Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Scag Cheetah II — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 61-inch deck; gas powered
- Scag Freedom Z — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Cheetah II lists at $13,999 to $18,999; Freedom Z lists at $6,899 to $7,799, a $7,100 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Cheetah II has a published top speed of 16 mph; Freedom Z has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 8 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Cheetah II weighs 1,392 lbs (631.4 kg); Freedom Z weighs 745 lbs (337.9 kg), a 647 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Cheetah II's weight means for a trailer ›
- Cheetah II uses a Vanguard BIG BLOCK engine; Freedom Z uses a Kohler® 7000 Series engine. The engine maker builds the engine; the mower maker chooses the model, rating and fit, so the badge alone does not settle output or longevity.
- Cheetah II has a 36 hp engine; Freedom Z has a 24 hp engine, a 12 hp difference. Published horsepower is the maker's rating at a stated engine speed. It is a different measure from displacement, and two engines of equal rating can pull differently.
4 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Cheetah II holds 13 gal (49.2 L) of fuel; Freedom Z holds 6.5 gal (24.6 L) of fuel, a 6.5 gal difference.
- Cheetah II has a 61 in (1,549 mm) deck; Freedom Z has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 13 in difference.
- Cheetah II has Hydro-Gear ZT5400 Transaxle. Two-Speed drive; Freedom Z has Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle drive.
- Cheetah II cuts from 1.3 in (32 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); Freedom Z cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Cheetah II works out to 7.9 acres/hour; Freedom Z works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 4.8 acres/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | Cheetah II Scag · Zero-Turn |
Freedom Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $13,999–$18,999 | $6,899–$7,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 36 hp | 24 hp |
| Engine Make | Vanguard BIG BLOCK | Kohler® 7000 Series |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 61 in (1549 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.3 in (32 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Construction | Tri-plate cutter deck constructed of 3 steel plates totaling nearly 1/2″ of steel. Reinforcement plates at cutter deck spindles. | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. |
| Deck Gauge | 7 | — |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 16 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 24″ x 12″-12″ | 20″ x 10″-10″ |
| Reverse Speed | 8 mph | 5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear ZT5400 Transaxle. Two-Speed | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 1392 lbs (631.4 kg) | 745 lbs (337.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 13 gal (49.2 L) | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | 4-point iso-mounted mid-back mounted on operator-suspension platform | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required) |
Where these models differ, explained
Cheetah II: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.com.
Freedom Z: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.