Drive System - Tiger Cat vs. Freedom Z / Cheetah

[Justamowing]

What is the difference between drive systems on Tiger Cat vs. Freedom Z / Cheetah ? Looks like Tiger Cat has pumps and motors whereas the Freedom Z and Cheetah have Hydro-Gear Integrated axles. Pros / cons of each ? Thank you.

 

[MRCo.]

Integrated systems have less hoses, so less chances of leaks, but hoses are another surface for heat to escape through... If the separate motor fails and doesnt shed metal, the pump is safe, and vice versa. Integrated dies, it all dies. Integrated leaves a cleaner, less cluttered system to work on.

 

[Mad Mackie]

The Tiger Cat has two separate pumps and wheel motors with a single reservoir and filter. The Hydrostatic unit driven machines have two separate integral drive units and are less expensive than pumps and wheel motors which makes them more common in lower priced machines. The smaller Freedom Z machines have HydroGear 3100 drive units and the larger Freedom Zs and Cheetahs have the 3400 drive units. Scag replaced several units in their line with the Cheetah and with the cost savings of using the 3400 drive units, they were able to provide a machine with the higher levels of equipment.
When people ask me about ZTRs, I suggest the larger diameter rear tires which reduce tearing up the turf in tight turns, but most of all check the specs of each specific model and compare them to each other.
In the Cheetah line there are 4 models, the 48"and 52" units have a 10 MPH ground speed, the 61" and 72" models have an adjustable two speed 3400 drive unit and up to 16 MPH ground speed. These machines have a ridged frame and can get bouncy at higher ground speeds and several seat options are available. I mow at about 7 MPH or less otherwise I get airborn here in rocky, rooty, hilly New England!!!!
So have a feel for the type of lawn surfaces that you deal with and read, understand and compare the specs on each machine, then the engine options!!!!
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

 

[Justamowing]

Thanks for the explanations. Slowly it's all starting to make sense. I did brief test rides on the Freedom Z 48 and 52, the Tiger Cat 48 and the Cheetah 48. I expected the Cheetah to have the "smoothest" ride, but you're right in that it felt a bit bouncier than the Tiger Cat, which I believe has the smoothest ride of the 3. I'll be visiting other local dealers this weekend, and will also compare with Kubota Kommander and ZG322. Any input / comments on the Kubotas ?

 

[Mad Mackie]

If you may possibly want a collection system at some time, then make sure that a collection system is available for whatever machine that you decide to buy. They have a blower housing with a fan driven by a V belt from the mower deck and a three bag system hanging on the rear. Some Kubotas in the Z series do not have collection systems available.
Check out the pics in Mad Mackies Albums and you will see my Scag Tiger Cub in full mowing setup. The Tiger Cat is similar to the Tiger Cub but with some upgrades. An HD air filtering system on the engine is highly recommended if a collection system is installed and in general use. At 480 hours I had to replace the B&S 26 HP ELS engine with a B&S 30 HP Professional Turf Series engine due to dust ingestion. The Professional Turf engine has the new Cyclonic Air Filtration System which is a much better system. 110 hours on the new engine since last March, all with collection system operating.
Just some more thoughts!:thumbsup:
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile: