Do you wish you could get something as reliable and easy to use as a commercial mower, but you have the budget and needs of a homeowner? The new Scag Freedom Z is a residential mower, but it has most of the features of their commercial models. By using high-quality components, a constructed deck, and thoughtful design, this ZTR makes mowing easy and trouble-free.
As Close as You Can Get to Professional Power
Both versions of the Freedom Z are powered by a Kohler 7000 Series Pro engine. Based on their Command Pro commercial engines, the 7000 Pro uses cast iron cylinder liners and a heavy-duty air filter to reduce engine wear. By Kohler’s own estimates, this engine should last twice as long as their previous residential engines. The similarities between this engine and the Command Pro also allows you to upgrade to professional grade oil filters and fuel filters.
This engine sends power to a pair of Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 transaxles. These integrate the pump and motor into a single case, eliminating the need for hoses. These units can propel the Freedom Z to a top speed of 8 MPH going forward, and up to 5 MPH in reverse.
Deck
Scag offers the Freedom Z with 48 and 52-inch fabricated decks. The deck is welded together from a combination of 10 gauge steel for the top plate, 11 gauge steel reinforcements around the spindles, and a 7 gauge skirt surrounding the blades. This makes the deck more resistant to impacts than the stamped steel decks found on most residential ZTRs. This deck also uses the all steel, maintenance-free spindles found on other Scag mowers. The operator can set the cutting height from 1 to 4.5 inches in ¼ inch increments without leaving the seat.
Over the years, wear and tear will shift the deck’s position. While most residential mowers only have one or two adjustments, the Freedom Z’s deck adjusts at all four corners to get the right angle and pitch for maximum cutting performance. Like Scag’s an Ogura GT PTO clutch transfers power to the deck. It has an adjustable air gap to maintain engagement as the clutch face wears down.
Comfort and Convenience
The operator sits on an adjustable bolstered seat with standard fold-up armrests and an extra large foot plate. A fixed ROPS bar and seatbelt comes standard.
To the right of the seat, there’s a 6.5-gallon fuel tank with large filler neck for easy filling. The battery box and hydraulic oil reservoir are mounted on the left side tank for easy access. A digital hour meter comes standard. 20 x 10 rear tires and 11 x 6 front caster tires spread the load for a smoother ride and minimal turf damage.
Accessories
If you want to mulch, all you need is a steel mulch plate to cover the chute. However, for the best mulching performance, you’ll want to add the Hurricane mulching system. High lift blades and baffles increase vacuum, giving the mower stamped deck performance when mulching.
Want to pick up grass clippings? Scag offers a 7-bushel capacity grass collection system. Looking for the perfect finish? The Tiger Striper kit adds rollers to the back of the ZTR for that ballpark look.
ZTRs aren’t known for towing, but with the trailer hitch, the Freedom Z can pull up to 250 lbs. This is perfect for using utility trailers and broadcast spreaders.
Need more time to mow? There’s a halogen light kit for working in low light conditions.
Need to save space when storing or transporting your ZTR? It can be fitted with the same foldable ROPS used on other Scag mowers.
Warranty
Kohler guarantees the 7000 Series Pro for three years with no hour limit. Scag guarantees the rest of the Freedom Z for one year of commercial use, or up to three years or 500 hours of residential use, whichever comes first.
We’re Serious About Lawn Care
Since 1984, Shank’s Lawn Equipment has been the choice for professionals and homeowners alike when it comes to outdoor power equipment. We’re a full-service dealer for Scag, Hydro-Gear, and Kohler, which means we can service everything on these ZTRs. If you’re looking for a new mower, or you need parts or repairs on your Scag, visit us at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
We also ship OEM parts and accessories across the U.S. and Canada. To order, visit www.shankslawn.com.