The Green Industry's Resource Center

amclimber · #1 08-19-2012, 08:38 AM

I'm looking at buying a 1997 SWZ48-14KA. It seems like it is in great shape, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this machine and could comment on reliability, cut quality, known problem areas etc. Thanks for any help you can give.

djagusch · #2 08-19-2012, 09:40 AM

The mower went with out major changes from the early 90's to current on hydro/frame design. A electric clutch in 95, current spindles in 95, 01 deck change, 06 deck change. The lack of changes would tell me they were made right.

Blade Runners · #3 08-19-2012, 10:56 AM

I'm not sure what deck Scag used back then but I can tell you the SWZ 36 I have with Advantage deck cuts great.

I would also agree with what djagusch said. Small tweaks in the design tells me they got the basic design correct years ago.

amclimber · #4 08-19-2012, 07:28 PM

Thanks djagusch. That's exactly the type of info I was looking for. It's amazing that they have had such a long run with such similar design. Any idea how many hours is realistic to get on these before you start having problems (assuming the machine has been maintained well)?

djagusch · #5 08-19-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amclimber

Thanks djagusch. That's exactly the type of info I was looking for. It's amazing that they have had such a long run with such similar design. Any idea how many hours is realistic to get on these before you start having problems (assuming the machine has been maintained well)?

You will get sick of the mower before it's unrepairable. For those models engines and hydro's are pretty cheap.