Scag TT 72'' Engines....

[pblc]

Looking at picking up a couple new Scag 72s this fall. What is everyone running on these mowers? We have the 31 Kohler LC EFI and like those. But I didn't see that as an option for the 72s on the website. Only a 29 Kawi LC DFI, a 29 Kohler FI, the Cat, and a big block Briggs.

What about the diesels? Any savings on fuel or is the intial cost too much to ever catch up?

We are running Exmarks now with 34hp Kawis - they drink the fuel and we are looking for better efficiency.

Thanks.

[JimQ]

It's hard to believe that the Kawi FD791-DFI (745cc, 26hp) or the Kohler ECH749 (747cc, 29hp) would have enough "giddyup" to spin 16cc pumps and a 72" deck. I'm not sure how much fuel savings the fuel injection would net when the engine is always at peak output.

Diesel - I've always believed that by the time the fuel savings pays for the additional upfront cost, the rest of the machine has worn out around the engine. Even worse, something goes wrong and you have to replace the engine.... ouch.

Now, the Briggs. That's an engine. 993cc. TONS of power. Not bad on fuel considering what it's capable of. In my opinion, the Big Blocks are the most underrated engines in the industry. They're like Rodney Dangerfield, they get no respect! In fact, I would say it's the best engine out there at the moment.

Q

[pblc]

What about some other thoughts..... Surely there are lcos running these 72s.....
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[TNGrassCutter]

I agree with Jim. I don't have a 72 but I have a 60 super z with a 35 HP Kawasaki and I wouldn't want a 26 or a 29 on it, wouldn't be enough. I also agree that with diesels your whole mower will be worn out before the motor so you'll have to buy a new one anyways or dump a bunch of money to keep fixing it. I would go with the vanguard. P.s. Caterpillar stuff is way expensive to fix around here...
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[LLandscaping]

I have a turf tiger 61" with 29 kaw DFI. I would want more power on a 72" unless your mowing weekly.

[StrokerTurbo7.3]

Originally Posted by LLandscaping

I have a turf tiger 61" with 29 kaw DFI. I would want more power on a 72" unless your mowing weekly.

How do you like the DFI for weekly mowing? I'm leaning towards that exact deck/engine combo.
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[puppypaws]

Originally Posted by TNGrassCutter

I agree with Jim. I don't have a 72 but I have a 60 super z with a 35 HP Kawasaki and I wouldn't want a 26 or a 29 on it, wouldn't be enough. I also agree that with diesels your whole mower will be worn out before the motor so you'll have to buy a new one anyways or dump a bunch of money to keep fixing it. I would go with the vanguard. P.s. Caterpillar stuff is way expensive to fix around here...
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I agree with Jim's statement as well, and have made the statement many times over the last 3 yrs.; I believe the big block Vanguards to be the best carbeutor engine in the mower market. I will throw something else in as well, the Generac is right with it power wise, they just can't get a foot hold in the mower market.

I am running the FX1000V, the same as you but on a 72" deck Super Z. I would think the 35 hp Kawi would handle most anything on a 60" deck, but I can make her talk back when adding the extra foot of deck. I wish Hustler would have given me the FX1000V-DFI option, that is definitely the way I would've gone...More power with much better fuel economy.

[RMRDallas]

I asked my dealer which he prefers between the Kawasaki and Vanguard and he said he likes both engines as far as power and durability but the Kawasaki seems to start so much easier because it does not build up as much compression. I haven't seen this before in the forums so not sure what to think of it.

[LLandscaping]

The 61" 29 does great weekly mowing. We cut some every 2 weeks and have to slow down in heavy growth.