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.
- Spartan Spartan Defender — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-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.
- Spartan Defender uses a Kawasaki 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.
- Spartan Defender cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); Freedom Z cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Spartan Defender holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel; Freedom Z holds 6.5 gal (24.6 L) of fuel, a 1.5 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.
- Spartan Defender has a 23 hp engine; Freedom Z has a 24 hp engine, a 1 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.
- Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg); Freedom Z weighs 745 lbs (337.9 kg), a 20 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Spartan Defender's weight means for a trailer ›
what isn’t comparable
Not comparable
- Warranty: not published for Freedom Z.
- Drive System: not published for Spartan Defender.
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 | Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
Freedom Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,799 | $6,899–$7,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 24 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki | Kohler® 7000 Series |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Construction | 4.5", 7 gauge deck | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor | 20″ x 10″-10″ |
| Reverse Speed | — | 5 mph |
| Drive System | — | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 765 lbs (347 kg) | 745 lbs (337.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) |
| Length | 81 in (2057 mm) | — |
| Width | 43.5 in (1105 mm) | — |
| Height | 74 in (1880 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame | — |
| Seat Type | Premium | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | — |
Where these models differ, explained
Spartan Defender: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.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.