[Pelican]

As mentioned in another thread, I'm looking to replace my Kubota ZD28. Under consideration is the Scag Turf Tiger with Kubota 25hp diesel. My requirements are a 60" deck and diesel power.

I had a Scag Super Z years ago and wasn't too happy with it's design and had chronic transmission problems. I'm concerned this may still be a problem for Scag and want to hear from guys who run them.

How long have you had your machine and how many hours are on it?

Are you satisfied with the quality of cut?

Have you had any major problems with it?

Thanks!

[Dire Wolf]

Buy a Toro turbo force laser Z, Used to have a scagg but frame cracked at two months old.

[Pelican]

Unfortunately there are no Toro dealers within a reasonable distance. I'm considering Dixie Chopper as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Mac]

Steve,

depending on who is running the machine (you or an employee), I would recomend looking into the full sized exmark turf tracer. I keep a lazer around for myself as 10+ hour days on a walk behind are tough but thats what employees are for. I find that on most properties, my 52" turf tracer will easily keep up with the 60" lazer. It costs less, has the famed ultracut deck and has a phenomenal discharge. Mine is closing in on 1000 hours and has nothing but oil changes done. If it is you running this machine, id stay away from another wb as they really are hard on the opperator, especially the hands.

[Pelican]

We cut fairly large lawns here, many are 1 to 3 acres. A 60" rider works well for this. If the lawns were smoother, I'd look in to a 72". I'll be running the machine in a pinch if the foreman is out, otherwise the crew will run it. I've pretty much ruled out Exmark, I know they make a real nice machine, but I can't get the local dealer to return my calls to make the sale, I can't imagine the reception I'd get if I needed service.

The best dealer in the area sells Bobcat, Kubota, Scag and Cub Cadet. I've had a lot of problems with my Kubota which is why I'm in the market. Bobcat only lists a 2 cylinder 20hp diesel on their 60" Z, I feel that is underpowered. The Scag is a contender with a 25hp Kubota engine.

Kubota has redesigned their Z again, but I'm a bit nervous to try a 3rd one. I've got a thread running about my bad luck with 2 ZD28s, I'm reluctant to try a third.

The Dixie Chopper would come from a dealer more distant than I'd like, but my friend who runs one says they are very basic and many parts are available at an auto parts store. He loves his, but doesn't put the hours on that I do.

[Orchard Ex]

Originally posted by Pelican

The Dixie Chopper would come from a dealer more distant than I'd like, but my friend who runs one says they are very basic and many parts are available at an auto parts store. He loves his, but doesn't put the hours on that I do.

I don't have any direct experience with the mowers, but the contractor that mows the 3 Navy bases in our area uses them. The "operators" are not kind to these mowers and they have held up well. A relative of mine runs the shop/ specs the equipment and he stayed with the Dixie Chopper when the contract turned last time. I believe that he received some early models of the latest series and had a few growing pains, however he said that DC stuck by them and gave very good support. Hope this helps

[Nebraska]

Here's another opinion for your consideration......We've moved to Hustler Super Z's because of the fact that they are very very durable, fast, basic, and the dealer will bend over backwards with service and support. For us they are excellent cash generating machines that hold up to our employee's abuse. Skag riders have been described as rolling hardware stores by many in our area.

[Pelican]

Thanks Nebraska, but I don't have a dealer for Hustler in my area. The only place I've ever seen one is in the trade magazines.

I just learned that Dixie Chopper is bringing out a 66" Z in a couple months, this may be the way to go. 35hp diesel, and it would be a compromise between the production of the 72" and the cut quality of a 60".

It sounds like Dire Wolf is about the only guy who has run a Scag, that in itself might be an indicator of their performance. I was curious if the transmission problems that plagued me had been worked out.

[AZTLANLC]

Ferris is a tough machine and real comfortable, they have a diesel version which my dealer let me use for two days to try but the problem is that I felt it was too heavy and bulky, maybe the new models are better.
I know you were looking on advice on scag but the ones I previously owned had many deck problem, all of them 3 wheelers tough, maybe the new models are better.
I think there is a ferris dealer in wappingers.

[Pelican]

I saw the Ferris at the Big E and was impressed. You're right about the dealer, their website lists one at the D/C airport that I wasn't aware of. The downside is the Ferris weighs in at over 2000 lbs!!

[doug55286]

I currently run scag turf tigers 61 inch cut with 29 DFI kawasaki engins these mowers have a super cut and great power. I owned toro before and they are also a good machine however they use the mule drive belts and tend to be rather high maintenance due to belt breakage. I then got kubota 326 and 331 these mowers are built like tanks and ride and drive like them as well. I was very dissapointed with there cut as well. The turf tiger rides as well as the toro laser Z and backs up much better, and holds to hill sides better as well. I highly recommend these mowers.