If you’re serious about your lawn, you probably know all about Scag and their line of premium top-of-the-line cutting machines, especially their newest model, the Scag Tiger Cat 2.
While Scag is known for its durability and performance, and many users rave about how superbly they cut lawns, even when wet, the Tiger Cat 2 is proving to have some serious issues as well, and the troubleshooting section in the user manual isn’t much help with them.
Before you buy, it’s essential to ask yourself, what are the most common problems with the Scag Tiger Cat 2? Getting the answers will help you make the best purchasing decisions and get the most for your money.
Some of the most common Scag Tiger 2 problems we’ve dealt with are cracked frames, unreliable drive belts, malfunctioning O2 sensors, loose engine bolts, and fuel leaks.
This article will give you a little overview of the most common problems and explain what you can do to mitigate them or how to get help if any of them happen to you. The more you know, the better you’ll mow!
Expert Tips: Avoid hills with more than a 15-degree slope, or your mower may tip over. Check out our article on mowing hills safely for more info!
5 Common Scag Tiger 2 Problems & Solutions
Cracks
Some users are reporting cracks where the idler arm connects to the frame. It’s unclear what causes these cracks; some users speculate it could be because of pulley tension or motor issues. Others believe it is due to a factory error that resulted in mowers being sold with warped frames.
Solution
If you’re handy with welding, you can try repairing it yourself. Still, we recommend contacting your dealership because an update kit addressing the issue is available and covered under your warranty. If you don’t have a dealership nearby, contact the company for help.
Drive Belt Breakage
Hydro belt breakage has been a known issue with the Tiger Cat 2, so much so that the company issued a repair kit. Causes include an alignment issue, a warped frame, or issues with the size of the pump, and the company said they would replace the frame if the kit does not resolve the issue.
Solution
Bring your mower to your dealer for a free fix under warranty. If they don’t have the repair kit in stock, they’ll order it for you free of charge.
Fuel Leaks
Fuel leakage from the carbon canister appears to be yet another issue. The leak floods the canister and stalls the mower.
Solution
The fix is pretty simple, though; just avoid filling more than 2/3 full. Keep levels well below the white sleeve in the canister.
O2 Sensors
O2 Sensors are another problematic feature. If your mower starts idling down shortly after starting, this is probably the issue.
Solution
To collect the specific error code, count the number of times the check engine light blinks and then contact your dealer.
Loose Engine Bolts
There have been reports of bolts working themselves loose from the engine and going on to damage the sump. If your mower starts to vibrate noticeably, this could be the reason.
Solution
If you’ve had the repair kit for the belt breakage issue installed, you shouldn’t have to worry about this happening, but if it does, Scag will fix it and any damage it caused as part of your warranty.
Fun Facts: John Regier created the world’s first zero-turn mower in 1964.
Is the Scag Tiger Cat 2 Still a Good Buy?
Absolutely! Scag manufactures some of the best mowers in the business and offers a solid warranty. If you have more than one dealer in your area, take the time to shop around and ensure you’ve chosen the best one for your needs. We advise not buying used Scag mowers because the warranty does not transfer over to new owners. Check out our article on the best zero-turn mowers to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does my Scag mower keep shutting off?
There are many different causes for this issue. Things to look for include:
- Restricted fuel flow
- Clogged filters
- Dirty spark plugs
- Overheating
- Incorrect fuel levels (either too high or too low)
If you’ve checked all of these and still have a problem with the mower shutting off, contact your dealer to arrange for their mechanics to take a look at it.
Are Scag mowers reliable?
Scag mowers are considered top-of-the-line and best in class. You cannot go wrong purchasing one, as the company stands by its product with a strong warranty and excellent customer service.
How often should you change the oil in a Scag mower?
You should change the oil after every 100 hours of usage but it’s important to check it each time before you begin mowing. This will help you quickly spot if the oil needs to be changed due to debris getting into it.
Conclusion
So, all in all, is the Scag Tiger Cat 2 worth its $12K+ price tag? If you run a commercial lawn care business or your home has a large amount of acreage that needs mowing, the answer is yes.
They are made in the USA and are considered best in class among zero-turn mowers. Users rave about their comfort, durability, reliability, and cutting performance.
That said, like all mechanical devices, they are not without their problems or flaws. Taller users report the seating area can feel cramped, and the company has had to issue repair kits and recalls for cracked frames, belt breakage, and engine bolts loosening. Fortunately, most other common issues like fuel leaks or stalling can be resolved by the user.
It’s important to cultivate a good working relationship with your dealer, as they will be your first solution to any problems or repair issues. Scag’s warranty should cover most of them, so don’t buy a used mower because the company’s policy is to no longer honor the warranty if the mower is sold.
So always buy new and enjoy your Scag mower!
