Z997R with 72-in. (183-cm) side-discharge mower

The durability features of the frame are as follows:

• Heavy-duty, thick-gauge steel channel mainframe for strength and durability
• Cast I-beam caster arms to handle the beating and pounding professional mowers receive
• Wide-open access for maintenance and cleaning

Durable cast-iron rear bumper provides protection

Cast-iron rear bumper

A cast-iron rear bumper is provided on the machine for rear protection. It also adds weight to give great hillside performance.

A rear hitch can be added to a 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.4-mm) steel bumper for towing purposes. ZTrak™ Z997R Mowers can tow up to 400 lb (181 kg). 

Roll-Gard™ rollover protective structure for operator safety

ROPS upright position

ROPS folded position

The foldable two-post rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt are standard equipment to protect the operator in the event of machine tip-over. The ROPS structure meets U.S. Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1928.51. Retractable seat belts are within easy reach of the operator, for use when operating equipment with the ROPS up.

ROPS are foldable to allow trimming, such as under trees or bushes:

• To fold, remove two pins and rotate the top of the ROPS.
• Adjustment can be made from the operator's seat.
• ROPS must be in the upright and locked position when low clearance is not required; the use of seat belts is recommended when operating the equipment with ROPS in the upright position.

The folding ROPS performance is certified at the date of manufacture according to the following:

• USA OSHA: 1928.51 for North America and certification for the worldwide sales under OSHA.

ROPS stabilizer device

ROPS stabilizer device

Stabilizers reduce the amount of movement and noise in the ROPS.

Michelin X Tweel Turf on Z997R

Flat-free rear tire on ZTrak™ Mower

John Deere leads the commercial zero-turn mower industry with use of the Michelin X Tweel Turf technology.

Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and technology. This airless radial tire solution is an industry first for John Deere, which provides a smoother ride for the operator and additional advantages to John Deere owners.

Advantages of the Michelin X Tweel Turf include:

• Mowing performance is improved.
• Unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reduces the bounce associated with pneumatic tires, to give a smoother ride.
• 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, to give a smoother ride.
• 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

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 easily bolts onto any Z997R ZTrak Mower.
• 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.

Tires deliver exceptional traction, maneuverability, and reliability

Run flat front caster wheel

Pneumatic rear drive wheel

The ZTrak Z997R Mower is equipped with 15x6-6 flat free front caster tires that provide:

• Excellent reliability and uptime
• Low center of gravity to increase hillside mowing capability
• Caster wheels and caster wheel towers with sealed bearings for long life and easy steering
• Offset front caster wheels to help improve the inside corner-trim performance and reduce between-blade striping

A choice of rear wheel options is available for factory installation:

• 26x12-12 4 PR pneumatic drive tires in base equipment for excellent traction, flotation, and curb climbing
• 26x12-12 Michelin X Tweel Turf airless radial tire technology option for a smoother ride and more uptime

Drive tires and caster wheels sized for proper weight distribution and traction

Turf drive tires

The Z997R comes with 26x12-12, square-shoulder, 4 PR turf drive tires as standard equipment.

Caster wheels

Caster wheels

The 15x6-6 smooth-design flat-free front caster wheels provide excellent durability, flotation, and curb climbing. 

A wide stance increases hillside mowing capability.

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

3-cylinder diesel engine

Convenient access to engine

The Z997R is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a gross 37.4 hp (27.5 kW) that meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Final Tier 4 emission standards. The engine achieves Final Tier 4 compliance by using a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter (DOC/DPF) system.

The three-cylinder diesel engine features low noise levels, superior fuel economy, and a high torque reserve that provides plenty of power and performance.

Key features of the engine include:

• Economical, cast-in block cylinder design gives good cooling and long life.
• Liquid-cooled design provides more consistent operating temperatures than air-cooled.
• Direct fuel injection is provided. 
  • Injects fuel directly on top of pistons for more efficient combustion
  • Develops more horsepower per gallon of fuel
  • Improves starting
• Aluminum alloy pistons with built-in steel struts are lightweight to reduce connection rod bearing loads and provide good heat-transfer characteristics.
  • Design permits tighter tolerances and neutralizes expansion of the piston, thereby reducing blow-by fuel and noise from the piston slap
  • Higher top rings on the piston and a thinner head gasket greatly reduce the volume of unburned waste and increase combustion efficiency
• Timing gears and injector drive gears utilize helical profile gears to help lower engine noise.
  • Gear teeth have a newly designed ''roll-off'' profile, giving almost no clash, no noise, and no backlash
• Fuel filter with replaceable element is provided.
• Full-pressure intake manifold provides quick starts in temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C).
• Auto-bleed fuel system gives extra convenience. 
  • No need to prime the system if the unit runs out of fuel; the system will self-prime the injection pump, lines and injectors, providing fast fuel recovery
• Key start and shutoff eliminates fuel shut-off knob; electric solenoid shuts fuel supply off immediately when key is turned off.
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits operator to check coolant level without removing radiator cap.
• Sealed radiator compartment keeps trash and debris on outside of hood.
• Dual-element, dry-type air cleaner with safety element and air service indicator is provided. 
  • Dual-element design for added engine protection
  • Easy to service
  • Completely sealed for effective cleaning and 90 to 95 percent of dirt ejected before it reaches the paper element
  • Secondary safety element for additional filtering
  • Air-restriction indicator to let operator know when the filter needs servicing
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter lengthens engine life. 
  • Engine wear reduced by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
  • Oil filter helps keep oil clean for increased engine life
• Automotive-type alternator (75 amp) provides plenty of charge to the battery.
• Rear-mounted, covered radiator and fan keeps noise away from the operator and is easy to service.
• Isolated engine mounting reduces engine vibration at operator's station for more comfortable operation.

Air cleaner filters out dust to extend engine life

Engine air cleaner

The ZTrak™ Z997R Diesel Mower is equipped with a dual-element, canister-style air filter that is easily accessible from the rear of the machine without tools.

• Filtration system pulls clean air from above the engine, in turn filtering out the dust that can damage an engine over time.
• Filters are easy to change when required.
• Pre-cleaner provides extra protection against contamination in dusty and dirty applications.

12-U.S. gal. (45.4-L) capacity fuel tank allows the operator to mow for a full day without refueling

Fuel tank and fuel gauge

Diesel fuel cap

The Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower is equipped with a single fuel tank, providing the following:

• 12-U.S. gal. (45.4-L) capacity allows the operator to mow for a full day without refueling.
• Large filler neck makes for easier refueling.
• Standard fuel gauge is provided.
• Top fuel draw provides added safety by reducing the chance fuel will leak out.

NOTE: The fill level is 1 in. (25 mm) below the bottom of the filler neck.

Illustration of Kanzaki dual-unitized hydraulic pump

The hydrostatic drive features a Kanzaki® DUP 17SB dual-unitized hydraulic pump. This dual pump, in a single housing, provides longer life and less maintenance than competitive units.

The pump features a shaft-driven fan for added cooling and longer component life. The swash-plate bearings are roller-type versus ball-type bearings for a longer overall pump life.

Illustration of transmission layout

The transmission module integrates the dual pumps and steering valves in one single housing. The pump is shaft-driven from the engine. An isolator ensures reduced vibration between the engine and the transmission module. 

Two wheel motors are installed on the chassis to directly transfer power to both wheels. Commercial-grade, heavy-duty TG0310 18.9-cu in. (310-cc) wheel motors from Parker Ross, part of the Hydraulic Pump & Motor Division of Parker Hannifin®, are also important components of the overall drive system efficiency.

Rigid hydraulic lines are installed between the hydraulic module and wheel motors for long life.

Kanzaki is a trademark of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company. Parker Hannifin is a trademark of Parker Intangibles, LLC.

Operator platform

The Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower is ergonomically designed to give the operator an enjoyable and comfortable ride while increasing productivity.

Two-lever hydrostatic drive control

• Commercial cutter can select the ground speed and direction control simply by moving levers forward or in reverse.
• Positive neutral lock position for levers provides added safety.
• Wide-bend steering levers swing out easily for entry and exit from the operator platform.

Comfort and convenience handles

The comfort and convenience package includes large, ergonomically angled control levers with specially padded grips and built-in electronic controls to raise or lower the mower deck and disengage the mower blades.

Control buttons

The push button (A) on the left motion control lever raises the mower deck. The push button (B) on the right-hand control lever shuts off the power take-off (PTO).

Once the PTO has been shut off using the button, the PTO switch must be pushed down and pulled up again to engage the PTO.

Easy to engage park-brake lever

Park-brake lever

• Positive park position allows the operator to park on hillsides and lock the park brake during
  trailer transport.
• Park brake automatically disengages the machine during panic stop, for added safety.

Suspension seat

Seat adjustment controls

The deluxe comfort professional-grade seat is included in base equipment. It provides the operator with an enjoyable ride by allowing the operator the ability to adjust the seat to their preference. It includes:

• 24-in. (60.9-cm) high-back seat
• Suspension-reaction dial that adjusts vertical suspension for operator weight and a firm or soft ride
• Adjustable armrests
• Adjustable back angle
• ComfortGlide 2-in. (50.8-mm) fore/aft suspension to absorb bumps
• Vibration reduction
• 3-in. (7.6-cm) fore-aft adjustment while operator is seated
• Retractable seatbelt

ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension control lever

ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension 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 Comfort Glide fore/aft seat suspension
• Lock out Comfort Glide fore/aft seat suspension

Control panel including height-of-cut adjustment dial

Height-of-cut adjustment dial

Single-touch deck lift system is best in class:

• No tool required for adjustments
• Dial-in knob used in conjunction with push button to change the height of cut
• Easy-to-use design for increased productivity by allowing change of cutting height from the seat

Mower control buttons

The push button (A) on the left motion control lever raises the mower deck. The push button (B) on the right-hand control lever shuts off the power take-off (PTO).
 
Once the PTO has been shut off using the button, the PTO switch must be pushed down and pulled up again to engage the PTO.

Easy serviceability

Rear hood open

Service components are easy to see and access:

• Open engine compartment allows full access to engine components and service points.
• Engine heat is kept away from the operator.
• Flip-up seat allows easy access to the hydraulic system.
• Flip-out floor panel allows easy access to deck spindles.

Hood latch and hood pivots

Hood latch

Hood opened for access to service points

Hood has one central over-center type latch.

The hood pivots to make the hood easier to remove and install for ease of servicing the engine.

Coolant reserve tank and oil filter

Flip-up deck service panel

Z955M ZTrak™ Mower

Z955R ZTrak Mower

E and M Series 3-year, 1200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive 2-year, unlimited hour/3-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 3-year, 1500-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive 2-year, unlimited hour/3-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.

Mower decks are safety certified

Z950M ZTrak Mower

Mowers 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.

Z997R shown with 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron™ PRO Mulch On Demand™ Mower Deck

Z997R shown with 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron PRO side-discharge mower

There are four mower-deck options available for the Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower:

• The 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO side-discharge deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.
• The 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck can be converted from a wide-open, side-discharge mode to a fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever.
• The 60-in. (152-cm) rear-discharge mower deck is fabricated from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.5-mm) steel for added deck strength and long life. It is ideally suited for areas where people are present.
• The 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron PRO side-discharge deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming on larger properties.

Spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron for extra durability

Cast-iron mower spindle

Cast-iron mower spindle

On every commercial mower deck, there are three 1-in. (25-mm) spindles that are cold-forged and heat-treated for strength. Spindles are supported by precision ball bearings that provide great performance and reliability.

The blade spindles are designed for many hours of trouble-free operation:

• The spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron and have a gusseted design that puts the reinforcement where it is needed.
• Ductile cast-iron material provides increased impact strength.
• Strength of cast iron protects against damage from blade impacts.
• Grease fitting is mounted at the top for easy access.
• Grease pressure-relief valve minimizes seal damage from overfilling with grease and keeps debris from entering housing.
• The 8-in. (20.3-cm) diameter housing distributes loads and impacts to minimize deck-shell damage.
• Spindle assembly can be rebuilt.

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO mower deck

60 in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO mower deck shown

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed - 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min) gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• Front baffle is designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Ductile cast-iron blade-spindle housings have a gusseted design for extra reinforcement.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement for even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chute provides even clipping distribution.
• 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.5-mm) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• 3-spindle design provides a smooth, even cut.
• Plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• Formed, steel-deck design is stamped from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• Deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• Shaft drive from engine to mower gives excellent reliability.
• Belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Grease fittings are greased from the top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Tricycler mulching kits are available.
• Blade overlap of 1.57 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, reduces the number of missed grass blades.

NOTE: The 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck is not available in Australia/New Zealand.

Mower decks are safety certified

Z950M ZTrak Mower

Mowers 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.

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

Z997R with 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron PRO mower

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

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed - 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min) gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• Front baffle is designed to manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle pocket reinforcement gives greater structural durability.
• Ductile cast-iron blade-spindle housings have a gusseted design for extra reinforcement.
• A raised discharge chute provides even clipping distribution.
• 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.5-mm) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• 3-spindle design gives a smooth, even cut.
• Plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• Formed, steel-deck design is stamped from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• Deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• Shaft drive from engine to mower gives excellent reliability.
• Belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Grease fittings are greased from the top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Tricycler mulching kits are available.
• Blade overlap of 1.57 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, reduces the number of missed grass blades.

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand Mower Deck

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand Mower Deck shown

Mulch On Demand mower mulch control lever

Key features of the 7-Iron 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.
• Deck is stamped from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.5-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 easy machine mounting.
• Higher blade tip speed than many competitors - 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min) for more blade cuts per inch mowed.
• 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.
• 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.
• 1-in. (25-mm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and are supported by ball bearings, providing reliability and performance; ductile cast-iron blade-spindle housings have a gusseted design for extra reinforcement.
• 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.

60-in. (152-cm) rear-discharge mower deck

60-in. (152-cm) rear-discharge mower deck

The 60-in. (152-cm) rear-discharge mower is ideally suited for:

• Areas where people are present
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Traffic areas (city boulevards, roadsides, etc.)
• Conditions and application areas with long grass and weeds where wide dispersal of grass (park areas, roadsides, etc.) is not a concern

Some government bids specify that the mower is equipped with a rear discharge deck:

• Deck is fabricated from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.5-mm) steel for added deck strength and long life.
• 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) solid steel bar is welded to the mower deck perimeter for additional strength.
• Deep-deck design increases airflow so more material can be processed.
• Operator can trim with either side.
• Unique baffling system that is designed to reduce clumping and windrowing usually associated with rear-discharge mowers.
• 1-in. to 5-in. (2.54-cm to 12.7-cm) cutting heights, in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments, allow the operator to match mowing conditions.
• Gauge wheels, rollers, or side-mounted skid shoes lift the deck over uneven surfaces for a well-groomed appearance.
• Spindles can be greased without removing belt shields.
• 1-in. (25-mm) cold-forged spindles are reliable.
• Heat-treating of the spindles provides additional strength.
• Ductile cast-iron blade-spindle housings have a gusseted design for extra reinforcement.