Exmark vs Scag Lawn Mowers: Which One is Better?
Both Exmark and Scag mowers have been in existence since the 1980s. They manufacture good and durable mowing machines that ensure remarkable mowing performance on lawns.
But which one is better? Read our Exmark vs Scag lawn mowers comparison article to find out.
In this article, we reveal the metrics and pros and cons of choosing either mower.
Exmark Brand Overview
Exmark became an independent manufacturer of professional turf care equipment in May 1982.
The company later became a division of the Toro Company in 1997, with its headquarters situated in Bloomington, Minn.
Their initial focus was to manufacture a line of turf rakes and mid-sized mowers but they later expanded their product line to stand-on and commercial zero-turn mowers.
Exmark introduced the Lazer Z model in 1995. It continued with the introduction of a new evolution of Lazer to enhance increased handling, improved traction and a smooth mowing experience.
In 2016, Exmark introduced a new invention of zero-turn riders named Radius to suit the mowing needs of acreage owners.
Exmark has continued to manufacture high-quality products that meet customers’ expectations.
Scag Brand Overview
Scag Power Equipment was founded in 1983. Originally, the products from Scag were produced under contract with Metalcraft of Mayville in Mayville, Wisconsin.
Metalcraft purchased Scag Power Equipment in 1986 and this marked the start of a tremendous period of growth for the American-based firm.
The company has become one of the biggest manufacturers of turf/debris management equipment, residential and commercial mowing equipment in the world.
Their lawn mowers and accessories are designed to be user-friendly, with an emphasis on long-life, profitability, high quality, superb performance and ease of maintenance.
Key Differences Between Exmark and Scag Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Exmark lawn mowers have a wider range of cutting decks (21-144 inches) while Scag gas mowers come with larger fuel tanks (1-15 gallons).
Best Exmark Lawn Mowers
1. Exmark Commercial 30 X-Series Walk-Behind Mower
The Exmark 30 X-Series model comes with a 30-inch cutting deck for optimum performance on lawns.
It can travel at variable speeds between 0 and 3.8 mph thanks to its powerful Kawasaki engine.
Its transmission delivers extra power while the positive drive design helps both drive wheels for increased traction in all conditions.
The walk-behind mower comes with a heavy-duty clutch transmission and self-tensioning belt drive for reliability in demanding commercial applications.
The mulch kit acts as an accessory to re-cut grass into small pieces to restore nutrients into the soil.
2. Exmark Commercial 21 X-Series Walk-Behind Mower
The walk-behind mower has a 21-inch cutting deck that can deliver superb cuts on lawns, whether you are mulching or bagging grass clippings.
Its easy on/off bag design enables homeowners to inspect how full the bag is while mowing. The wear strips enhance improved durability.
It has a single-point rear height adjustment which enables you to quickly change the cutting position from 1-4.5 inches to suit your needs.
The self-propelled mower runs on a Honda GXV160UH2 engine for a smooth lawn mowing operation.
3. Exmark Radius S-Series Zero-Turn Mower
The zero-turn mower is equipped with an adjustable Rollover Protection System (ROPS) to ensure improved safety.
It is powered by a Kawasaki FX651V engine to tackle tough mowing tasks.
The mowing machine has a 48/52/60-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
Its integrated transmissions offer excellent zero-turn maneuverability with a ground speed of up to 9 mph.
Its height of cut system ensures accurate selection of cutting heights while the heavy-duty unibody frame ensures increased stability.
The Radius S-Series zero-turn mower comes with a deluxe suspension seat with armrests to enhance comfortable mowing operations.
Other features include large caster tires, cup holder, tow hitch and engine hour meter.
4. Exmark Commercial S-Series Walk-Behind Mower
The walk-behind is powered by a Kawasaki engine for a powerful mowing operation.
It has a multi-purpose blade for mulching and bagging grass clippings. The 21-inch cutting deck ensures excellent cuts on lawns.
It has an infinitely variable speed up to 4.2 mph and a 2.5-bushel bag capacity.
The easy on/off bag design enables homeowners to inspect how full the bag is while mowing.
The 21 S-Series mower has cutting options that can be adjusted from 1-4.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
It supports a full line of accessories such as mulch plug, coated bail drive, engine guard and deck wear kit.
The zero-turn mower comes with “FeatherTouch Controls” to ensure effortless maneuvering in tight spots. Its large diameter blower generates more airflow for better debris collection.
It comes with a 42/48-inch mower deck that ensures superb-grass cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards.
Furthermore, its center-discharge deck is built with two sided-trimming that allows you to control the discharge with much accuracy, keeping walkways and flower beds clipping-free.
It features a commercial-grade high back seat for comfortable mowing operations. Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The Exmark Navigator zero-turn mower runs on a Kohler CH730 engine for a powerful mowing operation.
Best Scag Lawn Mowers
1. Scag SWZT48H-15FSE 48-inch 15HP (Kawasaki) Walk-Behind Mower
The Scag walk-behind mower runs on a 15 HP Kawasaki to ensure a smooth mowing operation.
The ergonomic hand controls are placed at the natural angles of your hands to ensure ultimate comfort.
Its 48-inch fabricated cutter deck enhances efficient mowing on lawns. Its cutting options can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
2. Scag SWZT36H-14FS Walk-Behind Mower
The gas-powered mower runs on a 14.5 HP Kawasaki FS481V engine for a smooth lawn mowing operation.
It is equipped with a 36-inch hero cutter deck that can handle lots of grass at higher speeds.
Its rider-style height-of-cut adjustment is quick and convenient. Other features include an ergonomic control system, dual ZT-2800 transaxles and cooling fans.
The walk-behind mower supports a host of accessories such as mulch plate, chrome wheel covers and fabric bag grass catcher.
3. Scag Turf Tiger II STTII-61V-37BVEFI 61-inch Zero-Turn Mower
The gas-powered zero-turn mower runs on a 37 HP Briggs Vanguard engine to provide more power for the toughest mowing tasks.
The suspension system and footplate help to reduce operator fatigue while its roll-over protection system offers improved safety while mowing.
The large tires also enhance better traction and a smoother ride on lawns. It is equipped with a 61-inch cutter deck for super grass-cutting performance on lawns.
4. Scag Freedom Z SFZ-52H-26KT Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The riding lawn mower is powered by a 26HP Kohler 7000 Series Pro engine for a smooth lawn mowing operation.
It features a 52-inch heavy-duty Hero cutter deck design to ensure excellent cut quality.
Furthermore, the deep deck design can handle lots of grass at higher speeds. Its cutting options range from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
Its cutter deck can be easily raised thanks to its foot-pedal cutter-deck lift. The contoured and bolstered high back seat ensures maximum operator comfort while mowing.
Its large cooling fans also keep temperatures low and elongate component life.
The zero-turn mower supports a host of accessories such as a fabric grass catcher, hurricane mulch system, stripe kit and light kit.
5. Scag Liberty Z SZL-48H-24SR Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The zero-turn mower comes with a bolstered high-back seat with armrests to enhance maximum comfort while mowing.
Its foot-pedal deck lift is spring-assisted to allow the easy raising of the cutter deck.
The Ogura GT1 PTO clutch brake offers superb starting and stopping power for the cutter deck. Its tubular steel main frame offers unmatched strength.
The Liberty Z model is powered by a 24HP Scag SR Series 708cc engine for a smooth lawn mowing operation.
It is equipped with a 48-inch heavy-duty hero cutter deck for efficient mowing on lawns.
In addition, the deep deck design can handle lots of grass at higher speeds.
The gas-powered mower has fewer grease points to increase operator convenience while the tuff torq transaxles deliver solid power to the drive wheels.
Exmark vs Scag Lawn Mowers: Head to Head Comparison
Here is a well-detailed comparison of the two lawn mower brands:
Design
Exmark walk-behind models such as 21 S-Series and X-Series have an easy on/off bag design that enables homeowners to inspect how full the bag is while mowing.
The multi-purpose blade is designed for mulching and bagging grass clippings.
The 30-X Series has features such as drive wheels, a self-tensioning belt drive, and a heavy-duty wet clutch.
Their zero-turn mower models such as Quest E and S-Series come with a rear engine guard to protect critical engine parts and commercial-grade tires for increased traction. Learn more about the best riding lawn mower tires for hills.
Other features include an ergonomic seat, a foot lift-assist feature, and a heavy-duty hydro gear system.
On the other hand, Scag walk-behind mowers such as SWZT48H-15FSE and SWZT36H-14FS models come with an Ogura PTO clutch brake to engage the blades.
The ergonomic handlebars and controls provide ultimate operator comfort while the drive tires offer stability on uneven terrain.
Scag zero-turn mowers also have features such as a suspension seat, drive tires, Ogura PTO clutch brake and an easy foot-pedal deck lift for excellent mower performance.
Power
Exmark mowing machines run on Kawasaki, Kohler, Exmark, Yanmar and Honda engines.
The horsepower ratings of most of their mowers are between 22HP- 43.4HP.
Scag gas mowers are powered by Kohler, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Briggs Vanguard, Kubota and Briggs and Stratton engines. Their horsepower ratings range from 14-40HP.
It is important to note that Scag EVZ models are powered by an efficient Vanguard 48V 5kWh lithium-ion commercial battery.
Cutting Performance
Exmark walk-behind lawn mowers come with cutting decks that range from 21-60 inches.
In terms of stand-on mowers, Exmark stand-on mower decks range from 36-52 inches while zero-turn mower deck sizes are between 42-144 inches.
On the other hand, Scag offers three walk-behind mower models with cutting decks ranging from 32-52 inches while Their stand-on mowers offer deck sizes that are between 36-61 inches.
Their zero-turn mowers have cutting decks of 36-72 inches
Going by this, it means that Exmark mowing machines have a wider range of cutting decks than Scag mowers.
Exmark zero-turn mowers such as Lazer Z S-Series and X-Series and models have cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.0-5.5 inches.
Their engines allow the mower to handle any type of grass.
In the walk-behind market, Exmark is more suitable than Scag mowers because their mowers offer a more tailored fit to your specific mowing tasks.
In addition, Exmark has a comparable cut in several dry conditions while Scag cutting decks perform better in conditions.
Scag’s cutter decks are commercial-grade and they offer top-quality cutting performance.
The cutting options of their walk-behind mowers can be adjusted from 1-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Both lawn mower brands can side discharge, mulch or bag grass clippings.
Fuel Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of Exmark mowers ranges from 1.0- 12 gallons while Scag mowers have a fuel tank capacity that ranges from 1-15 gallons.
Warranty
Exmark mowing machines come with a 1-5-year warranty service.
However, the generality of Scag lawn mowers is backed by a 2-year commercial warranty, 3-year cutter deck spindle, and engine warranty, and 3-year cutter deck warranty.
Ease of Use
Exmark mowers are easy to use and maintain. Their walk-behind mowers come with handles and a control system that makes operation easier.
Some models have a height-adjustment system to enable you to get the most effective and comfortable position for operating the mower.
Some of their zero-turn models come with an ergonomic seat system for comfortable mowing operations.
Scag mowers are relatively easy to use and maintain. A thru-bolt and top-mounted grease zerks ensure easy blade replacement and greasing.
The batteries are easily accessible from various locations on all models. The two easy-open latches enable you to easily change the air filters.
In addition, the handlebars of their walk-behind models can be easily adjusted to suit different operators.
Cost
The cost of Exmark mowers ranges from $1,599-$26,099 while the price of Scag mowers is between $2,719-$23,999.
Maintenance
Both Exmark and Scag mowers require regular maintenance.
You need to check oil filters, air cleaners, and engine oil levels and change the spark plugs and oil when necessary.
Pros and Cons
Exmark Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Exmark mowing machines are durable and efficient.
- They are very fast and they can cover your yard within a short time.
Cons
- Exmark mowers are heavy.
Scag Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Scag mowers have an ergonomic control system to reduce operator fatigue.
- They are easy to use and maintain.
- Scag mowers are durable, sturdy and flexible.
Cons
- They are a bit expensive.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both Exmark and Scag lawn mowers could be an ideal choice for lawn maintenance. They come with large mower decks, a wide range of fuel tanks, and ease-of-use options.
Overall, we recommend Exmark mowers because they have a wider range of cutting decks and more models to suit homeowners’ mowing needs.