John Deere Launches 3 Large Diesel ZTrak Zero-Turn Mowers

Delivering impressive power and fleet capacity to the professional landscaping, governmental, and grounds maintenance markets, John Deere expanded its line-up of Diesel ZTrak Zero-Turn Mowers. 

John Deere also unveiled its independent E-Cut wing deck design with the introduction of the FastBack Pro 100, available exclusively on the Z998R model. Utilizing extensive years of customer insights, the John Deere line-up of commercial mowers is welcoming three models, including the debut of the brand new Z998R. In addition, the existing Z997R model received a full design upgrade and is now available in two trim levels, including the Z997R and Z997M.

• The Z998R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower features an exclusive 100” wing deck design that can mow in multiple mowing configurations.

• The existing Z997R has been redesigned to meet customer needs and will now be available in two trim levels: the Z997R and Z997M.

• John Deere underwent a multi-year customer testing process to deliver optimal solutions that meet the needs of the professional landscaping industry.

John Deere

“By extending our line-up of Diesel ZTrak mowers, not only are we providing our customers with new industry-first innovations but also expanding versatility and capabilities within their mowing fleets,” said Luke Gribble, marketing manager, John Deere. “The result of these introductions are more capable models that help our customers take their operations to the next level. There is no detail that hasn’t been strategically designed to address the needs of the operator.”

The expansion of the John Deere commercial mowing portfolio spanned beyond an internal effort, pulling in real customer feedback and thinking to deliver optimal industry solutions. Mark Elingburg, Grounds & Athletics Manager at SSC Services for Education, participated in the multi-year product field testing process, weighed in on his experience. “This was such a cool process to be a part of and they really listened to our preferences,” said Elingburg. “The operation station is very friendly, the power is there, the independent decks are key on slopes, and the cooling package being located behind the seat is hands down one of the best things that could be done on this mower.”

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Brand new to the market, the Z998R offers extreme versatility and can be transformed to meet the needs of the jobsite. The Z998R offers unmatched versatility and control, operating as a traditional 100” zero-turn mower or adapting on the fly with the touch of a button. Thanks to its independently controlled E-Cut wing decks and electric drive motors, operators can raise or lower each wing deck to navigate around trees, fences, gates, and other obstacles without interrupting mowing. What truly sets the Z998R apart is its ability to keep mowing with the center deck while adjusting the wing decks. You can even mow with just one wing deck down, giving you flexible cutting widths of 60, 80, or 100 inches to suit the job at hand. Additionally, the electric spindle motors are designed for easy serviceability and are well-protected from jobsite elements, helping ensure reliable performance and minimal downtime.

Making for a more customized experience, operators using a Z997R or Z998R can benefit from the smart powertrain system that offers multiple mowing settings including Eco, Cut Quality and Productivity modes. Controlled through a new, advanced touchscreen display, operators can easily manage setting to meet their desired mowing needs. The new LoadMatch™ feature helps maintain consistent blade tip speed under heavy loads by adjusting traction speed automatically, allowing for a higher cut quality overall. Additionally, drive-by-wire electronic controls enable automated throttle, transmission and enhanced steering control for increased efficiency.

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Focusing on connectivity, JDLink modems installed from the factory are included in-base for all three models. This enables customers to wirelessly stream machine data to the John Deere Operations Center™ in real-time, providing simplified and convenient equipment monitoring. The John Deere Operations Center makes it easy for operators to monitor equipment health, protect their fleet from theft and streamline maintenance needs from any remote location.

Designed strategically with the operator in mind, the Z998R and Z998M models received various operator station improvements, including enhancements that deliver a more ergonomic operator experience. The premium air ride seat enables a smoother ride and decreased strain on the operator, while the new steering levers provide optimal control. In addition, the integrated park brake makes for easy and intuitive operator transitions.

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The Height of Cut (HoC) system has been enhanced to offer center deck adjustment ranges from 1.0 to 5.5 inches in 0.25-inch increments. The wing deck height adjustment features a front caster system, which allows for tool-free field adjustment using magnetic locking keys. This simplified design enables the operator to seamlessly adjust the mower’s cut height on the go.

Lastly, a newly improved cooling package has been repositioned to be housed behind the operator. The relocation of the cooling package significantly reduces debris accumulation, allowing for longer operations in hot weather conditions. The increased cooling performance is also paired with convenient clean-out capabilities and easier access to the mower’s radiator, hydraulic oil cooler and fuel cooler.

John Deere

The new Large Diesel ZTrak Zero-Turn Mowers were designed with the operator’s preference top of mind, resulting in powerful models equipped to tackle a variety of challenging jobs and versatile locations. “It was a wonderful thing to get the professionals that are out in the field involved,” said Elingburg. “There are others on the market, others that were before, others that will be after. But this one is for the operator”.