At Scag, we strive to provide our current and potential customers with the
most complete and useful information possible. Below are various questions we receive on a regular basis. Browse through the following categories of questions and click on a question to find the answer.
ENGINE
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| Can I use E85 fuel (ethanol) in my mower's
gasoline engine? back
to top |
No. DO NOT use E85 Fuel in your mower's engine.
Using E85 Fuel will cause severe damage to the engine.
The engine manufacturers specify that gasoline blends with no more
than 10% ethanol may be used in your Scag mower's engine.
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| Can I use biodiesel
in my mower's diesel engine ? back
to top |
25hp Kubota diesel engine (Turf
Tiger): This
engine (Kubota D902) is approved to use up
to B5 (5% biodiesel
blend). Using
higher blends will cause severe damage to the engine.
28hp Cat diesel engine (Turf
Tiger): This engine (Cat C1.1)
is approved to use up to B20 (20% biodiesel blend). Using higher
blends will cause severe damage to the engine.
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| What type of oil should I use in my mower's engine? back
to top |
| Since each engine is warranted by the individual engine manufacturer,
please refer to your engine owner's manual or speak to your Scag
dealer for specific recommendations. You may also contact the engine
manufacturer by visiting their web site:
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| Can I use synthetic oil in my mower's engine? back to top |
Since each engine is warranted by the individual engine manufacturer, please refer to your engine owner's manual for specific recommendations.
You may also contact the engine manufacturer by visiting their web site (see list above).
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| What are the advantages of liquid-cooled engines vs. air-cooled engines? back to top |
Generally speaking, it is said that a liquid-cooled engine may last
up to 50% longer than comparable air-cooled engines due to a constant,
correct operating temperature. Engine oil viscosity does not break
down as quickly due to the more stable temperature ranges at which
liquid-cooled engines run. Liquid-cooled engines experience increased
fuel economy compared to standard air-cooled models due to the more
consistent operating engine temperatures. A properly designed system
keeps the radiator out of harms way (debris, branches, etc) and the
cooling fan draws hot air through the radiator, past the engine and
away from the operator. This results in a cooler engine and a cooler
operator.
Liquid-cooled engines are slightly more “forgiving” if the
exterior of the engine is not kept clean, unlike air-cooled engines that
rely upon heat dissipation for proper cooling. There is little extra maintenance
involved with a liquid-cooled engine versus an air-cooled. Keeping the
radiator clean is the biggest factor. However, this is simple to do by
using the removable screen that can be removed and tapped clean in the
field, with no tools required.
The major benefit of an air-cooled engine is that they are simpler in design
as they have fewer parts involved. Because of this, they are less expensive
in price and potential repair cost.
We recommend consulting with your local Scag dealer if you need assistance
in deciding between these two types of engines. The dealer will be able
to share with you their knowledge and experience to help you make an informed
decision.
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CUTTER DECK
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| What can I do about grass blowing out from under the front of the deck while I mow (especially when mulching or bagging)? back
to top |
Try adjusting the Custom Cut Baffle on
your Velocity Plus or Advantage
cutter deck. This baffle features three or seven different
positions to allow you to customize mowing performance based upon
specific mowing conditions. Adjusting the Custom Cut Baffle to
its lowest position will minimize the amount of clippings and debris
that escape the front of the deck while mowing. Refer to your owner's
manual and consult your Scag dealer for
more information on making this adjustment.
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| Do you offer
different types of cutter blades for different cutting conditions? back
to top |
Scag offers a variety of different cutter blade types to match
your specific cutting conditions and needs, from low-lift blades
to mulching blades. Click here to view the cutter blade options.
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MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE
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| Is the Scag warranty effective on the used mower I recently purchased? back
to top |
The Scag warranty applies only to the original registered owner of a new mower. This warranty is
non-transferable.
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| What do I need to do when the digital hour meter flashes a service reminder? back
to top |
The hour meter on your machine is completely automatic. It will begin to flash a reminder 2 hours
before scheduled service is required and will continue for 4 hours. After this 4 hours has past the meter will reset itself until 2
hours before the next scheduled service.
An example of this would be for the first engine oil change. This service
is required after the first 20 hours of operation. The hour meter will
begin to flash "Oil" at 18 hours and will stop flashing at 22
hours.
Keep in mind that this message does not indicate a problem with the engine.
It is simply a pre-programmed reminder of recommended service intervals.
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| What is the expected life
of a Scag mower? back
to top |
Machine life is dependent upon maintenance, operating conditions,
ambient temperatures, hours of operation, etc. It is very difficult
if not impossible to put an exact figure on it. We have heard from
customers that have some of the original mowers we ever sold with
well over 10,000 hours on them and are 25+ years old. We have also
seen machines that were terribly abused and looked like they were
25 years old after only two or three years. The Scag product is by
far the most reliable, best
built mower you can buy. As
with any high end product, if you take care of it and use it as
intended, it will provide outstanding performance and reliability
for many, many years.
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| Can I use synthetic
oil in the mower's hydraulic system? back
to top |
The main enemy of any hydraulic system is heat. By properly sizing
the hydraulic oil reservoir, efficient hose routing, and the use
of oil coolers and fans where needed, Scag drive systems have been
designed to have normal operating temperatures well within the
safe range of the hydraulic components using "standard" oil.
Using larger oil tanks, oil coolers and fans (where needed) does
add additional cost to the manufacturing process, however, we feel
that this extra attention to performance, longevity and value is
one of the many reasons people decide to "step up" to
a Scag mower.
The "requirement" to use synthetic oil in a mower is generally
the result of producing a machine with a hydro system that has an operating
temperature that can exceed the temperature range of the hydraulic components
. These systems usually have very small oil reservoirs located in an area
without sufficient airflow (due to limited space on the mower) and do not
use oil coolers or fans. This is a less expensive way to manufacture mowers,
however, the extra cost of the synthetic oil (synthetic oil is normally
4-5 times the cost of standard oil) is a burden you, the customer, will
have to pay.
Occasionally customers inquire about switching the hydro oil in their new
Scag to synthetic. While there is nothing in the drive system that could
be damaged from its use, and as outlined above, it is certainly not necessary.
We do suggest that they wait until after the initial break-in period before
making the switch if desired.
Please reference your Operator's Manual for the correct weight and type
of oil that should be used in your hydraulic system.
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| Where can I get touch-up
paint for my Scag mower? back
to top |
| Touch-up paint in aerosol form can be purchased from your Scag
dealer, either P/N 48008 or P/N 48521. For touch-up of Scag
machines prior to 1989 use the 48008. It is slightly lighter in
color. For touch-up of Scag machines manufactured in 1989 or later
use the 48521. It is slightly darker and indicates that the machine
was painted with the stronger powder paint.
Touch-up paint is also available in a Premium Color Match 0.6 fl . oz. bottle that comes with a brush built into the cap for instant finish repair. The brush allows paint to be touched up in small / tight areas or scratches where aerosol spray cans are
not a good option. Order part number 484540 through your local Scag
dealer.
Bulk paint is currently not available.
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| Where can I get an owner's
manual and/or parts list for my Scag mower? back
to top |
| You may click here to download a copy
of your Scag owner's manual using your mower's complete model
and serial numbers. You may also contact your Scag
dealer or click here to contact
us in order to obtain a paper copy of the manual.
Most Scag owner's manuals also contain an illustrated
parts. Please contact your Scag dealer for
assistance in determining and ordering the correct parts.
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| Can I buy a technical
service manual for my Scag mower? back
to top |
Scag does not offer separate technical service manuals. Your Scag
owner's manual contains a wealth of information regarding
the maintenance and adjustment of your Scag mower. If you need
more in-depth service than is covered in your owner's manual,
please contact your Scag dealer. They
have the factory training, tools and experience to help you keep
your mower running at peak performance.
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MOWER OPERATION
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| What is the steepest incline I can mow with
my Scag mower? back
to top |
Due to the wide variety of turf conditions
(loose, hard packed, wet, dry, loamy, etc) we recommend first trying
to back up the incline in question with the cutter deck down. If
you are able to back up the incline without tire spin, you should
be able to proceed in mowing it, with caution of course. If at
all in doubt of a particular incline, it is best to not attempt
to mow it. Caution must be used when traveling on slopes, especially
when the grass is wet. Do not mow on wet grass. Wet grass reduces
traction and steering control.
Under no circumstances should the machine be operated on slopes
greater than 15 degrees. Cut these slopes with a walk-behind mower
or hand-held trimmer. If obstructions, walls or drop-offs prevent
you from reaching the bottom of the slope to attempt to try the
back-up test, stay off of the slope with the riding mower. Do not
operate close to drop-offs or along the banks of ponds.
For more information regarding the safe and proper operation of
your Scag mower, please click here.
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| How can I turn with my
zero turn riding mower without tearing the turf? back
to top |
Experienced operators of zero-turn riding mowers can often perform the zero-turn maneuver without causing turf damage. However, while zero-turn mowers can turn on a dime (or in very tight
circles), it may not always be the best practice to do so on grass. Even
tight turns have the potential to cause turf damage in some situations and conditions. The best way
we have found to prevent and/or greatly minimize turf damage is
to:
Use 3-point / Y-turns at the end of a mowing row rather
than zero-turns to change direction. It is still a fast
maneuver and will reduce the potential of turf damage greatly.
1. At end of mowing path, turn toward
next mowing path.
2. Reverse while turning slightly in
opposite direction to align mower with next mowing row.
3. Proceed into next mowing path.
On "tight" turns, pay special attention to
the inside drive wheel. This wheel will naturally spin
slower than the outside drive wheel. It is important to
keep the inside wheel turning at all times. If the turn
is made to cause the inside wheel to stop turning, this
is when turf damage can occur.
We have found that by using both of these methods, turf
damage is all but a thing of the past. Over a short period
of time, it becomes second nature and overall productivity
can be increased.
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| How can I get a
Scag safety training video? back
to top |
Visit the Contact Us page to request
a copy of the "Tips For Safe Operation of Your Scag Zero-Turn Mower"
DVD. This DVD contains both English and Spanish language options.
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SALES, MARKETING, ETC.
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| How can I see Scag product videos? back
to top |
Click here to view Scag product & history
videos. These video clips contain highlights of each Scag mower
model, as well as information about the history of Scag Power Equipment.
|
| What are the differences
between each of the Scag zero turn rider models? back
to top |
Click here to view a Scag zero
turn rider comparison chart. If you have further questions
about each model, visit your local Scag dealer to
see each model for yourself. Also be sure to inquire about setting
up a field demonstration. This is the best way to determine exactly
which Scag mower is right for you!
One important consideration is mower deck size. Bigger is not always better.
If you are currently using a 61" deck on a slower, less productive
mower, a smaller deck on a Scag may still be able to save you incredible
amounts of mowing time. Mowers with smaller decks can actually be more
productive than larger units if you have a lot of trees and other obstacles
on your property. Again, we recommend talking to your Scag
dealer to set up a demonstration to determine which model is best for
you.
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| Can I buy Scag mowers
or Scag parts direct from the factory? back
to top |
No. We do not sell new or used Scag mowers, Scag parts, or Scag
accessories directly from the factory. All Scag products must be
purchased through an authorized Scag dealer.
Your local Scag dealer is able to provide you with great service
and parts availability which is crucial with piece of commercial-grade
equipment. The
dealer is also equipped with trained technicians to get your mower
fixed correctly and in a timely fashion. Click
here to find the Scag dealers nearest you.
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| Where can I find prices
for Scag products? back
to top |
Please contact your local Scag dealer for
the most accurate pricing and availability information for all
Scag products, parts, and accessories. We do not sell product from
the factory, and therefore are unable to quote prices.
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| Can you tell me a resale
or trade-in value for a used Scag mower? back
to top |
Due to the quality construction and the heavy-duty components we
use in our products, Scag mowers retain a higher than normal resale
value. Used equipment values are greatly dependant upon the region
you are in and the condition of the specific mower. Therefore, Scag
is not able to provide value or pricing information. We suggest that
you contact your local Scag dealer to inquire
about average values for similar used Scag mower models in your
area.
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| How can I become a
Scag dealer? back
to top |
For information about becoming an authorized Scag Power Equipment
dealer, please click here to contact us with
your request.
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| Can I use the Scag logo
on my business cards, letterhead, website, clothing, etc.? back
to top |
While we greatly appreciate the loyalty and support of our customers,
only authorized Scag dealers and distributors are granted official
permission to use corporate-owned images, logos, etc. See the Terms
& Conditions page for more information.
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| Where can I get
a Scag hat, shirt, jacket, pen, etc.? back
to top |
Click here to view all the newest Scag
logo items, including shirts, hats, jackets, pens, travel
mugs, and more. These items are available for purchase through
American Identity. Simply call them or send the order form to
purchase any of these great looking, high-quality Scag items.
(These items are not directly available through Scag.) You might
also check with your local Scag dealer to inquire about any unique
items they might have available.
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