An Honest Review On The Scag 30” SFC (My Likes & Dislikes) 

Thanks so much for your review! I bought the same mower without swivel wheels and just got the add on swivel wheels and it makes a huge improvement over just stationary wheels. The power is awesome! The handles fit me perfectly. I don’t have a problem with the side shute however I do agree the mulch plug is really hard to get in and out. I used some other commercial push mowers and I definitely think Scag is the best. Thanks for an excellent review!!

Nice review. I bought a 2022 fixed wheel SFC30 for my home in May. It's a great machine overall. The mulch plug sucks big time. I have much more a problem getting it out. What I do is use a dead blow hammer (sand in the head). I turn the mower on its side and start with the dead blow from the inside against the flat wall of the mulch plug. Start tapping. This loosens the dirt and wet stuck grass. You have to then squeeze the top of the handle on the rear of the mulch plug to get the ridge lip of it at its top to flex down and stop locking or catching with the rear housing cutout. Then use the dead blow again, and a wiggle on the plug handle, and it comes out. A pain in the ass. But it works and can save money spent on busting them. I love the single adjust height lever too. One thing I would have Scag improve is the locking height pin. The height pin can bounce out of the bottom position hole and show up crooked. I suspect the caster wheel locking pin has some sort of detent or rib to keep it positive and from bouncing out. They need a similar thing on the deck cutting height position pin. Finally the rear bag placing in place is funky and not so positive, because lifting the spring shield blocks your view. Small things. Great mower!

Great video bud ! The segment detailing the height adjustment was just what I needed to see. I haven't watched any other videos that illustrated it so clearly.

Glad to see you’re proud of your mower it’s a nice machine

I like the The concept of the mower, I put four hours on it and traded in this past Monday and got a Scagg SWZT 36 the SFC 30 it’s just too damn heavy. It’s like driving a car with no power steering.

Great Video! Very informative! Just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more Scag 30 videos in the future.

Thanks for the review big dawg 🔥

Great review! It did help me see what its like to have a sfc 30, some personal opinions on some of yourself cons though, if the mulch plug is too tight to take out or put back in, would it be easier to slide in by sand it out just a bit?(making a bit smaller to have more room to wiggle), also about the loose side chute, wouldn't it be better if you file out the inside of the slot(the latch side)where the latch should be on? That way the latch can bite it closer so it can be locked up tight? I don't have a sfc 30, it's just my thoughts based on the way they look with my imagination

Yo thanks man .. Best review yet on RU-vid

I just got my second. Your mower is the California model with the factory Kohler tank, I actually like yours because these tanks require another bracket and they shake. The side chute, I never used them until I saw your video a few days ago, so I checked and mine slide on and are very secure. I also cut just above half throttle and at some point I’m going to add a throttle detent for that position. One thing that I did do to the belt covers is add rubber isolators to the knobs and a rubber weather strip to the front center to eliminate vibration. Anyone watching videos on sfc 30’s either owning one or thinking of purchasing one, must adjust all cable controls and look over everything on these mowers, and it’s a must to get a mower with the low cut deck because you will start dragging at 2-1/2 or less especially going over concrete. I wish the rear tires were just a little wider. I almost forgot about the mulch plug, they need fitted. My first was perfect, but the second wouldn’t even go in, so I kept forcing it in so that it would show wear on any edges, then I took a utility knife and dragged it sideways slightly trimming it lightly so that it slips in freely, but still seals up. Once they fit properly, repetitiously put it in to remember the angle. It’s sort of like putting one in a Honda HRC216. Overall, they’re a little cumbersome as I’m not a big fan of that transmission setup, but turning that throttle back on smaller yards does help, plus it’s much quieter. I don’t love them, but I do like them enough to buy another and maybe the electric model. I’m going to buy a non swivel model next but only with the low cut deck. I don’t love the swivel wheels but if you are only buying one, the swivels are a must. I’ve used the standard wheel model and find no problem of maneuvering it, I think it’s actually easier for certain jobs, but 10 out of 10 people will think I’m wrong. I will say this, I personally would never recommend these mowers to anyone. Again I do like them a lot, but everyone always wants to try them and they have troubles and wear themselves out in less than ten minutes. I guess there is a little more of getting used to them, especially maneuvering then getting it pointed straight. They can steer themselves a little when engaging the transmission. My favorites are they cut great, they have tons of power, and they bag awesome!

Excellent Review!! I'm looking to step up from my Toro Recycler to a 30" mower.

Had mine since January side blocks up rear blocks up dishcharge holes to small for volume of cut grass and size of deck on mower

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower ru-vid.comUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

I have around 10 Exmark 30s. Would you go with scarf over Exmark if we mulch 90% of our lawns?

On the side discharge chute problem. Noticed that the mulch cap's retainer was slightly bent higher, the side chute not so much, maybe if it was bent some more "up" that's cure your problem.

Thanks for your honesty about your gear

Man, you sold me on the height adjustment. That is very crucial for me.

How good has this mower been since you bought it. Trying to get something reliable and does great stripes

Great review ,, new sub 💯✅

You know I have the same mower mine has the non-removable tabs on the deck. And they scrub the hell out of the grass if you're not careful. So bad in fact I'm thinking about cutting them off... you really never hear anything about those tabs but I can't be the only one having trouble. Like I said mine was one of the first models without the swivel front wheels but my gas tank is huge compared to yours and I don't think the lawn mowers went up that much in price between the swivel and non swivel wheel models. I'm wondering if that's the reason you have a small gas tank to save some money?

Thanks for review. Would you recommend this mower for a yard with a steep hill? Going up and down or even mowing side to side on the hill? Or is the weight a con when it comes to this? Debating between this or Toro TimeMaster for my yard with steep hill.

Thanks the fact that you came from Toro 22 recycler we are in the exact same boat. Getting this mower next week.

I bought a new Ferris FW15 32” hydro about 16 months ago. I like it a lot. What’s the horsepower on your Scag? Appreciate your review of the mower. I also wish the fuel tank on my Ferris was bigger.

Hi Again! Does that handle go into an upright position just by loosening those silver bolts and pulling out the black knobs?

Have you removed the baffle under the deck? Curious if you actually see a difference as the manual recommends it for side discharging/mulching.

I would not install the side discharge chute. I side discharge all my lawns and need to get close to things so no chute.

It looks amazing tbh, but the cons are just to big of a negative imo. Definitely needs a second generation of improvements. Hopefully Scag keeps putting money into this, unlike how long it took Toro/ Exmark to update their 30in models.

Hey I’ll take the 1 gallon tank. The toro timemaster tank is 0.25 gallons..which is terrible for a 30 inch

The Toro time Master is a great machine If you don't like it someone else will so you CAN always sell. Surprisingly it's NOT rated commercial and there are plenty of folks who will work on it too!

Do the blades cross or is it like the bigger mowers where they don't over touch?

When I use the bagger on mine I get so much blow back that I end up wearing half of my grass clippings it seems.

looks like the front left wheel doesn't sit on the ground. Does the mower cut level?

When did you do your 1st oil change

Hey great video where did you get the back plastic grass blocked mine broke as well??

How about the tires are they holding up?

YO DEO its been a year since this video. how's you opinion of the scag 30''sfc holding up ?

question, what is the max height this mower will cut? I need 4.5 inches.

Should I buy a scag now after a yr review

hi there love the review. going one 3rd year with my scag. 1:12 YES about the mulch plug. pain in th e butt to simly insert it. 2:17 when i use the grass hopper/ catcher, its hard too hock on/ plugs up right away. 3:25 the pin that holds the latch together less then 50 hours broke, i had it replaced under warranty . 4:55 you have a small tank, i have the upgrade 1.5 gallon. 5:51 yes i still have mine attatch, it catches anything. 6:34 love it but when your doing a property on a incline the machine wants to go to the lowest direction you mowing without it locked. did you have the PTO replaced? just over 100 hours the bearings in the PTO grenade in mine. $800 in pulleys, luckily there was a bullietin for it. in the end its a great machine to mulch, side discharge, but to catch clippings or do a property with a incline........

How does this mower perform going up a steep hill? Also, how does it perform mowing at an angle on a steep hill?

How well does it strip just buy itself

Mine is slightly different. Maybe because you’re in CA. But pretty much the same. I would add the best pro is the amazing cut with no need to go back over rows, saving time. I feel this will be a 5 year machine compared to the timemasters that won’t get past 2 commercially. In fact they break down monthly.

I love it, but it bogs down a lot. Southern yards though. It’s rough on thick grass.

Thank you

The discharge shoot ,you need to bend the metal tab down , it got bent , why it’s a loser fit

i really scag products but have no use for a mower that scall. have a 36" swz that i never use. found a nice used one for 2500.00 an bought it because i didnt have one that size. my 52" v ride is the smallest i use. 61" cheetah an 61" turftiger gets used the most.

Would you recommend this mower for a 1/2 acre lot? Just a homeowner, non commercial use

Nice.

Nice Mower

Great review! For me personally, I really dislike several things about this mower; some big issue's for me, others nitpicking. 1. I really don't like the drive unit at all. The mower takes off real quick and goes to fast. It's supposed to be run at full throttle but it isn't fun to do so. It definitely needs the speed control that the SFC 21 has and still maintains full engine throttle. My hands will blister trying to constantly use the variable speed handle crap. Definitely my biggest problem. 2. Kohler engine. Enough said for me right there. Not a fan personally. Starts hard at times, idles like crap, known to leak oil as it gets to 70+ hrs. But my dealer told me they're all that's left. All other engine companies pulled out due to going electric or regulations and that what Scag basically had left. 3. It's REALLY heavy. Definitely could go a bit lighter on the deck thickness without making it cheap and losing its incredible quality. It's a bit overkill for what it is. Dealer told me the rumor is they may go to a stamped deck that's similar to the current one but less costly to produce. 4. Oil change. Nothing wrong with the system but Scag literally doesn't tell you how is done. For some reason the process isn't it the manual properly. And Kohler only covers their engines, not how Scag modified it to drain under the back of the mower through a tube. Changed mine at the plug cause it didn't make sense; not a good outcome for me lol 5. A grip on the handle. Easy fix for a DIY job but would be nice to be included. I could see your cons come into play but so far so good for me. I know the mulch plug on my SFC 21 I own is a huge pain, as is the door to keep it open. They do recommend a couple options at least for the door in the manual. All things said, it a great mower. No company will ever make a perfect mower because if they did, they wouldn't be in business for too long. It's all by design. All companies need to have a "new and improved!" Unit after 3-5 years for sales, sadly. Hopefully a few things will be improved, especially once they do the electric crap being forced on us. And yes, I do care about the plant in case someone takes it wrong, but electric isn't solving our problems. Throwing stuff away after a years, however, IS the problem.

if my lawn and scag are not level, the mower scalps. its not worth 4k

I can't believe you didn't talk about this mower not being a timed blade system which I believe is a pro because those mowers out their that has a time blade system is very dangerous if that belt hops a tooth the blades will come into contact with one another.Also, you didn't talk about changing the drive belts for the blades.

About 4 hrs per tank big tank

How does it stripe?

I cant help but notice how many of these mowers are on Facebook market place for sale, do they suck or something

I'm looking at one with 16 hours on it for $1900.00 right now.

Spray that Mulch plug with WD40. Before you put it in and whenever it's time to take it out, it's a lot easier.

Only good for throwing them as far as you can 😂

i bought this mower when it was first released i want to buy the swivel kit but the local asshole dealer wants 800 bucks for it. I think scag should offer the kit to early adopters at a discount. my only dislike is this mower self propulsion is way too fast. i have to run to keep up with it. i will try running half power.

I've heard the Toro Turfmaster is the best , the Exmark 30" X has to many bad flaws.

Side clip weak as on my second for the year

Them things you complaining about is small as hell. People buy the mower

Just fit a bigger tank

Electric mowers cannot compare to one of these.

I'd rather weedeat than mow so I hate that Scag they got into a big hurry about producing it so to many flaws for me I'll never waste my time on a 30" Scag.

No dip you’re sweating your in a long sleeve shirt

This mower weighs 230 lbs. Scapers complain about pushing it around. Handlebar is awesome. Toro Turfmaster is like 50 lbs lighter. I looked at the Ferris FW15 too. All three are good. I had a Timemaster and it was crap. Turfmaster much better. Everything Scag makes is good. 👍

Fix you flag. Stars to the left homeboy !

Scag? No thanks!

You obviously failed high school geometry

Looks like junk

Ferris FW 15 king of the 30 something push mower