The Z997M and Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers are powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with gross SAE J1995 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 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 a helical profile to help lower engine noise.
  • Gear teeth have a ''roll-off'' profile, giving almost no clash, noise, or backlash.
• Fuel filter with replaceable element is provided.
• 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
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits operator to check coolant level without removing radiator cap.
• Sealed radiator compartment keeps trash and debris on the 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 (150 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

The Z997M and Z997R Diesel ZTrak Mowers are equipped with a dual-element, canister-style air filter that is easily accessible without tools from the rear of the machine.

• Filtration system pulls clean air from above the engine, and filters out remaining 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

The Z997M and Z997R Diesel ZTrak Mowers are 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.
• A large filler neck makes for easier refueling.
• Top fuel draw provides added safety by reducing the chance fuel will leak out.

There are two side-discharge mower-deck options available for the Z997M and Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers:

• The 60-in. (152-cm) 7Iron PRO side-discharge deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.
• The 72-in. (183-cm) 7Iron 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

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

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) 7Iron PRO mower deck

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.
• 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) 7Iron PRO mower deck

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.
• 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.

	60-in. (152-cm) Side-Discharge	72-in. (183-cm) Side-Discharge
Mower type	7Iron PRO - forged deck	7Iron PRO - forged deck
Mower compatibility:
Discharge	Side	Side
Mulching capability	Optional field-installed kit	Optional field-installed kit
Cut-height range	1.5-5 in. (3.8-12.7 cm) 0.25 in. (1.3-cm) increments	1.5-5 in. (3.8-12.7 cm) 0.25 in. (1.3-cm) increments
Cutting width	60 in. (152 cm)	72 in. (183 cm)
Height-of-cut adjustment	Turning knob with foot assist	Turning knob with foot assist
High lift blades:
Blade length	21 in. (53 cm)	25 in. (64 cm)
Blade width	3 in. (7.6 cm)	3 in. (7.6 cm)
Blade thickness	0.25 in. (6.35 mm)	0.25 in. (6.35 mm)
Blade tip speed	Approximately 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min)	Approximately 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min)
Number of blades	Three	Three
Blade spindles:
Bearings	Grade=ABEC-1	Grade=ABEC-1
Spindles	Cold-forged and heat-treated	Cold-forged and heat-treated
Spindle housings	Ductile cast-iron	Ductile cast-iron
Wheels:
Front anti-scalp rollers	Standard	Standard
Rear anti-scalp rollers	Standard	Standard
Deck construction	One-piece forged steel	One-piece forged steel
Deck thickness	7-gauge steel 0.179 in. (4.5 mm)	7-gauge steel 0.179 in. (4.5 mm)

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

Mower deck

Z930M

Z950M

Z955M EFI

Z960M

Z975M EFI

Z950R

Z955R EFI

Z965R EFI

Z970R

Z985R EFI

Z994R

Z997M

Z997R

60-in. (152-cm) FastBack PRO rear- discharge

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

72-in. (183-cm) FastBack PRO rear- discharge

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

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

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 settings (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

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. (4.6-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.

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 (Z997M, Z997R, Z998R)
• 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.
• 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 the use of cast iron.

Ease of service

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

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.

The Z997R and Z998R Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers allow operators to be more productive by locating frequently used controls at the operator’s fingertips.

Two-lever drive-by-wire hydrostatic drive control

ZTrak Mowers include large, ergonomically angled control levers with specially padded grips and built-in electronic controls.

• Operators select ground speed and direction simply by moving levers forward or in reverse.
• A positive neutral lock position for the levers provides added safety.
• Wide-bend steering levers swing out easily for entry and exit from the operator platform.

To reduce operator fatigue and tailor control sensitivity, the control levers operate the hydrostatic transmissions electrically. These drive-by-wire controls reduce effort needed to operate the handles and enable features like LoadMatch™, which can slow the mower under heavy cutting load, providing consistent cut quality.

Comfort and convenience handles

Standard comfort and convenience handles are built into the steering levers.

 

Z997R - The Z997R has three steering-lever buttons. The left steering lever has a button (A) to raise the mower deck. The lift button can be pressed momentarily to raise the deck over an obstacle. The left and right steering levers each have a yellow PTO button (B). Press both buttons at the same time to engage the PTO. Press either button to shut off the PTO.

 

Z998R - The Z998R has five steering-lever buttons. The Z998R includes the same buttons as the Z997R model, plus there is a button (C) on each lever to raise or lower that side’s E-Cut Wing Mower Deck. Similar to a garage door, each deck lifts or lowers when its button is pressed. On the Z998R model, when the deck raise button (A) is pressed all three decks are raised to clear an obstacle.

 

The blades on the wing decks automatically stop when the decks are raised. If the PTO is engaged, the wing decks automatically start when the wing mower decks are lowered.

Automatic park brake system is built into steering levers

The integrated park brake is automatically applied when steering levers are stowed outward and disengaged when the steering control levers are placed into the operating position.

Switch controls

The key switch and switches for auto throttle (A), center deck control (B), and transport (C) are located near the touchscreen display.

 

Auto throttle - When the PTO is off, the auto-throttle switch is used to adjust engine speed. Low speed is used when maneuvering the mower in tight locations like loading on a trailer. High speed is used for transport. When the PTO is engaged, the engine runs at full throttle, and the auto-throttle switch is used to limit maximum mowing speed. The low-speed position improves precision while trimming and high speed enables full mowing speed in open areas.

 

Center deck control - Used to shut off the center mower deck with the PTO engaged; useful when the operator wants to mow with one or both wing decks without the center deck creating noise and stirring dust.

 

Transport switch - Raises all mower decks to transport position or lowers them to mow at full width.

The Z997R and Z998R Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers are equipped with an advanced 4.3-in. (10.9-cm) full-color LED touchscreen, which provides unprecedented control and information.

 

Similar to mobile device screens, the touchscreen contains multi-colored pixels. Unlike segment-based displays, a touchscreen can be extensively customized, which enables software-defined menus and supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. The touchscreen is bright so it can be read in sunlight and backlit for low-light conditions.

 

The touchscreen is designed and tested to withstand the elements. It is IP66 rated, indicating it is dust-tight and protected from water.

 

The touchscreen provides the operator with:

• Mower deck status
• Stop, service, park brake, power-take-off, seat switch, and diesel particulate filter regeneration indicators
• Fuel level
• Hours
• Connectivity signal strength

The touchscreen can be used to adjust machine settings:

• Mow mode - Choose between eco, cut quality, and productivity modes
• LoadMatch™ - Slows the mower under heavy cutting load, providing consistent cut quality
• Maximum ground speed

The touchscreen can also be used for diagnostics.

Customizable machine settings for each member of the team

The Z997R and Z998R Mowers are factory-configured with a single full-access user profile. Fleet operators may choose to tailor menu access to the unique needs of owners, crew supervisors, and operators. Each user is assigned a PIN that may be restricted from machine settings and diagnostic menus.

 

A mower can have up to three owner profiles. Owner profiles have access to the following settings:

• Display settings
• Mow mode
• Speed limit
• LoadMatch
• Service and diagnostics
• Factory reset
• Operator permissions

A mower can have up to 100 unique operator profiles, each with their own PIN that remembers their unique language and machine settings. Each operator-profile setting has access to the display settings menu. Based on the owner’s permissions, each operator may be given access to, or restricted from, accessing the remaining menus. For example, an owner may give crew supervisors and experienced operators access to more settings than less experienced operators.

The Z997R and Z998R Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers include a standard air-suspension seat, which provides maximum operator comfort across a wide range of operator traits.

 

Key features and adjustments:

• 24-in. (60.9-cm) seat back with body-contoured seat cushions.
• Weight and height adjustment allow for proper ride and suspension height.
• Damper adjustment that allows the operator to adjust the seat’s ride to their preference:
• Softer settings increase seat travel to absorb large bumps.
• Stiffer settings reduce vertical seat travel, reducing movement of the operator’s arms and legs.
• 5.9-in. (150-mm) of seat fore-aft slide adjustment helps account for a wide range of heights.
• 1.8-in. (46-mm) of fore-aft suspension travel softens and absorbs directional changes.
• Back-angle tilt adjustment reclines seat back up to 20 degrees to accommodate operators.
• Lumbar adjustment provides proper back support.
• Standard, adjustable armrests are made of a durable material that provides adequate support and surface area for the operator's arms.
• Cushions are ideal for those who seek proper back support. The highly resilient contoured foam construction allows for all-day mowing comfort.
• A raised seat ensures a commanding view to the front and side mower decks.
• A retractable seat belt that is convenient to use.

A-Armrest height
B-Lumbar (on rear of seat)
C-Fore-aft slide
D-Fore-aft suspension
E-Air-suspension weight and height
F-Damper
G-Back angle tilt

The Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers have an intuitive and ergonomically placed pin map height-of-cut system. The system provides 1- to 5.5-in. (3.8- to 12.7-cm) cutting heights in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments.

Innovative wing-deck height-of-cut

On a Z998R ZTrak Mower, keeping the cut height of the wing decks matching the center deck is fast and clean, and does not involve relocating greasy spacers.

 

The front wing deck caster wheels use a turn-dial system (A). Simply remove the cap and magnetic locking key and turn the dial. The front caster shaft is engraved with height-of-cut markings that indicate the cut height.

 

The rear mower deck wheels use a spring-locking pin (B). Simply move the pin to adjust the height. The shaft is also engraved with height-of-cut markings.

 

The entire system is designed to be adjusted without tools in the field. In the shop, a ratchet or power driver can be used to speed adjustments.

Comfort and convenience handles put deck lift at the operator’s fingertips

The standard comfort and convenience handles include built-in electronic controls to raise or lower the mower deck.

The service points of Diesel ZTrak™ Mowers 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 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.

Easy to clean intake screen is in clean location

To reduce debris ingestion, the cooling-air intake and radiator of Diesel ZTrak Mowers are located in a clean location in front of the engine. Warm air exits the rear of the mower away from the operator. The radiator screen can be removed for cleaning and to provide access to the radiator, oil, and fuel coolers.

Mower deck drives are easy to access

Minimal mower deck drive maintenance requirements increase uptime:

• Flip-up foot panel provides access to the top of the center deck for cleaning and to grease the center spindle.
• 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.
• There is only one belt to service.

Onboard maintenance information

Diesel ZTrak Mowers come with a maintenance label that is conveniently located on the underside of the hood. The label is written on English and Spanish languages and includes daily service check points, approximate fluid capacities, and tire pressures.

Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages

To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a product identification number (PIN) label located under the right steering lever. The owner information web pages that include links to:

• Safety and how-to videos
• Operator’s manuals
• Parts catalogs
• Maintenance reminder sheets
• Attachments
• Warranty statements

Optional service jack kit and jack (Z997M and Z997R)

The front frame of the Z997M and Z997R Diesel ZTrak Mowers are 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.