636M showing compact design

636M showing compact design

From the operator's platform to the mower deck, John Deere QuikTrak™ Mowers have a compact and functional design:

• The compact design allows the QuikTrak to operate in tighter areas that a larger machine cannot. Often, this means the area can be mowed with a QuikTrak so it is not necessary to switch to a walk-behind mower, which helps reduce the time on site.
• With the compact design of QuikTrak Mowers, less space is required on a truck or trailer - which can mean there is room for an extra mower, resulting in less time on property, saving time and money.

636M QuikTrak

636M QuikTrak

Whether mowing hills or on level terrain, trimming or mowing straight-away, the operator of a John Deere QuikTrak is able to affect the performance of the machine with their body:

• The compact design of the QuikTrak allows the operator to use their body to help control the machine.

• The innovative QuikTrak design puts the operator in line with the rear axle to keep traction  when mowing across slopes, providing greater control.

• Faster ground speeds get work done quicker.
• Better traction on slopes gives more control and increased productivity.
• Superior stability gives more control and confidence when operating.
• Better visibility allows for quick operator reaction times to changing terrain and obstructions.
• Standing area is designed for improved range of motion to allow the operator more room to move and avoid obstacles.
• Minimal operator station obstruction allows safe and fast exits for clearing mower-path obstacles.
• Operator area is designed for more comfort and less fatigue.

Inset caster wheels (636M shown)

Inset caster wheels (636M shown)

John Deere QuikTrak Mowers are designed, tested, and manufactured to provide the best commercial mowing machines available:

• Bull-nosed shape of the front edge of the mower deck allows caster wheels to be set back further, closer to the blades, for more effective ground following capability.
• Compact design takes less space for mowing tighter areas and may allow room for an extra machine when hauling to the worksite.

QuikTrak™ mower deck

Mower-deck reinforcement

A well-designed mower deck can make the difference between just getting the job done and getting eye-catching results. The 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) fabricated mower deck delivers a higher quality of cut in more diverse conditions to enhance mowing performance.

Key features of the fabricated mower deck include: 

• The mower deck is manufactured 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.
• A compact footprint delivers greater maneuverability when working in tight quarters.
• A deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow so material is processed quickly and efficiently.
• A powerful vacuum effect is created by the deck's unique air-flow design, which pulls more grass upright so that the blades can cut more evenly.

Flexible mower-discharge deflector

Caster wheels

The wide-discharge opening and raised deflector provide even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.

Caster wheels with flat-free tires contribute to a smooth, even cutting job:

• Large, flat-free caster wheels carry the mower deck smoothly over the lawn.
• Caster wheels are recessed to reduce the vehicle footprint and turning radius.
  • With the wheels less exposed, there is less chance they will get snagged by immovable obstacles, thus improving maneuverability and reducing damage.

Mower lift lever (raised position)

The QuikTrak is equipped with a floating mower deck that offers several advantages over a fixed mower deck:

• The lift lever allows the operator to raise the mower to the full-up position from the operator's station.
  • Convenient when transporting from one mowing area to another and when loading/unloading.
  • Allows the operator to raise the mower over roots or other obstructions in the lawn on the fly.
• Lift-assist springs reduce the effort required to raise the mower deck.

Cutting-height adjustment

Easy-to-remove mower deck shields

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments:

• Pull the lift lever back to the full-raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

Mower deck shields are easy to remove for access to the drive belt and other service points.

Optional mulching attachment

Optional mulching attachment and blades (similar design shown)

Optional mulching attachment and special mulching blades are available:

• This is a high-performance mulching attachment that includes formed steel baffles to control the material for superior performance.
• The special mulching blades can also be used for side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.

Engine

Air cleaner access

A commercial-quality, 18.5-hp (13.8-kW) at 3600 rpm, air-cooled engine powers the QuikTrak™ Mower:

• 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
  • Filtered oil reduces risk of contamination for increased engine life
• V-twin design
  • Fast starts
  • Smooth operation
• Vertical shaft for efficient transfer of power to the transmission and mower
• Standard dual-stage air cleaner
• Fuel pump for consistent and reliable fuel supply to the carburetor
• 50-state compliant engine, which complies with strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission standards without loss of horsepower or torque
• Air-cooled engine design for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability
• Standard cleanout ports for easy access to remove debris collecting in cooling fins.
• Aluminum cylinder block
• Effectively dissipates heat
• Lightweight and strong construction
• Extends engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures

Engine oil-fill/check tube

The engine is equipped with a replaceable oil filter for longer engine life.

Engine oil fill/check tube, oil filter, and oil drain are located close together for easy and convenient service.

636M QuikTrak™ Mower mowing

Hydrostatic pumps

QuikTrak Mowers use a heavy-duty hydrostatic pump and wheel-motor drive system that gives reliable and consistent performance and long life:

• Heavy-duty components stand up to the rigors of commercial use.
• Individual pump and wheel motor design allows placement of these heavy components low in the vehicle for a low center of gravity and excellent hillside stability.

Two Hydro-Gear™, 0.61-cu in. (10-cc) axial piston, variable-displacement pumps provide hydraulic power to the wheel motors:

• Pumps are linked to the hand-control levers to allow the operator to make speed and direction changes.
• Rugged construction is ideal for high-performance commercial use.
• Piston design gives efficient and consistent performance. 
• A replaceable hydraulic filter helps ensure long life of the pumps and wheel motors.

Two individual, 12-cu in. (196.6-cc), piston wheel motors power the QuikTrak drive wheels. Their heavy-duty construction and super-efficient axial-piston design provides superior performance and seamless power to the wheels:

• Integrated high-pressure shaft seal gives greater reliability.
• Large bearings are designed with the capacity to carry heavier loads and give long life.

Transmission oil filter

Transmission fluid oil reservoir

A spin-on-type replaceable hydraulic oil filter is conveniently located:

• Extends life of transmission components by keeping oil clean
• Easy to reach for easy and fast service

A hydraulic fluid oil reservoir is located behind the leaning pad:

• Located in a cleaner environment
• Easy to access for inspection and service
• Sight glass built into the tank reduces risk of contamination when checking fluid level

Transmission bypass valves are provided on each hydrostatic pump to permit moving the QuikTrak without the engine running.

Hydro-Gear is a trademark of Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership AF Holding Company.

QuikTrak™ Mower mowing (636M shown)

Control console (636M shown)

 Controls are color coded and logically placed to make them easy for the operator to find and use:

• Ground speed and direction are easily controlled by moving the two hand-lever hydrostatic drive controls forward or reverse.
  • Speeds are infinitely variable up to 8.2 mph (13.2 km/h) forward and 3.5 mph (5.6 km/h) reverse.
  • A positive neutral-lock position for the levers provides added safety.
• Two stationary reference bars are provided for operator convenience and security.
  • Front reference bar is included to control speed and reduce fatigue from control lever operation.
  • Rear reference bar is included to make reverse operation easy while maintaining operator confidence.
• Control levers return to neutral automatically for safety and convenience.
• Separate choke is easy to locate and use.
  • Less adjustment is needed with the separate choke.

Brake lever (engaged position)

Brake bar

A tire brake is provided to give stability for parking the vehicle on hillsides and for transport; it should be engaged whenever the machine is not being used:

• Brake must be engaged to start the machine, for added safety.
• The tire brake bars are easily adjusted, if necessary, to maintain effective operation.

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment

Mower deck lift handle

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment

An easy-to-use cutting height adjustment system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck cutting height with no tools and minimal effort:

• Pull the lift lever back to the fully-raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

NOTE: Additional information on mower cutting height adjustment can be found in the mower deck section.

Operator trimming with 636M QuikTrak™ Mower

Mower discharge deflector

High-quality mower deflector directs cut clippings across the lawn for optimum appearance. Plastic material flexes if contacted to minimize damage.

Operator controls

Curb wheels

Key safety features of QuikTrak Mowers include:

• Start circuit requirements
  • Park brake engaged
  • Power take-off (PTO) disengaged
  • Control levers in neutral
  • Ignition key used to start the engine
• A high-quality, polyethylene, mower-discharge deflector
  • Deflects if it strikes a solid obstruction, causing less damage
  • Returns to its original shape and function
• Operator station designed to allow fast exit
• Two large curb wheels
• Easy to remove and replace shields
• Stationary handles on either side of the traction controls for operator security
• Control levers return to neutral when released

Mower deck safety certification

QuikTrak mower decks are evaluated by the manufacturer (John Deere Turf Care) and conform to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B71.4 2004 safety certification specifications for commercial turf care equipment.

636M QuikTrak™ Mower

Open engine compartment

All service components are easy to access:

• Servicing is simplified because of the open engine compartment.
• All service and maintenance points are within easy reach.

Dual-stage air cleaner

Engine oil fill/check tube and oil filter

 Dual-stage air cleaner is easy to reach and easy to service:

• Air cleaner has two filter elements.
• Element is easy to access and easy to change.

Engine oil service points are grouped together in easy-to-reach locations:

• Reduces the time required to check and/or change the oil and filter.

Leaning pad raised for service access

Periodic service chart

Simply raising the leaning pad exposes the hydrostatic oil reservoir, control linkage, and other service areas.

A periodic service chart is provided for convenience in keeping up on required service.

Easy-to-remove mower deck shield

Hydrostatic transmission control linkage

Remove service access shields on the mower deck, battery box, etc. to service the machine:

• Panels are easy to remove and install.

Threaded ball and socket rod ends are used throughout the QuikTrak Mowers:

• Provide precise control over a long period of time
• Easily replaced when necessary

Convenient access panel

Hydrostatic pump maintenance access

Access to check and service the hydrostatic pumps and motors is readily available at the rear of the machine.

Transmission bypass valves enable moving the vehicle without the engine running.

Battery box

Battery cover removed for service access

A secure battery box is provided to protect the battery, for reliable operation:

• Cover is easily removed for servicing the battery.

Front tie down

Rear tie down

Four tie-down locations, two at the front and two at the rear, are provided for safely towing or anchoring the vehicle.