Scag Liberty Z Review
The Liberty Z is the widest-ranging and cheapest Scag, with a 36-inch gate-friendly option and a 5-year frame warranty. Lighter drives and smaller tanks than the Freedom Z are the trade.
- Deck size
- 36, 42, 48, 52 and 61 in.
- Drive
- Zero-turn, dual-lever steering
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
- Price
- $5,599
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kawasaki FR 18 to 24 hp; Kohler 7000 20 to 26 hp; Scag SR 24 or 27 hp; Briggs PXi 24 hp |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 (36 and 42-in.); Tuff Torq TZ450 (48, 52 and 61-in.) |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual-lever steering |
| Deck size | 36, 42, 48, 52 and 61 in. |
| Deck construction | Dual-plate steel |
| Cutting height | 1.5 to 4.5 in., 0.25 in. steps |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Top speed | Up to 7 mph forward, 5 mph reverse |
| Front tires | 11-in. casters, 4x5 or 6x5 depending on deck |
| Rear tires | 20-in. drive tires, 8, 10 widths depending on deck |
| Weight | 555 lb (36-in.) to 695 lb (61-in.) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (36 and 42-in.); 5.5 US gal (48, 52 and 61-in.) |
| Model numbers | SZL-36H-18FR through SZL-61H-27SR (14 models) |
| MSRP range | $5,599 to $7,399 |
| PTO clutch | Ogura GT1 74 ft-lb; GT2 108 ft-lb on 61-in. |
| Spindles | Aluminum with sealed ball bearings |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Five deck sizes from 36 to 61 in.
- MSRPs from $5,599
- 5-year or 750-hour frame warranty
- Sealed-bearing aluminum spindles
- Four engine brands
What could be better
- Only 7 mph
- 3.5-gal tank on small decks
- Lighter drive than Freedom Z
- Engine power varies widely by model
- Deck and commercial warranty not listed
Liberty Z review
Liberty Z overview
The Liberty Z is Scag’s most affordable zero-turn, with fourteen listed models across 36, 42, 48, 52 and 61-inch decks. MSRPs run from $5,599 for the SZL-36H-20KT to $7,399 for the SZL-52H-24PX.
This Scag Liberty Z review treats the line as a whole, so figures are ranges.
Engine range
Engines are Kawasaki FR (18 to 24 hp), Kohler 7000 (20 to 26 hp), Scag SR (24 and 27 hp) and a Briggs and Stratton PXi at 24 hp. The 36-inch is the small one at 18 to 20 hp, and the 61-inch tops the range at 24 to 27 hp.
Drive and speed
Scag lists speeds up to 7 mph forward and 5 mph reverse. The 36 and 42-inch use a Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 and the 48, 52 and 61-inch use Tuff Torq TZ450 units.
That Tuff Torq TZ450 is not the same drive as the Freedom Z, which is why the Liberty is the cheaper machine.
Deck and size
The dual-plate steel deck has aluminum spindles with sealed bearings and heights of 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The Ogura GT1 clutch is 74 ft-lb on the 36 to 52-inch decks and a GT2 at 108 ft-lb on the 61. Tank size is 3.5 gallons on 36 and 42-inch and 5.5 on the rest. Weight runs 555 lb to 695 lb.
Warranty and fit
Scag’s warranty page gives the Liberty Z a 5-year or 750-hour frame warranty for non-commercial use, the longest frame term of its three lines we checked, and lists no commercial term. Pick the 36-inch for gate access and the 52 or 61-inch for open lots up to a few acres.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Scag Liberty Z cost?
Scag lists MSRPs from $5,599 to $7,399 depending on deck and engine.
What sizes does the Liberty Z come in?
36, 42, 48, 52 and 61 inches.
How fast is the Scag Liberty Z?
Up to 7 mph forward and 5 mph reverse.
Is the Liberty Z a commercial mower?
Scag sells it as the entry line; its warranty page lists only a non-commercial frame term.
What is the Liberty Z warranty?
Frame: 5 years or 750 hours non-commercial, per Scag.
Owner reviews
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