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Scag Tiger Cat II reviews

Scag · Zero-Turn Mowers

Scag Tiger Cat II Review

The Tiger Cat II is a fast, heavily built compact commercial mower with a deck and clutch far beyond residential machines. Its price starts above $11,700.

3.8 Our rating
Deck size
48, 52 and 61 in.
Drive
Zero-turn, dual-lever steering
Fuel type
Gasoline
Price
$11,729

Rating breakdown

  • Performance 4.5
  • Build quality 4.5
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Value for money 3.0
  • Comfort & ergonomics 3.5
  • Features 3.5

Key specifications

Power typeGasoline
EngineKawasaki FX or FT, Kohler Command PRO or PRO 888, Briggs Vanguard EFI or BIG BLOCK
Fuel typeGasoline
TransmissionDual Hydro-Gear 12 cc pumps with Parker 14.5 ci wheel motors
DriveZero-turn, dual-lever steering
Deck size48, 52 and 61 in.
Deck constructionVelocity Plus tri-plate steel with cast-iron spindles
Cutting height1 to 5 in., 0.25 in. steps
DischargeSide discharge
Top speed12 mph forward, 5 mph reverse
Front tires13x6.5-6 flat-free casters
Rear tires24x9.5-12 (48 and 52-in.); 24x12-12 (61-in.)
Weight1,175 to 1,277 lb depending on deck
Fuel capacity9.5 US gal
Model numbersSTCII-48V-23CV through STCII-61V-36BV (16 models)
PTO clutchOgura GT3.5 clutch brake, 250 ft-lb
MSRP range$11,729 to $14,349
Power range22 to 36 hp (table); heading says up to 32 hp

Pros and cons

What we like

  • 12 mph forward speed
  • Tri-plate deck with cast-iron spindles
  • 250 ft-lb clutch brake
  • 9.5-gallon tank
  • Wide engine choice including EFI

What could be better

  • MSRP from $11,729
  • Over 1,175 lb
  • Scag page contradicts itself on max hp
  • Needs dealer service
  • Overkill for small home lawns

Tiger Cat II review

Tiger Cat II: Scag’s compact commercial

The Tiger Cat II is Scag’s commercial zero-turn for tight sites, with sixteen listed configurations on 48, 52 and 61-inch decks. MSRPs run from $11,729 to $14,349, and Scag says a Blackout Edition appears on all 2026 models.

This Scag Tiger Cat II review covers the line, so engines and weights are given as ranges.

Engines

Engines include Kawasaki FX and FT, Kohler Command PRO and Command PRO 888 (EFI and carbureted) and Briggs Vanguard EFI and BIG BLOCK, from 22 to 36 hp. Scag’s heading claims up to 32 hp, but its table lists 36 hp on two models, so we use the table.

Drive

Scag lists dual Hydro-Gear 12 cc pumps with Parker 14.5 cubic-inch wheel motors, 12 mph forward and 5 mph reverse, and a foot-pedal parking brake. The tank holds 9.5 gallons.

Deck

The Velocity Plus tri-plate steel deck has cast-iron spindles with tapered roller bearings and an Ogura GT3.5 clutch brake rated at 250 ft-lb. Cutting height is 1 to 5 inches in quarter-inch steps.

Size, tires and warranty

Weight is 1,175 lb on the 48-inch, 1,175 to 1,180 lb on the 52 and 1,257 to 1,277 lb on the 61. Drive tires are 24×9.5-12 or 24×12-12 and casters are 13×6.5-6 flat-free. Scag’s warranty page lists the frame at 2 years commercial or 3 years or 500 hours non-commercial, and the deck at 3 years for commercial mowers. Engines are covered by their makers.

Buying information

Price

$11,729

Lowest MSRP on Scag's Tiger Cat II page (STCII-48V-23CV); the line runs to $14,349. Seen on scag.com, Oct 2026.

Where to buy

Warranty

Per Scag's warranty page: frame 2 years commercial, or 3 years or 500 hours non-commercial; deck 3 years (commercial mowers). Engine covered by the engine maker.

Depreciation and resale

No published resale figures.

Ownership

Common problems

Spec-based limits: the machine is heavy, and Scag's headline (32 hp) and model table (36 hp) disagree.

Search owner discussions in the forum →

Maintenance

Follow the Scag manual for spindle greasing and clutch checks; engine service depends on the engine you choose, and EFI models differ from carbureted ones.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Scag Tiger Cat II cost?

Scag lists MSRPs from $11,729 to $14,349.

How fast is the Scag Tiger Cat II?

12 mph forward and 5 mph reverse.

What engines does the Tiger Cat II use?

Kawasaki FX and FT, Kohler Command PRO and PRO 888, and Briggs Vanguard EFI and BIG BLOCK.

What deck sizes does it come in?

48, 52 and 61 inches.

What is the Tiger Cat II warranty?

Frame: 2 years commercial, or 3 years or 500 hours non-commercial; deck 3 years for commercial mowers.

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