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mach14604 · #1 02-28-2013, 10:24 PM

I am looking at upgrading my commercial walk-behind. I currently have a 36 SCAG with a 15hp Kaw. I would like to possible go Hydro drive as the SCAG is a belt drive. I think I want to stay with a 36inch cut because of gates. Should I stay with a SCAG if I do this or should I look to something else for a Walk-behind? I would like a floating deck but don't need it either. Any help would be appreciated OR direction to another thread with this question as I could not find one that helped me. The only one I have looked at is EXMARK but don't know how their Walk-behind compares to a SCAG. Thanks

sparcolawn · #2 03-01-2013, 05:37 AM

IMO scag and Exmark are the top two out there, I'm an exmark guy because I love the ECS so thats what I would recommend. But, if you are debating between the two, you'll be good either way.

Valk · #3 03-01-2013, 11:24 AM

...or keep your 36 as a gate-mower and get a wider-cut mower as well.

Staying w/in your brand will facilitate a lot when it comes to dealer support and/or a working knowledge when it comes time for repairs.

Wanting new or used?

crevinalandscapingllc · #4 03-01-2013, 05:49 PM

I love my bobcats to death! Scags are great mowers very well built but for the price difference I would go with bobcat!

ashgrove landscaping · #5 03-02-2013, 02:43 AM

Ferris is the best dont listen to anyone else they are stupid

mach14604 · #6 03-02-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valk

...or keep your 36 as a gate-mower and get a wider-cut mower as well.

Staying w/in your brand will facilitate a lot when it comes to dealer support and/or a working knowledge when it comes time for repairs.

Wanting new or used?

I have an Exmark ZTR and a Turf Tiger. I really have no need for a second walk behind. I thought about it and would rather take what money I get from the sale of the 36 SCAG and put it towards a hydro. I have too many gate houses and that 36 is the best cut. I would love to go to a 48 in for my bigger places but don't think its will happen because of gate issues

Armsden&Son · #7 03-02-2013, 08:06 PM

I don't know bud, I ran the Scag 36 advantage belt... pretty sure the same model as yours and I absolutely loved the machine.... Never had problems with the belts at all, cut great in the rain, fit behind gates... And it was bulletproof in terms of reliability... started on the 1st pull every time. Not sure if you have run hydros but I really don't see what all the hub bub is about... Everybody will say that it's easier on your hands.... Whose hands? A little girls hands? Because my hands are fine with the scag belt drive thank you very much... I say just keep it! Spend the $ on something else that you need...

ddixon7 · #8 03-03-2013, 12:52 AM

There is no comparison between a belt drive and a hydro mower. NONE. A belt drive is a budget feature and they are no way shape or form as efficient as a hydro unit period.

For a 36", I don't believe a floating deck is necessary, though they are easier to change heights on. If you want a floating deck Turf Tracer Exmark get ready to lay down somewhere around $6,000. That is a little steep for a 36" if you ask me, and that is why that size mower is the only one in my fleet that is not an Exmark.

How do Exmark and Scag walk-behinds compare? On that particular size mower I believe they are about the same. I wouldn't hesitate to run either one. On the bigger models, I would have to give it to Exmark on the walk-behinds.

brc1989 · #9 03-03-2013, 09:15 AM

Sounds like an Exmark Turf Tracer HP 36" would be perfect for you, hydro driven floating deck and comfortable ECS controls make it IMO the overall best walk behind.

mach14604 · #10 03-03-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddixon7

There is no comparison between a belt drive and a hydro mower. NONE. A belt drive is a budget feature and they are no way shape or form as efficient as a hydro unit period.

For a 36", I don't believe a floating deck is necessary, though they are easier to change heights on. If you want a floating deck Turf Tracer Exmark get ready to lay down somewhere around $6,000. That is a little steep for a 36" if you ask me, and that is why that size mower is the only one in my fleet that is not an Exmark.

I figured that was where I would be price wise and don't know if I like that. It is a lot to drop on a 36inch mower. This is also why I am looking to a hydro unit as I have been told by numerous people that once I use a hydro I will not want to go back.