Scag Turf Tiger II

Scag Turf Tiger II Zero Turn Mower Review

The Scag Turf Tiger II is a featured packed premium commercial mower. It has exception power with a great quality of cut. This mower is comparable to the Toro 5000 series, Exmark Laser Z X-Series, and Ferris IS 3200Z.

The first thing you will notice about any Scag mower is the build quality. These mowers are built like tanks. They are heavy and extremely well built machines.

The video is a very in-depth review of the Turf Tiger II by a Scag rep. It covers about every aspect of the mower. Brian's Lawn Maintenance did a great job on this review.

Video Credit: Brian's Lawn Maintenance

The chart below shows where the Turf Tiger II fits in the Scag lineup. It is definitely their top of the line zero turn mower.

Mower:Scag Tiger Cat 2Scag Cheetah IIScag Turf Tiger II
Engine:22 hp Kawasaki FX, 25 hp Kawasaki FT, 25 hp Kohler EFI, or 32 hp Vanguard31 hp Kawasaki FX921 or 37 hp Vanguard EFI31hp Vanguard, Kawasaki FD851D, 35hp Vanguard, 37hp Vanguard EFI
Deck Size:48″, 52″, and 61″61″ and 72″52″, 61″, and 72″
Transmission:12cc pumps and 16cc parker wheel motorsHydro-Gear ZT-5400 Transaxles16cc pumps and 16cc Parker wheel motors
Seat Type:Suspension SeatSuspension Seat and Suspension PlatformSuspension Seat
Fuel Capacity:9.5 Gallons15 Gallons12 Gallons
Speed:12 mph forward16 mph forward12 mph forward
Warranty:2 yr unlimited hours or 3 yr 500 hours2 yr unlimited hours or 3 yr 500 hours2 yr unlimited hours or 3 yr 500 hours
Price*:$8,499 – $9,499$12,417 – $14,000$13,500 – $17,992
* prices only an estimate that may vary based upon a particular dealer.

Comparison

Below we compare the Scag Turf Tiger II to the Ferris ISX3300 and Toro 5000 Series. These three mowers are all top of the line and some of the best in the industry.

You will quickly notice the Scag Turf Tiger II has the most engine options and second most deck options. We option to have a 52″ deck is a game changer for some.

The Turf Tiger II and Toro 5000 have very similar transmission setups. The ISX3300 and IS3200 will have transaxles. I prefer transaxles but others will say pump and wheel motor setups are better.

The only real downside of the Scag Turf Tiger II is the comfort. The seat is nice but it lacks any kind of suspension like the Ferris ISX 3300 or the suspension platform like the Toro 5000.

Mower:Scag Turf Tiger IIFerris ISX3300Toro 5000
Engine:31hp Vanguard, Kawasaki FD851D, 35hp Vanguard, 37hp Vanguard EFI37hp Vanguard with oil guard23 -25 hp Kohler Command Pro
Deck Size:52″, 61″, and 72″61″ and 72″48″, 52″, 60″, and 72″
Transmission:16cc pumps and 16cc Parker wheel motorsHydro-Gear ZT-5400 TransaxlesHydraulic unitized pumps and wheel motors
Seat Type:Suspension SeatSuspension seat and Full independent front suspensionSuspension Seat and optional MyRIDE
Fuel Capacity:12 Gallons11 Gallons12 Gallons
Speed:12 mph forward12 mph forward10 mph forward
Warranty:2 yr unlimited hours or 3 yr 500 hours2 yr unlimited hours or 4 yr 500 hours2 yr unlimited or 5 yr 1200 hours
Price*:$13,500 – $18,000$13,999 – $14,499$12.443 – $14,888
* prices only an estimate that may vary based upon a particular dealer.

Power:

The Scag Turf Tiger II has many engine options ranging from 25HP to 35HP. They engines that are either air cooled or liquid cooled. The liquid cooled engines are phenomenal. They prevent any internal components of the engine from overheating even in the most strenuous applications.

The mowers are absolute beasts in the power category. Absolutely nothing will slow these bad boys down. They are great mowers for mulching.

Diesel Options

The Scag Turf Tiger II also comes with a diesel option in a 61″ and 72″ deck. The diesel engine offered is the 25 hp Kubota Diesel engine. Simply put, this engine is a beast and will last a very long time. Below are some of it's features.

Features:

  • 52″, 61″, or 72″ Velocity Plus Deck
  • 16cc Hydro-Gear Pumps and Parker Wheel Motors
  • 12 MPH
  • Full Feature Instrument Panel
  • 12 Gallon Tank (one tank)
  • Disc Brakes with Foot Pedal Park Break
  • Suspension Seat
  • Very Low Center of Gravity

Cut Quality:

The Scag Turf Tiger II has a great quality of cut. The Velocity Plus deck does a great job in most applications. The spindles on the mower can easily handle a large amount of power from the engine. The deck is sometimes prone to scalping grass compared to some of the competitors. However, overall the cut on this mower is definitely one of the best.

Durability:

This mower is extremely durable. It is a rigid frame that is built for tons of wear and tear. Scag has been around a long time and has always been know for making reliable equipment.

Comfort:

The Turf Tiger II is not the most comfortable mower. It is a bit jarring in rough terrains. The comfort has improved with the addition of the suspension seat. However, it is still a fixed frame that doesn't offer the best quality of ride.

If this is something that concerns you a good alternative option is the Scag Cheetah because of its suspension platform.

Aesthetics:

This is a great looking mower with the signature Scag look. It stands out and has a mean looking stance. It is also now how a lot of the belts, pumps, etc are in easy to change/adjust areas. Most of these are toolless fixes, which is very nice for fixing mowers in the field.

The instrument panel is another added look. It tells you when/if there is anything wrong with your mower. It looks awesome and works very well.

Safety:

This mower features the standard kill switch on the seat, seat belt, and roll bar.

Price:

These mowers range from about $13,300 – $18,000 depending on engine and deck size.

Overall:

Performance:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Cut Quality:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Durability:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Comfort:3 out of 5 stars (3.0 / 5)
Price:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Overall:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Wrapping it up

Have you used a Scag Cheetah? What do you think of this mower? Leave us a comment below!

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For more information on this mower check out Scag's official site. To find a dealer near you check out their dealer locator.

One Reply to “Scag Turf Tiger II Zero Turn Mower Review

  1. save your money… 41.7 hours and lots of hassles. Deck, starting, oil fill. Would have been better with a cheep o at Home Depot

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