Anyone running a Scag 48" tigercat?

[ericj88]

I am considering buying a new 48 scag tigercat mower. This will be my first mower for business. I hear that scag makes a great machine, which is why I am considering them over the bobcat. My main concern with this particular mower is that it has a 19hp KAI Kawasaki engine. I have searched the forum for reviews about this small motor, and I didnt find much at all. Is anyone here running this machine with this motor? If so, what is your experience with it? I am concerned with it possibly being under powered, short engine life (hours), and or just constant repairs. I hope it is reliable, as the price is good for this mower. Thanks

[wandfsmall]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by ericj88 I am considering buying a new 48 scag tigercat mower. This will be my first mower for business. I hear that scag makes a great machine, which is why I am considering them over the bobcat. My main concern with this particular mower is that it has a 19hp KAI Kawasaki engine. I have searched the forum for reviews about this small motor, and I didnt find much at all. Is anyone here running this machine with this motor? If so, what is your experience with it? I am concerned with it possibly being under powered, short engine life (hours), and or just constant repairs. I hope it is reliable, as the price is good for this mower. Thanks I did not think that Kawasaki was using KAI anymore I would think your looking at really old stock. I would need to know if it is FH, FJ, or something else to tell you about the quality of the engine and what it was designed to do. As to quality and life of the mower however I can assure you that bobcat will hold its own, and in fact will have a longer warranty then the scag. Let me know what you find out as to the age of the unit as Scag has had a few bad years just like the others, a 48" mower sitting around that long would likely be one of them.

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Last edited by wandfsmall; 02-13-2013 at 02:13 PM.

[ericj88]

Originally Posted by wandfsmall

I did not think that Kawasaki was using KAI anymore I would think your looking at really old stock. I would need to know if it is FH, FJ, or something else to tell you about the quality of the engine and what it was designed to do. As to quality and life of the mower however I can assure you that bobcat will hold its own, and in fact will have a longer warranty then the scag. Let me know what you find out as to the age of the unit as Scag has had a few bad years just like the others, a 48" mower sitting around that long would likely be one of them.

The dealer said it was about two years old, and it was the last scag they had left since they quit selling the brand. Im not sure which motor it is though. Which one (FH or FJ) is the one with a bad reputation? What were the issues with it?

[dpld]

Originally Posted by ericj88

The dealer said it was about two years old, and it was the last scag they had left since they quit selling the brand. Im not sure which motor it is though. Which one (FH or FJ) is the one with a bad reputation? What were the issues with it?

i would take wandfsmall's advice because he knows his stuff about these things and probably more so then most of us.

considering how many mowers get bought every year by landscapers i would be a little suspect about any new machine that has been sitting in a dealer for 2 years.
there has to be something at odds with it for it to have been passed by for 2 years.
i am sure the guy may give you a good deal price wise but that will go right out the door if it is a dud with a inferior motor.

[ericj88]

Originally Posted by dpld

i would take wandfsmall's advice because he knows his stuff about these things and probably more so then most of us.

considering how many mowers get bought every year by landscapers i would be a little suspect about any new machine that has been sitting in a dealer for 2 years.
there has to be something at odds with it for it to have been passed by for 2 years.
i am sure the guy may give you a good deal price wise but that will go right out the door if it is a dud with a inferior motor.

I am considering passing it up, as I have been trying to research the 19hp kai. Seems it is a FH580v at 585cc. I have read the older kawasaki (non kai
fh601v) 19hp is actually 675cc and is thought to be a better motor.

$6500.00 for a scag 48" is a good price with no hours on it. I am leary though as their must be a reason its still for sale. I found a new 52" tigercat for $8200.00, which is comparable to the bobcat procat's I have looked at. I like both of them, and am still undecided.

[phouse65]

I have a 48 Tiger Cub (2009 they were Cub not Cat), it is the best piece of equipment. Never had a problem and runs awesome. I have the 26HP Briggs and Stratton in mine. I paid $6,200 bran d new. They had got all the 2010 models in and sold off the 2009 for cheap. If you want more HP or a different engine, look around and haggle with these dealers. Either way, just take care of the mower by doing the upkeep that it requires (grease spindles a couple times a week, change oil) and you will love it.

[Mowin4Dollas]

If your a bigger guy, this mower isn't very roomy. I felt like I was sitting in a Pre school chair. I'm 6'2 and about 235.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by ericj88

I am considering passing it up, as I have been trying to research the 19hp kai. Seems it is a FH580v at 585cc. I have read the older kawasaki (non kai
fh601v) 19hp is actually 675cc and is thought to be a better motor.

$6500.00 for a scag 48" is a good price with no hours on it. I am leary though as their must be a reason its still for sale. I found a new 52" tigercat for $8200.00, which is comparable to the bobcat procat's I have looked at. I like both of them, and am still undecided.

Here are some facts about mowers that most people on this site do not seem to understand.

1)Every mower has a weak area and every mower has a strong area

2)Every Mower manufacture has bad models(and not every tiger cub is not the same model they like most other companies use model numbers) Some of the better dealers can see some of this in advance and avoid them if they can.

3)For the most part you can not tell what mower cut the grass as any of the better quality commercial mowers do about the same job.

4)The mechanic that setup the mower is more important to the life and cut quality then the brand on the mower unless you are willing and able to redo the job when you buy it.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by ericj88

I am considering passing it up, as I have been trying to research the 19hp kai. Seems it is a FH580v at 585cc. I have read the older kawasaki (non kai
fh601v) 19hp is actually 675cc and is thought to be a better motor.

$6500.00 for a scag 48" is a good price with no hours on it. I am leary though as their must be a reason its still for sale. I found a new 52" tigercat for $8200.00, which is comparable to the bobcat procat's I have looked at. I like both of them, and am still undecided.

The best advice I can give you is pick a mower you like from a dealer that will likely be around in a few years to help you if you need it and sell you parts at a decent price. Forget about what you read online, or see on other guys trailers the biggest dealer in a lot of cases will not be the best dealer for service and price. And I have no clue as the the quality of the mechanic setting up the mowers you are looking at.

[Matther777]

I read somewhere in Consumer Reports that a type of Kawasaki Motors went on recall do to some electrical issue and catching fire. Now I am not saying they make a horrible product. I am just letting you know find out if that mower doesnt have the bad engine before you purchase it.