New member, been reading a lot of threads here and really enjoy - Thanks!
I had a 61" Scag Tiger Cub with a 25HP Kawa for about 9 years, great machine that would have gone forever if not for a damaged motor. Checked the oil literally every time i used but one, turned out I picked the wrong day to not check the oil-very long story. I did learn that the Kawa didn't have a low oil shutdown! Sold it very easily even with the motor out of commission. Since the motor was old rating it felt a little underpowered, i am going to upgrade HP. With no suspension seat, I was really starting to feel the beating when I was done anyway due to some joint injuries. So?ecided to make the best of it and will most likely get a new Scag. I have tested a couple of brands so far, Bobcat and Gravely. Both nice, but there is just something about the controls and feel of the Scag that is very hard to give up.
I also drove a new Cheetah and really liked it. If I go that way, I am going bigger on the engine so I am set for anything. I mow in a farm setting with a 4 acre lawn and some access roads, field areas, etc and I really want the HP. I am torn between the FX921 Kawa 31HP and the Briggs Vanguard 36HP. I was really surprised to see that the CC displacement is actually less for the Briggs. Any thoughts/experience with power, durability, etc that might help? Grass is growing like crazy and I need something soon.
Thanks
PS - Because the suspension/ride is now a key feature, I will probably test drive a ferris as I have never done so. I know this is an entirely different question but open to any advice here as well.
Hi Guzzler,
I'm not a Cheetah owner, but do operate a Tiger Cub and a Hustler X-ONE.
From what I've read about the Cheetah, the suspension seat is great providing that the operator adjust it for his weight/comfort level.
As for engine choices, Kawasaki and Briggs & Stratton engines are HP rated by two different rating systems, I have no idea why, so it is not a direct comparison in this regard. As both of these engines are a fairly new design, both have had some growing pains along the way. This series of Kawasaki FX models have three valves per cylinder whereas the FX730 and lower are two valve.
The Vanguard engine does have a low oil shutdown system on it, but the Kawasaki does not.
I have heard mixed emotions about Ferris ZTRs and for some reason the larger machines are having problems throwing the deck drive V belt. Ferris decided to use a single V belt to drive the deck, a situation that I'm not in favor of. On another lawn equipment site there has been some discussion about the V belt problem amongst several Ferris operators, they are not happy with the response from Ferris.
I installed an aftermarket suspension seat on my Tiger Cub last summer, I should have done it years ago. It is much heavier than the stock seat and I will need to add more springs to keep the seat off the seat switch to maintain the machine safety circuits intended functions. I particularly like the lumbar and seat back angle adjustments.
When I switch back and forth between my Tiger Cub and the Hustler X-ONE, I easily get accustomed to the Hustler as when you put the travel levers to the extended position, the parking brake is applied, but with Scag machines and many others, the parking brake is an added motion.
Should you decide on a Cheetah, you will find a difference in the travel lever feel as the Cheetah has independent hydrostatic drives whereas your Tiger Cat has pumps and separate wheel motors.
