When it’s time to buy a new riding lawn mower, we know it’s important to select the right one. Mowers represent a significant investment - one that you need to last for years to come - so you have to be sure you get the mower that’s not only going to get the job done, but will also be the right fit for you in terms of price, maintenance, and features.
Many of our customers end up looking at SCAG and Kubota riding mowers for their Wisconsin properties, so we decided to compare these two brands side-by-side to help you better understand your options. Let’s get into it.
Mower Talk: Here’s How We Made Our Comparison
There are seven major factors that most buyers are looking at when they’re in the market for a new riding mower. And we’ve found this to be true whether they’re buying for personal use on their own property or for commercial use such as landscaping or farming. We’ll take a look at each factor for SCAG and Kubota to see how they stack up against each other.
The seven factors are:
- Available models
- Zero-turn options
- Blade quality
- Engine types
- What terrains the mower handles best
- Price
- Future maintenance needs
SCAG Riding Mowers
SCAG riding mowers are among the most popular on the market. And for good reason. They’re known for their durability, quality, and performance. They also get points for ease of maintenance. Some SCAG owners are so proud of their equipment they consider themselves part of “SCAG Nation,” wearing specialty merch and showing off their best mows on social media (#showusyourstripes).
Let’s take a closer look at SCAG riding mowers through the lens of our seven factors:
Models
SCAG models range from the agile Freedom Z line to the workhorse Turf Tiger II line. Weekend lawn warriors often opt for the Patriot and Freedom Z lines, which are an appropriate size for home storage and use. If your needs are commercial or you have an extensive property, you’ll want to look at the V Ride II or Turf Tiger II models.
Don’t forget that mowers within a product line differ in terms of cutting height and width, seat style, and other features. You’ll want to look at all the specs to make sure you get the one that’s right for your specific wants and needs.
Zero-Turn
SCAG offers zero-turn riding mowers in six different models. All you have to do is Google “Reviews for SCAG zero-turn riding mowers” to see that they are extremely popular and highly regarded for durability, ease of use, and longevity.
Blade Quality
SCAG outfits many of its mowers with top-of-the-line cutter decks by Velocity Plus, promising a sharper blade, longer, as well as unmatched durability and performance. Smaller models come with Hero cutter decks, which, while certainly a quality product, are a step below those of Velocity Plus.
Engines
Kawasaki, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engines power most of SCAGs mowers, ranging from about 18 to 39 HP, depending on the model. Other models run on Kubota diesel engines.
Terrain
According to SCAG, their mowers are for use on dry grass only, and shouldn’t be used on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Mowers with Velocity Plus cutter decks are great for tall grass conditions, and users should always keep an eye out for obstructions such as rocks, holes, and roots, which shouldn’t be mowed. That said, these mowers are known for being able to handle rough ground better than the rest.
Price
SCAG riding mowers range in price from $6,799 (the Freedom Z 48 inch) to $23,999 (the Turf Tiger II 72 inch).
Maintenance
Though built to last, SCAG mowers still require good, regular maintenance to keep on mowing. And they pride themselves on ease of maintenance for owners, even outlining the convenient features of a SCAG in an online maintenance guide.
Kubota Riding Mowers
Founded in 1969, Kubota started out as a tractor manufacturer, eventually expanding its product line to include hay equipment, utility vehicles, and more. It also, of course, makes some truly outstanding riding lawn mowers. Many are outfitted with Kubota’s proprietary engines, and they offer steering wheel models that some owners prefer over dual operation levers (SCAG only offers the latter).
Let’s take a closer look at Kubota riding mowers through the lens of our seven factors:
Models
Kubota models range from the GR Series (with a steering wheel function), and the compact ZG300 Series, to larger commercial-grade models such as the Z700 Series. Professional landscapers and home lawn maintenance buffs will all find a model to fit their needs.
Zero-Turn
A number of Kubota’s model series offer zero-turn mowing options. You can find online reviews of most of them, including the Z421, which one reviewer described as “easy to control.” In general, reviews are positive and users tend to agree this is a quality zero-turn mower.
Blade Quality
While the blade quality with Kubota matches that of comparable brands, the real attraction here for many users is their patented K-Lift pedal. It makes adjusting your cutting height as easy as possible. Keep an eye on model specs, though, as not all Kutoba mowers come with the K-Lift system.
Engines
It’s no surprise that many of Kubota’s mowers are equipped with their proprietary Kubota diesel engine. Kubota claims that in addition to their reliability, their engines are environmentally friendly due to their fuel efficiency, enhanced combustion efficiency, low vibration, and noise output.
Note, however, that some Kubota mowers do use Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, or Kohler engines.
Terrain
Kubota has mowers for both residential and commercial use, with some able to handle rougher/more uneven terrains. Nevertheless, they are known to operate better on even ground. If you’re operating in tight areas, the zero-turn options might be your best bet. They also have stand-behind mowers that are good for avoiding low overhanging obstacles.
Price
Kubota offers a lower starting price point than SCAG, with the T1880A2 42 inch listed at $3,699. Prices go up from there, ending at $23,399 for the ZD1511RLF 72 inch mower.
Maintenance
DIY maintenance types appreciate Kubota’s extensive series of how-to videos, called “Know Your Kubota.” All new Kubota mowers are backed by the Kubota limited warranty. They also provide a handy graph that shows how often this brand’s products should be maintained and which kind of maintenance should be done at what time.
Compare SCAG vs. Kubota Riding Mowers at Powersports Company in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
While both the SCAG and Kubota riding mowers are excellent options for both commercial and residential use, there are a handful of slight differences that might help you when deciding between the two.
Kubota starts at a lower price point and offers steering wheel control mowers. Many SCAG models come equipped with Velocity Plus’ highly-prized cutting decks. Models from both brands offer a range of seat types, engines, and other features that will help you make your decision.
One of the best ways to pick the right mower for you is to see them (and compare them) in person. Come on down to our Powersports Company location, in Beaver Dam, WI, to try these two top brands out for yourself! Our experts can help you make a smart investment for your home or business.