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 eliminate 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.

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

There are two side-discharge 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 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.

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

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.

• Superior impact strength 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 8-in. (20.3-cm) diameter housing and six mounting bolts that distribute loads and impacts.
• Ability to be reliably rebuilt is provided by use of cast iron.

Shaft-drive mower deck is durable and reliable

PTO shaft drive (shown on 997 model)

Mower decks are shaft driven. Benefits of using this type of system include:

• Live independent power take-off (PTO) powers the mower deck.
• PTO can be engaged or disengaged on the go for greater productivity.
• Hydraulic PTO clutch has delay relief valve for soft engagement.
• Wet clutch is designed for long life.
• PTO is easily accessible.
• 250-lb-ft (339-Nm), heavy-duty hydraulic clutch provides long life.
• Splined PTO shaft transfers power to the cast-iron gearbox.

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 - approximately 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.
• The trim edge of the deck is equipped with a bumper that provides great abrasion resistance to protect the machine and the property.
• Plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• Formed, steel-deck design is forged 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.

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

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

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed - approximately 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.
• The trim edge of the deck is equipped with a bumper that provides great abrasion resistance to protect the machine and the property.
• Plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• Formed, steel-deck design is forged 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.

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.

60-in. (152-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck

72-in. (183-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck

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 deck is 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.)

*NOTE: Operators maintaining turf outside of target areas are encouraged to evaluate rear-discharge dispersion through a cut quality demonstration to ensure satisfaction.

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 is kept low and directed into the turf by the flexible rear shield.

Level cut

Center deck rollers and left wheel

Right-rear deck wheel

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 1 to 5.5 in. (2.54 to 14 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments from the machine operator’s station.

Heavy-duty components for long life

Strong, reinforced deck

Right trim-side wear guard

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

• Superior strength and durability come from a 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.56-mm) 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 1.5-in. (3.8-cm) tall by 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) 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 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) by 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) thick solid steel bar.

Universal joint and cast-iron gearbox

Cast-iron blade-spindle housing

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 8-in. (20.3-cm) 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

Quick-release belt cover

Cast-iron spindle housing assembly

Minimal service requirements increase uptime:

• Quick-release belt covers do not require tools or the removal of a ring clip; just lift one corner of the cover and rotate it slightly to remove.
  • A hole in the deck tab is provided for use of an optional ring clip for extra security, if desired.
  • This makes it quick and easy for you to clean out trash that may collect around the spindle sheave.
• Convenient spindle greasing with fittings at the top of spindle shafts are accessible 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.

Extra convenience

Serrated-tread step

Extra convenience and security are provided 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.

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 suspension with 2-in. (50.8-mm) fore/aft seat travel 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

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

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

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

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). 

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.

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.

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

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.

ROPS in upright position

ROPS in folded 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 down and secured out of the way.
• Under normal operation, the ROPS should be in the upright 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 in structures with a lower door opening.

The retractable seat belt is within easy reach of the operator for use when operating 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 folding ROPS performance is certified at the date of manufacture according to ISO 21299.

ROPS stabilizer device

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

Optional Light-emitting diode (LED) work lights

LED work lights

BUC11438 LED work lights are available as a field installed attachment. BUC11438 is compatible with model year 2015 and newer (serial number 030,001-) Z900 ZTrak Mowers. All Z997R and model year 2015-2018 (serial number 030,001-070,000) gasoline powered models require AUC18778 battery jumper.

Optional LED beacon light

LED beacon light

BUC11406 LED beacon light is available as a field installed attachment. The beacon light is short to avoid damage. BUC11406 is compatible with model year 2015 and newer (serial number 030,001-) Z900 ZTrak Mowers. All Z997R and model year 2015-2018 (serial number 030,001-070,000) gasoline powered models require AUC18778 battery jumper.

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 Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin SCA.