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.

Z970R engine

The Z970R is powered by an air-cooled, vertical shaft engine:

• 35.0-hp (26.1-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 EPA and 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

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

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

7-Iron PRO mower decks have demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. It delivers a high quality cut in diverse conditions.

Key features of the 7-Iron 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. Anti-skid step on the deck provides for 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 7-Iron 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 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 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, to reduce striping between blades.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment.

7-Iron 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.

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 class and places John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is also hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

36 months or 1200 hour, whichever comes first. First 24 months, 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.

36 months or 1500 hour, whichever comes first. First 24 months, no hour limitation.

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 for the ZTrak Z900 Series Mowers.

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.
  • Reduced rutting 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 due to the Michelin X Tweel Turf construction and flexibility.
  • More consistent cut quality 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 easily bolts onto any 54-in. (137-cm), 60-in. (152-cm), or 72-in. (183-cm) John Deere ZTrak 900 B/M/R Series Mower with 24x12-12 tires.
• 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: Tweels are not compatible with the ZTrak Z997R Diesel.

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

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 you mow, 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 MCS-equipped models only)

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

Lever position closed

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. 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.

7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck

Comfort and convenience handles

The comfort and convenience package combines large, ergonomically angled control levers with specially padded grips to provide unmatched comfort and reduced fatigue:

• Keeps hands on the control sticks to minimize equipment damage and make them more comfortable over long operating days

The control levers have built-in electronic controls to raise or lower the mower deck or 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.

Deluxe and isolation seat

Suspension seat

There are three seating options available on the M and R Series. The deluxe comfort seat from the Z900A Series is standard on all Z900 Series models. In addition, there is now an isolation seat option that is available on the M and R Series which reduces vibration and increases operator comfort. A full suspension seat is also offered. The full suspension seat also offers adjustable back angle as well as adjustable lumbar support. All seats are factory installed.

Standard and isolated seats have rubber springs to increase ride comfort. A convenient seat latch makes it easy to lift the seat.