When it comes to zero-turn mowers, Scag and Gravely are two giants competing at the top for the title of best lawn mower.
Each manufacturer has different models and features that can make it hard to decide which one has the better mowers.
Luckily, we’ve taken the time to analyze each brand’s most popular models and have figured out which one may be the best choice for you.
Main Features Of Scag’s Zero Turn Mowers
Scag has a large lineup of zero-turn mowers with plenty of great features. If you’re in the market for a zero-turn mower, Scag is definitely a great option, and here are their best models.
Scag Liberty Z
First on our list of Scag zero-turn mowers is the Scag Liberty.
The Scag Liberty Z comes in many different sizes, ensuring theirs is a particular model for all your needs.
These lawn mowers are great for homeowners with large properties. They come with Scag’s 5-year warranty ensuring that your investment will be protected.
They also come with Scag’s comfortable high back seat with armrests. Comfort is important to consider when you’ll be sitting in this thing for hours over the course of its lifetime.
Scag Turf Tiger II
Scag’s zero-turn mowers also make great commercial landscaping equipment. The Scag Turf Tiger II has a powerful engine that puts out 31hp-37hp depending on the model you select.
It also has large cutting deck sizes coming in at 52″, 61″, and 72″. With a liquid-cooled engine and suspension seat for better operator comfort, it can definitely handle anything you throw at it.
This model also features Scag’s 2-year unlimited operating hour warranty or 3-year limited operating hour warranty.
Scag Tiger Cat II
If you’re looking for a lawn mower that can handle more heavy-duty applications but isn’t as expensive or powerful as the Tiger, the Tiger Cat is the way to go.
With a slightly less powerful engine, but a way cheaper ticket price, the Tiger Cat II is preferred by homeowners with a large amount of acreage to cut or commercial business owners looking for a quality zero-turn mower.
It has a smaller deck size and a slightly smaller gas tank, but it is still better for larger tasks than the Scag Liberty. It even comes with a similar warranty like the Tiger too.
All-in-all, we like the engine options on this zero-turn and find that it fills a niche between “large commercial lawnmower” and “beginner zero-turn mower”.
Scag Freedom Z
The Scag Freedom Z is meant for homeowners with about 4-5 acres that they need to regularly cut. The 19hp Kawasaki engine on it is sure to make cutting a breeze.
The 48″ starting deck size on this mower makes it great for professionals at work or professionals at home.
The spindles have sealed bearings aluminum in make. Sealed bearings are easier for homeowners to maintain on zero-turn mowers.
Scag Cheetah II
The fastest mower in the Scag cat family, the Cheetah II can hit speeds of 16mph and the large 15-gallon fuel capacity can keep you cutting in the fields longer than other models.
It also has Scag’s Operator Suspension System making sure you won’t suffer from operator fatigue while you sit in the padded seat with spring padded arm rest.
When it comes to zero-turn engines, the Kawasaki 38hp EFI on this baby is sure to be powerful enough to handle all your needs.
Scag Patriot
The Scag Patriot is the last of the Scag zero-turn mowers we will talk about.
One of the first things to mention is the black and orange aesthetic Scag has going on with this mower. It definitely stands out and catches the eye.
But color schemes aren’t the most important part of lawnmowers. The Patriot has a few different engines available depending on which model you select.
We feel comfortable recommending any of the models, but we personally prefer the Kawasaki engine more.
Scag also manufactured this model with limited grease points so you won’t have to do as much maintenance compared to other zero-turn mowers.
The Patriot is a great middle point between beginner homeowner zero-turns and large, expensive commercial zero-turn mowers.
Main Features Of Gravely Mowers
Gravely zero-turn mowers are made from quality materials and can last you quite a long time if you take care of them and do the proper maintenance.
Gravely makes both residential use and commercial use lawn mowers. If you’re in the market for a new zero-turn mower, here are some models from Gravely that you should consider purchasing.
Gravely ZT Series
The Gravely ZT series are some of the most popular Gravely zero-turn mowers. Depending on the model you purchase, you can expect to cut 3.5-5 acres of land every hour.
The engines on these models will either be Kawasaki or Kohler engines and can be anywhere from 21hp to 26hp.
No matter which model you pick though, you’ll get the reliable Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 drive system.
Gravely Pro-Turn Z Series
One of the things we love about Gravely is their focus on user comfort on top of the performance and reliability of their machines.
The pro-turn series has suspension forks and seat isolation to give the user a smoother ride over any sort of terrain.
The Pro-Turn Z uses Gravely’s own engine, the 764 Pro with 26.5hp. You can opt to go with a 48″, 52″, or 60″ deck depending on how many acres you have to cut through.
If you own a commercial landscaping business, the Gravely Pro-Turn Z is a great option. It’s powerful, but not too expensive.
Gravely Compact Pro
Probably the best option for homeowners out of all the Gravely and Scag zero-turn mowers on this list is the Gravely Compact Pro.
The Compact Pro with a 34″ or 44″ deck size can nimbly maneuver around obstacles in a residential yard or drive through fence gates with ease.
It still has enough power to handle cutting lawns with 1 of 2 Kawasaki engines depending on which deck size you select.
Depending on your budget, it can be slightly pricey – but we think it’s well worth it for what you get.
Biggest Differences Between Gravely VS Scag Zero-Turn Mowers
Overall, there aren’t too many big differences between Scag and Gravely zero turns.
Probably the biggest differences are each company’s choices when it comes to zero-turn mower engines and other techs like suspension systems and steering.
Scag definitely has a wider selection of mowers available, meaning you may find something that fits your exact needs there, but Gravely still produces quality machines that you’re sure to be happy with.
Are Scag Mowers Good For A Commercial Mower?
Scag zero-turns are definitely able to handle the demands of a commercial landscaping business. Compared to other mowers, they’re comfortable, powerful, and reasonably priced.
Scag’s commercial zero-turn mower series models come with a great warranty.
Anything can happen with a new machine when you’re constantly operating it for a business. Knowing you can have it fixed under warranty definitely gives you peace of mind.
Are Gravely Mowers Good For A Commercial Mower?
Gravely mowers are also great for commercial businesses. Like Scag, their mowers have great deck sizes that make cutting acres of grass a breeze.
Their powerful engines also ensure you won’t get bogged down cutting taller height grass.
Gravely also uses seats with high-back vinyl plastic to ensure you’ll stay comfortable longer sitting in their suspension-supported operating chairs.
In the end, we are sure that commercial landscapers would be happy with either brand. Both brands have quality builds and powerful engines powering their zero-turn mowers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Who are Scag mowers made by?
Scag mowers are made by the company of the same name - Scag Power Equipment. They're owned by Metalcraft and have been in business since 1983.
Who builds Gravely engine?
Gravely engines are manufactured by the Gravely company themselves. Gravely has been in the business for over 100 years starting with their motor plow all the way back in 1916.
Some Gravely mower models feature engines from other reputable companies such as Kawasaki or Kohler.
