check it out and have been very impressed. He has a few hundred hours on it with no trouble and I would suspect that he will have a whole lot more hours with no trouble as well. The Scags are really well built units.... although not cheap.... well worth the money.

Spiffy · Mar 5, 2006

<font color="blue"> I had to call a buddy of mine and read him that one. </font>

Actually, I just checked in on this thread to see if the Tiger has chewed up any grass yet, but for some reason that still cracks me up. Glad I could be of assistance! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mosby · Mar 27, 2006

I finally got to use it some. A little early yet, but I lowered it down some and evened the grass up. Wow. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner. I was done so quick, it didn't even seem like I mowed. I can't get over how quiet it is. If I had written this a few hours ago, it would have been alot longer!!

Nasty135 · Mar 27, 2006

Mosby, Thats great you got to try it out ,and with the rain coming our way, you'll be using it again soon /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Nice unit , Congrats /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Keep us posted with updates as you get more familiar with it...