Heavy-duty ground drive

The hydrostatic drive features two 13-cc (0.8-cu in.) unitized hydraulic pumps combined with commercial-grade, heavy-duty wheel motors into a single unit.

One pump and one motor drive each wheel on the ZTrak™ E and M Series Mowers. This provides several benefits:

• Exceptional cooling in high-load conditions
• Easy-to-check level and refill hydraulic oil
• Opens up access under the seat

Mower deck height adjustment knob

An easy-to-use cutting-height lift system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck height with no tools and minimal effort. The easy-to-grip knob allows operators to dial in the desired height of cut (HOC).

Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 1 in. to 5.5 in. (2.5 cm to 14 cm). Each increment on the knob adjusts the HOC approximately 0.25 in. (0.64 cm). The deck can also be raised and locked in a transport position to provide maximum ground clearance when moving the machine from one area to another.

The transport lock function allows the deck to be returned to the previous HOC after being in the transport position:

• Use the foot-lift pedal to lift the deck and engage the transport lock.
• Rotate the knob to adjust from 1 in. to 5.5 in. (2.5 cm to 14 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64 cm) increments.

This design increases productivity by allowing operators to change the cutting height without having to leave the seat.

72-in. (183-cm) 7Iron PRO deck shown

The ZTrak™ M and R Series Mowers are equipped with either a side-discharge or Mulch On Demand™ 7Iron PRO deck.

7Iron PRO mower decks have demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. They deliver a high quality cut in diverse conditions.

Key features of the 7Iron PRO mower deck:

• Deck is stamped from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside with fewer sharp corners for reduced material buildup.
• Significantly fewer welds on the deck shell to wear or break - it is stamped from a single sheet of steel rather than multiple fabrications. An anti-skid step on the deck provides easy machine mounting.
• Higher blade tip speed than many competitors - 18,500 fpm (5,639 m/min) for more blade cuts per inch mowed.
• A deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• The wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.

Mower rectangular leading-edge reinforcement

Dual-captured anti-scalp wheel

Key features of the 7Iron PRO mower deck:

• Deck has rectangular leading deck edge reinforcement and the rounded corners of the stamped deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• Dual-captured front and rear anti-scalp wheels provide deck flotation over even the toughest terrain.
• Three 1-in. (2.5-cm), cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength without bulk and are supported by ball bearings, providing reliability and performance; spindle housings are ribbed cast aluminum providing both excellent strength and heat dissipation.
• The front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass and is reinforced with a square bar for durability. The front baffle has been redesigned to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Three spindle grease fittings are accessible from the top.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40.6 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, to reduce striping between blades.
• Quick-change, cutting-height adjustment.

7Iron PRO mower deck

Mower deck step shown on 72-in. (183-cm) mower

The deck step safely aids the operator's entrance and egress from machine.

There are three seating options available for the M and R Series, all of which are factory installed :

1. Deluxe comfort seat with armrests
2. Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation
3. Fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests

ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension

ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension control lever

Each seat has the ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension system that gives superior ride comfort over uneven areas:

• Seat can travel up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) fore and aft to absorb bumps for a significant enhancement to ride comfort.
• Control lever provides the ability to easily lock out fore/aft suspension movement if desired.
• One lever has three functions.
  • Slide seat forward and back 3 in. (10.2 cm) to allow the operator the ability to choose the leg room needed
  • Activate ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension
  • Lock out ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension

Deluxe comfort seat with armrests

Deluxe comfort seat with armrests

The deluxe comfort seat with armrests is standard on all E, M, and R Series models:

• Rubber springs are provided to increase ride comfort.
• A convenient seat latch makes it easy to lift the seat.
• The seat is factory installed.

Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation

Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation

Rubber isolation mount

The deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation is available on the E, M, and R Series:

• Rubber springs are provided to isolate the seat base and to increase ride comfort.
• A convenient seat latch makes it easy to lift the seat.
• Isolation mounting is a good feature to reduce vibration for operators who do not require the fully-adjustable suspension seat option.
• Factory installed on Z900s ordered with the deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation option.

Fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests

Fully-adjustable, mechanical suspension-seat

Suspension seat control

A fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests option is available on the M and R Series:

• Adjustable back angle is provided for individual operator comfort.
• Adjustable lumbar support to suit the needs of the operator.
• A suspension seat control dial gives easy adjustment for operator weight and ride comfort.
• A convenient seat latch for ease of lifting the seat
• On Z900s ordered with the fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests option, it is factory installed.

Z960M engine

The Z960M is powered by an air-cooled, vertical shaft engine:

• 31-hp (23.1-kW) gas engine

Engine features include:

• Overhead valve design
  • More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
  • Better fuel efficiency
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
  • Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
  • Oil filter helps keep oil clean for increased engine life
  • V-twin big block design
• Vertical shaft
• Easy-access, dual-element air filter with quick-release latch
• 15-amp alternator
• Fuel pump
• Complies with strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards without loss of horsepower or torque
• Aluminum block engines
  • Effectively dissipate heat
  • Lightweight and strong construction
  • Extend engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures
  • Air-cooled engine design

Mulch On Demand mower deck

Mower deck with chute closed

The Mulch On Demand mower deck delivers unprecedented levels of productivity and versatility to commercial mower operation. With the ability to switch between side discharge and mulching operation with the flip of a lever as the operator mows, keeping most clippings out of landscaping features and where they are wanted is extremely easy.

Mulch On Demand open

Mulch On Demand closed (latch standard on material collection system [MCS] equipped models only)

Lever position open (latch standard on MCS-equipped models only)

Lever position closed

Key features of the 7Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck:

• Deck can be converted from a wide-open side discharge mode to a fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever. NOTE: Mulch On Demand decks are a balance between a side discharge deck and a side discharge deck with a mulching kit.
• Deck is stamped from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside, with fewer sharp corners, for reduced material buildup.
• Significantly fewer welds on the deck shell to wear or break- it is stamped from a single sheet of steel rather than multiple fabrications. Anti-skid step on the deck provides for easy machine mounting.
• Mulch On Demand decks are superior to aftermarket chute blockers due to the movable baffles.
• Higher blade tip speed than many competitors - 18,500 fpm (5,639 m/min) for more blade cuts per inch mowed.
• Rounded corners of the stamped deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• Three 1-in. (2.5 cm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength without bulk and are supported by ball bearings, providing reliability and performance; spindle housings are ribbed cast aluminum providing both excellent strength and heat dissipation.
• The front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass and reinforced with a square bar for durability. The front baffle has been redesigned to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Dual-captured anti-scalp wheels provide deck flotation over even the toughest terrain.
• Three greasable spindle zerks accessible from the top.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, to reduce striping between blades.
• Quick-change, cutting-height adjustment.

7Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck

Z930M ZTrak Mower

Z970R ZTrak Mower

E and M Series three-year, 1200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive two-year, unlimited hour/three-year, 1200-hour (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard for all John Deere E and M Series Mowers. The warranty is best in its class and places John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is also hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

NOTE: 36 months or 1200 hours, whichever comes first. For the first 24 months, there is no hour limitation.

R Series three-year, 1500-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive two-year, unlimited hour/three-year, 1500-hour (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard on all John Deere R Series mowers. The warranty is best in the industry and puts John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is also hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

NOTE: 36 months or 1500 hours, whichever comes first. For the first 24 months, there is no hour limitation.

Flat-free rear tire shown on ZTrak™ Mower

John Deere provides the commercial mower industry with the Michelin X Tweel Turf technology for Commercial ZTrak Mowers:

• 24x12N12 as an ordering option code for ZTrak Gas Mowers with 54 in., 60 in., and 72 in. (137-cm, 152-cm, and 183-cm) Mower Decks
• 24x12N12 is also available as base code equipment for ZTrak Gas Mowers with 54 in., 60 in., and 72 in. (137-cm, 152-cm, and 183-cm) Mower Decks (ordering information available at Configurator on the Tweel model page)
• 24x12N12 as an ordering option code for ZTrak Z994R Diesel with 54 in. and 60 in. (137-cm and 152-cm) Mower Decks
• 26x12N12 as an ordering option code for Z997R Diesel with 60 in. and 72 in. (152-cm and 183-cm) Mower Decks

Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and technology. This airless radial tire solution is an industry first for John Deere, which provides an additional advantage to John Deere customers.

Advantages of the Michelin X Tweel Turf include:

• Mowing performance is improved.
  • Rutting is reduced because the Michelin X Tweel Turf has more support across the surface for improved flotation and better ground contact.
  • Unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reduces the bounce associated with pneumatic tires.
  • Excellent curb climbing is possible due to the Michelin X Tweel Turf construction and flexibility.
  • More consistent cut quality is achieved because inconsistent tire pressure is eliminated.
• Uptime is improved.
  • The exclusive technology eliminates downtime and associated cost due to flat or damaged tires.
  • Punctures and sidewall damage no longer result in downtime.
• Cost of operation is reduced.
  • Cost of repairs and maintenance is reduced. One single unit replaces the current tire, wheel, and valve assembly. There is no need for complex tire-mounting equipment.
  • No need to spend time checking and optimizing tire pressure.
  • The need to purchase and stock plug kits and spare tires is eliminated, particularly for professional landscape contractors and government agencies who normally stock them.
  • The tire tread will last up to three times longer than current pneumatic tires because automotive-grade rubber is used for the tread.

Michelin X Tweel Turf

Michelin X Tweel Turf

Heavy-duty construction provides the ultimate in performance and reliable operation:

• High-strength poly-resin spokes carry the load.
• Four-hole, heavy-duty steel hub for durability.
• Deep, open-tread design provides excellent cleaning and traction.
• Zero degree, high-tensile proprietary carcass provides great lateral stiffness while resisting damage from impact and penetration.

NOTE: In some cases different size Tweels are required depending on the mowing deck size.

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Michelin North America, Inc.

Spindle assembly

On every John Deere ZTrak™ mower deck, there are three 1-in. (2.5-cm) spindles that are cold-forged and heat-treated for strength without bulk. The spindles are supported by precision ball bearings, providing great performance and reliability.
 
The spindle housing is made of aircraft-grade, ribbed cast aluminum. This unique casting design embosses reinforcing gussets in the housing, which adds both strength and cooling surface area that stands up to commercial applications.
 
These spindles can be greased from the top and require no disassembly to reach. Grease channels provide lubrication to both bearings.

Z945M EFI front view

Z945M EFI rear view

The design of the Z900 Series makes many service components reachable and easily accessible from the ground.

• Large, open engine compartment at the rear of the machine provides convenient servicing and ensures the engine heat is directed away from the operator.

Flip-up foot panel

Flip-up seat

Onboard maintenance chart

Maintenance chart

All ZTrak™ Mowers come with an onboard maintenance chart that is conveniently located inside the right-hand console. The service interval chart gives necessary service intervals.

Diagnostics

Hourmeter (M Series pictured)

Diagnostic chart

The hourmeter shows the number of hours the machine is run when the key switch is in the on position. It only counts the hours the engine is actually running. Machine diagnostics are the first step of a monitoring system to help operators quickly diagnose common downtime issues. A trouble code light is included on the hourmeter.

Use of the hourmeter and service interval chart helps determine when the machine will need service.