John Deere provides application-specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved field-installed propane conversion kits for specific John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers, QuikTrak Mowers, and ZTrak Mowers. The conversion kits include all components required to convert the engines to operate on propane fuel. Single-tank or dual-tank brackets (depending on the vehicle) are provided for securely holding the propane tank(s) to the vehicle.

Propane tanks are not included.

Optional altitude kit is required when operating at altitudes above 2000 ft (610 m). The operator’s manual provided with the propane conversion kit provides further details. Parts must be ordered separately through John Deere Parts.

Propane facts:

• Propane is flammable and commonly used as a fuel.
• The molecular formula of propane is C3H8, and it is in the family of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases). The other LP gases include butane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof.
• Propane is commonly available and has proven to be a dependable, safe, economical, and clean-burning fuel. It can be used as household fuel, industrial fuel, and fuel for internal combustion engines. Propane has been used as a fuel since 1910.
• At atmospheric pressure, propane boils at -44°F (-42.2°C), meaning it typically exists as a vapor. However, when contained under pressure, such as in a propane cylinder, it can exist as a liquid.
• Propane is naturally odorless, but includes an additive odorant, usually mercaptan, which gives it a distinct odor.
• Vapor propane is heavier than air, meaning it will settle in low areas such as along the ground or in drains.

 Advantages of John Deere propane conversion kits include:

• Reduced fuel costs, up to 30 percent depending on fuel prices
• Lower emissions
• Reduced fuel-system maintenance
• Maintains John Deere warranty
• EPA and CARB certified
• May qualify for national and state rebate and incentive programs. Please visit www.propane.com/commercial-landscape/programs-and-incentives/ for further information.

Propane tank mounting bracket options:

 Optional tank and configurations and sizes are available to provide operators the ability to tailor for run time:

• Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers have only a single-tank mounting option.
  • Single-tank bracket designed for one 20-lb (9.1-kg) or 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
• QuikTrak Mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
  • Single-tank right-side bracket designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
  • Dual-tank brackets designed for two 20-lb (9.1-kg) Worthington tanks.
    • Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak Mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
• Single-tank left-side bracket designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) or 43-lb (19.5-kg) Worthington tank.
  • Tank is not included.
• Dual-tank brackets designed for two 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tanks.
• Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak Mowers with dual-tank configurations are not compatible with any material collections system.

NOTE: Reference the “Propane and Attachment Compatibility Chart” to determine tank configurations that are compatible.

Estimated run time comparison

Engine displacement	FS603cc	FS726cc	FX726cc	FX852cc
Average consumption (lb [kg]/hr)	3.9 (1.8)	4.2 (1.9)	4.2 (1.9)	5.8 (2.6)
Run time (hours) with 20-lb (9.1-kg) tank	5.1	4.8	4.8	3.4
Run time (hours) with 33.5-lb (15.2-kg) tank	Not available	8.0	8.0	5.8
Run time (hours) with 43.5-lb (19.7-kg) tank	Not available	10.4	10.4	7.5

 

Field-installed propane conversion kit compatibility:

NOTE: Conversion to propane is not intended for units with engines having more than 250 hours of use.

Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers

	WG Series			WH Series				WHP Series
Model	WG32A	WG36A	WG48A	WH36A	WH48A	WH52A	WH61A	WHP36A	WHP48A	WHP52A	WHP61A
Engine model	FS481V	FS481V	FS481V	FS481V	FS600V	FS600V	FS691V	FS481V	FS600V	FS600V	FS691V
Engine displacement	603 cc	603 cc	603 cc	603 cc	603 cc	603 cc	726 cc	603 cc	603 cc	603 cc	726 cc
Propane kit model number	Not available	Not available	Not available	FS603cc	FS603cc	FS603cc	FS726cc	FS603cc	FS603cc	FS603cc	FS726cc

QuikTrak Mowers

	E Series	M Series			R Series
Model	652E	636M	648M	652M	648R	652R	652R EFI	661R	661R EFI
Engine model	FX691V	FS600V	FX691V	FX691V	FX691V	FX730V	ECV740 EFI	FX730V	ECV740 EFI
Engine displacement	726 cc	603 cc	726 cc	726 cc	726 cc	726 cc	747 cc	726 cc	747 cc
Propane kit model number	FX726cc	Not available	Not available	Not available	FX726cc	FX726cc	Not available	FX726cc	Not available

Commercial ZTrak Mowers

	E Series	M Series						R Series
Model	Z915E	Z920M	Z925M FF	Z930M	Z930M EFI	Z950M	Z960M	Z930R	Z950R	Z970R
Engine model	CV742	FX730V	FCV740	FX801V	ECV749	FX850V	FX921V	FX801V	FX850V	FX1000V
Engine displacement	747 cc	726 cc	747 cc	852 cc	747 cc	852 cc	999 cc	852 cc	852 cc	999 cc
Propane kit model number	Not available	FX726cc*	Not available	FX852cc*	Not available	FX852cc*	Not available	FX852cc*	FX852cc*	Not available

Worthington tanks are manufactured by Worthington Industries, Inc.

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.

Canister-type heavy-duty air cleaner is easy to reach and easy to service:

• Air cleaner has two filter elements; a large outer filter and a smaller inner safety filter.
• Both filters are 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.

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

 

A periodic service chart is provided on the back of the leaning pad for convenience in keeping up on required service.

Four tow holes, two at the front and two at the rear, are provided for safely towing or anchoring the vehicle.

One large knob is used to remove service access shields on the mower deck, battery box, etc.:

• Panels are easy to remove and install.

Threaded ball and socket rod ends are used throughout the QuikTraks:

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

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

 

Transmission tow valves are located on the hydrostatic pumps to enable moving the vehicle without the engine running.

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

• Cover is easily removed for servicing the battery.

A well-designed mower deck can make the difference between just getting the job done and getting eye-catching results. The 7-gauge, 0.177-in. (4.6-mm) fabricated mower deck delivers a high-quality cut in more diverse conditions to enhance mowing performance and the opportunity for profit for lawn-care businesses.

 

Key features of the fabricated mower deck include: 

• The mower deck is manufactured from 7-gauge, 0.177-in. (4.6-mm) steel.
• 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.

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

Caster wheels and anti-scalp rollers 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'll get snagged by immovable obstacles, thus improving maneuverability and reducing damage.
• Anti-scalp rollers are double-captured for durability. They enable the deck to float over the ground and provide a smooth, level cut on even the most challenging terrain.

A combination of shims and spacers can be used to set cutting height and level precisely:

• Gap in spacers allows them to be moved by just lowering the caster wheel; no need to remove it.
• Larger changes to cutting height can be made by changing the location of the support arm where it bolts to the mower deck.

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

Optional mulching attachment

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.

A commercial-quality 22-hp* (16.4-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
  • Helps keep oil clean 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-element, canister-type, dry replaceable heavy-duty air cleaner with secondary safety element
• 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 Resource Board emission standards, without loss of horsepower or torque
• Air-cooled engine design for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability
• Aluminum cylinder block
  • Effectively dissipates heat
  • Lightweight and strong construction
  • Extends engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures

*The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Web site for additional information.

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.

 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 9.5 mph (15.3 km/h) forward and 5.5 mph (8.9 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.

  • It is obvious whether the choke is on or not.
  • Less adjustment is needed with the separate choke.

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 is easily adjusted, if necessary, to maintain effective operation.

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment (648R, 652R, 661R)

On the 648R, 652R, 652R EFI, 661R, and 661R EFI QuikTraks, 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 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.

 

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

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 stress 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™ 0.73-cu in. (12-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 15-cu in. (245.8-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.

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

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

Hydro-Gear is a U.S.-registered trademark of Hydro-Gear Company.

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 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.
• 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 saved time and money.

Whether mowing hills or on the level, 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 center of gravity at the operator's feet where body weight can be used to keep traction on the higher wheels to mow across slopes at higher speeds with greater control.
• Faster ground speeds get work done quicker.
• Less polar motion means quicker turns.
• Better traction on slopes gives more control and increased productivity.
• Superior stability gives more control and confidence when mowing hillsides.
• Better visibility allows more-timely operator reaction to the 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.

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

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

Key safety features of QuikTraks include:

• Operator presence starting system

  • Operator on platform
  • 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 ANSI B71.4 2004 safety certification specifications for commercial turf care equipment.