Hey everybody, new to the forum and need your input. I have been mowing 2 1/2 acres residentially for the past 11 years with a John Deere GT235 w/ 48" deck & 18hp Kawasaki engine. It is still running strong and has served us well. I occassionally mow an additional 2 to 4 acres for family who live next to us. I am considering the purchase of a leftover 2015 Tiger Cat 27hp Briggs & 61" deck. I realize this model does not come with the suspension seat, but this will be used residentially. Does $6,999 sound like a decent price for this Scag unit? Would you advise this unit over a 2015 Freedom Z Pro 61" deck w/ 27hp Briggs for $5,999?
#2
John R
That's not too bad of a price on a Tiger Cat, does it have the HD air filter?
I haven't been to the dealer yet to check things out first hand yet. I'm hoping to do that this week. They had two left at the quoted price. I'll have to get back to you on the question of filtration with the Briggs.
Hi Herbie,
I have a 2007-08 Scag Tiger Cub that originally had a 26 HP Briggs ELS engine that developed a problem. I repowered it with a Briggs 49M977 engine which is what powers the Tiger Cat that you are considering.
Zero turn machines are dusty by their nature of design and with a collection system installed get even dustier!
The Briggs 49M977 engine has the Cyclonic Air Filtration system which has excellent air filtering qualities. I recommend this engine to you having put about 400 hours on it since the repower. The filter element can be easily removed from the engine and cleaned by tapping it against something to shake out the loose dust. The use of pressurized air to clean an air filter is not recommended by any small engine manufacturer.
This engine has a much larger volume cooling system than previous Briggs twins partly for increased airflow around the air filter element and the partly for increased cooling airflow. I'm pleased with the power, fuel economy and general operating nature of this engine. As I use a collection system most of the time, I generally clean the air filter element 10-15 hours of operation and replace it at 60-100 hours depending on my operating conditions.
Briggs recommends the use of full synthetic engine oil in this engine. I strongly recommend using regular engine oil for the first 50 hours of operation and then change over to 10W30 full synthetic. 50 or more hours of operation with regular engine oil will allow a normal breakin period for the engine.
I have also installed a full suspension seat on my Tiger Cub which has proven to be a "back saver" to me as I have lower back problems.
I have the exact unit you are considering...I bought it before last year's season for a tad over 8K including tax so think you are getting a good deal...my yard is an acre and the field across the road that I keep mowed is 4 acres...with my John Deere 445 with a 54" deck it took me 4.5 hours to mow...the Tiger Cat 61" cut that down to 2.5 hrs...I could not be happier with it...buy it before that price is no longer available...
As I have become more comfortable operating my Tiger Cub, my ground speed has increased. Being here in rocky, rooty, hilly New England, as my ground speed increased, so did my discomfort level. I did some research on seats and found a Milsco 5300 in tan, bought and installed it. The adjustable lumbar and suspension are the main features that I like. I'm 72.:laughing:
#10
John R
My Tiger Cat II came with an adjustable seat, works great, dial in your weight, and good to go, guess I thought all Tiger Cats had the same seat.
This one is very comfortable for a long day of mowing.
Sorry I've been slow getting back to the thread about my purchase decision. First, even though the Tiger Cat with the 61" deck was a good buy, deep down I knew I would be better off with a smaller deck. I didn't want to bring up different models until I was sure what I wanted. Well, today the dealer delivered my new Cheetah with the 52" deck and Kawasaki FX730. I have had such great service from my John Deere with the Kawasaki engine, I decided to get what I wanted. So, if anyone has any advice for the this SCAG newbie, please pass it along. Glad to be part of the family!
Hi Herbie,
Read and understand the machine and engine operators manuals.
Put some time on your new Cheetah and review it for us.
Use Kawasaki oil filters, they are more expensive, but will comply with the engine manufacturers warranty requirements.
Read the recommendations for engine oil changes for a new engine.
Run regular engine oil for the first 50 or so hours to allow proper break-in.
Then change to the recommended Kawasaki synthetic blend, usually 10W40.
I have a 27 hp briggs els motor on my 2009 garden tractor. The air filter system is pretty weak IMO, especially in comparison to the Kawasaki double filter system. So I familiar with both models and think Mad Mackie comments are on the money.
I also have a 2015 Cheetah with a 27hp Kawasaki motor and the V61 deck. Bought it new and I have 85 hours on it. It has only been serviced by my dealer. I use the Cheetah to manicure my 3 acres. It usually takes me about 2 hrs from start to finish. I paid nearly 11k otd and don't have any regrets. I am 65 and this will probably be my last mower. My wife has learned to use it so she doesnt need me around. Neither of us enjoys mowing, but like the nice looking yard. BTW, my dealer told me to blow out the air filters after each use and the unit will last many years.
I also have a Kawasaki Nomad motorcycle. You can see we also share your preference with the Kawasaki motors.
You were offered a great price on some nice mowers. But I think you choose the right one.
Blowing out the air filters with pressurized air is not recommended by any engine or air filter manufacturer!
Donaldson is the manufacturer of the two stage air filtration system that is installed on Kawasaki FX engines.
They do not even recommend tapping the filters to clean them. The outer filter will better filter the incoming air with it somewhat dirty.
I recently replaced the air filters on my Kawasaki FX730V powered Hustler X-ONE at 350 hours for the first time. The inner filter was clean, but I replaced both and reset the airflow indicator.
Never blow out a folded paper air filter with pressurized air!!!!
