Z994R | Zero Turn Mower | Commercial Mowing (2024)

The Z994R is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with gross SAE J1995, 18.4 kW (PS 24.7 hp) rated power at 3200 rpm that meets Stage V regulation (EU) 2016/1628:

• The large 1267-cc (77.3-cu in.) diesel engine block provides high-torque and low emissions for a strong performance in the toughest conditions
• Low vibration and noise levels
• Isolated with rubber mounts for a smoother operator ride
• Superior fuel economy
• High torque reserve for plenty of power and performance

Key features of the engine include:

• Economical, cast-in block cylinder design provides good cooling and long life.
• Liquid-cooled design provides more consistent operating temperatures than air-cooled.
• Fuel filter with replaceable element is provided.
• Indirect fuel injection uses a pre-combustion chamber to give the engine smooth and quiet operation.
• 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.
• 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 ''roll-off'' profile, giving almost no clash, no noise, and no backlash.
• Glow plugs provide quick starts in temperatures down to -18°C (0°F)
• Key start and shutoff eliminate fuel shut-off knob; electric solenoid shuts fuel supply off immediately when key is turned off.

Air cleaner with secondary safety element and restriction indicator

• Dual-element, dry-type air cleaner with safety element and air service indicator
  • Dual-element design for added engine protection and easy service
  • Completely sealed for effective cleaning
  • Ninety to 95 percent of dirt ejected before it reaches the paper element
• Air cleaner restriction indicator to let operator know when the filter needs servicing

Radiator

An automotive-type radiator, coolant reservoir, and electric cooling fan are provided to remove heat from the engine coolant:

• The cooling fan is thermostatically controlled so it only runs when necessary.
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits the operator to check the coolant level without removing the radiator cap.

Fuel tank

The Z994R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower is equipped with a single 43.5-L (11.5-U.S. gal.) fuel tank that provides enough capacity to allow mowing for a full day without refueling:

• Large, angled filler neck makes for easier refueling
• Fuel cap tether is provided to secure the filler cap while refueling
• Fuel gauge is provided as standard equipment

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

Gearbox cooling fins and fan

A right-angle gearbox is used to convert power from the horizontal shaft diesel engine to vertical shaft power to operate the vehicle transmission and the mower power-take off clutch. Cooling for the gearbox is provided by fins on the gearbox housing and a fan.

There are two mower-deck options available for the Z994R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower:

• The 137-cm (54-in.) 7-Iron™ PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck issuited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.
• The 152-cm (60-in.) 7-Iron PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.

Extra reliability and long life with cast-iron blade spindle housings

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

• Superior impact strength is provided by ductile cast-iron material.
• Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Strength of cast iron protects against damage from blade impacts.
• Easy access grease fittings are mounted at the top of the spindle shafts for convenience.
• Grease pressure-relief valve minimizes seal damage from overfilling with grease and keeps debris from entering housing.
• Chance of deck shell damage is minimized with the 20.3-cm (8-in.) diameter housing and six mounting bolts that distribute loads and impacts.
• Ability to be reliably rebuilt is provided by use of cast iron.

137-cm (54-in.) 7-Iron PRO Mower Deck

Features include:

• High blade tip speedgives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• The front baffleis designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement provides even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chuteallows for even clipping distribution.
• Thick, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) steel constructiongives commercial durability.
• The three-spindle designprovides asmooth, even cut.
• A plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resistsbending.
• The formed, steel-deck design is stamped from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• The deep deckgives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• The belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Spindle grease fittings are on top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Blade overlap of 40 mm (1.57 in.) reduces the number of missed grass blades.
• A mulching attachment is available.
• The Power Flow™ rear material collection system is available.

Mower deck specifications

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

Features include:

• High blade tip speed gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• The front baffle is designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement provides even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chute allows for even clipping distribution.
• Thick, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• The three-spindle design provides a smooth, even cut.
• A plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• The formed, steel-deck design is stamped from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• The deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• The belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Spindle grease fittings are on top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Blade overlap of 40 mm (1.57 in.) reduces the number of missed grass blades.
• A mulching attachment is available.

For professional landscapers and government municipalities requiring rear discharge placement of grass and debris, John Deere FastBack PRO rear-discharge mower decks deliver a commercial zero-turn mowing solution for both gas and diesel machines. Advantages of a rear-discharge mower include:

• Less chance of damage from objects being thrown from the mower deck
• Time savings with the ability to mow closely around fixed objects with either side of the deck
• A cleaner mowing experience by lessening the amount of debris that can blow onto the operator

A rear-discharge mower deckis ideally suited for:

• Schools
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Traffic areas (city boulevards, roadsides, etc.)
• Areas with long, grassy spots that need to be cut, where you are not as concerned about wide dispersal of grass (park areas, roadsides, etc.)

Compatibility

Commercial-quality deck design

A large volume of material can be thoroughly processed with the deep-deck design:

• Unique baffling system is designed to reduce clumping and windrowing often associated with rear-discharge mowers.
  • Efficiency is enhanced with baffles surrounding each blade to control material as it is moved to the rear.
  • Material exits the deck quickly as the baffles are lower at the rear.
  • Movement of material is controlled to minimize the likelihood that clippings are thrown onto unwanted areas.
• Less debris gets on the operator as material is directed to the rear and toward the ground.
  • Debris iskept low and directed into the turf by the flexible rear shield.

Level cut

The deck is suspended from and supported by the machine to provide a level cut. Mower deck wheels and rollers help smooth out the mowing job in uneven conditions and reduce the chance of scalping the lawn:

• Two wide front rollers at the center of the mower support the deck when necessary to prevent scalping.
• Wheels at all four corners protect the deck from scalping at the sides of the mower.
• Continued effectiveness results from wheels and rollers that are double captured for extra strength, which reduces the chance of damage.
• Height of rollers and wheels is adjustable to suit mowing conditions.
  • Higher setting (shown in images) are used when mowing at lower cut heights and for rougher conditions at all cut heights where you want to reduce the chance of the wheels hitting the ground.
  • Lower settings are used for higher cut heights and for helping to smooth out the mowing job.
• Mower cut height is adjustable from 2.54 to 14 cm (1 to 5.5 in.) in 0.64-cm (0.25-in.) increments from the machine operator’s station.

Heavy-duty components for long life

These rear-discharge decks are designed to stand up to heavy-duty commercial use:

• Superior strength and durability come from a 7-gauge,4.56-mm (0.179-in.) steel deck.
• Experience extra strength and long life with a fabricated deck design that is formed, welded, and reinforced for extra protection from damage.
• The front of the deck is protected from damage by a 3.8-cm (1.5-in.) tall by 1.3-cm (0.5-in.) thick solid steel bar welded to the mower deck for additional strength.
• Both sides of the deck have bumpers that are made from compression molded ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene plastic.
  • The bumpers provide great abrasion resistance to protect the machine and the property.
  • Additional strength is provided by a 1.3-cm (0.5-in.) by1.3-cm (0.5-in.) thick solid steel bar.

Extra convenience

Extra convenience and security areprovided by a serrated surface that is welded to the top left corner of the deck, providing additional traction when entering and exiting the operator station.

Durability is designed into the mower blade drive system:

• Reliably powered by a universal joint shaft drive from the vehicle transmission
• To a heavy-duty right-angle, cast-iron gearbox
• To a dependable v-belt drive system

Extra reliability and long life are provided by cast-iron blade spindle housings:

• Ductile cast-iron material provides superior impact strength.
• Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Strength of cast iron protects against damage from blade impacts.
• Easy access grease fittings are mounted at the top of the spindle shafts for convenience.
• Grease pressure-relief valve minimizes seal damage from overfilling with grease and keeps debris from entering housing.
• Chance of deck-shell damage is minimized with the 20.3-cm (8-in.) diameter housing and six mounting bolts that distribute loads and impacts.
• Ability to be reliably rebuilt is provided by use of cast iron.

Ease of service

Minimal service requirements increase uptime:

• Convenient spindle greasing with fittings at the top of spindle shafts areaccessible through a hole in the top of the spindle/belt covers.
• The center spindle is accessed by no-tools removal of the vehicle floor pan.
• There is only one belt to service.

Operator comfort was a primary focus in the design of the Z994R:

• Large, open operator station and foot platform with plenty of legroom and room for multiple foot positions
• A choice of seat and suspension options to suit the operator and operating conditions
• Instruments, controls, and storage areas that are easy to see and use
• Three-position rollover protective structure (ROPS) and retractable seat belt for operator safety and convenience

Two seat choices offer exceptional operator comfort

Two seating options are available:

1. Deluxe comfort seat with adjustable armrests, ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension, platform isolation, and rubber cushioning springs
2. Fully adjustable seat with adjustable armrests and ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension

All seat options include:

• Factory installation
• Thick seat cushion for lasting comfort, even after a full day of use
• Retractable seatbelt for convenience and ease of use
• Springs to isolate the seat base for increased ride comfort

• ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension for superior ride comfort over uneven areas
• Seat can travel up to50.8 mm (2 in.) fore and aft to absorb bumps for a significant enhancement to ride comfort
• Ability to easily lock out if desired by the operator
• One lever for three functions
• Slide seat forward and back7.6 cm (3 in.)
• Activate ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension
• Lock-out ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension

A spring-type locking mechanism holds the seat securely down in the operating position for operator comfort and safety, but allows quick release for tilting the seat up:

• For protection from the elements
• For access to the transmission fluid reserve tank, battery, etc.

1. Deluxe comfort seat with adjustable armrests, ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension, platform isolation, and rubber cushioning springs

The two-piece, 61-cm (24-in.) deluxe comfort high-back seat has a thick seat cushion for lasting comfort, even after a full day of use:

• Adjustable armrests provide good comfort for the operator.

Armrests can be raised for operator convenience or for making height adjustments for optimum comfort.

A rubber isolation package with four rubber mounts reduces vibration for a more comfortable ride:

• Provides a good option for operators who do not require the more premium, fully adjustable, mechanical suspension-seat option

Two 7.6-cm (3-in.) rubber springs under the seat give a more comfortable ride, especially when traveling over rougher areas.

2. Fully adjustable seat with 61-cm (24-in.) high back, armrests and ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension

The fully adjustable, 61-cm (24-in.) high-back, mechanical suspension seat with adjustable armrests includes:

• Adjustable armrests that can also be raised for operator convenience

• Suspension seat control dial for easy adjustment of suspension to suit the operator
• Adjustable lumbar support for operator preference
  • Lumbar adjustment gives extra operator comfort
  • Adjustment is especially helpful when operating the vehicle for extended periods of time
• Vibration reduction
• Seat back-angle adjustment to maximize operator comfort by using a convenient lever on the side of the seat

Foot pegs

Foot pegs help provide the operator with a comfortable foot placement.

• Location and angle of foot pegs can be adjusted for individual operator comfort.

Foot platform isolators

Foot platform isolators provide the operator with added comfort.

• Vibration to the legs and feet is reduced.

Onboard storage and cup holder

A convenient storage compartment and cup holder are available within easy reach of the operator.

The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling:

• Controls are located on the right instrument panel for convenience
• Color coded and labeledfor easy identification by the operator
• Controls are logically placed and easy to reach on the right-hand control panel
• Functional design of thecontrols provides good appearance and a comfortable feel

Right-hand control panel

• A service reminder feature will indicate that a general lubrication or mower/engine service interval has been reached.
• When service is required, arrows will periodically flash for two hours.
• Other features include:

• Hour meter
• Engine overheat warning light
• Battery/alternator warning light
• High transmission oil temperature warning light
• Glow plug on indicator light
• Maintenance needed indicator light
• Low engine oil pressure warning light

Hand lever parking brake and foot pedal mower lift

The parking brake hand lever is located on the right-hand side of the seat:

• Comfortable to reach and easy to use.
• To start the machine, the parking brake must be engaged.

A foot pedal is used to raise the mower deck to adjust cut height or lock the mower deck in the transport position:

• A foot pedal is easier for many operators to use than a hand lever.
• Adjustable spring assist allows fine-tuning lift effort to the mower and the operator.

Cut-height adjustment

An easy-to-use height-of-cut adjustment lift system allows the operator to quickly adjust deck height for different mowing applications as well as transport:

• An easy-to-use cutting-height lift system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck height with no tools and minimal effort.
• The easy-to-grip knob allows operators to dial in the desired height of cut (HOC).
• Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 2.5 cm to 14 cm (1 in. to 5.5 in.).
• Rotate the knob to adjust from 2.5 cm to 14 cm (1 in. to 5.5 in.) in 0.64 cm (0.25-in.) increments.
• Each increment on the knob adjusts the HOC approximately 0.64 cm (0.25 in.).
• The deck can also be raised and locked in a transport position to provide maximum ground clearance when moving the machine from one area to another.

The transport lock function allows the deck to be locked in the transport position and returned to the previous HOC.

• Use the foot-lift pedal to lift the deck, then engage the transport lock.
• To unlock and lower the deck, simply pull up on the transport unlock knob, adjust the dial, and release the deck lift assist pedal to lower the deck to the chosen height.

This design increases productivity by allowing operators to change the cutting height without having to leave the seat.

Motion-control levers

Two hydrostatic control levers are designed for operator comfort and control:

• Allow the operator to select the ground speed and direction simply by moving levers forward or reverse
• Positive neutral lock position for levers provides added safety

The wide-bend, large-diameter steering levers swing out easily for entry and exit from the operator platform.

Motion-control lever and tracking adjustments

Motion-control lever adjustments include:

• Two height positions to suit the operator.
• Control lever fore/aft position to suit operator size and preference.
  • Slots in control levers allow forward/rearward adjustment of control arms when the bolts are loose.
• Gap between the control levers adjustment (1).
• From-the-seat tracking adjustment (2), operators can mow straight and produce professional striping results.

The design of the Z994R makes service components like the engine oil dipstick, oil filter, and fuel filter/water separator easy to see and access:

• Large radiator coolant reservoir and fuel filter/separator reduce service requirements and increase uptime.
• A convenient fuel shutoff is provided on the filter/separator.

Battery and transmission fluid reservoir access

The seat is locked down for operator comfort and safety, but the spring latch system is easily released to raise the seat to protect it from the elements and give access to the battery, transmission fluid reservoir, etc.

• Maintenance-free, 600 cold-cranking amp (CCA) battery is provided for fast, reliable engine starts.
• Electrical box is sealed to keep dirt and moisture out for reliability and ease of service.

Motion-control lever and tracking adjustments

Motion-control lever adjustments include:

• Two height positions to suit the operator
• Control lever fore/aft position to suit operator size and preference
  • Slots in control levers allow forward/rearward adjustment of control arms when the bolts are loose.
• Gap between the control levers adjustment (1)
• From-the-seat tracking adjustment (2) so operators can mow straight and produce professional striping results

Service information and diagnostics

A digital multifunction display shows the number of hours the machine is run when the key switch is in the on position. It only counts the hours the engine is actually running. Monitoring systems to notify operators of machine status and quickly diagnose common downtime issues include:

• Glow plug monitor
• Maintenance required notification
• Low oil pressure
• Hour meter
• Coolant overheat notification
• Battery charging system
• High engine oil temperature

Optional service jack kit and jack

The Z994R front frame member is pre-drilled to accept the optional jack kit and jack:

• The jack makes servicing the underside of the mower deck safer and easier.
• Placed in the storage position, the jack can be carried on the machine, always available for use.
  • The jack will need to be removed when using front ballast that is required for a rear material collection system.

Formed and welded steel frame

A strong, welded steel frame provides solid, reliable support for the machine components and operator:

• Heavy-duty, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) 38x76.2-mm (1.5x3-in.) steel tubular frame for durability
• Wide-open access for maintenance and cleaning
• Rear frame provides solid support and protection for the engine

Front axle and offset caster wheels

Rear bumper provides protection

• Exceptional cooling, even in high-load conditions
• Easy-to-check level and refill hydraulic oil
• Opens up access under the seat

Motion-control lever adjustments include:

• Two height positions to suit the operator.
• Control lever fore/aft position to suit operator size and preference.
  • Slots in control levers allow forward/rearward adjustment of control arms when the bolts are loose.
• Gap between the control levers adjustment (1).
• From-the-seat tracking adjustment (2),operators can mow straight and produce professional striping results.

Safety interlock systems

The parking brake hand lever is located on the right-hand side of the seat:

• Comfortable to reach and easy to use.
• To start the machine, the parking brake must be engaged.
• It does not matter whether the power take-off (PTO) switch is on or off, nor does it matter if the control levers are pulled in or extended out.
  • As long as the parking brake is engaged, the machine will start. When the parking brake is applied, the control levers cannot be moved.
• Brake & Go operator-presence system returns levers to the neutral position when the brake lever is actively engaged.

Mower deck safety

Mower safety features include:

• A high-quality deflector that meets applicable safety standards and disperses cut grass
• Spindle-sheave and belt drive shielding that protects
• A substantial welded-on metal step on the mower deck for safer operator entry and exit from the machine

Mower decks are safety certified

Mowers decks are evaluated by the manufacturer (John Deere Turf Care) and conform to American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI) B71.4 2004 as well as machine directive EN-ISO5395 safety certification specifications for commercial turf care equipment.

The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:

• Getting on and off is easy with the flat operator platform.
• Convenient-to-use controls located close to the operator are color coded and designed for easy identification and operation.

The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:

• It reduces the operator’s risk of being crushed under the vehicle should it overturn.
• When used with the seatbelt, the ROPS can reduce the severity of injury in the event of a rollover.
  • Use of the seat belt is recommended when operating with ROPS in the upright position.

Foldable ROPS and a retractable seat belt are standard equipment:

• Position adjustment pins provide a good grip and make changing the angle of the ROPS easier.
• If operating in low clearance areas, the ROPS can be folded and secured out of the way. It can also be positioned in an intermediate position to accommodate machines equipped with a material collection system.
• Under normal operation, the ROPS should be in the up position.
• See Operator’s Manual for more information on ROPS.

• Door height of most garages will accommodate the machine with ROPS in the full-raised position.
  • Easy-fold ROPS improves the ability to store the ZTrak™ mower in structures with a lower door opening.

• Mowing performance is improved.
  • 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.

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 Z994R 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

The ZTrak Z994R Mower is equipped with 13x6.5-6 run flat 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:

• 24x12-12 4 PR pneumatic drive tires in base equipment for excellent traction, flotation, and curb climbing
• 24x12-12 Michelin X Tweel Turf airless radial tire technology option for a smoother ride and more uptime

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Compagnie Générale des Etablissem*nts Michelin SCA.