Scag Mower

[tazman]

Going to look at a used Scag 3-wheeler mower. It is about 5 years old and 61". I think it is a STHM model. Has about 900 hours on it. The guy is asking $1000.00 OBO for it. I don't know much about this mower. Any feedback. Good mower, bad mower, how does it cut, worth it. The guy says it needs a tuneup and has a slow leak in the back tire. Also, what is the deal with the 3 wheel configuration. Any benefits to it? Thanks for any info.

[gorrell]

I've got one that's starting on it's 4th season with 1200 hours and I wouldn't take $1000 for mine. If you don't buy it, I will. Probably not as good a cut as an Exmark or Dixie, but close. You'll like the outfront deck for getting under trees, etc. Lynn

[Jerrys Lawn Service]

Tazman, buy that machine, sounds like a great deal.

Jerryslawnservice@home.com

[Chopper Lover]

From the few replies you have so far it sounds like a good deal you have found.

In general, I would just like to remind you to pay attention when you check the engine, tranny or hydraulic fluids... If they look VERY new you may want to be cautious. Look for metal shavings in the oil or severe grittiness. Those would be signs of serious engine issues.

Good Luck, Keep us posted!
Mark

[LScom Addict]

The only complaint that I can give you about these machines is that they have the tendancy to tear up the turf ALOT more than the other machines out there. I have seen crew's running them and they are probably the best bet for getting under Pine Tree's and Pin Oak's. I think if the machine were to at least last you the season that it would be money well spent.

[John DiMartino]

For 1000 bucks,you cant go wrong if it runs,and the deck,and hydro's are good.Id buy up before someone else does.

[Evan528]

You have to make a 3 point turn with them just like you do with a ztr and you wont tear up any grass. The 3 wheelers are actually gentler on turf. I have used this mower and i like it alot! for a 1000 bucks youd be dumb not to buy it! Juts make sure its not one of the first scag 2 wheelers wich are belt driven!

[Fantasy Lawns]

Sounds like a great deal .....if he's had service else where go talk to the mechanic or maybe you can take it to your's ...but with only 900 hrs in 5 years that's not much ....she should be OK ....

[lawnboy82]

from what i have heard from my guys the big companies buy those over the ztr's because they like the trimming capabilities. like they say though, take it to your dealer and have them look. otherwise just try it out. cant go wrong for 1000 dollars. check the engine and whatever. ya know. and once you do get it check the oil constantly. a good friend of mine bought a used bunton a couple of years back for like 850 and blew the honda engine on it within the first week. so just watch out for that stuff. oh yeah also with the 3 wheeler i hear you get better traction if you get stuck. all you have to do is like raise the deck and it transfers weight or something.

[awm]

Ihave to say that price brings up red flags.
Shake spindles look for w or b smoke.
See if he will let you mow about an hr at his place.
WATCH CLOSELY FOR ANYTHING AS IT GETS HOT.
good luck you may have a super deal.

[tazman]

Just an update.

I am going to look at tomorrow afternoon. He said the school district was the previous owner. He bought it just for a backup mower. I am thinking if a school district had it, they would have serviced it on a regular maintenance schedule. Will see. He has it sitting under tarp right know. He did say the outer blades cut shorter then the middle one. I'm thinking that it is a spacer thing.

[John DiMartino]

Bent blae=des and/or spindles will make it cut lower too.If the school system owned it,if its anything like ours-it was neglected,and abused.But for 1000-if it needs all new spindles,and belts/blades,your still ok.

[Acute Cut]

When i first started mowing for $$ (For another company) they had scags. Two of the. One lazer type and one three wheeler. Turning quickly can toss you from the seat. you also get used to looking down and sometimes dont see stuff coming at your head. I saw my old boss get cloths lined off of one by a low hanging branch.

From experience i would say to not buy it. The scags we had were in the shop CONSTANTLY! In my opinion, they just arent as sturdy as some other models.

This could be like how my grandfather described his sailboat. A hole in the water you Toss money into.
You get the idea. (I hope)

[turfguy33]

I thought about buying a used one last season, and the main reason I didn't was because they are just too big, now I have alot of large and small lots, but you need to consider trailer space, not real sure, but I bet there at least 2 or 3 foot longer than a traditional ztr

[kutnkru]

We have one that we use for large area residentials. I think that you will find that the machine is well worth the investment.

As John mentioned before, that for that price you could replace the spindles, and have a great machine for minimal investments.

I like ours because we can cover some serious ground with the machine, but would not recommend them for high end customers, because if your not careful you will have the perverbial divots from turning the machine to tight.

These machines are great for trimming into tight spots, under trees because the 3 wheel design keeps the rider away from the branches, and they do okay on banked areas as well to a point.

Good Luck this season!
Kris

[tazman]

UPDATE

Well I bought the SCAG for $1000.00 I drove it and ran it. Not to bad. Engine didn't smoke but backfired a little but he has not tuned it up in the 1 year since he has owned it. He only bought it for a backup and used it once. Needs new blades, battery and back tire. Belts seemed to be OK but I will probably replace them. The chair is missing the right arm so I will see if I can get a new arm or have to buy a whole new chair. Looking forward to see how it does on the 7 acre park we do. It takes us 6 man hours with a 36" WB and 42" riding mower currently. Looking to cut this time in half hopefully with just one person instead of two. Thanks for all the input and advice.

[AB Lawn Care]

WOW! You scored an awsome deal!

Many people don't like scag 3 wheelers becouse they are not zero turn.But they are quite good machines.They preform well on hills get under trees and are nice for propertys with fences.

To get more grip on hills,just crank the deck abit and put more pressure on the drive wheels.

And for more trailer space,get off the machine and turn the deck crank or hydralic lift and the seat and real wheels will lift up in the air.You then can place a deck of an other machine under the seat.

Hope it works well for you!

[Acute Cut]

AB:
Not sure if i really understand what you said, but if i did then i would be definatly concerned about safety. It doesnt sound like it would be safe to do that for driving.
Just my opinion though.

[AB Lawn Care]

Are you talking about lifting the deck for hills????

I'm sorry I was was not very clear about that.

On the 3 wheeler scags there are either a hand winch or electric piston(actuated lifter).When you crank/start the lift it will lift the deck.I was not suggesting that you go around with your deck raised in the air.You can slowly turn the crank and take weight off the deck and transfer the weight to the drive wheels.You do not need to lift the deck to get the results.You jsut have to take as much weight off the deck as possible.

Sorry if I made it sound like you should lift the deck off the ground :)