Scag deck size and fuel

[Ford850]

I demo'd a Tiger Cub 61" and loved mower but I'm concerned with the fuel usage and scalping. It was suggested I look at the Kawasaki engine models rather than the Briggs Vangard to be more fuel efficient. Can anyone back up that claim?
I expected some scalping from the edges of the wide deck, but I didn't have any when running along the tops or sides of mounds or ridges. I had several areas scalp when I came up over ridges crossing perpendicular to the top ridge. It scapled the full width of the deck. Will I have better luck with a 52" deck? It seems like the front castor wheels crest the ridge and then the deck drops down on the ridge as it crosses it. I didn't see much adjustment on the scalp wheels that would help any, but maybe I am missing something.
I've used a JD F525 48" for years with no scalping, not even a close cut. I can cross in any direction on the JD without any issues. My lawn has a some areas with contour to it, but nothing extreme that would I would expect to have issues. I cut the lawn at 3" so the bare scalped areas really stand out after testing the Scag. Would the Wildcat offer any advantage with it's slightly larger frame? Can any experienced Scag users offer suggestions?

 

[gamble77]

I would suggest moving up into the Wild-Cat. It has several features that make it well worth the $$. With the wildcat you will get a larger frame which should help a lot with that scalping issue. I would also second that Kawasaki recommendation. The 23hp Briggs is overworked with that 61" deck on the Tiger Cub. The 26hp Kaw. is a much better match and the power curve is much better on the Kaw's. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Ford850]

Thanks for your feedback. Do you think I would see any improvement using the 52" instead of the 61"? Unfortunatley they only had the 61" cub as a demo so I cannot compare.

 

[chrisjbell]

The larger the deck the more likely it will be to scalp. That's one of the trade offs... Our rough mowers at work have three decks - the outer decks are smaller than the center deck and are much less likely to scalp.

 

[bulletproof1510]

For850 I would look into the Ferris brand, I have a 1500Z that has independant suspension on all four tires. I have owned a Scag, Echo, and a Toro. Wished I had of none about Ferris before hand. I do strongly suggest the Kawasaki line of motors. Don't get me wrong a Briggs or Kohler is a great engine but not for commercial use or longevity. Just my opinion though. Let us know what you decide.

 

[bulletproof1510]

Ford850 I would look into the Ferris brand, I have a 1500Z that has independant suspension on all four tires. I have owned a Scag, Echo, and a Toro. Wished I had of none about Ferris before hand. I do strongly suggest the Kawasaki line of motors. Don't get me wrong a Briggs or Kohler is a great engine but not for commercial use or longevity. Just my opinion though. Let us know what you decide.