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 Freedom Z — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Scag Liberty Z — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 36-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Freedom Z uses a Kohler® 7000 Series engine; Liberty Z uses a Kawasaki® FR 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.
- Freedom Z holds 6.5 gal (24.6 L) of fuel; Liberty Z holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel, a 3 gal difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
- Freedom Z has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck; Liberty Z has a 36 in (914 mm) deck, a 12 in difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- Freedom Z has a 24 hp engine; Liberty Z has a 18 hp engine, a 6 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.
- Freedom Z weighs 745 lbs (337.9 kg); Liberty Z weighs 555 lbs (251.7 kg), a 190 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Freedom Z's weight means for a trailer ›
2 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Freedom Z lists at $6,899 to $7,799; Liberty Z lists at $5,599 to $7,399, a $1,300 difference.
- Freedom Z has a published top speed of 8 mph; Liberty Z has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 1 mph difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Freedom Z works out to 3.1 acres/hour; Liberty Z works out to 2.0 acres/hour, a 1.1 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 | Freedom Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
Liberty Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,899–$7,799 | $5,599–$7,399 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | 18 hp |
| Engine Make | Kohler® 7000 Series | Kawasaki® FR Series |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 36 in (914 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Construction | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20″ x 10″-10″ | 20″ x 8″-10″ (36″)20″ x 10″-8″ (42″, 48″ and 52″)20″ x 10″-10″ (61″) |
| Reverse Speed | 5 mph | 5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle | 36″ and 42″ models: Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 Transaxle48″, 52″ and 61″ models: Tuff Torq TZ450 Transaxle |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 745 lbs (337.9 kg) | 555 lbs (251.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required) | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required)(no armrests on 36″ and 42″ models) |
Where these models differ, explained
Freedom Z: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.com.
Liberty 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.