The Scag Tiger Cat 2 is a commercial-grade zero-turn riding lawn mower. It was first introduced in 2004 and discontinued in 2010.
Despite its impressive features and specifications, the Tiger Cat 2 has several known problems that have been reported by owners and operators.
In this blog post , we’ll take a look at some of the most common Scag Tiger Cat 2 problems and what you can do to fix them.
Scag Tiger Cat 2 Problems
Belt Problems
The first thing you have to do is check the tension on the belt, if it is too loose, then it will obviously slip.
The remedy for this is to just tighten the belt. But make sure that you don’t over-tighten it as that can lead to breaking of the belt.
Another reason for the slipping of the hydro belt can be uneven terrain.
If you are mowing on an incline and suddenly change direction, there is a possibility that one of the wheels might start spinning faster than the other due to which the belt might slip off.
In order to avoid this, try to keep the mower as level as possible.
Another common problem is the belt keeps breaking, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.
First, check to see if the belt tension is too loose. If it is, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, make sure that the pulleys are aligned properly and that there is no debris caught in them.
Finally, if you continue to have problems with the belt breaking, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Steering Problems
Excessive free play of steering wheel:
The excessive free play of the steering wheel can be caused by a number of different issues, including worn or damaged steering column components, a faulty steering pump, loose or worn steering linkage joints, or a hydrostatic steering unit that is not functioning properly.
To correct this problem, you will need to inspect the various parts of the system and replace or repair any that are not working properly.
Heavy steering:
If your vehicle is experiencing heavy steering, it could be due to air in the hydraulic steering system, a dirty steering filter, low steering fluid levels, or a defective hydrostatic steering unit.
To fix this issue, you will need to bleed the air from the system, replace the steering filter element, fill up the steering fluid to the proper level, and/or replace or repair the hydrostatic steering unit.
Front wheels wander to left or right:
If your front wheels are wandering to the left or right, it could be due to a number of different issues, including an incorrectly adjusted or worn front wheel bearing, uneven tire pressure, or a stuck or damaged steering pump control valve.
To correct this problem, you will need to check and adjust the front wheel bearings, inflate the tires properly, and/or clean or replace the steering pump control valve.
Electrical Problems
Battery not Charging:
There are several reasons why a battery might not charge. Some of the most common reasons are loose or corroded electrical connections, faulty battery terminal clamps, and worn-out batteries.
If your battery is not charging, you should check the electrical connections to make sure they are tight and corrosion-free.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the battery terminal clamps or the battery itself.
Finally, if your battery is more than two years old, it may be time to replace it altogether.
Starter Motor Turns Slow:
The Tiger Cat 2 starter motor turns slow because the battery capacity is low. The battery can be recharged to fix the issue.
If the battery continues to drain quickly, then the battery will need to be serviced or replaced.
Check the battery wires and service or replace terminals if necessary.
Starter Motor Won’t Turn On:
The starter motor may not turn on because of a drained battery, wiring that is improperly connected or disconnected, low battery voltage, or a defective starter motor.
To fix it, charge or replace the battery, check to wire and connect properly, recharge the battery, or replace the starter motor.
Fuel Line Problems
Some customers have encountered fuel line problems with their Tiger Cat 2 mowers.
The valve that switches between the two fuel tanks is located on the right side of the machine, so if you want to supply fuel from the tank on the right side, you need to rotate the valve clockwise.
However, after starting the mower, the user found out that the mower shut off when he threw out the valve to the right side tank.
After analyzing the issue, it was determined that the left side line was mistakenly connected to the right side tank, bypassing the valve.
This created a situation where throwing out the valve caused the mower to shut off.
Thankfully, this problem can be easily fixed by reconnecting the left side line to the left side tank, and then rotating the valve counter-clockwise.
Cutting Unevenly
If your Scag Tiger Cat 2 is cutting unevenly, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
First, check the blade to make sure that it is sharp and not damaged. If the blade is dull or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Next, check the wheels to make sure they are all at the same height. If one of the wheels is lower than the others, it will cause the mower to cut unevenly.
Finally, check the deck to make sure it is level. If the deck is not level, it will also cause the mower to cut unevenly.
Slow Cutting Speed
There are several reasons why the cutting speed of a tiger cat 2 may get slower. Always sharpen the blades to one-third of their original width.
A sharp blade reduces wear on the engine and increases speed.
Use a file to sharpen the blade instead of a wheel grinder to avoid burning the blades.
Choose the right blade type to enhance the machine’s speed and efficiency. Try to avoid wet grasses for better cut consistency.
In addition, you can call a scag-endorsed professional or authorised scag dealer in your area to solve problems with a bent spindle or wrongly mounted deck.
Mower Out of Control
This is another common problem in Scag Tiger Cat 2 mowers. When a mower gets out of control, it can be a serious safety hazard.
If the chute lockout isn’t working properly, the machine can start up and run as normal, which can cause an uncontrolled movement.
If you are experiencing a Scag Tiger Cat 2 that is out of control, the following steps can help to correct the issue.
First, check to make sure that the chute lockout is engaged properly. If it is not, then lock it into place and test the machine again.
If it continues to run out of control, then there may be a fault with the safety interlock and it will need to be serviced.
What Customers Say About Scag Tiger Cat 2 Mowers?
Customers who have purchased and used Scag Tiger Cat 2 mowers have had mostly positive things to say about the product.
Customers appreciate the quality of the mower and how easy it is to operate. Many also like the fact that the mower is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
However, some customers have complained about the price of the mower, saying that it is too expensive.
Overall, though, customers seem to be happy with their purchase of a Scag Tiger Cat 2 mower.
Here’s what customers have to say about this amazing machine.
“I’ve had my Scag Tiger Cat 2 for several years now and it’s still going strong. It’s been through a lot of abuse and it keeps on chugging. I would highly recommend this mower to anyone.” -John W., North Carolina
“I absolutely love my Tiger Cat 2! It cuts my lawn perfectly every time and I don’t have to worry about it breaking down. It’s a great investment.”
Conclusion
The Scag Tiger Cat 2 is a powerful and versatile machine that can tackle any lawn care job you throw at it. However, there are a few common problems that owners have reported. These include issues with the engine.
If you’re having trouble with your Scag Tiger Cat 2, make sure to check out these common problems and see if they’re affecting your machine. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your mower back up and running in no time.
I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect lawn mower for their needs.
