John Deere expands Diesel ZTrak zero-turn lineup

John Deere is expanding its line-up of Diesel ZTrak zero-turn mowers while also unveiling its new, independent E-Cut wing deck design with the introduction of the FastBack Pro 100. This is available exclusively on the Z998R model.

This means 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.

“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,” says 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.”

John Deere Z998R

Brand new to the market, the Z998R can be transformed to meet the needs of the jobsite. The Z998R operates as a traditional 100-inch zero-turn mower or adapts 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.

Operators can keep mowing with the center deck while adjusting the wing decks and can even mow with just one wing deck down, providing 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.

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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 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. Additionally, drive-by-wire electronic controls enable automated throttle, transmission and enhanced steering control for increased efficiency.

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 for 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 intuitive operator transitions.

The Height of Cut system has been enhanced to offer center deck adjustment ranges from 1 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 adjust the mower’s cut height on the go.

Lastly, an 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.