Looking for experienced person with Scag

[Bob]

I have been evaluating mowers for the last three weeks and have found a lot of info' about various brands, some good but a lot not so good.

I thought I was interested in a Cub Cadet zero turn with a steering wheel instead of two handle bars. After reading and looking at them, this is out for me - deck quite flimsy, poorly built. I think, but may be wrong, that it is made by MTD, which is generally a cheaply built machine, but not too bad for the price.

So far, the Scag Freedom Z has caught my attention. Very pricy at $5300, but certainly well built, convenient controls and something that should last me for the rest of my life (I'm 73).

I'd like to hear from those who have a Scag and particularly the Freedom Z model. I'd appreciate your comments - good or bad, as well as other comments.

Thanks in advance, Bob-tx

[Eggs Zachtly]

MTD makes CubCadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, White Outdoor, CubCadet Commercial, Yard Machines, GardenWay, Ryobi, and Bolens (and probably a few others).

Price doesn't necessarily mean longevity, but you probably know that better than I. ;)

Sorry, I can't help with the Scag, as I've no experience with it. Something else to consider, though:

We've been testing some ZTR mowers at work, all commercial models and well above the price of the Scag you're looking at. So far, most everyone has been impressed with them with the exception of one detail: the inside wheel, during turns. If you don't do it "just right", it can leave a pretty good mark (even tearing turf). I realize that most of that issue is due to the rider's inexperience with a ZTR mower, but there's not a lot of places to practice them at a country club, not to mention a lot of time. I've a feeling we're going to be replacing our 48" walk behind's with 400 Series Grasshoppers. If you want 'solid', it's definately the brand for you. They have "entry level" mowers (20 HP, 41" Deck) starting at $4995. The decks are as heavy-gauge as I've ever seen on a mower. The engines are quiet and smooth, and will cut about 7 acres an hour. That ain't bad. =)

HTH

[Art]

Eggs,

The company I worked for sold Grasshoppers for about 3 years before we got away from them. We had too many of the same problems over and over. The frame welds were breaking, electric clutches were pure crap, constant electrical system problems. Grasshopper's warranty dept denied a good will request for warranty on a machine that the frame literally broke in half because of defective welds. It was 1 month out of warranty and the factory even admitted the welds were defective. That was the beginning of the end. If you have not yet purchased Grasshoppers, might I suggest you take a look at the Hustler line? IMO a better machine and far more customer oriented company.

[Eggs Zachtly]

Out of curiosity, were the machines in question the 400 series? Or, do you remember? Those decks were pretty heavy gauge, and the welds, likewise. I haven't seen any of the 100 series machines (home use).

[Art]

We didn't carry the homeowner series and I can't remember what series they were but they ranged from about $4000 to a diesel unit that was a little over $10,000. It was the welds on the frames of the machines that were breaking not the decks. As I remember it the decks were the most trouble free part. One of our mechanics commented once that the decks last forever because you can't keep the machine out in the field cutting. :)

[Eggs Zachtly]

I'll also pass that along. Thanks! =)

[Mel M Kelly]

Have you looked at a Dixie Chopper/ That would be my choice.

From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley

[Bob]

Never heard of it. More details please. Bob-tx

[richard fiser]