The tractor is powered by a John Deere iTorque™ power system, a combination of engine features and an exclusive hood design that provide superior lugging ability, even cooling, and durability.

A 22-hp (16.4-kW) V-twin engine provides plenty of power and torque to handle tough mulching, mowing, and bagging conditions.

Key engine features include:

• 22 hp (16.4 kW)
• Large 726-cc displacement
• V-twin air-cooled design that provides smooth, quiet power
• Quality features include:
  • Cast-iron cylinder liners
  • Overhead valves
  • Full-pressure lubrication
  • Replaceable oil filter
• Dual-stage air cleaner V-twin design:
  • Excellent power and performance
  • Easy starts
  • Smooth operation

Flywheel alternator

A flywheel alternator provides plenty of capacity to quickly recharge the battery and power electrical equipment, such as lights or a sprayer:

• 15-amp capacity
• Regulated to keep the battery at full charge without risk of overcharging

The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling and ergonomic controls for easy use:

• Controls are color-coded for easy identification by the operator.
• Controls are logically placed and easy to reach.
• The power take-off (PTO) switch allows the operator to get fingers underneath it, like a T-handle, to pull up for easy activation.
• The reverse implement option (RIO) switch is a yellow button.
• The hydraulic-lift control and the park brake latch are pivot levers for low effort.
• Cruise control activation is handled by an automotive-style button.
• Separate engine speed and choke controls make starting and warming up the engine easier in cold weather.
• The choke lever is spring loaded to eliminate the chance the tractor will be unintentionally operated with the choke partially closed.

Functional design of the throttle and choke controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.

• The hydraulic-lift control and the park brake latch are pivot levers for low effort.
• Cruise control activation is handled by an automotive-style button.
• Separate engine speed and choke controls make starting and warming up the engine easier in cold weather.
  • The choke lever is spring loaded to eliminate the chance the tractor will be unintentionally operated with the choke partially closed.
• Functional design of the throttle and choke controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.
• Power steering takes the work out of turns
• Tilt steering wheel adjusts for operator comfort (X390, X394)

Display panel

Instrument display has the look and feel of a modern automobile. A power-up sequence cycles lights and gauges to indicate they are working:

• Display features dark-cockpit design to minimize operator distractions.
• Display is back lit for night visibility.
  • Night visibility is especially useful with snow blower use.
• Hourmeter makes it easy to tell when oil changes and other maintenance should be performed.
• Electronic fuel gauge provides real-time fuel level information. .
• A tachometer graphically displays engine speed
  • Target-zone graphics inform the operator of the engine speed range to use for best cut quality.
• An indicator tells the operator when the PTO is operating.
• Bright caution and stop lights capture the operator's attention when important information is on the instrument cluster.
  • Damage can be prevented and repair costs reduced by addressing problems early.
• Operators are advised of what the problem is if they attempt to operate the mower with unsatisfied PTO, seat, or park brake interlocks.
  • The indicators are also useful to identify the reasons the PTO or engine may have shut off when an interlock is unsatisfied.
• Operators are advised if battery voltage is low, normal, or excessive.
• The service indicator light illuminates to indicate a diagnostic error code is stored.
  • On-board diagnostics provides trouble codes for use by trained technicians.
    • For example, a technician will be able to test switch functionality and circuit continuity without tools.

Twin Touch™ foot control

Twin Touch foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:

• Automotive-type accelerator control ensures easy operation.
• Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Cruise control

Cruise control is standard equipment:

• To engage, push the cruise-control button and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal.
• For emergency stop, the cruise control can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or the forward pedal.

Mower deck height adjustment

A rotary dial knob makes adjusting the mower cut height quick and easy:

• Provides mower cut heights in 0.25-in. (6.4-cm) increments from 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm).
• Returns the mower deck to the same preset height each time it is lowered.

Storage for the onboard deck-leveling gauge and the Exact Adjust tool is provided in the storage tray under the tractor’s seat.

• Exact Adjust ports allow for easy and accurate leveling of the mower deck for optimum mowing performance.

Deck-leveling gauge is placed at the appropriate location under the left rear, right rear, and front of the mower deck as the cut height is adjusted using the Exact Adjust tool and front draft arm adjusting nuts.

Parking brake control

Depressing the brake pedal applies internal wet-disk brakes (increased durability and longer life) for safe stopping.

A parking brake control is conveniently located for easy access; it holds the brake pedal securely in locked position.

NOTE: In the schematic above, the solid line refers to a four-wheel steer tractor, and the hashed line refers to a two-wheel steer tractor.

Four-wheel steering provides very significant maneuverability and trimming advantages over that of two-wheel-steering-equipped tractors.

For example, with the X384 Select Series™ Tractor equipped with a 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep™ Mower (the following numbers correspond to the schematic above):

1. Uncut circle radius is reduced from 21 in. (53 cm) for a two-wheel steer X380 to only 9 in. (23 cm), eliminating or greatly reducing the need to back up when trimming around trees, shrubs, etc. 
2. Interference from the mower and tractor wheels is eliminated because they are several inches away from the object being trimmed around.
3. Outside turning circle is reduced, reducing the time spent turning and increasing mowing efficiency.

Also, trimming inside curves around flower beds or other landscaping can be done more completely with a 4-wheel steer tractor.

Designed for tight turns

The four-wheel steering system is designed for tight turns, leading to greater mowing efficiency:

• Caster, camber, and kingpin angles are optimized to reduce effort, especially when going from straight ahead into a turn.
• Steering geometry has been designed with the use of 3-D modeling, so all four tires are working together.
• Sealed ball bearings are used on the torque shaft and the rear spindles to reduce friction.
• Small scrub radius, less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) in the rear, reduces scuffing and bump-steer.

Designed for easy steering

Sealed ball bearings are used at critical all-wheel-steer joints for reduced friction, longer life, and less maintenance.

Easy steering is important for an enjoyable mowing experience:

• Larger, 14-in. (35.6-cm) diameter steering wheel gives improved leverage for easier turns.
• Larger sector gear gives improved (higher) steering ratio.
  • A higher ratio equals lower steering effort.
• Dual drag links help equalize steering loads and greatly reduce steering error.
• Ball-joints on both ends of the steering tie rods reduce wear to maintain accurate steering. 
• Long steering arms improve the mechanical advantage of the steering system through the full range of motion.
• The steering shaft rotates on a sealed ball bearing at its lower end, near the pinion gear, to reduce steering effort and provide a smooth feel for the life of the tractor.
• The sector gear pivots on a shaft rather than a bushing to ensure proper gear mesh and eliminate binding.
• Pivoting of the upper and lower ends of the sector gear shaft on sealed ball bearings reduces steering effort and provides a smooth feel for the life of the tractor.
• Greaseable front steering spindles reduce friction and improve wear over time.

The hydraulic lift control lever is positioned on the dash near the steering wheel for quick, easy, and precise fingertip control of equipment. Implement float, which allows an implement to follow the ground contour, is built into the lift linkage.

The frame is made of heavy formed and welded steel, reinforced in critical areas for even greater strength:

• The frame is formed from 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.66-mm) thick material for long life.
• Standard front bumper and hitch plate are formed from 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) steel and complete the frame assembly.
• Rear hitch plate can support two 42-lb (19-kg) Quik-Tatch weights.
  • Weight bracket is built into the frame of two-wheel-steer models.
  • Four-wheel-steer models require the optional weight bracket.

Lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl attachment is available for Accel Deep™ 42-in. (107-cm) (42A), 48-in. (122-cm) (48A), and 54-in. (137-cm) (54A) Mower Decks used on X300 and X500 Select Series™ Tractors.

MulchControl advantages and benefits

MulchControl enhances versatility and productivity. A mower deck equipped with MulchControl not only does an excellent job of mowing and mulching, but it can also be quickly converted from side discharging to mulching or vice versa:

• In mulch mode, it controls clippings dispersion in unwanted areas (driveways, landscape beds, near buildings, windows, parking lots, etc.).
• Reduces cleanup time needed to dispose of clippings.
• Reduces the amount of material entering a material collection system because, even in the side discharge mode, MulchControl will mulch about one third of the material due to the additional baffles under the mower deck and the unique design of the mulching blades.

Electric MulchControl has the additional advantage of being controlled from the tractor seat by a switch on the dash to operate an electric actuator that moves the baffle to close off the discharge area of the mower deck.

• Operators can convert between modes without interrupting the mowing process, making it practical to change between modes as conditions require.
  • When approaching clean areas like driveways or flowerbeds where clippings would be undesirable
  • When a breeze might blow clippings back onto the operator
  • For side discharge mowing only the areas of the property where grass is too thick for mulching
  • With 48A and 54A Mower Decks, for collecting only the areas of the property where grass is too tall or thick for mulching
    • Models equipped with a 42A Mower Deck require a MulchControl baffle be removed to install the bagger chute; see 42A Mower Deck versatility explanation for more information.
• Changing from one mode to the other takes only a few seconds.

How MulchControl works

A mower equipped with a MulchControl attachment delivers unprecedented levels of productivity and versatility. The operator has the ability to quickly change between side discharging and mulching. A heavy-duty baffle opens and closes to convert the mower from side discharge mode to mulch mode or vice versa.

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
• When the MulchControl baffle is open, most of the material flows freely out the discharge deflector or into a material collection system.
• When the MulchControl baffle is closed, material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• For operators who usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• For operators who usually side discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings in some areas
• For operators who always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• For operators who collect clippings, but want to go farther before emptying the material collection system

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. Now the operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharging when desired.

Advantages of MulchControl include:

• Performance is improved.
  • Mulching is beneficial because it returns the clippings to the ground as fertilizer, which promotes lawn growth.
  • Clippings are much smaller, which allows them to fall into the grass and be removed from view.
  • Unsightly grass clippings are not blown onto driveways or into flower beds.
  • Fertilizer use is reduced and provides associated environmental benefits.
• Uptime is increased.
  • Operators can convert quickly between modes, making it possible to change between mulching and side discharging as conditions require.
  • Mulching heavy, thick material can significantly reduce mower productivity. The ability to switch from mulch to side discharge mode ensures productivity, especially in grass too tall or thick to mulch effectively.
• Cost of operation is reduced.
  • Controlling clipping dispersion reduces cleanup time.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side discharge mode is essentially a partial mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean­up is desired
• 42A Mower Deck requires a MulchControl baffle be removed to install the bagger chute

MulchControl compatibility

Each MulchControl attachment includes everything needed: baffles and mulch blades for all attachments, and the actuator, wiring, and switches for the electric one-touch attachments.

Lever-action MulchControl attachments

Attachment number	Description	Applications
BM24794	42A MulchControl (lever action)	X300 Series Tractors, Z300 Series ZTrak Mowers
BM24993	48A MulchControl (lever action)	X300 and X500 Series Tractors, Z300 and Z500 Series ZTrak Mowers
BM24994	54A MulchControl (lever action)	X300 and X500 Series Tractors, Z300 and Z500 Series ZTrak Mowers

Electric one-touch MulchControl attachments

Attachment number	Description	Applications
BUC10164	42A electric one-touch MulchControl	X300 Series Tractors*
BUC10165	48A electric one-touch MulchControl	X300 and X500 Series Tractors*
BUC10166	54A electric one-touch MulchControl	X300 and X500 Series Tractors*

* NOTE: Model year 2016-2017 X300 and X500 Series Tractors (X300 serial number 10,001-50,000 and X500 serial number 110,001-130,000) require replacing the tractor wiring harness and dash panel to use an electric MulchControl attachment.

Hydraulic power steering is standard equipment:

• Provides effortless, automotive-like control
• Reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity
• Enables a tight turning radius for great maneuverability
• Adjustable-tilt steering wheel for optimum operator comfort (X390 and X394 Tractor)

The operator station is designed for operator comfort and ease of using controls:

• A large, 14-in. (36-cm) diameter steering wheel is comfortable to use and minimizes steering effort.
• Full-length foot mats provide comfort for the operator and protect the footrest area.

Comfortable seat

An open-back 15-in. (38-cm) high-back seat provides a comfortable, smooth ride and good support for the operator:

• Seat travel of 7 in. (18 cm) with 15 positions allows the operator to be seated comfortably and easily operate the controls.
• Seat can be easily adjusted fore and aft by the operator while sitting on the seat.
• Open-back design allows air circulation to keep the operator's back cool and dry for a more comfortable ride.
• Grasp at the top of the seat is conveniently located for use when tilting the seat up to protect it from the weather.

Seat suspension

The seat suspension is adjustable, without tools, for the weight of the operator:

• Springs are adjustable fore and aft to any of three positions.
  • No tools require
  • Allows fine-tuning of the suspension for the operator's weight
  • Back position for more support for heavier operators
• Tool tray is designed into the seat base.
  • Can be used to store gloves, small tools, etc.
  • Provides storage location for Exact Adjust tool and deck-leveling gauge (tool and depth-leveling gauge not shown in photo)

Cup holder

A cup holder and tool tray are located on the fender for operator convenience:

• The cup holder holds a variety of container sizes.
• Tool tray provides convenient storage.
• Cup holder and tool tray are constructed of durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

Removable plug for optional 12-V outlet

A removable plug on the console, in front of the operator, provides a convenient location for the optional 12-V outlet and makes installation easy.

• Convenient for plugging in cell phone charger and other electric devices
  • Can be used to operate electric rear equipment, such as a sprayer or spreader

12-V fast connector

A mid-vehicle, 12-V fast connector, located under the tractor’s fuse box, is included as standard equipment to reduce initial installation time for some attachments that operate on 12-V power from the tractor:

• The four-cavity connector includes battery, ground, and key switch terminals and is turned on and off with the ignition switch.

The one-piece hood opens easily to permit checking and servicing the engine:

• Important service points are located within easy reach.
• A service-interval decal is provided inside the tractor hood for convenience when servicing the tractor.
  • The high-quality engine used in the X300 Series does not require an 8-hour oil and filter change because improvements in the manufacturing process and quality of parts, components, and oils have eliminated the need for the short interval oil change requirement.

The engine fuel and oil filters, the oil check/fill tube, and the oil drain tube are exposed for serviceability when the hood is opened.

 

The 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck is a stamped-steel, deep, flat-top design that delivers excellent cut quality, productivity, cleanliness, durability, and versatility. Optimal performance and dispersion of clippings is provided, even at faster mowing speeds:

• 4.83-in. (12.3-cm) depth throughout the entire deck shell for optimum mowing, mulching, and bagging performance
  • Optional lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl™ attachment provides superior mulching performance and versatility.
• Stamped-steel design eliminates sharp edges and corners where material can build up and diminish mowing performance
• Mower deck is suspended from the vehicle for a smooth and level cut
  • Adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level, help reduce scalping

Excellent cut quality

Deep mower-deck stamping gives excellent cut quality. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck without getting recut:

• Reducing the amount of re-cutting enables more power to be used to cut incoming grass, which greatly improves mower capacity.
  • Helps maintain excellent cut quality at faster mowing speeds
• Clean flow of material out of discharge area prevents cut material from interfering with cutting the incoming grass, making it possible for the blades to cut incoming material cleanly.
• Even in mulching mode, cut evenness is improved compared to other designs because the additional depth allows for continuous circulation, optimal re-cutting, and an even distribution of clippings.

Productivity - getting the job done fast

Deep mower-deck stamping gives high productivity, which gets the job done fast. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck quickly, reducing the amount of re-cutting so more power is available to process incoming grass:

• Greatly improves mowers capacity to maintain excellent mowing performance in difficult mowing conditions and at higher speeds

Large discharge opening is both high and wide to handle more material:

• Gives a smooth, even discharge of clippings at all mowing speeds
• Reduces the chance of plugging, especially important when operating in wet, thick, or dense grass and when bagging
• The 48A Power Flow™ blower has an inlet housing with over 50 percent greater area than the 48X Power Flow blower used on previous machines.

Cleanliness - for the mower and the operator

The flat-top shape of the deck stamping is optimal for keeping itself and the operator clean:

• There are few places to catch and hold material on top and underneath the deck.
  • Top of deck stays cleaner, reducing time and effort needed for cleaning and service
  • Underside of deck is self-cleaning to maintain optimum performance without build-up of material to interfere with the flow of air and clippings
  • Less need to clean and remove build-up of material from underside deck
• The depth of the Accel Deep mower deck minimizes the amount of material that escapes from the front of the deck
  • Limited amount of material to drift onto the operator and mower deck
  • Even for material discharged out the chute, less re-cutting results in larger pieces that are less likely to end up on the operator
  • Mulching prevents the discharge of material completely and the MulchControl attachment makes mulching a practical solution for most mowing situations.

Cleaning a mower deck, both top and bottom, is one of the most frequent maintenance activities:

• The flat-top design reduces places for material to build up and makes material that does collect easy to remove.

A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy.

• Hose connector is included with the mower deck.

Superior durability is designed in

The 48A Mower Deck has strong spindle pockets, to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough service:

• Ribs in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
• The 48A has a 23 percent heavier overall weight than the Edge™ Xtra 48-in. (122-cm) mower deck used on previous machines.

Mower wheels are heavy duty:

• Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life.
• Setting wheels to the correct height for the cutting height quick and easy.

Low-tension belt-drive design reduces the side load on engine lower bearings and mower deck bearings for longer life.

The 48A Mower Deck features a 5/8-in. (16-mm) diameter solid-steel rod side bumper that provides extra strength and protection.

Dual-stage E-coat and powder-paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.

Versatility - easy to change between side discharge, mulch, and bagging modes

The 48A Mower is designed for maximum versatility, providing the greatest ease in changing from one mower discharge mode to another:

• With an optional MulchControl attachment installed (along with the special mulching blades), changing from side-discharging to mulching or vice versa is done with the simple flip of a lever or push of an electric switch.
• The Power Flow rear bagger can be used with the MulchControl attachment and blades installed by simply using the MulchControl lever or electric one-touch switch to move the mulch baffle to the side-discharge position.

MulchControl option

A lever-action or electric one-touch MulchControl attachment for the 48A Mower Deck makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge or collect the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer use
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

How MulchControl works

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
  • The MulchControl baffle, or divider, between the left and middle spindles is about half way down. The height is designed to balance the mulching and side-discharge modes.
  • When the MulchControl baffle is open, the divider between the left and middle spindles passes a portion of the material to the discharge opening, along with the material from the middle and right spindle areas.
  • When the MulchControl baffle is closed, the material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

• For the lever-action MulchControl attachment, a handle on top of the mower deck is used to engage or disengage mulch mode.
  • The operator is required to get off of the tractor in order to engage or disengage mulch mode with the lever-action system.
• For the electric one-touch MulchControl attachment, a switch on the tractor dash is used to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• Changing from mulch mode to side discharge mode or vice versa takes only a few seconds.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• Usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• Usually side-discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
• Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. Now the operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharging or bagging when needed.

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial-mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean-up is desired

7-bu (247-L) Power Flow rear bagger

An optional 7-bu (247-L) rear bagger material collection system (MCS) is available. It provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves:

• The Power Flow blower and chute are easy to install. The Power Flow blower swings out for easy cleanout and cleanup.
• The hopper design provides modern styling, great bagging performance, cleaner operation, and easy-to-empty bags:
  
  • 7-bu (247-L) capacity
  • Easy-to-attach Power Flow blower (ordered separately)
  • Easy-to-attach chute (ordered separately)
  • Air exhaust duct
  • Convenient spring-latch
  • Airflow fill indicator
  • Quik-Tatch mounting
  • Sealed hopper top
  • Loose-knit bags available

Larger 14-bu (493-L) and 19-bu (670-L) MCS are available, in addition to the 7-bu (247-L) MCS, for specific X300 and X500 Series Tractor models.