Scag Windstorm VS Billy Goat Hurricane Z3
The Scag Windstorm and The Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 are Unique Blowers. Currently the only two stand-on, zero-turn blowers on the market. They are somewhat new to the landscaping world and one of the biggest questions we get about them is the comparison. Of course everyone wants to know which stand-on debris blower is better. I'll compare them side-by-side and let you decide. Here is how we will compare the two:
- Specifications
- Engineering / Manufacturing
- Features
- Serviceability
• Specifications •
The easiest way most people compare the Scag Windstorm against the Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 is the bottom line. The Price is one of the biggest factors. But lets put that aside for the moment and we'll focus on the cold, hard specs. This is a great way to compare them in a 'technical' way.
Specs |
Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 |
Scag Windstorm |
| Model | 5901807-Z3000 | WS23-37BV-EFI |
| Engine | Vanguard V-Twin | Briggs Vanguard™ BIG BLOCK™ – electronic fuel injection |
| Engine Power Rating (hp)* | 35.0 | 37 hp. |
| Transmission | Twin HYDRO-GEAR® 3100 IZTs |
5-SPEED PEERLESS TRANSMISSION |
| Velocity (mph) | 165+ | 165+ |
| Air Flow (cubic ft/min) | 7,500 | 7,500 |
| Travel Speed (mph) | 9 MPH | 10.5 mph |
| Drive Train Type | Dual Hydrostatic | Dual Hydrostatic |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 10 gal. | 8 gal. |
| Number of Speeds | Infinitely Variable | Infinitely Variable |
| Drive | Solenoid Shift | Solenoid Shift |
| Weight (lbs) | 895 lb. | 943 lb |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty | 2- Year Commercial / Homeowner Warranty |
The Scag Windstorm has more Horsepower, which is very important because you need as much power as possible to be able to drive the blower, while using it. Even though the Scag Windstorm weighs about 50 lb. more than the Billy Goat Hurricane Z3. BUT the Scag Windstorm has a faster travel speed, (10.5 MPH vs 9 MPH) Which means you can get more done, faster.
Comparing the two status, they are pretty alike, but I'd give the specification battle to the Scag Windstorm due to it's larger engine, higher speeds, and larger engine. In this case, bigger is better!
• Engineering / Manufacturing •
Metalcraft of Mayville was the first manufacturer of Scag mowers, which were introduced in 1986. To date, they have produced approximately 50 models. They are one of the world's largest producers of commercial power equipment. They are well-known for their innovation and attention to detail. All of their equipment is intuitive to use.
Metalcraft of Mayville is a large private corporation which has contracts with the US government. They take extra care in building and manufacturing quality products.
Billy Goat is manufactured by Briggs & Stratton, LLC. Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. They are mostly known for their small engines, but they do have many outdoor power equipment brands as well. The only thing that worries me is that Briggs & Straton filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. This could be an issue when talking about serviceability, and warranty. Another thing to note is that the Scag Windstorm has a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Engine, so keep that in mind.
• Features •
The main feature which differentiates the two ride-on blowers is the blower chute. The Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 has three separate chutes, which they call the tri-directional blowing option. It has chute on the and one on the right and left. It uses metal flaps which close the chutes which aren't being used.
• $erviceability •
Serviceability of the Machine is one of the biggest points to make when making an outdoor power equipment purchase. Everyone knows time = money, if you're machine has downtime then you aren't making money. This is why we stress to customers, do NOT purchase outdoor power equipment from the big-box stores. Sure it might be "cheaper" but in the long run, it will be more expensive, since you won't be able to have it serviced. 
The Windstorm and the Hurricane both have 2 year manufacturer warranties. This is pretty standard for outdoor power equipment. The Serviceability on both of these ride-on blowers really depends on how far you are from the closest dealer. If you are trying to decide which one to buy, using google maps to figure out the distances to the dealers wouldn't be a bad idea. You always want to have a backup plan incase something goes wrong.
And The Winner Is....
Overall Both the Scag Windstorm & Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 are great ride on leaf blowers. They will save you money, and time when blowing debris and doing fall clean-up. They both have a large number of applications which can make them a lucrative purchase.
The Scag Windstorm wins this battle. It's hard to beat the horsepower, features, serviceability, and usability of the Scag Windstorm. The Nozzle directional system is a game-changer. It saves you time and makes your blowing experience much easier. I look forward on making a side-by-side video of the Scag Windstorm and the Billy Goat Hurricane soon so I can get into some real depth on this topic.
If you are in New England, check out my store. Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment. We are a full Sales & Service Scag Dealer, or visit scagdealernearme.com for more information!
See The Scag Windstorm In Action...
See The Billy Goat Hurricane Z3 In Action....
