Export thread

Looking at a new Scag 48" Liberty Z

#1

7394

7394

Thinking of upgrading to a Scag 48" Liberty Z. Has the Kawasaki engine & HG 2800 pumps.
And the 5 year warranty.

Love my Toro. But maybe time for a slightly bigger machine. Not a need, more of a want.

Appreciate any input.


#2

B

Bludevll

I bought a 52” liberty a in March and love it. It gives the best cut out of a mower that I’ve ever used. You won’t regret it.


#3

7394

7394

Good to hear, Thanks, I have only mowed once with my 48" LZ, but it really feels great & the cut is so sharp.
I am already wondering why I didn't get one sooner.

Mind you, I took the time to properly inflate the tires & precisely adjust the deck to match the cut height settings, so I am cutting (with my body weight aboard), exactly what I chose to cut at. Cause with out the operator on board, the settings will be a bit higher, more or less depending on ones weight. But that is my OCD kicking in.. LOL


#4

bkeller500

bkeller500

7394 said:
Good to hear, Thanks, I have only mowed once with my 48" LZ, but it really feels great & the cut is so sharp.
I am already wondering why I didn't get one sooner.

Mind you, I took the time to properly inflate the tires & precisely adjust the deck to match the cut height settings, so I am cutting (with my body weight aboard), exactly what I chose to cut at. Cause with out the operator on board, the settings will be a bit higher, more or less depending on ones weight. But that is my OCD kicking in.. LOL
Click to expand...
Do you still love your SCAG Liberty? What don't you like about it? I am getting ready to pull the trigger.


#5

B

Bludevll

Totally love it!!! I wish my yard was a little bigger so I could stay on it a little longer.


#6

7394

7394

I love it, mowed last night with it. The finish cut grass is as smooth as a cue-ball.

And a couple hours after mowing even the tire marks are gone. Love those fat tires F & R.


#7

7394

7394

Did I mention the 5 year warranty.. Gotta love that. Engine is covered for the usual 3 years tho.


#8

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

you never did send me a picture of you riding both of those Z's roman style..... LOL.
1627696076313.png :LOL: :LOL:


#9

bkeller500

bkeller500

How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z? Can you pull a 40" lawn aerator ( plugger)? If I purchased a Scag Liberty Z I would have to figure out something differently to toss fertilizer ( currently use a Agra-Fab pull spreader behind my tractor). I want to sell my tractor and just have the Scag Liberty Z


#10

S

slomo

bkeller500 said:
How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z
Click to expand...
Depends on the grass type you have. Can't stripe most grasses.


#11

S

slomo

bkeller500 said:
How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z? Can you pull a 40" lawn aerator ( plugger)? If I purchased a Scag Liberty Z I would have to figure out something differently to toss fertilizer ( currently use a Agra-Fab pull spreader behind my tractor). I want to sell my tractor and just have the Scag Liberty Z
Click to expand...
0-turns are not the all around tractor like or Snapper 33" rear engine rider type do it all tools. Guess you could weld some steel plate to a 0-turn and build what you want? Course the liability issue comes to mind.


#12

M

MParr

bkeller500 said:
How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z? Can you pull a 40" lawn aerator ( plugger)? If I purchased a Scag Liberty Z I would have to figure out something differently to toss fertilizer ( currently use a Agra-Fab pull spreader behind my tractor). I want to sell my tractor and just have the Scag Liberty Z
Click to expand...
I don’t see the big deal with striping. A good uniform cut is all that’s needed.
You may want to keep your tractor for pulling the aerator and spreader.
I use my Kawasaki Mule to do the heavier work.


#13

7394

7394

Scrubcadet10 said:
you never did send me a picture of you riding both of those Z's roman style..... LOL.
View attachment 57722 :LOL: :LOL:
Click to expand...
Scrub- Sorry man, this is close as I can get.. The Toro now lives in GA.
f6261.jpg


#14

7394

7394

bkeller500 said:
How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z? Can you pull a 40" lawn aerator ( plugger)? If I purchased a Scag Liberty Z I would have to figure out something differently to toss fertilizer ( currently use a Agra-Fab pull spreader behind my tractor). I want to sell my tractor and just have the Scag Liberty Z
Click to expand...
I don't really bother to stripe, I have too many trees & shrubs. But I did keep my tow hitch from my Toro & put it on my Liberty.

Book says the Liberty can pull I believe 350 lbs. I have an aerator, I used to pull with the Toro, so I know the Liberty will pull it.


#15

bkeller500

bkeller500

7394 said:
I don't really bother to stripe, I have too many trees & shrubs. But I did keep my tow hitch from my Toro & put it on my Liberty.

Book says the Liberty can pull I believe 350 lbs. I have an aerator, I used to pull with the Toro, so I know the Liberty will pull it.
Click to expand...
thank you for your reply.


#16

7394

7394

It's all good.


#17

F

Freedom1955

7394 said:
Good to hear, Thanks, I have only mowed once with my 48" LZ, but it really feels great & the cut is so sharp.
I am already wondering why I didn't get one sooner.

Mind you, I took the time to properly inflate the tires & precisely adjust the deck to match the cut height settings, so I am cutting (with my body weight aboard), exactly what I chose to cut at. Cause with out the operator on board, the settings will be a bit higher, more or less depending on ones weight. But that is my OCD kicking in.. LOL
Click to expand...
When you adjusted the deck is it level front to back or front lower then back of deck?


#18

7394

7394

Freedom1955 said:
When you adjusted the deck is it level front to back or front lower then back of deck?
Click to expand...
The Book calls for the 48" to be level F to B, But I added a pinch (1/16") higher in rear. It cuts beautifully, I now have a whopping 5 hours on it
Getting closer to the 'early 8 hour' oil change. I just cut today, so nice.

Rear tires run @ 8 Psi which gives a cushy ride. Fronts take 25 Psi.


#19

F

Freedom1955

I had mine level and was leaving stragglers. I lowered the front of the deck so it's 1/4" lower than back. Leaving less stragglers now. I have the Hurricane mulch kit installed.


#20

7394

7394

Are your blades sharp, mine cuts beautifully. But NO mulch kit.


#21

F

Freedom1955

It cuts great without the mulch kit. Dont get me wrong it cuts very well with the mulch kit but it does leave some stragglers.


#22

7394

7394

That would drive me crazy.


#23

Ida-Boy

Ida-Boy

Gonna look at a Z today. I am curious on how the ride is. My old bones can't take much bouncing. Mowing just under 2 acres, I thing a Z with 52" is a good fit. I also have a 500' driveway to edge.


#24

M

MParr

Ida-Boy said:
Gonna look at a Z today. I am curious on how the ride is. My old bones can't take much bouncing. Mowing just under 2 acres, I thing a Z with 52" is a good fit. I also have a 500' driveway to edge.
Click to expand...
See if a suspension seat is an option. Some mower companies list them as an option.


#25

Ida-Boy

Ida-Boy

MParr said:
See if a suspension seat is an option. Some mower companies list them as an option.
Click to expand...
I found one with a Kawi and they offered to upgrade the seat for free. $5710.91 tax out the door.
I do like the Deere Z530M & Z530R but no Kawis in the store at this time.
Tuff decision.


#26

7394

7394

Don't shop mowers @ home Depot..


#27

7394

7394

PS: Toro has the "My Ride®" Floating whole floor & seat.


#28

M

MParr

7394 said:
Don't shop mowers @ home Depot..
Click to expand...
Or Lowe’s! Or Tractor Supply!


#29

B

BTBO

7394 said:
Thinking of upgrading to a Scag 48" Liberty Z. Has the Kawasaki engine & HG 2800 pumps.
And the 5 year warranty.

Love my Toro. But maybe time for a slightly bigger machine. Not a need, more of a want.

Appreciate any input.
Click to expand...
7394 said:
Thinking of upgrading to a Scag 48" Liberty Z. Has the Kawasaki engine & HG 2800 pumps.
And the 5 year warranty.

Love my Toro. But maybe time for a slightly bigger machine. Not a need, more of a want.

Appreciate any input.
Click to expand...
I bought my LZ 48 in August '19. <74 hours. I plan on draining the hydros, refilling with Amsoil Synthetic. Change
7394 said:
Thinking of upgrading to a Scag 48" Liberty Z. Has the Kawasaki engine & HG 2800 pumps.
And the 5 year warranty.

Love my Toro. But maybe time for a slightly bigger machine. Not a need, more of a want.

Appreciate any input.
Click to expand...
I have the LZ 48 Kawasaki powered. Bought it Aug '19, has <74 hours. Changed oil and filter at the start of each season, as well as greased the zerks. Check components for visible signs of wear. I use Stabil, Yamaha Ring Free and Seafoam. At least once a month during the offseason, I'll crank her up and take a spin down to the lower 40. To this point, my only complaint is paying the higher price for non-ethanol fuel.


#30

7394

7394

Thanks for your input, I'm really liking my LZ 48, I got in May 20 / 2021, the cut quality is superb !! only 13.5 hours at end of my mow season, & all I have ever used was 100% gas..So I just bite the bullet on that. And add a few ozs. of seafoam for last tank of gas..

You're opposite of my practices, I do my oil & filter /service at end of the season. And let her sleep.

But plan to service the hydros early about 50 hours.

Now since mine is all cleaned up, I have given it 1st Paste Wax job. & Armor-all'd the tires. But that's me.


#31

B

BTBO

bkeller500 said:
How is the lawn striping on the Liberty Z? Can you pull a 40" lawn aerator ( plugger)? If I purchased a Scag Liberty Z I would have to figure out something differently to toss fertilizer ( currently use a Agra-Fab pull spreader behind my tractor). I want to sell my tractor and just have the Scag Liberty Z
Click to expand...
I have a LZ 48, set the deck to 4" cutting St. Augustine. I does stripe, but isn't as pronounced vs. other grass types. I've seen videos on DIY weights attached to the mower rear that aid with the striping.


#32

B

BTBO

7394 said:
Thanks for your input, I'm really liking my LZ 48, I got in May 20 / 2021, the cut quality is superb !! only 13.5 hours at end of my mow season, & all I have ever used was 100% gas..So I just bite the bullet on that. And add a few ozs. of seafoam for last tank of gas..

You're opposite of my practices, I do my oil & filter /service at end of the season. And let her sleep.

But plan to service the hydros early about 50 hours.

Now since mine is all cleaned up, I have given it 1st Paste Wax job. & Armor-all'd the tires. But that'
Click to expand...


#33

7394

7394

BTBO said:
I have a LZ 48, set the deck to 4" cutting St. Augustine. I does stripe, but isn't as pronounced vs. other grass types. I've seen videos on DIY weights attached to the mower rear that aid with the striping.
Click to expand...
I never was into the striping thing, we have so many trees & shrubs..

Have you checked the blade tip height, compared to the selected pin height. They are not accurate. I set mine to be spot on with my body weight aboard, for most accuracy.


#34

7394

7394

LZ.png


#35

Ida-Boy

Ida-Boy

I sealed the deal on a new Liberty Z w/52" deck and the kawi. For the first time in many many years I am excited and can't wait to cut grass with it. Call me crazy but it hasn't been delivered yet and I am already going to order the rear hitch and looking for something to lay down on the foot rest like a rubber mat or something. I went with the upgraded seat and did notice that the control levers seemed a bit close to my lap. Hope there are adjustments for that.


#36

bkeller500

bkeller500

Congratulations on your purchase of the Liberty Z. It looks like a beast ( good choice). I took a good look at one last summer and almost pulled the trigger. I'm sure it will serve you well.


#37

7394

7394

Ida-Boy said:
I sealed the deal on a new Liberty Z w/52" deck and the kawi. For the first time in many many years I am excited and can't wait to cut grass with it. Call me crazy but it hasn't been delivered yet and I am already going to order the rear hitch and looking for something to lay down on the foot rest like a rubber mat or something. I went with the upgraded seat and did notice that the control levers seemed a bit close to my lap. Hope there are adjustments for that.
Click to expand...
CONGRATS on the new Liberty, you will love it. Mine is a 2021 w/Kaw & 48".

I bought an outside rubber door mat cheap from (home depot) & cut to fit the entire floor board, works great. Here's a couple shots of mine in back. The "Before & After".

Attachments







#38

Ida-Boy

Ida-Boy

7394 said:
CONGRATS on the new Liberty, you will love it. Mine is a 2021 w/Kaw & 48".

I bought an outside rubber door mat cheap from (home depot) & cut to fit the entire floor board, works great. Here's a couple shots of mine in back. The "Before & After".
Click to expand...
Now that looks "Tits" as they would say in the 50's. The dealer was kind enough to keep it until I can make room. Here in northwest Ohio we have lots of snow on the ground.


#39

7394

7394

Thanks, Appreciate it.. Good idea to keep it at the Dealer till the snow & winter goes.. I have friends up that way & snow indeed..


#40

L

ledhead10

7394 said:
Thinking of upgrading to a Scag 48" Liberty Z. Has the Kawasaki engine & HG 2800 pumps.
And the 5 year warranty.

Love my Toro. But maybe time for a slightly bigger machine. Not a need, more of a want.

Appreciate any input.
Click to expand...
I'm looking to pull the trigger on the 48 Liberty Z w KW engine, as it checks a lot of the boxes other models haven't; however, I noticed the transmission listed for this model on their website, was a Tuff Torq TZ 450, which is odd because every other size in this model has the Hydro gear ZT 2800.

I couldn't find much infromation online about them, but after a considerabel amount of digging, I found information from the manufacturers acknowledging that this was a "sealed" transmission system, which was quite a bummer. Are you sure yours has the ZT 2800? It's possible that this change could've been made between the time you bought your mower and now?

The one I looked at today has the KW engine, which the salesman said scags will be replacing with their own engine soon (sounded like a KW engine supply problem). My point being, I guess it's possible that since this model has the "discontinued" engine in it (they don't even have the 48" KW listed on the scag website) it might also have a different trans system than what they have updated on their website?

Coming from a newbie, how might I be able to tell if the transmission is serviceable? When I asked the salesman he said it was because he saw a replaceable filter, but the Tuff Torq website acknowledges that this system has a replaceable filter but they still label it as a "sealed" unit! My heads hurting from all the confusing possibilities, but any insight would be greatly appreciated!


#41

7394

7394

ledhead10 said:
I'm looking to pull the trigger on the 48 Liberty Z w KW engine, as it checks a lot of the boxes other models haven't; however, I noticed the transmission listed for this model on their website, was a Tuff Torq TZ 450, which is odd because every other size in this model has the Hydro gear ZT 2800.

I couldn't find much infromation online about them, but after a considerabel amount of digging, I found information from the manufacturers acknowledging that this was a "sealed" transmission system, which was quite a bummer. Are you sure yours has the ZT 2800? It's possible that this change could've been made between the time you bought your mower and now?

The one I looked at today has the KW engine, which the salesman said scags will be replacing with their own engine soon (sounded like a KW engine supply problem). My point being, I guess it's possible that since this model has the "discontinued" engine in it (they don't even have the 48" KW listed on the scag website) it might also have a different trans system than what they have updated on their website?

Coming from a newbie, how might I be able to tell if the transmission is serviceable? When I asked the salesman he said it was because he saw a replaceable filter, but the Tuff Torq website acknowledges that this system has a replaceable filter but they still label it as a "sealed" unit! My heads hurting from all the confusing possibilities, but any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
All the info needed is on the Scag Mower site, look at the specs. Mine is a 48" (2021) last year that has a KAW, & 2800 hydros. If you crawl under the back & look at the hydros' there will be a decal on both listing What they are.. Mine are the 2800, totally servicable.

For 2022 the Liberty 48" has made changes, see here: https://www.scag.com/product/zero-turn-riding-mowers/liberty-z/

PS What is a KW engine ?

I see they went to Briggs & their own brand engine., I'm one for getting something with good history. But that's me.


#42

L

ledhead10

Yeah, I just realized that last years model had the 2800 hydros after browsing thru a few different owners manuals on their website, so it all makes sense now. I also discovered that the new Tuff Torq 450 hydros are also serviceable despite some contridicting evidence I saw earlier. It lays out the procedures in the manual.


#43

M

MParr

ledhead10 said:
Yeah, I just realized that last years model had the 2800 hydros after browsing thru a few different owners manuals on their website, so it all makes sense now. I also discovered that the new Tuff Torq 450 hydros are also serviceable despite some contridicting evidence I saw earlier. It lays out the procedures in the manual.
Click to expand...
Looking on Scag’s website, I’m not seeing a Liberty Z 48 with a Kawasaki engine. I see a Kohler 7000 series engine and a SCAG SR series (Loncin) engine.

ZER0-TURN

The TZ-450 is a zero-turn, Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxle (IHT) with changeable filter, for professional, residential, and “pro-sumer” zero-turn vehicles.
www.tufftorq.com www.tufftorq.com


#44

7394

7394

ledhead10 said:
Yeah, I just realized that last years model had the 2800 hydros after browsing thru a few different owners manuals on their website, so it all makes sense now. I also discovered that the new Tuff Torq 450 hydros are also serviceable despite some contridicting evidence I saw earlier. It lays out the procedures in the manual.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's it. The 2800's have been out for quite a while. Cool about the TT 450's. They look servicable, I see a fill cap on top,. Let us know how they do after a while.. Curious..


#45

7394

7394

MParr said:
Looking on Scag’s website, I’m not seeing a Liberty Z 48 with a Kawasaki engine. I see a Kohler 7000 series engine and a SCAG SR series (Loncin) engine.

ZER0-TURN

The TZ-450 is a zero-turn, Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxle (IHT) with changeable filter, for professional, residential, and “pro-sumer” zero-turn vehicles.
www.tufftorq.com www.tufftorq.com
Click to expand...
MParr- No not in 48", last year was last for the 48 Liberty to have a Kaw. I'm glad I snagged mine when I did in May 2021.. Fresh out the crate..
Mine only has 14.1 hours on it since I bought it last year. But I still had my Toro for a while after I bought my Liberty 48"....

I'm thinking Kaw may be having trouble keeping up with demand.. But I'm surprised Scag using the Loncin engines.. But reports I've heard about those engines is they are doing ok..


#46

B

bertsmobile1

7394 said:
MParr- No not in 48", last year was last for the 48 Liberty to have a Kaw. I'm glad I snagged mine when I did in May 2021.. Fresh out the crate..
Mine only has 14.1 hours on it since I bought it last year. But I still had my Toro for a while after I bought my Liberty 48"....

I'm thinking Kaw may be having trouble keeping up with demand.. But I'm surprised Scag using the Loncin engines.. But reports I've heard about those engines is they are doing ok..
Click to expand...
You should not be surprised as the Loncin Engine is 1/3 the cost price of the B&S engine so would be 1/4 the price of the Kawakasi engine
This allows Scag to increase their profit margin while maintaining last years ticket price
Then because Loncin engine parts are not readily available more trade through the dealership for parts sales
So B & S engines for the flag waving patriots and Loncins for the cheapskates .
Kawakasi will be in trouble in a very short time.
They fell into the trap that Honda avoided trying to supply the premium grade mower engine to the factories at an unsustainably low price so they have been cutting corners and it shows with the quality of the engines
If they did not spend too much money on tooling up them they may have recouped the costs and made some inroads but it was always going to be short lived.
While China retains control of their currency they can keep it artifically low to the point that nothing on the planet can be made cheaper than in China
Because the companies are all multinational , none of the boards give a tinkers cures about any country, just about maximumizing profits so they will happily sell the USA ( or any other country ) down the drain in order to return that extra 0.01% dividend .
Real wealth is only created by making, growing & inventing .
Everything else just shifts money from one pocket to another
Australia is supposed to be in the top 10 rich countries
We have a BS unemployment figure of 3.5%
The real unemployment / underemployment figure is around 18%
The numbers for the USA are some what similar but unemployment is not as big an economic problem for the USA as your benefits are substantially lower than any other first world country on the planet .
However it does get reflected in crime figures because everyone has to eat so if their job at Amazon does not pay enough to buy food & put a roof over their heads they will get money from some where else


#47

Ida-Boy

Ida-Boy

When I dropped off the check for my Liberty Z the dealer told me they are having trouble getting the Kawi engines due to the shortage of darn near everything.


#48

B

bertsmobile1

And the war in the Ukrane will make things even worse as a lot of electronic parts came from Ukranian factories and a lot of rarish metals are mined in the Donbas region which is why Putin wants to gain control over it .


Footer Links 1

Top