Scag Freedom Z Review
The Freedom Z offers Scag build, a big tank and 8 mph for homeowners, with engine choice across four brands. Commercial use cuts the warranty to one year.
- Deck size
- 48 and 52 in.
- Drive
- Zero-turn, dual-lever steering
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
- Price
- $6,899
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Engine | Briggs CXi 25 hp; Kohler 7000 24 or 26 hp; Kawasaki FR 23 or 24 hp; Scag SR 24 hp |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 transaxle |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual-lever steering |
| Deck size | 48 and 52 in. |
| Deck construction | Dual-plate steel with spindle reinforcement plate |
| Cutting height | 1.5 to 4.5 in., 0.25 in. steps |
| Blades | Not stated on Scag page |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Top speed | 8 mph forward, 5 mph reverse |
| Front tires | 11x6-5 casters |
| Rear tires | 20x10-10 |
| Weight | 745 lb (48-in.), 765 lb (52-in.) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.5 US gal |
| Model numbers | SFZ-48H-25CX, SFZ-52H-25CX, SFZ-48H-24KT, SFZ-52H-26KT, SFZ-48H-23FR, SFZ-48H-24SR, SFZ-52H-24FR |
| PTO clutch | Ogura GT1, 74 ft-lb |
| MSRP range | $6,899 to $7,799 |
| Length | 73 in. |
Pros and cons
What we like
- 6.5-gallon tank
- 8 mph forward
- Dual-plate deck with sealed spindles
- Four engine brands to choose from
- 3-year or 500-hour frame warranty
What could be better
- MSRP $6,899 and up
- Only 48 and 52-in. decks
- Commercial warranty is 1 year
- Deck warranty not listed
- Heavier at 745 to 765 lb
Freedom Z review
Scag Freedom Z in brief
The Freedom Z is Scag’s upper residential zero-turn. Scag lists seven models in 48 and 52-inch decks, with Briggs and Stratton CXi, Kohler 7000, Kawasaki FR and Scag SR engines, at MSRPs from $6,899 to $7,799.
Our Scag Freedom Z review covers the line. Verified models include the SFZ-48H-25CX at $6,899 and the SFZ-52H-24FR at $7,799.
Engines
Choices run 23 to 26 hp: 25 hp CXi, 24 and 26 hp Kohler 7000, 23 and 24 hp Kawasaki FR, and a 24 hp Scag SR. Scag’s warranty page shows a 5-year engine warranty on SR Series parts only.
Drive and speed
Scag lists a Hydro-Gear ZT2800 transaxle, 8 mph forward and 5 mph reverse, and a 6.5-gallon tank. Weights are 745 lb for the 48-inch and 765 lb for the 52-inch.
Deck
The dual-plate steel deck has a reinforcement plate at the spindles, aluminum spindle housings with sealed ball bearings and an Ogura GT1 clutch rated at 74 ft-lb with adjustable air gap. Cutting height runs from 1.5 to 4.5 inches in quarter-inch steps with a spring-assisted foot lift.
Tires, warranty and fit
Drive tires are 20×10-10 and casters 11×6-5. Scag’s warranty page lists the frame at 3 years or 500 hours for non-commercial use, and 1 year for commercial use. Choose the Freedom Z for a two to four acre lot where a heavier machine and bigger tank than the Liberty Z are worth about $900 to $1,300 more.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Scag Freedom Z cost?
Scag's page lists MSRPs from $6,899 (SFZ-48H-25CX) to $7,799.
How fast is the Scag Freedom Z?
8 mph forward and 5 mph reverse.
How big is the Freedom Z fuel tank?
6.5 gallons.
Freedom Z vs Liberty Z, what is the difference?
Freedom Z has a ZT2800 drive, 8 mph and a 6.5-gal tank; Liberty Z tops out at 7 mph with 3.5 to 5.5 gal.
What is the Freedom Z warranty?
Frame: 3 years or 500 hours non-commercial, 1 year commercial, per Scag's warranty page.
Owner reviews
No owner reviews yet. Own one? Be the first to share what it is like to live with.
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