The Z997R is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a gross 27.5 kW (37.4 hp) 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 -18°C (0°F).
• 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

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.

45.4-L (12-U.S. gal.) capacity fuel tank allows the operator to mow for a full day without refueling

The Z997R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower is equipped with a single fuel tank, providing the following:

• 45.4-L (12-U.S. gal.) 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 25 mm (1 in.) below the bottom of the filler neck.

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

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 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.

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.
• 339-Nm (250-lb-ft), 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

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed – approximately 5486 m/min (18,000 fpm) 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, 4.5-mm (0.179-in.) 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 40 mm (1.57 in.), nearly 20 mm (0.79 in.) greater than previous decks, reduces the number of missed grass blades.

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

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed – approximately 5486 m/min (18,000 fpm) 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, 4.5-mm (0.179-in.) 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 40 mm (1.57 in.), nearly 20 mm (0.79 in.) 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	7-Iron PRO – forged deck	7-Iron PRO – forged deck
Mower compatibility:
Discharge	Side	Side
Mulching capability	Optional field-installed kit	Optional field-installed kit
Cut-height range	3.8-12.7 cm (1.5-5 in.) 1.3 cm (0.25 in.) increments	3.8-12.7 cm (1.5-5 in.) 1.3 cm (0.25 in.) increments
Cutting width	152 cm (60 in.)	183 cm (72 in.)
Height-of-cut adjustment	Turning knob with foot assist	Turning knob with foot assist
High lift blades:
Blade length	53 cm (21 in.)	64 cm (25 in.)
Blade width	7.6 cm (3 in.)	7.6 cm (3 in.)
Blade thickness	6.35 mm (0.25 in.)	6.35 mm (0.25 in.)
Blade tip speed	Approximately 5,486 m/min (18,000 fpm)	Approximately 5,486 m/min (18,000 fpm)
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 4.5 mm (0.179 in.)	7-gauge steel 4.5 mm (0.179 in.)

 

Mower decks are safety certified

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.

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	Z960M	Z950R	Z970R	Z994R	Z997R
60-in. (152-cm) FastBack PRO rear-discharge	x		x	x		x	x
72-in. (183-cm) FastBack PRO rear-discharge		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 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

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 (Z997R)
• 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 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 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.

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.

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

• 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.