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First time shopper
#1
J
Jwm470
J
Jwm470
My JD 318 at 1200 hours is worn out mowing our 4 acre yard. Have a serious affinity for diesels and like the Scag TT. Looking at a 2015 Scag TT Kubota 750 hours $9500 or 2019 Scag TT 2 Kubota with 220 hours $13K. I have not shopped for a new mower ever have always bought used for $1,800 or less. I am starting to get used to $10k price, but am curious if I am looking at too much mower. I anticipate mowing my parents yard in the future which is another 3 acres. I like quality and long lasting purchases which is why I would not consider buying at a box store. We currently have 6 diesels in our household and I am comfortable maintaining them and prefer them over gas in every application possible. What do the professionals on this forum think?
#2
mcdonell
mcdonell
My thought is I am not excited about buying used mowers with 100's of hours on them, especially if I don't know the owner/history. Buying a diesel to just run it a few hours a week may not be practical.
For the mowing your describing, I would think a Tiger Cat II with a 61 inch deck would work out just fine. My Cheetah would also not be afraid of the chore you described. The Kawasaki motor seems to hold up nicely. You can buy new and still be within your budget range.
My friend has a TT diesel. That thing is loud, rattles and expensive to repair. Guess I am too old fashion and don't need fuel injectors, extra fuel filters, and injector pumps to mow my yard.
Just my thoughts and I am not a professional.
For the mowing your describing, I would think a Tiger Cat II with a 61 inch deck would work out just fine. My Cheetah would also not be afraid of the chore you described. The Kawasaki motor seems to hold up nicely. You can buy new and still be within your budget range.
My friend has a TT diesel. That thing is loud, rattles and expensive to repair. Guess I am too old fashion and don't need fuel injectors, extra fuel filters, and injector pumps to mow my yard.
Just my thoughts and I am not a professional.
#3
JGGMC
JGGMC
the zero down, zero interest from Scag sure makes it nice.
#4
J
JPE
Scag doesn't current have a 0 down 0 interest program. It appears their Yard Card financing ended Jan. 31st, 2019.
J
JPE
the zero down, zero interest from Scag sure makes it nice.
Scag doesn't current have a 0 down 0 interest program. It appears their Yard Card financing ended Jan. 31st, 2019.
#5
D
Darryl G
True but you can still get a pretty good deal through Sheffield Financial including 0%.
D
Darryl G
Scag doesn't current have a 0 down 0 interest program. It appears their Yard Card financing ended Jan. 31st, 2019.
True but you can still get a pretty good deal through Sheffield Financial including 0%.
#6
J
JustinR
I just bought a TC2 with 61" and 26 hp Kawi EFI and got 0% for 48 months. I believe the went through Sheffield.
J
JustinR
Scag doesn't current have a 0 down 0 interest program. It appears their Yard Card financing ended Jan. 31st, 2019.
I just bought a TC2 with 61" and 26 hp Kawi EFI and got 0% for 48 months. I believe the went through Sheffield.
#7
J
Jwm470
I like the noise of a diesel and the Kubota at idle sounds like a diesel should, but at full throttle with the blades turning it is loud and hard for me to tell the difference from a gas engine. Both require hearing protection.
Mcdonell, I am curious what engine repairs your friend encountered on his diesel.
There is 0% for 48 with a $125 one time fee. That offer sounds good, but the price of a new diesel at $16,500 to mow 4-7 acres is bordering on, if not full on foolishness. Just ask my wife, she will tell you so. That is why I asked about the two used diesels in my initial post. New is out of the question in the diesel category. 35 or 37 Vanguard is also on my radar. I have a friend with. Exmark 35hp Vanguard with 5,500 hours with only a carb replacement. His experience with that engine rivals diesel in the longevity department.
J
Jwm470
My thought is I am not excited about buying used mowers with 100's of hours on them, especially if I don't know the owner/history. Buying a diesel to just run it a few hours a week may not be practical.
For the mowing your describing, I would think a Tiger Cat II with a 61 inch deck would work out just fine. My Cheetah would also not be afraid of the chore you described. The Kawasaki motor seems to hold up nicely. You can buy new and still be within your budget range.
My friend has a TT diesel. That thing is loud, rattles and expensive to repair. Guess I am too old fashion and don't need fuel injectors, extra fuel filters, and injector pumps to mow my yard.
Just my thoughts and I am not a professional.
I like the noise of a diesel and the Kubota at idle sounds like a diesel should, but at full throttle with the blades turning it is loud and hard for me to tell the difference from a gas engine. Both require hearing protection.
Mcdonell, I am curious what engine repairs your friend encountered on his diesel.
There is 0% for 48 with a $125 one time fee. That offer sounds good, but the price of a new diesel at $16,500 to mow 4-7 acres is bordering on, if not full on foolishness. Just ask my wife, she will tell you so. That is why I asked about the two used diesels in my initial post. New is out of the question in the diesel category. 35 or 37 Vanguard is also on my radar. I have a friend with. Exmark 35hp Vanguard with 5,500 hours with only a carb replacement. His experience with that engine rivals diesel in the longevity department.
#8
mcdonell
mcdonell
My friend's TT Kubota had to have new injectors and pump at less than 1000 hours. He said he paid the Kubota dealer about a grand. I can't remember what the second trip to the Kubota dealer was about. But he said it wasn't cheap.
I know his diesel seems louder than my 27 hp Kawasaki or my F350 6.7 Diesel. :laughing:
I know too that people should buy what they want or they won't be happy.
I know his diesel seems louder than my 27 hp Kawasaki or my F350 6.7 Diesel. :laughing:
I know too that people should buy what they want or they won't be happy.
#9
D
Dwellonroof
I purchased a 3 year old at the time TT with a Cat diesel with 61" velocity deck for my 4 acres and really like it but I also have a 2720 John Deere tractor and a small diesel generator as to keep everything diesel so I don't have to fill gas cans.
I have an oil furnace in the finished area of the barn and use a 50 gallon transfer tank to fill the heating oil tank and my equipment. (it's cheaper for me to get diesel at the gas station and use for both than to have heating oil delivered)
D
Dwellonroof
My JD 318 at 1200 hours is worn out mowing our 4 acre yard. Have a serious affinity for diesels and like the Scag TT. Looking at a 2015 Scag TT Kubota 750 hours $9500 or 2019 Scag TT 2 Kubota with 220 hours $13K. I have not shopped for a new mower ever have always bought used for $1,800 or less. I am starting to get used to $10k price, but am curious if I am looking at too much mower. I anticipate mowing my parents yard in the future which is another 3 acres. I like quality and long lasting purchases which is why I would not consider buying at a box store. We currently have 6 diesels in our household and I am comfortable maintaining them and prefer them over gas in every application possible. What do the professionals on this forum think?
I purchased a 3 year old at the time TT with a Cat diesel with 61" velocity deck for my 4 acres and really like it but I also have a 2720 John Deere tractor and a small diesel generator as to keep everything diesel so I don't have to fill gas cans.
I have an oil furnace in the finished area of the barn and use a 50 gallon transfer tank to fill the heating oil tank and my equipment. (it's cheaper for me to get diesel at the gas station and use for both than to have heating oil delivered)
#10
D
DK35vince
Did he run some seriously bad fuel threw it to lose both a pump and injectors at such low hours ??
D
DK35vince
Certainly not typical of a Kubota Diesel at such low hours.My friend's TT Kubota had to have new injectors and pump at less than 1000 hours. He said he paid the Kubota dealer about a grand. I can't remember what the second trip to the Kubota dealer was about. But he said it wasn't cheap.
Did he run some seriously bad fuel threw it to lose both a pump and injectors at such low hours ??
#11
J
Jwm470
My thoughts exactly. Any engine can have a problem at anytime, but with clean, moisture, and algae free fuel the injectors and pump should need no attention for a long time.
My wife, kids, as well as myself all drive ALH TDI Volkswagens that have 190K to over 400K miles on them with original injectors, pumps, turbos and even clutches. I know of examples of the same cars having all those items replaced at less than 100K miles at great expense. I also know of a man in The Dallas Metro area that had his ALH TDI totaled at 780K miles and was highly aggravated because it was still a great car with little to no value from an insurance perspective.
I need a mower and have been focusing on Scag TT 2’s, specifically a 2017 35hp Vanguard used for $8500 or a 2018 TT 2 Kubota at $13K. Both used mowers have 250 hours on them. A new 37 EFI can be bought from across state lines with no tax for $12K with a full warranty. The used do not have a transferable warranty unless I used the original owners name which I would not do. My local DMV said they would not collect tax on an out of state purchase and that is legal to purchase in that manner.
I would like a trouble free mower for a long time and do not want to be under powered as my yard was formerly a cattle field with very thick grass that kept my 318 JD running up against the govenor most of the time. Help me make a decision between these mowers or something cheaper that would not disappoint.
J
Jwm470
Certainly not typical of a Kubota Diesel at such low hours.
Did he run some seriously bad fuel threw it to lose both a pump and injectors at such low hours ??
My thoughts exactly. Any engine can have a problem at anytime, but with clean, moisture, and algae free fuel the injectors and pump should need no attention for a long time.
My wife, kids, as well as myself all drive ALH TDI Volkswagens that have 190K to over 400K miles on them with original injectors, pumps, turbos and even clutches. I know of examples of the same cars having all those items replaced at less than 100K miles at great expense. I also know of a man in The Dallas Metro area that had his ALH TDI totaled at 780K miles and was highly aggravated because it was still a great car with little to no value from an insurance perspective.
I need a mower and have been focusing on Scag TT 2’s, specifically a 2017 35hp Vanguard used for $8500 or a 2018 TT 2 Kubota at $13K. Both used mowers have 250 hours on them. A new 37 EFI can be bought from across state lines with no tax for $12K with a full warranty. The used do not have a transferable warranty unless I used the original owners name which I would not do. My local DMV said they would not collect tax on an out of state purchase and that is legal to purchase in that manner.
I would like a trouble free mower for a long time and do not want to be under powered as my yard was formerly a cattle field with very thick grass that kept my 318 JD running up against the govenor most of the time. Help me make a decision between these mowers or something cheaper that would not disappoint.
#12
A
ARN Greencare
These newer diesels are a nightmare. In some cases, you can just about buy a new gas engine for the price of a set or two of injectors for a diesel. Add the high maintenance costs of emission components, higher priced oil changes, fuel filters, etc. and I can't imagine why someone would want a diesel mower engine over a gasoline engine.
A
ARN Greencare
My friend's TT Kubota had to have new injectors and pump at less than 1000 hours. He said he paid the Kubota dealer about a grand. I can't remember what the second trip to the Kubota dealer was about. But he said it wasn't cheap.
I know his diesel seems louder than my 27 hp Kawasaki or my F350 6.7 Diesel. :laughing:
I know too that people should buy what they want or they won't be happy.
These newer diesels are a nightmare. In some cases, you can just about buy a new gas engine for the price of a set or two of injectors for a diesel. Add the high maintenance costs of emission components, higher priced oil changes, fuel filters, etc. and I can't imagine why someone would want a diesel mower engine over a gasoline engine.
#13
A
ARN Greencare
A
ARN Greencare
AT&T in our area just bought new Ditch Witch 410SX trenchers with Kubota GAS engines due to the high maintenance costs of the diesels. There hardly isn't a diesel out there these days that doesn't spell high maintenance costs with all the emission components and direct injection.
#14
D
DK35vince
25 HP or less diesels currently do not have/require the emission crap on them, so a non issue.
These engines will last thousands of trouble free hours.
I would have preferred diesel on my zero turn, but due to the several thousand $$ extra cost new I went with the gas model.
My 35 HP diesel compact tractor uses about half the fuel per hour my 35 HP gas zero turn does (Kawasaki FX 1000V)
D
DK35vince
These Scags use a 25 HP Kubota's.AT&T in our area just bought new Ditch Witch 410SX trenchers with Kubota GAS engines due to the high maintenance costs of the diesels. There hardly isn't a diesel out there these days that doesn't spell high maintenance costs with all the emission components and direct injection.
25 HP or less diesels currently do not have/require the emission crap on them, so a non issue.
These engines will last thousands of trouble free hours.
I would have preferred diesel on my zero turn, but due to the several thousand $$ extra cost new I went with the gas model.
My 35 HP diesel compact tractor uses about half the fuel per hour my 35 HP gas zero turn does (Kawasaki FX 1000V)
#15
A
ARN Greencare
Kubota is meeting tier 4 emissions without an exhaust particulate filter cause they are not as strict in the stated 25HP range. They are using combustion temperatures, injection timing, and fuel pressures to get the engine's emissions to an acceptable level. Though they have evaded the use of a particulate filter, the higher fuel pressures and combustion temperatures have still compromised their longevity.
And comparing a tractor's fuel economy to a mower's is not fair. Unless you are running the tractor at it's peak RPM with constantly varying loads it's entire run time, just like a mower. Though the diesel does use less fuel I will agree.
A
ARN Greencare
These Scags use a 25 HP Kubota's.
25 HP or less diesels currently do not have/require the emission crap on them, so a non issue.
These engines will last thousands of trouble free hours.
I would have preferred diesel on my zero turn, but due to the several thousand $$ extra cost new I went with the gas model.
My 35 HP diesel compact tractor uses about half the fuel per hour my 35 HP gas zero turn does (Kawasaki FX 1000V)
Kubota is meeting tier 4 emissions without an exhaust particulate filter cause they are not as strict in the stated 25HP range. They are using combustion temperatures, injection timing, and fuel pressures to get the engine's emissions to an acceptable level. Though they have evaded the use of a particulate filter, the higher fuel pressures and combustion temperatures have still compromised their longevity.
And comparing a tractor's fuel economy to a mower's is not fair. Unless you are running the tractor at it's peak RPM with constantly varying loads it's entire run time, just like a mower. Though the diesel does use less fuel I will agree.
#16
D
DK35vince
I also use my diesel tractor for mowing the lawn.
My tractor running a 7' rear finish mower uses about half the fuel per hour as my gas powered zero turn with a 6' deck. Both the same HP mowing the same lawn
D
DK35vince
It doesn't matter what I'm doing with the tractor.And comparing a tractor's fuel economy to a mower's is not fair. Unless you are running the tractor at it's peak RPM with constantly varying loads it's entire run time, just like a mower. Though the diesel does use less fuel I will agree.
I also use my diesel tractor for mowing the lawn.
My tractor running a 7' rear finish mower uses about half the fuel per hour as my gas powered zero turn with a 6' deck. Both the same HP mowing the same lawn
#17
A
ARN Greencare
It does matter. If your tractor is pulling a small unloaded hay wagon, it is probably doing less work than your mower. If it is mowing grass, it is probably doing more work than your mower due to the added weight and powertrain components. But because they are such different pieces of equipment, and the tractor's wide range of usages, it could be doing more or less work. My Oliver 550 gas engine tractor will use less fuel than my 61" mower most of the time unless I am either plowing or bush hogging with it, then it uses more.
I agreed the diesel is more fuel efficient, isn't that good enough? I am not trying to argue. I work in a truck and equipment garage in which we work on various pieces of equipment. And today's diesels are no where near as reliable as they once were, and are much more expensive to repair and maintain.
A
ARN Greencare
It doesn't matter what I'm doing with the tractor.
I also use my diesel tractor for mowing the lawn.
My tractor running a 7' rear finish mower uses about half the fuel per hour as my gas powered zero turn with a 6' deck mowing the same lawn
It does matter. If your tractor is pulling a small unloaded hay wagon, it is probably doing less work than your mower. If it is mowing grass, it is probably doing more work than your mower due to the added weight and powertrain components. But because they are such different pieces of equipment, and the tractor's wide range of usages, it could be doing more or less work. My Oliver 550 gas engine tractor will use less fuel than my 61" mower most of the time unless I am either plowing or bush hogging with it, then it uses more.
I agreed the diesel is more fuel efficient, isn't that good enough? I am not trying to argue. I work in a truck and equipment garage in which we work on various pieces of equipment. And today's diesels are no where near as reliable as they once were, and are much more expensive to repair and maintain.
#18
jekjr
jekjr
I love my Kubota tractor, Kubota makes great engines. There is more however to a mower than just the engine.
I ran Kubota mowers for a while until I demonstrated Scag. The Scag is on a different planet than the Kubota as far as cutting grass. If you want prestige go with Kubota. If you want to cut grass go with the Scag. A Tiger Cat with Kawasaki is a hard animal to beat cutting grass and is much less money than the diesel Kubota mowers. I have run them both in the same yards side by side. I have a Tiger Cat with the 22hp Kawasaki that has over 2000 hours on it that has been more than abused and I run it daily. Between me and my friend we have 5 Tiger Cats and Tiger Cat IIs and as far as I am concerned anything else is a waste of money. They are incredible machines and I have never seen any brand that will cut Pensacola Bahia Grass with one. If there was a better mower sold locally that is what we would be running. There isn't.
I ran Kubota mowers for a while until I demonstrated Scag. The Scag is on a different planet than the Kubota as far as cutting grass. If you want prestige go with Kubota. If you want to cut grass go with the Scag. A Tiger Cat with Kawasaki is a hard animal to beat cutting grass and is much less money than the diesel Kubota mowers. I have run them both in the same yards side by side. I have a Tiger Cat with the 22hp Kawasaki that has over 2000 hours on it that has been more than abused and I run it daily. Between me and my friend we have 5 Tiger Cats and Tiger Cat IIs and as far as I am concerned anything else is a waste of money. They are incredible machines and I have never seen any brand that will cut Pensacola Bahia Grass with one. If there was a better mower sold locally that is what we would be running. There isn't.
#19
D
DK35vince
D
DK35vince
The OP is asking about Scag mowers with the Kubota Diesel engine. Not Kubota mowers.I love my Kubota tractor, Kubota makes great engines. There is more however to a mower than just the engine.
I ran Kubota mowers for a while until I demonstrated Scag. The Scag is on a different planet than the Kubota as far as cutting grass. If you want prestige go with Kubota. If you want to cut grass go with the Scag. A Tiger Cat with Kawasaki is a hard animal to beat cutting grass and is much less money than the diesel Kubota mowers. I have run them both in the same yards side by side. I have a Tiger Cat with the 22hp Kawasaki that has over 2000 hours on it that has been more than abused and I run it daily. Between me and my friend we have 5 Tiger Cats and Tiger Cat IIs and as far as I am concerned anything else is a waste of money. They are incredible machines and I have never seen any brand that will cut Pensacola Bahia Grass with one. If there was a better mower sold locally that is what we would be running. There isn't.
#20
J
Jwm470
J
Jwm470
I stopped my head from spinning from all the research into the commercial mower market by making a purchase. After considering the benefits of buying new, I could not overcome the high price to mow my 4-7 acres, so I bought a 10 year old Turf Tiger Cat diesel from an individual.
It has a light kit so I gave it a test in the dark last night. The area behind my 40x60 shop has not been cut for years and while dead and brown, it is 8+" deep and I am impressed by the torque as the engine did not labor at all. Getting too close to an untrimmed tree with head level branches, I pushed hard on the sticks and experienced a power wheelie as if I were on a 1000cc sport bike. I know these two examples are not an accurate indicator as to how well it will cut fresh green grass, but I suspect it will meet and probably exceed my needs.
Thanks for all the help and comments!
It has a light kit so I gave it a test in the dark last night. The area behind my 40x60 shop has not been cut for years and while dead and brown, it is 8+" deep and I am impressed by the torque as the engine did not labor at all. Getting too close to an untrimmed tree with head level branches, I pushed hard on the sticks and experienced a power wheelie as if I were on a 1000cc sport bike. I know these two examples are not an accurate indicator as to how well it will cut fresh green grass, but I suspect it will meet and probably exceed my needs.
Thanks for all the help and comments!
#21
jekjr
I get it. I stated that I loved my Kubota Tractors but NOT KUBOTA LAWN MOWERS. I owned two of the Kubota Zero Turns and they wil not cut grass anywhere near as good as a Scag.
jekjr
The OP is asking about Scag mowers with the Kubota Diesel engine. Not Kubota mowers.
I get it. I stated that I loved my Kubota Tractors but NOT KUBOTA LAWN MOWERS. I owned two of the Kubota Zero Turns and they wil not cut grass anywhere near as good as a Scag.
#22
jekjr
jekjr
Apparently you only read the first sentence in a paragraph.The OP is asking about Scag mowers with the Kubota Diesel engine. Not Kubota mowers.
#23
J
Jwm470
J
Jwm470
This is a first use impression of my first ZTR purchase of my 10 year old used Turf Tiger CAT diesel. My parents 3+acres is wet and thick and clumps with every mower that has cut their yard. This is not new information to those with Scags, but I am amazed how quickly it cut with no clumping whatsoever. I went into my parents house when finished and my Mom said she could not believe I had cut their yard in such a short amount of time.
I am very pleased with the performance except the ride. It will cut faster than my lower back will allow. Definitely a harsh ride. I can see why Ferris suspension mowers are so popular.
I am very pleased with the performance except the ride. It will cut faster than my lower back will allow. Definitely a harsh ride. I can see why Ferris suspension mowers are so popular.
#24
D
DK35vince
D
DK35vince
Check your tire pressure.
High pressure can have an effect on ride comfort.
I run my zero turn tires at 8 PSI.
Does it have a suspension seat ???
If so is it working properly ??
High pressure can have an effect on ride comfort.
I run my zero turn tires at 8 PSI.
Does it have a suspension seat ???
If so is it working properly ??
#25
J
Jwm470
J
Jwm470
Tires are set at 12psi as the sticker on the rim suggested. I will lower to see if that helps. The suspension seat bottoms with my massive 140lb body unless it is set at 200+lbs on the indicator. The former owner is a bodybuilder that is twice my size so it is possible the suspension seat gave up under his weight.
#26
D
Darryl G
D
Darryl G
Just keep in mind that lowering your tire pressure will effect your deck pitch, raising the front and potentially effecting your cut quality. If you decide to leave them at 8 or 10 psi you'll want to go through the procedure for adjusting it.