Scag turf tiger/cheetah 2 vs Hustler hyperdrive 2023 Extreme testing

[@John_D2]

I'm in central FL my buddy has run two 61" turf tigers 5 days a week ,50 weeks out of the year, for 20 years. The only thing he's replaced besides belts is a couple of spindles. Scags are tanks.

[@americandream_89]

Great information thank you

[@T_81535]

So he's got like 10,000 hours or so on them units? 🤣🤣

[@John_D2]

@@T_81535 Idk the hours , I just know he's had them since 2003 or 2004.

[@luke7750]

Love these reviews. This is my first time watching your videos. I’m going to look and see if you have one for the Toro Zmaster 60”. I just bought one of those. I got the 2000 series so it’s their lowest commercial. Would be interested to see how it performed. Live the unbiased review even though the rep for Scag is there. 👍

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy! Truly appreciate the comment also. Really helps the channel. I keep my opinion out as much as possible. This lets the mowers speak for them self. I have a exmark lazar z one on here which is the equivalent to the toro version. I like the pump system better on the exmark version. I’ve got more companies coming even if the reps come along I keep it real and nothing is biased to help any mower. I’ll also be filming at GIE again this year so you will see all the new mowers coming out for 2024.

[@jairusbarringer7525]

I'm big on hustler mowers, i run a diablo big dog 60.. same as hustler. Love it, very good cut quality

[@americandream_89]

Amen on that buddy. Hustler for the win 🏆

[@robertbroyles4865]

Speed is also going to determine cut. Are they all running the same speed?

[@americandream_89]

I’ve cut will all 3 multiple times. They left the machines here for roughly 3 weeks after the test. All 3 cut really well. I think they are on par and not much difference overall. But yes to answer your question

[@ronaldbryant7710]

I had a Hustler Raptor and it worked great and I sold it before I moved to a different state. I have a Scag now and the Hustler is not in the same class as the Scag, but it’s not real far off. In sit down zero turn Exmark and Hustler are top of the line, if you go stand on I would add Wright.

[@americandream_89]

Thanks for the input. I haven’t used a Wright yet. Going to try and get them out

[@gmatthewpaul]

I have liked my Exmark and Hustler mowers more than any. Currently running Exmark because when got new mowers the hustler dealer didn’t do loaner program for commercial guys like myself. Owned Scag, Bobcat, Snapper/Ferris, cub Cadet, Bad Boy, Husqvarna, and John Deere. Hustler and Exmark is my preferred.

[@fiddlinjazz]

I heard toro owns xmark. My question is are the toro commercial zero turns as good as xmark since their basically the same? Or is there a difference in parts?

[@anthonyremley1575]

@@fiddlinjazzsome models are exactly the same outside of the mower deck. The toro 5000 and 6000 z masters are identical to the exmark lazer z s and x series.

[@jronmanlawn]

The SCAG deck belt changing isn’t hard. You don’t need to loosen the spring. They all have a spot for a half inch drive ratchet. The ratchet gives leverage to loosen the belt. It is much easier with a second person though.

[@DanielMorris-pz7im]

Hey man I enjoyed the video. Quick question. I’m 6’1” with long legs. How is the leg room on the SCAG Turf tiger 2 compared to where the handles are at? Leaning more towards buying a turf tiger.

[@americandream_89]

Glad to hear. You will fit great. It’s very adjustable. You can adjust the handles up and down along with forward and backwards for arm length. My cousin is 6’2” and he fit fine on it.

[@bencarr1047]

Ive never owned huslter but they are super nice, but i do own scag and have had 2 cheetahs a turf tiger and a vride 2 and the cheetah for some reason cuts the best imo but as far as the stragglers on the scag they have adjustable baffles and if you lower that baffle it will create more vacuum and eliminate most of them and stripe a tad better too

[@americandream_89]

I was marveled that the cheetah cut better than the turf tiger. I’m still confused on that to be honest. Both are great machines and would make anyone a great mower. As for longevity do you see the turf tiger design as superior?

[@404nitro]

The Hustler does too.

[@americandream_89]

@@404nitro I’ve got mine down

[@tobypendleton]

Always enjoy your videos man, keep it up

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy!

[@BobFord-i3n]

been running scags for 20 years. 61" turf tiger currently has 3040 hours. cheetah has 1400. tiger cub has 1855. tiger cat has 920. an vride only has 424 hours. i have also owned exmark, toro, dixie chopper, walker, an john deere. an demowed hustler, grasshopper, an graverly. alway thought scag was best.

[@americandream_89]

They make a great mower I would highly consider one

[@d.kristianerb4931]

If somebody hasn't already said it, the bolt on floor pan is to be removed and tossed. It's just for shipping and your dealer failed to remove it.

[@americandream_89]

That’s good to know

[@MJF40]

Cool test,but a few variables in this test. Blade condition Blade type Tire pressures make a difference. Not sure if it was checked.

[@americandream_89]

We have everything checked and equal on mowers. All mowers are running high lift blades. Scag blades are brand new. My hustler is running blades I’ve resharpen at least 3-4 times. I try my best to remove all variables possible. Thanks for the input

[@MJF40]

@@americandream_89 have you guys ever run X blades? I have Ballard Hybrid Gold and ripper blades in X configuration. I tried to mulch on demand kit and hated it. Removed it and been running this and it’s no comparison. finer clippings, throws farther and I’ve got a 740r with 23.5hp and 60 deck. So you guys are working with a lot more power and and probably benefit more, but I enjoyed your test.

[@americandream_89]

I haven’t used an x blade set up yet. I’m still on the fence as in cost versus cut quality. I cut every week and have yet to have to do a double cut so I wonder if blade and tear is worth having two sets on it at once. Just like you stated, I’ve heard many say that it cut really well and makes the clippings much finer. I do have Dixie chopper coming out at the end of June and one of their mowers has an ex blade set up on it .

[@MJF40]

@@americandream_89 with the power you have you could run a few combos. I have too many blades lol. My 2025r 60D HC uses the same blades as the 740r & 760r High lift and mulch type (Gator type) Medium lift and mulch

[@americandream_89]

@@MJF40 I may get some out before Dixie gets here and compare x blade results

[@ronschwab216]

What are the weight differences? Two are leaving heavy wheel tracks. Are they knocking the grass over and in a half hour the grass will pop back up.. I don't have a zero turn. I have the largest Kubota in the B series when I bought it. 30 hp B2910 with loaded rear tires. 72" deck that I can only use 3/4 of because it knocks down the grass. Yes I use high lift blades. My blades spin about the same speed as the zero turn. Just saying when doing these test , the tire compaction is a huge deal. Just my thoughts on this.

[@americandream_89]

All these units are within 100-200lbs of each other. None are compacting the ground more than the other From a weight standpoint. The bigger tires compact the ground less because of footprint.

[@krusejonathan01]

They are both top of the line commercial mowers. It’s a personal preference thing IE: Ford vs Chevy. I’m a Hustler guy just because I prefer the heavy build and simple design. Toro / Exmark builds some dang good stuff as well. I bought a Super Z 66” last year. My only gripe is the KX1000 carbureted drinks fuel… 2 gallons per hour on average.

[@americandream_89]

2 gallons a hour seems hard for sure. I’ve got a video on here with all 3 testing also. Hustler, exmark and scag

[@americandream_89]

Exmark vs Hustler vs Scag comparisons Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZzbe52laL2Kl68

[@russellgrove7261]

Cheetah seemed to go slower with would get a more complete cut did you guys monitor your speeds

[@americandream_89]

Slower in the race? Jk we didn’t monitor speeds but I didn’t put everything on here either. We made other cuts in several spots

[@tensixtythreevideo]

Have you ever compared a Kubota z781?

[@americandream_89]

Nothing Kubota yet.

[@adamhenson3455]

Wow scag rep. Is full of energy

[@americandream_89]

Great guy. We had a good time testing

[@tg0003bpa]

Any chance of getting Bobcat's zt 7000?

[@americandream_89]

I’ve been trying like crazy ever since they claimed (best cut in the industry). We have a dealer close they won’t lone one out.

[@tg0003bpa]

@@americandream_89 it's a long shot, but long story short, we are in Canada, a Hustler, Bobcat and now Scag dealer. My Bobcat rep was American, we just last month got a Canadian rep, but depending on your location I could reach out to my old rep see if there's not some strings he could pull to get you a mower demo, be it from Bobcat or from a dealer nearby!

[@americandream_89]

@@tg0003bpa dude I’m game it’s worth a shot. I’m truly interested in getting a 7000 out. I’m located in ky dead center. I’ve got hustler,Cub cadet and grasshopper lined up. I plan to get every brand out.

[@tonywilliams424]

I notice you guys don't go full speed when you Cut. I go full speed especially on Hills if you go down Hill all of them slide.

[@americandream_89]

Every Mower has a top speed that’s different so we try to cut at an even rate for an apples to apples comparison. As far as the rest of whatever you said, it didn’t make sense.

[@tg0003bpa]

Great video!!

[@remythemaltipoo]

I have a Hustler Trimstar 48 Walk behind that I've owned for several years. The cut quality is superb and reliability is excellent. I have a sulky for it but I prefervto walk. I think sit-on Zero Turns are for lazy folks. The maneuvarability of a walk behind in unmatched in mowing around beds and obstacles. Keep your deck adjusted properly and cur quality becomes a function of sharp blades and cleanliness of the deck.

[@americandream_89]

We are polar opposite on likes I can’t stand a sit down. They beat you to death on big yards and rough terrain. A man would need knee replacements after a year at my place. They all run tiny tires and seem slow compared to sit down mowers

[@nicktaylor3748]

I own both and my Scag will cut a circle around my hyperdrive and it is not close. The Scag discharges so much better also

[@americandream_89]

I’d like to see that in video.

[@mattman9259]

Where did you get your Sun Top at for your hustler??? I just bought a used 72 inch cut Hustler Super Z would like a top.

[@americandream_89]

This company makes several versions www.cpcabs.com/project_category/sunshades/

[@trentwatts4913]

Appreciate the video,what a beautiful place to live and to be super proud of!! I’m trying to decide between the cheetah and turf?? I wonder on the hustler if the discharge opening being smaller helps it have more “suction” for lift ability?

[@americandream_89]

Thank you! We love it here and feel blessed to have this as our home. I think my blades have slightly more lift but have nothing to prove that. The scag cuts great and I’d recommend that mower to anyone. It would be really hard for me to choose between the turf, tiger and cheetah now seeing the cut quality of both. In my original decision I figured the turf tiger would cut better than the cheetah but seeing the cheetah cut better blew my mind. I also now do not understand what the benefit of the driveshaft is . I do feel that the turf tiger is more robust. But the cheetah has a floating platform so it’s really a tossup. A lot of people get caught up in seeing that the cheetah will run 16 mph. In my experience you almost never shift gears because you have to stop so in all reality it will run 12 mph in the in the mowing gear. It’s a lot to think about.

[@trentwatts4913]

@@americandream_89 I know and that’s exactly where I’m at also,so I may just do the American thing and just get the one the I like the looks of the best.😝😂

[@americandream_89]

@@trentwatts4913 amen brother! Good luck 🍀 Let me know what you do and why!

[@Hef69]

Why didn’t u test cheetah on mowing

[@americandream_89]

The cheetah and turf tiger have the same deck.

[@getonlygotonly]

bar tread tires would have allowed all three of those machines too back up on a hill. they make a world of difference in traction

[@americandream_89]

They do but also will tear yard easier

[@kennethdodd-ll9qo]

Gravely cuts better than any mower that I’ve ever used. I don’t like the cut of ex mark mowers

[@americandream_89]

You’re the first person I’ve ever heard say this. What mowers are you referencing from each company?

[@ramirocortez6392]

👍👍

[@Ccwm7089]

Great comparison vid again!! I really enjoyed it! I do totally agree w/ya on the Cheetah 2 vs the Tiger! & I do believe your right on that Hustler as well. U’ve sure opened my eyes more towards the Hyperdrive. On the deck widths, 60”, 61”, 66”, & 72”. Figure the difference per side, & also the over lap on passes? 66”-61”=5”divided by 2=2.5” per/side difference. 72”-66”=6”divided by 2=3” per/side difference. Then the overlap cut also? 2”-3”-4”????? That’s kinda bn my own take on it? I use the 72” for coverage, & where it’ll fit just due to obvious width issues? The wider overhang width, seems to go under shrubs, fences, & ditches. Keep up the great vids!! & anticipating the next for sure! Thx!

[@americandream_89]

Thanks for your input truly appreciate it. The 66 cut is a time saver for me. I truly think it and the hustler in general are slept on. Everyone I talk with have no clue about hustler. I also hear people say hustler cut like garbage there just fast 🤣 I instantly want to be like let’s meet up and find out.

[@Ccwm7089]

💯!! Like a good car dealer buddy of mine says, “There’s a seat for every Butt, not always a Butt for every seat?” Lol!!

[@coreyknochel7766]

Another great video! I think you are spot on with your assessment of the two Scag's compared to the SZHD. In wet or damp grass, I think the Scag, along with Deere, do a better job in that regard. Not saying the Hustler is bad, but just not as good as the other two in that scenario. The Scag does have a tighter feel to the sticks, not near as smooth as the Hustler, but I prefer mine that way, which is solely a personal preference. The Hustler has a better ride IMO

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy! Scag makes a really good mower. I try to keep bias to myself for video sake and a organic look at all mowers. I think the only reason the hustler rides better is the springer forks and air front tires. I wold like to test them both with exact setup. Along with adding the seat from the scag turf to the hustler. They would be so close then. I’ve got a rain video coming in the next video. Thanks for your input as you have both helps others to see I’m not blowing smoke.

[@coreyknochel7766]

@@americandream_89 It’s tough to beat pneumatic tires for ride quality. Scag, Deere, Exmark all have a “solid” type no flat tire which will always be less forgiving than an air filled tire. I mow some on the side, so I prefer the no flat tire, but my SZHD definitely rides better. The longer wheelbase helps too. I do prefer the lower profile of the TT2 as far as sitting closer to the ground, closer the better for me, but that’s a personal preference. For me, the Exmark seat feels the best out of all the mowers I’ve owned.

[@MrJrd304]

You sound like dale Earnhardt jr

[@americandream_89]

I guess that’s a complement….. not sure ha

[@MrJrd304]

@americandream_89 just an observation lol. Great content!

[@DM-fs9zg]

If you'll buy yourself a Ferris 3300, you'll have the best along with the most comfortable. 😊

[@americandream_89]

Do you feel like Ferris as a company does well with the dealers? I asked that because I have tried to get them to come out along with trying to get demos. No dealer ever seems to be able to get a rep or demo unit out. in my experience that’s a sign that they don’t take care of their customers. What’s your thoughts?

[@DM-fs9zg]

@@americandream_89 I will agree with you there, it only works for me because I'm self sufficient and rarely ever need a dealer. But Ferris definitely has a lot of improvements to make in customer support.

[@DM-fs9zg]

@@americandream_89 I will also add, I bought a new cheetah when they first came out several years ago, nothing but shorts. One time it wouldn't start, one time it wouldn't allow me to shut it off, some times I couldn't get off without it dying and everything was in neutral. After several trips to the dealer and them telling me nothing was wrong, I sold it and went to Ferris. After years of service I've only bought blades a few batteries. But that's just my experience, I still like Scag mowers.

[@americandream_89]

You truly seem like an honorable person that wouldn’t want to steer someone in the wrong direction. I’ll do my best to get Ferris out for testing as mentioned above. I’ve contacted them at least four times including the main corporation and several internals without prevail, but I truly do want to test Ferris and give it a fair shake down. Thank you for the information. I have Dixie chopper and bad boy coming out in June.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Any interest in a grasshopper? Probably far superior to anything tested here.

[@americandream_89]

I’ve tried to get grasshopper out they will not call me back or answer emails. I’ve reached out several times. I do have some friends that use them but to me if they won’t show up it’s usually a red flag on customer service.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

@@americandream_89 dang, that’s a serious red flag for sure. Guess they lost a good customer.

[@bammersmith5993]

Depends how fast they go.The slower means it cuts more.Its not how fast you mow.Its how fast you mow fast 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.

[@americandream_89]

So what are you saying? Which do you think can mow better at high speed

[@tonywilliams424]

I wantOnly way I see a Real Comparison is Stanley the Dirt Monkey. No cheating for Scag Reps

[@americandream_89]

@@tonywilliams424 what?

[@jeffa7148]

I've got a cheetah 2 and my belt slipped off today. I had it put back on in 5 min with no tools

[@americandream_89]

I’m guessing you right side one looking at the front?

[@jeffa7148]

@@americandream_89 They both came off. The springs came out of the holes in the pulleys and released all the tension. I had to route everything from scratch. The hardest part was to tell the routing of the smaller belt by the routing diagram on the deck. I had look at another youtube video to confirm how to route the belts.

[@americandream_89]

@@jeffa7148 thanks for the info

[@sawmill123456]

That's what I want to here in these reviews. How long do the belts last and is there a routing diagram to look at. Are you replacing belts every month because they stretch and the tensioner cant take up the slack??? Belts aren't cheap!!!

[@americandream_89]

@@sawmill123456 I’ve got almost 200hrs on my hyperdrive no belt issues

[@Theburn2024]

Why are they using such cheap motors? Kawasaki will out last both of them

[@americandream_89]

At that time Kawasaki was hard to get your hands on

[@asksteevies4941]

Dixie chopper best cut

[@americandream_89]

Negative. I owned one look on my Instagram

[@Graham_Lawn_Care]

You should try a spartan commercial mower

[@americandream_89]

If they will come out I’ll get every brand. I’ve called them without a call back

[@mitchellcrumpton3992]

Don't bother with the Spartans. We have 2 of them, and no one will use them. They do not do well on any hill at all!

[@gmooney57]

More blade revolution will cut better.

[@georgesimpson3113]

"...this runs a 24, this runs a 26..." How about telling us what the hell you are talking about? Tire size? Engine HP? Speed-mph? Then during the cutting "this is a 38". What? Oh, and you don't need a pair of pliers to change the Hustler belt. Just grab the belt on the trim side with one hand and flip the belt off one pulley with the other hand. If you are worried about removing the spring on a mower deck to change a belt you are doing it wrong. You only have to touch a spring when you change a spring. But over all very well done vid.

[@americandream_89]

I feel like I detail well but I’ll try to go in more detail on what I’m referencing. Thanks for your input

[@T_81535]

You should calm yourself. It's just a lawnmower video.

[@GenuinGamedawg]

@@T_81535I’m with you

[@Hawk0827]

You are giving lessons about removing a belt yet can’t decipher the numbers he is talking about…SMH lol

[@georgesimpson3113]

@@Hawk0827 yes. I've had those belts on and off dozens of times but have never read his mind before.

[@hammerfest316]

Cheetah is junk compared to the turf tiger. Pumps leak all the time, the 2 speed option is only for running down the road, not for mowing. The tires are slippery as hell, the whole suspension platform under performs. That being said I sold my cheetah and will never buy another.

[@americandream_89]

What did you replace it with

[@brittanykeen2289]

Hustler is the best

[@Johnrider1234]

Scag. The best hands down. The flag ship with shaft deck drive.

[@shanepipkin4041]

try deere

[@americandream_89]

Do they have something new that I haven’t already tested? I didn’t see anything at GIE 23

[@jimmystrain883]

Cheetah

[@Anderson-HandForged]

scag over hustler???? scag sucks sorry i love my hyperdrive and ive ran allthese machines nothing beats the hyperdrive hydraulic system is amazing on the hustler and strpies better than any mower in my mind scag has a little tighter cut than hustler i think