Frequently Asked Questions
At Scag®, we strive to provide our current and potential customers with the most complete and useful information possible. Below are various questions we receive on a regular basis. Browse through the following categories of questions and click on a question to find the answer.
Engine
No. DO NOT use E85 fuel in your mower's engine. Using E85 fuel will cause severe damage to the engine. The engine manufacturers specify that gasoline blends with no more than 10% ethanol may be used in your Scag mower's engine.
25 hp Kubota diesel engine (Turf Tiger™ II): This engine (Kubota D902) is approved to use up to B5 (5% biodiesel blend). Using higher blends will cause severe damage to the engine.
Since each engine is warranted by the individual engine manufacturer, please refer to your engine owner’s manual or speak to your Scag dealer for specific recommendations. You may also contact the engine manufacturer by visiting their website:
Since each engine is warranted by the individual engine manufacturer, please refer to your engine owner's manual for specific recommendations. You may also contact the engine manufacturer by visiting their website (see list above).
Generally speaking, it is said that a liquid-cooled engine may last up to 50% longer than comparable air-cooled engines due to a constant, correct operating temperature. Engine-oil viscosity does not break down as quickly due to the more stable temperature ranges at which liquid-cooled engines run. Liquid-cooled engines experience increased fuel economy compared to standard air-cooled models due to the more consistent operating engine temperatures. A properly designed system keeps the radiator out of harm’s way (debris, branches, etc.) and the cooling fan draws hot air through the radiator, past the engine and away from the operator. This results in a cooler engine and a cooler operator.
Liquid-cooled engines are slightly more “forgiving” if the exterior of the engine is not kept clean, unlike air-cooled engines that rely upon heat dissipation for proper cooling. There is little extra maintenance involved with a liquid-cooled engine versus an air-cooled one. Keeping the radiator clean is the biggest factor. However, this is simple to do by using the removable screen that can be removed and tapped clean in the field, with no tools required.
The major benefit of an air-cooled engine is that they are simpler in design as they have fewer parts involved. Because of this, they are less expensive in price and potential repair cost. We recommend consulting with your local Scag dealer if you need assistance in deciding between these two types of engines. The dealer will be able to share with you their knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision.
Cutter Deck
Try adjusting the Custom Cut Baffle™ on your Velocity Plus™ or Advantage cutter deck. This baffle features three or seven different positions to allow you to customize mowing performance based upon specific mowing conditions. Adjusting the Custom Cut Baffle to its lowest position will minimize the amount of clippings and debris that escape the front of the deck while mowing. Refer to your owner's manual and consult your Scag dealer for more information on making this adjustment.
Scag offers a variety of different cutter-blade types to match your specific cutting conditions and needs, from low-lift blades to mulching blades. Click here to view the cutter-blade options.
Miscellaneous Service
The Scag warranty applies only to the original registered owner of a new mower. This warranty is non-transferable.
The hour meter on your machine is completely automatic. It will begin to flash a reminder 2 hours before scheduled service is required and will continue for 4 hours. After this 4 hours has passed, the meter will reset itself until 2 hours before the next scheduled service. An example of this would be for the first engine-oil change. This service is required after the first 20 hours of operation. The hour meter will begin to flash “CHG OIL” at 18 hours and will stop flashing at 22 hours.
Keep in mind that this message does not indicate a problem with the engine. It is simply a preprogrammed reminder of recommended service intervals.
Machine life is dependent upon maintenance, operating conditions, ambient temperatures, hours of operation, etc. It is very difficult if not impossible to put an exact figure on it. We have heard from customers that have some of the original mowers we ever sold with well over 10,000 hours on them and are 25+ years old. We have also seen machines that were terribly abused and looked like they were 25 years old after only two or three years. The Scag product is by far the most reliable, best-built mower you can buy. As with any high-end product, if you take care of it and use it as intended, it will provide outstanding performance and reliability for many, many years.
The main enemy of any hydraulic system is heat. By properly sizing the hydraulic oil reservoir, efficient hose routing, and the use of oil coolers and fans where needed, Scag drive systems have been designed to have normal operating temperatures well within the safe range of the hydraulic components using “standard” oil. Using larger oil tanks, oil coolers and fans (where needed) does add additional cost to the manufacturing process, however, we feel that this extra attention to performance, longevity and value is one of the many reasons people decide to “step up” to a Scag mower.
The “requirement” to use synthetic oil in a mower is generally the result of producing a machine with a hydro system that has an operating temperature that can exceed the temperature range of the hydraulic components. These systems usually have very small oil reservoirs located in an area without sufficient airflow (due to limited space on the mower) and do not use oil coolers or fans. This is a less expensive way to manufacture mowers, however, the extra cost of the synthetic oil (synthetic oil is normally four to five times the cost of standard oil) is a burden that you, the customer, will have to pay.
Occasionally customers inquire about switching the hydro oil in their new Scag to synthetic. While there is nothing in the drive system that could be damaged from its use, as outlined above, it is certainly not necessary. We do suggest that they wait until after the initial break-in period before making the switch, if desired.
Please reference your operator’s manual for the correct weight and type of oil that should be used in your hydraulic system.
Touch-up paint in aerosol form can be purchased from your Scag dealer, either P/N 48008 or P/N 48521. For touch-up of Scag machines prior to 1989, use the 48008. It is slightly lighter in color. For touch-up of Scag machines manufactured in 1989 or later, use the 48521. It is slightly darker and indicates that the machine was painted with the stronger powder paint.
Touch-up paint is also available in a Premium Color Match 0.6 fl. oz. bottle that comes with a brush built into the cap for instant finish repair. The brush allows paint to be touched up in small/tight areas or scratches where aerosol spray cans are not a good option. Order part number 484540 through your local Scag dealer. Bulk paint is currently not available.
You may click here to download a copy of your Scag owner’s manual using your mower’s complete model and serial numbers. You may also contact your Scag dealer or click here to contact us in order to obtain a paper copy of the manual.
Most Scag owner’s manuals also contain an illustrated parts list. Please contact your Scag dealer for assistance in determining and ordering the correct parts.
Scag does not offer separate technical service manuals. Your Scag owner’s manual contains a wealth of information regarding the maintenance and adjustment of your Scag mower. If you need more in-depth service than is covered in your owner’s manual, please contact your Scag dealer. They have the factory training, tools and experience to help you keep your mower running at peak performance.
There is a threaded plug in the casters to prevent over-greasing. The hole is threaded so a grease fitting can be installed when needed. Grease fittings were installed in 1997/98 when the Turf Tiger™ was released and the tendency was a lot of over-greasing of the bearing set and popping the caps off. The bearing set that is in the pivot is a matched, tapered roller bearing set just like the cutter spindles. Due to the application (limited rotation), the bearing set in the pivot only needs to be greased once a year or every 500 hours (whichever comes first) so the grease fitting was removed and replaced with the plug. This helps prevent over-greasing the pivot, popping the cap off or damaging the seal. Furthermore, if the cap is popped off due to over-greasing and not reinstalled, the pivot tube now becomes a rain gauge exposing the bearings to contamination (water, debris, etc.).
Simply adding a relief fitting to the pivot tube would not work as the grease (as with water, electricity, air, etc.) will follow the path of least resistance and would simply go in the grease fitting and directly out of the relief valve. The grease would never reach the top or bottom bearing sets.
Mower Operation
Due to the wide variety of turf conditions (loose, hard-packed, wet, dry, loamy, etc.), we recommend first trying to back up the incline in question with the cutter deck down. If you are able to back up the incline without tire spin, you should be able to proceed in mowing it, with caution of course. If at all in doubt of a particular incline, it is best to not attempt to mow it. Caution must be used when traveling on slopes, especially when the grass is wet. Do not mow on wet grass. Wet grass reduces traction and steering control.
Under no circumstances should the machine be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees (20 degrees for V-Ride™ II). Cut these slopes with a walk-behind mower or hand-held trimmer. If obstructions, walls or drop-offs prevent you from reaching the bottom of the slope to attempt to try the back-up test, stay off of the slope with the riding mower. Do not operate close to drop-offs or along the banks of ponds. For more information regarding the safe and proper operation of your Scag mower, please click here.
Experienced operators of zero-turn riding mowers can often perform the zero-turn maneuver without causing turf damage. However, while zero-turn mowers can turn on a dime (or in very tight circles), it may not always be the best practice to do so on grass. Even tight turns have the potential to cause turf damage in some situations and conditions. The best way we have found to prevent and/or greatly minimize turf damage is to use 3-point/Y-turns at the end of a mowing row rather than zero-turns to change direction. It is still a fast maneuver and will reduce the potential of turf damage greatly.
- At end of the mowing path, turn toward the next mowing path.
- Reverse while turning slightly in the opposite direction to align the mower with the next mowing row.
- Proceed into the next mowing path.
On “tight” turns, pay special attention to the inside drive wheel. This wheel will naturally spin slower than the outside drive wheel. It is important to keep the inside wheel turning at all times. If the turn is made to cause the inside wheel to stop turning, this is when turf damage can occur.
We have found that by using both of these methods, turf damage is all but a thing of the past. Over a short period of time, it becomes second nature and overall productivity can be increased.
Visit the Contact Us page to request a copy of the "Tips for Safe Operation of Your Scag Zero-Turn Mower" DVD. This DVD contains both English- and Spanish-language options.
Sales, Marketing, Etc.
Click here to view Scag product and history videos. These video clips contain highlights of each Scag mower model, as well as information about the history of Scag Power Equipment.
Take a moment to review the Scag zero-turn-rider comparison chart. If you have further questions about each model, visit your local Scag dealer to see each model for yourself.
Also be sure to inquire about setting up a field demonstration. This is the best way to determine exactly which Scag mower is right for you!
One important consideration is mower-deck size. Bigger is not always better. If you are currently using a 61″ deck on a slower, less productive mower, a smaller deck on a Scag may still be able to save you incredible amounts of mowing time. Mowers with smaller decks can actually be more productive than larger units if you have a lot of trees and other obstacles on your property. Again, we recommend talking to your Scag dealer to set up a demonstration to determine which model is best for you.
No. We do not sell new or used Scag mowers, Scag parts or Scag accessories directly from the factory. All Scag products must be purchased through an authorized Scag dealer. Your local Scag dealer is able to provide you with great service and parts availability which is crucial with piece of commercial-grade equipment. The dealer is also equipped with trained technicians to get your mower fixed correctly and in a timely fashion. Click here to find the Scag dealers nearest you.
Please contact your local Scag dealer for the most accurate pricing and availability information for all Scag products, parts and accessories. We do not sell product from the factory and therefore are unable to quote prices.
Due to the quality construction and the heavy-duty components we use in our products, Scag mowers retain a higher-than-normal resale value. Used equipment values are greatly dependent upon the region you are in and the condition of the specific mower. Therefore, Scag is not able to provide value or pricing information. We suggest that you contact your local Scag dealer to inquire about average values for similar used Scag mower models in your area.
For information about becoming an authorized Scag Power Equipment dealer, please click here to contact us with your request.
While we greatly appreciate the loyalty and support of our customers, only authorized Scag dealers and distributors are granted official permission to use corporate-owned images, logos, etc. See the Terms and Conditions page for more information.
Click here to view all the newest Scag logo items, including shirts, hats, jackets, pens, travel mugs and more. Order any of these great-looking, high-quality Scag items right online and have them shipped to your door. (These items are not directly available through Scag and are not stocked at the factory. All orders must be placed through the ScagShop.com website.)
You might also check with your local Scag dealer to inquire about any unique items they might have available.
