2023 Scag Finish Cut - SFC 30 Inch - Review After 1 Week

@diydarren7879 1 Week Review Of A 2023 Scag Finish Cut SFC 30 Inch Mower. Positives and Negatives.

[tgallon]

I have the exact mower.
Cons:- clutch replacement that scagg provided is made of soft metal and bends.
- Both rear wheels pull in tatem, makes it difficult to turn.
- not good on hills or soft dirt.
- heavy mower
- front caster wheels will break if they hit a root sideways
Pros:- good suction
-good cut quality
- great on level ground
- engine always starts
- Easy oil change
- gets job done faster than 21 inch.
Thanks for posting. Great video.

[jrandom]

Fair review. I’ve got one with 30 hours on it, and haven’t had any of the issues you’ve pointed out. I have never used the mulch plate tho, as any of my previous machines (including the xmark 30) all failed in mulch mode. Most machines can’t handle mulching, especially in wet conditions. The machine is heavy, and despite it being setup like a big push mower, you have to ignore that and try to operate it like a traditional commercial walk behind. It’s just too big to try and manhandle like a push mower.

[coniccinoc]

Best review on a Scag I've found.Thank you.

[scottlysaught]

I just bought a 30in SCAG this spring and love it. Gotta have some strength to operate as it is 200lbs + but real mean should be able to handle it. Suggest making sure your deck baffle isn’t installed if you are mulching or side discharge.

[Luke-fttj]

I live in the nw. It's wet half the year, the SFC doesn't like wet grass and it's a tank.

[Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

You cut in the 2's in the Northeast in spring??? Wow.

[thecuttingforce]

Good review. Pointed on things that thought was a issue.. i dont have one .. would like to see the cut..

[Sblack]

Those guards are to keep grass blow back when you cut higher.

[alanmahler]

I was very interested to watch this video and see what your thoughts were.
I was able to acquire the same exact model from a local lawnmower shop here in southern New Jersey and I did a demo of it last weekend.
I was not totally thrilled with the mower myself.
I noticed that the weight of it and trying to steer it with the casters on was an issue for me.
Right now I have an old product called Better Outdoor Products quick 32 commercial walk behind that has pistol grips individual handles that you can steer the mower yourself from the back.
The Scagg 30 inch has your typical lawnmower Handle which steering all of that weight seem to be a lot more difficult.
The mower I demoed also made that gas running out noise and stalled several times on me just sitting there as I was emptying the grass catcher.
At 224 cc or equivalent 7 hp Kohler engine I feel did not offer enough power to get through my grass.
The mower I currently have has a 15 hp Kawasaki engine.
The problem I was having with my current mower is that the grass in the Northeast at this time of year like you mentioned is very wet even though the external grass itself is not where the moisture content in the grass itself is very high and tends to stick underneath my existing mowers deck and clumps up to where the blades start hitting it making a very high pitch noise.
Unfortunately the Scagg also clumped up several times and I had to stop and clear the shoot even though I was taking my time going through my grass with it.
I also noticed that it is very rear heavy like you mentioned.
Once the grass catcher bag became halfway full I noticed the casters in the front lifting off the ground very easily and bouncing along the lawn.
When I picked up the Scagg from the dealership they had the handle set at the highest setting which was difficult for me to steer so I lowered it down two notches which made it a little easier to steer but I also noticed that getting the bag on and off with the handle two notches lower became very difficult and very frustrating.
As you mentioned it was very good on gas and I noticed that as well with my current mower being a 15 hp it does eat up a lot more gas but also has the power to demand that.
I was looking to sell my Better outdoor mower but now I’m keeping it and hoping I can find parts that will work since the company went out of business like 10 years ago.
I Also considered The Exmark and the toro turf master 30 inch models but may just not try those since the engines are even smaller than the Scagg Koehler.
I’ll be interested to how you continue to make out.

[KeepItMowed]

I've been a Timemaster user since they first came out. Saw these mowers got excited. Tested one for a week in St Augustine early spring. Biggest lead weight I've ever used. I stick with my residential lightweight mower that is easy to maneuver and I can live with the small gas tank, and occasional repairs. Now I don't think the Timemaster is worth the crazy prices they're charging now. I won't buy a new one at those prices. Maybe scag can do a newer lighter generation.

[davepitera]

Thanks for sharing. I am considering this model for a residential personal use over 1/2 acre with some tight spots and trees. I mow at 3 to 3.25” and I can always wait until it dries before I mow. I really like the 30” deck size but I really want a nice clean cut. Is this model still worth a harder look or do you recommend a different brand?

[martinneps]

I would've paid a little extra and got the next size up. It could have been a lot better for a business flash. Maybe not for a homeowner, but for a business. It would have worked out better.

[gsxr]

Is 2023 the first year with swivel castors?

[bassow]

I don't know what Scag was thinking building this pig. It's too heavy for a push mower. They should have made the mower out of aluminum and made the wheels twice as wide.

[WarpKL]

oh you talked about taking them off right after lol

[mattphillips]

scag should put a high wheel kit out for this mower

[jasonrussi]

I am concerned that your selected cut height was just way too low for the conditions. You are at 2.5” during wet season. Grass is growing thick, and the ground is wet meaning your heavy mower could be sinking 1/8-1/4 inch or more meaning you are digging in. I don’t have the mower but I watched your review to decide if it will work for me and I think you may not be giving it a fair shake here. The fact that it stalled out seems to be due to clogging as it was cutting the wet and heavy fresh growth. Perhaps raise your cut height and do a double pass. Could save time in the end.

[PSGfan]

I had that mower I hate that mower lol the blade power is way weak compared to my toro it bogs up fast and at 2.5 in

[FTW]

Toro Time cutter 30 in cheaper lighter and just as good a cut, ive used the scag sgc30 not a fan, i have a scag zero turn it gets the job done but i dont love it…

[GC-kket]

I think at this weight and price it should come with pneumatic tires instead of these cheap plastic thin tires.