Buying Advice - Liberty Z vs Gravely HD (2024)

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Kssummers

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  • Aug 20, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #1

Well, after 28 years with my Kubota T-series lawn tractor, I have finally decided to upgrade to a new mower and I'm on here seeking advice. I've never used a zero turn, but I think that's what I want to go with this time. I have just under an acre of flat ground with few obstacles. My dealer carries SCAG and Gravely. I think I'm debating between the Liberty Z and the Gravely HD. I like the fact that the SCAG is not as heavy and from what I've read the maintenance is easier compared to that of the Gravely. The SCAG is also about $500 cheaper. The Gravely has the 3100 hydros (2800 on SCAG) but I'm guessing for my yard that won't matter much, and I'm not plowing or pulling equipment with it. Lastly, I've noticed that bagging systems with z-turns are quite expensive compared to the lawn tractors. I would use a bagger quite often with my Kubota, but I'm thinking with the higher blade tip speeds of the zero turns that my cut will look better, even without bagging. I realize that I'm on a SCAG forum so I'm assuming most replies would favor the Liberty Z, but I'm just looking for some honest opinions and advice....thanks!

jer_d

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  • Aug 21, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #2

I mowed with a finish mower attached to a Kubota B7510 for 14 years before switching to a Scag Tiger Cat 2 with 52 inch deck. The Kubota did a good job mowing but I've been very impressed with the Scag. After getting the hang of using a zero turn, I've cut about a third off of mowing time, which is considerable when mowing 5 or 6 acres (not all at once though). The grass is mostly fescue, which can get tough this time of year when it tops out, but the Scag leaves very few, if any, stragglers.

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Kssummers

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  • Aug 21, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #3

I went ahead and pulled the trigger today on the Liberty Z. After looking at most every mower around for the past several years, I'm afraid I was beginning to develop "paralysis through analysis." After talking with several dealers I came to realize that I knew as much or more about their mowers than they did. I know SCAGs are well built and this should be a good mower for me for quite a long time. My dealer was awesome to work with and he got me a great deal, so I'm looking forward to getting started next week when the mower is delivered.

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P7K3

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  • Aug 23, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #4

You made the right choice, I was in the same boat as you. My kitchen table had a half dozen brochures and I kept coming back to the Liberty.

If you decide to get the bagger, I'll tell you this, yes it's expensive, but worth every penny.

I've had my Liberty a year now. Love it!!!!

Good luck with yours & enjoy!!!!!

Kssummers said:

I went ahead and pulled the trigger today on the Liberty Z. After looking at most every mower around for the past several years, I'm afraid I was beginning to develop "paralysis through analysis." After talking with several dealers I came to realize that I knew as much or more about their mowers than they did. I know SCAGs are well built and this should be a good mower for me for quite a long time. My dealer was awesome to work with and he got me a great deal, so I'm looking forward to getting started next week when the mower is delivered.

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Kssummers

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  • Aug 23, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #5

P7K3, thanks, good to hear that you're happy with your decision! Also good to know about the bagger....I will probably wait until next spring and make a decision on that. I'm sure at some point I'll end up getting a bagger. Thanks for your reply!

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P7K3

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  • Aug 23, 2018 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #6

I'll also add fall leaf clean up has never been easier, I guess between the blade speed and the killer bag system, life got easier. My old JD would get three feet and be full.

Save your money up and go for the bagger this spring. You won't regret it.

Kssummers said:

P7K3, thanks, good to hear that you're happy with your decision! Also good to know about the bagger....I will probably wait until next spring and make a decision on that. I'm sure at some point I'll end up getting a bagger. Thanks for your reply!

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Kssummers

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  • Dec 15, 2019 / Liberty Z vs Gravely HD
  • #7

P7K3, I did end up purchasing a bagger for my Liberty Z this summer. Wow is all I can say, it does an amazing job! Did a great job on the leaves this fall/winter as well. Could not be happier with the purchase. You were correct...I don't regret the purchase.

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Buying Advice - Liberty Z vs Gravely HD (2024)

FAQs

Is the Scag Liberty Z a commercial mower? ›

The Liberty Z is the first Scag mower designed exclusively for residential use. With an outstanding quality of cut, easy operation, and low maintenance, it's perfect for a homeowner looking for a high quality riding mower - your neighbors will envy you.

Is Scag the best zero-turn? ›

Scag lawnmowers are among the best, as they offer excellent quality. And as the demand for these lawnmowers is constantly on the rise. This means when you purchase a Scag Zero-Turn Lawn Mower, your investment doesn't fly out the window. They hold their value very well if they are properly maintained and serviced.

How much does a Scag Liberty Z weigh? ›

Reliable Power, Up To 27 HP
Product Dimensions36" Liberty Z52" Liberty Z
Width (chute down)48.5"64.5"
Width (chute in transport position)37"53"
Height40"41"
Weight555 lb646 lb
1 more row

Is there a 36 zero-turn mower? ›

The Greenworks 36" 8kWh Commercial Compact Stand-on mower stands out as the preeminent compact stand-on zero-turn mower in the market, incorporating cutting-edge technology for superior power and advanced functionality.

Do Scag mowers hold their value? ›

Can you tell me a resale or trade-in value for a used Scag mower? 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 dependent upon the region you are in and the condition of the specific mower.

What is the most reliable zero-turn on the market? ›

Our top picks
  • Best overall: John Deere Z325E ZTrak (BG21297)
  • Runner up: John Deere (BG21196)
  • Best electric: RYOBI RYRM8034.
  • Electric runner up: Ego Power+ Z6 e-Steer (ZT4205S)
  • Best for 4+ acres: Toro Titan MAX HAVOC Edition (76602)
  • Best for hills: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-42.
  • Best single-cylinder: Toro TimeCutter 75748.
5 days ago

Why buy a Scag? ›

Scag Power Equipment's innovation and attention to quality is known and respected throughout the power equipment industry. Mowers and accessories are designed to be user-friendly, with an emphasis on quality, performance, ease of maintenance, profitability and long life.

How long does a Scag mower last? ›

However, they can begin to wear out in as little as 2,500 hours without proper maintenance. Typically, zero-turn mower owners can notice declining performance by around 2,800 miles. However, SCAG zero-turn mowers are built to a high standard and can last 4,000 to 5,000 hours.

What kind of oil does a Scag Liberty Z take? ›

20W-50 Hydro System Oil: 1 quart.

Who makes Scag mower engines? ›

The Scag® Turf Tiger™ features a Kawasaki® 791DFI (digital fuel injection) engine option. Over the past decade, the FD Series of engines by Kawasaki has earned a reputation as a serious, professional-grade powerplant.

What size zero-turn for 5 acres? ›

Deck Size (Cutting Width)

Yards up to 2 acres: 21" to 52" deck size/cut width. Yards 2 to 3 acres: 52" to 54" deck size/cut width. Yards 3 to 4 acres: 54" to 60" deck size/cut width. Yards 4 acres and above: 62" or greater deck size/cut width.

What is the most powerful zero-turn mower? ›

Let's break down what makes this new Husqvarna Z560LS the most powerful zero-turn mower. The 60″ cutting deck is not what makes this Z560LS the best. It's the combination of things: 999 cm3 cylinder displacement.

What size zero-turn mower do I need for 2 acres? ›

Determine Mower Deck Size

For homeowners with one and a half to three acres to mow, a mower with a cutting deck between 42” to 48” is a good size. Over three acres, you'll want something larger.

Which Scag mowers are commercial? ›

Scag offers a complete line of zero-turn riding mowers. Turf Tiger II, Cheetah, Cheetah II, Tiger Cat II, Patriot, and Freedom Z are all series in their commercial-grade mower line. Each line of mowers offers something a little different, and mowers come in multiple cutting deck sizes and engine combinations.

What makes a zero-turn mower commercial? ›

Commercial riding mowers usually have a zero-turn radius, meaning they can turn on a dime without leaving uncut grass. They are also equipped with powerful engines, wide cutting decks, and durable blades that can handle the tough job of cutting thick grass and weeds.

What is considered a commercial mower? ›

Commercial mowers commonly use a 2-cylinder engine as opposed to a 4-cylinder engine. They are able to carry a larger horsepower and displacement than a residential 4-cylinder. 4-cylinder engines have more parts to break and are more complex in design due to environmental regulations.

Does Scag make residential mowers? ›

Since 1983, Scag Power Equipment has been producing heavy-duty, commercial and residential mowers. This gives us the experience needed to know what really works, and what doesn't. We listen to our customers and constantly make the changes needed to meet their needs.

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