Scag vs. eXmark

[Mad Mackie]

Machine makes have somewhat to do with quality of cut as some mow different types of grass better than others, but operator technique and machine maintenance also have a fair amount of affect on final lawn quality and appearance.

 

[Striper]

Machine makes have somewhat to do with quality of cut as some mow different types of grass better than others, but operator technique and machine maintenance also have a fair amount of affect on final lawn quality and appearance.

If that is the case, which mower would u consider having the better make therefore better cut?

 

[Mad Mackie]

I'm a retired mech and I do 99% of my own maintenance, but I'm slowing down as I'm in my 70s.
If Exmarks are popular in your area, then most likely dealer support is strong for Exmark machines and this is important to many lawn care operators.
When I do a fast and nasty mowing job, it shows regardless of the machine I'm using.
I'm able to take some of the machines that I service out on mowing jobs, so I've been able to compare some machines. I find that the quality of cut depends primarily on operator skill and technique and not on a particular machine.
With my own Scag Tiger Cub, at a any mowing site, I'm able to quickly setup for regular side discharge, mulching with a side plate or collection as I carry the needed items and tools in my cargo trailer.
If there is a possibility of adding a collection system to your future mower, you need to check into machines that are suitable for and function well with a collection system that uses a blower that is powered from the machine. In spring and fall I use the collection system a lot and I also have a front mounted JRCO 46" de-thatcher that I use during cleanup. I have customers that I only do spring and fall cleanup for. With the machine setup this way, I can de-thatch, mow and collect usually in a single pass. I only use the collection system at customers places where I can dispose of the clippings on or near to their properties. Hauling away clippings is very time consuming and expensive for the machine operator and not easy to get paid for this type of service.
My area is strong with Scag operators, and Exmark is close behind. The rest are a mix of many makes all the way down to a $1,200 big box store machine with a 42" deck that barely fits on a 4 by 5 trailer.
My Hustler X-ONE is a 60" rear discharge machine and is used primarily in an old cemetery, this machine is a beast!!!
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

 

[LoCo86]

I agree loco but I was looking at either the lazer z s series or the e. With price not being a problem would you say the exmark has a better cut than the scag?

Yes Exmark has the better cut but your looking at fairly ideal conditions for that to happen. Around noon and on during a dry day you're going to get a great cut. But before that time of day. You're going to experience clumping and having to double cut. Exmarks along with Bob Cat's deck is tightly baffled where Scags is not. There are some companies out there that double cut the grass no matter what to achieve a better look.

 

[Mad Mackie]

I've looked under Exmarks and Scags, really not much difference if any in the baffle setup.
I don't start mowing until 11 AM when things are dry for the mostpart, it keeps me busy and gets me out of the house, you know what I mean!!!!!!! 48 years married!!!!!LOL!!!!
I mow for the fun of it and some pocket change, so don't compare me to guys that need to make money to support a family and a business. A few years back when companies were getting rid of older employees I got axed. I mowed six days a week in season, weather providing, so I know the drill and the machines that can handle it. Did snow removal too, but gave it up in 2010.

 

[jekjr]

We live in Lower Alabama. Most yards here are Bahia or atleast have some in them. In two weeks with several rains a week and 90 degree temps it grows incredibly. We run Tiger Cat Scags 52" decks. 22hp Kawasaki motors. Normally we change blades daily. At times we change mid day. It is a very rare thing to have to double cut anything even early in the AM with dew on the ground. I would like to see it if the Exmark will touch them. I know that a ZD 326 Kubota won't and it is a $14K mower.

 

[Striper]

I've heard great things about both, I'm going to get either a 48/52" deck. The two things I'm worried about the mower is the clumping, which the scag sounds like it is pretty much clump-free no matter what, and the striping/ cut of the mower, which it sounds like the exmark is better in. If somebody could tell me the scag stripes just as good as the exmark, I think I'd go with the scag but I just haven't seen/ heard anything about the striping of the scag being anywhere close to the striping of the exmark.

 

[whelch1]

If you have an Instagram account, look up scag and they have people submit pictures with the hashtag showusyourstripes. I think they stripe really well.

 

[mowerguy]

I wouldn't say scag won't clump. Here we have had the wettest summer I can ever remember. Usually by now I'm cutting every two weeks and the grass is brown and dried up. This year I still have yards on 5 day cycles going into August. And I'm still battling clumping and double cutting. I run a scag 61" velocity deck. Thick bladed grass I think cuts way better. Thin stringy grass always leaves stragglers. But in normal dry conditions I can't complain about the scag. As far as stripping goes, I do not have a stripe kit but it will lay some very nice stripes. I mow a yard next to a company that runs two exmark a with striking kits. The only difference that I can tell is his stripes are uniform and even where mine the tire tracks stand out more. But I would have to say they both look top notch. Not sure if the photo will load but the pic was taken with a drone and my stripes are clearly visible. The house on the top of the picture is cut with the two exmarks. Not nearly as visible from above. But definitely visible from the ground

 

[sirrobbins]

I'm in florida and use to use a scag 48" SW walk behind. We have St. Augustine grass (thick stuff). It cuts flawlessly and never bogs, even on overgrown (those dang one time cut jobs) lawns. Solid mowers. Considering a cheetah next year. Getting a Toro oddly enough next week. Z Master 52"