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 Patriot — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 52-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.
- Patriot uses a Kawasaki® FX Series 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.
- Patriot lists at $8,599 to $10,559; Freedom Z lists at $6,899 to $7,799, a $1,700 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Patriot weighs 911 lbs (413.2 kg); Freedom Z weighs 745 lbs (337.9 kg), a 166 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Patriot's weight means for a trailer ›
- Patriot has a 52 in (1,321 mm) deck; Freedom Z has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 4 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 ›
- Patriot has a 22 hp engine; Freedom Z has a 24 hp engine, a 2 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.
2 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Patriot cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); Freedom Z cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
- Patriot has a published top speed of 8.5 mph; Freedom Z has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 0.5 mph difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Patriot works out to 3.6 acres/hour; Freedom Z works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.5 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 | Patriot Scag · Zero-Turn |
Freedom Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $8,599–$10,559 | $6,899–$7,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 22 hp | 24 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® FX Series | Kohler® 7000 Series |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 52 in (1321 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 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 | 8.5 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22″ x 10.5″-12″ (52″)24″ x 12″-12″ (61″) | 20″ x 10″-10″ |
| Reverse Speed | 5 mph | 5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear ZT3100 Transaxle (52″)Hydro-Gear ZT3400 Transaxle (61″) | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 911 lbs (413.2 kg) | 745 lbs (337.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | Torsion-spring suspension seat | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required) |
Where these models differ, explained
Patriot: 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.