The Z994R is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with gross SAE J1995, PS 18.4 kW (24.7 hp) rated power at 3200 rpm that meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Final Tier 4 emission standards:

• High-torque, low-emission diesel engine for strong performance in the toughest conditions
• Low vibration and noise levels
• Isolated with rubber mounts for a smoother operator ride
• Superior fuel economy
• High torque reserve for plenty of power and performance

Key features of the engine include:

• Economical, cast-in block cylinder design provides good cooling and long life.
• Liquid-cooled design provides more consistent operating temperatures than air-cooled.
• Fuel filter with replaceable element is provided.
• Indirect fuel injection uses a pre-combustion chamber to give the engine smooth and quiet operation.
• 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.
• 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 ”roll-off” profile, giving almost no clash, no noise, and no backlash.
• Glow plugs provide quick starts in temperatures down to -18°C (0°F)
• Key start and shutoff eliminate fuel shut-off knob; electric solenoid shuts fuel supply off immediately when key is turned off.

Air cleaner with secondary safety element and restriction indicator

• Dual-element, dry-type air cleaner with safety element and air service indicator
  • Dual-element design for added engine protection and easy service
  • Completely sealed for effective cleaning
  • Ninety to 95 percent of dirt ejected before it reaches the paper element
• Air cleaner restriction indicator to let operator know when the filter needs servicing

Radiator

A sealed radiator compartment controls trash and debris. A cover is provided over the radiator, and a cooling fan area controls the flow of air.

Knobs on both ends of the cover hold it in place.

An automotive-type radiator, coolant reservoir, and electric cooling fan are provided to remove heat from the engine coolant:

• The cooling fan is thermostatically controlled so it only runs when necessary.
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits the operator to check the coolant level without removing the radiator cap.

A debris screen with a corrugated shape to give a large surface area covers the intake air side of the radiator to keep the radiator fins clean.

The debris screen can be easily removed for cleaning, if desired, and also for access to the radiator fins.

Fuel tank

The Z994R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower is equipped with a single 43.5-L (11.5-U.S. gal.) fuel tank that provides enough capacity to allow mowing for a full day without refueling:

• Large, angled filler neck makes for easier refueling
• Fuel cap tether is provided to secure the filler cap while refueling
• Fuel gauge is provided as standard equipment

 

NOTE: The fuel fill level is 25 mm (1 in.) below the bottom of the filler neck.

Gearbox cooling fins and fan

A right-angle gearbox is used to convert power from the horizontal shaft diesel engine to vertical shaft power to operate the vehicle transmission and the mower power-take off clutch. Cooling for the gearbox is provided by fins on the gearbox housing and a fan.

There are three side-discharge mower-deck options available for the Z994R Diesel ZTrak™ Mower:

• The 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.
• The 60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand™ Mower Deck can be converted from a wide-open, side-discharge mode to a fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever.
• The 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck is suited to a variety of mowing jobs, including trimming and grooming.

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.

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mower Deck

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed of approximately 5029 m/min (16,500 fpm) gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• The front baffle is designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement provides even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chute allows for even clipping distribution.
• Thick, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• The three-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.
• A plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• The formed, steel-deck design is forged from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• The deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• The belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Spindle grease fittings are on top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Blade overlap of 40 mm (1.57 in.) reduces the number of missed grass blades.
• A mulching attachment is available.
• The Power Flow rear material collection system is available.
• Quick release belt covers for added convenience

Optional Power Flow blower

A Power Flow blower is required (ordered separately) for use of a three-bag or dump-from-seat MCS.

The Power Flow blower can be opened for easy and thorough cleanout.

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand Mower Deck

Features include:

• The deck can be converted from a wide-open side discharge mode to a fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever.

• Higher blade tip speed of approximately 5029 m/min (16,500 fpm) gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.

• The front baffle is designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement provides even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chute allows for even clipping distribution.
• Thick, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• The three-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.
• A plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• The formed, steel-deck design is forged from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• The deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• The belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Spindle grease fittings are on top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Blade overlap of 40 mm (1.57 in.) reduces the number of missed grass blades.
• The mulching attachment is available.
• The Power Flow rear material collection system is available.
• Quick release belt covers for added convenience

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

Features include:

• Higher blade tip speed of approximately 5029 m/min (16,500 fpm) gives more blade strikes per distance of forward travel.
• The front baffle is designed to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Spindle-pocket reinforcement provides even greater structural durability.
• A raised discharge chute allows for even clipping distribution.
• Thick, 7-gauge, 4.55-mm (0.179-in.) steel construction gives commercial durability.
• The three-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.
• A plastic discharge deflector reduces damage to foliage and resists bending.
• The formed, steel-deck design is forged from a single sheet of steel to eliminate corners where grass can collect.
• The deep deck gives increased vacuum action that reduces dropped clippings.
• The belt drive efficiently transfers power from gearbox to spindles.
• Spindle grease fittings are on top for easy access.
• Quick-change cutting-height adjustment is easy to use.
• Blade overlap of 40 mm (1.57 in.) reduces the number of missed grass blades.
• A mulching attachment is available.
• The Power Flow rear material collection system is available.
• Quick release belt covers for added convenience

Side-discharge mower deck specifications

	60-in. (152-cm) Side-Discharge	60-in. (152-cm) Side-Discharge Mulch On Demand	72-in. (183-cm) Side-Discharge
Mower type	7-Iron PRO – forged deck	7-Iron PRO – forged deck	7-Iron PRO – forged deck
Mower compatibility:
Discharge	Side	Side	Side
Mulching       capability	Optional field-installed kit	Standard Mulch On Demand included	Optional field-installed kit
Cut-height      range	3.8-12.7 cm (1.5-5 in.) in 6.35 mm (0.25-in.) increments	3.8-12.7 cm (1.5-5 in.) in 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) increments	3.8-12.7 cm (1.5-5 in.) in 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) increments
Cutting width	152 cm (60 in.)	152 cm (60 in.)	183 cm (72 in.)
Height-of-cut      adjustment	Turning knob with foot pedal lift	Turning knob with foot pedal lift	Turning knob with foot pedal lift
High lift blades:
Blade length	53 cm (21 in.)	53 cm (21 in.)	63 cm (25 in.)
Blade width	7.6 cm (3 in.)	7.6 cm (3 in.)	7.6 cm (3 in.)
Blade thickness	6.35 Mm (0.25 in.)	6.35 Mm (0.25 in.)	6.35 Mm (0.25 in.)
Blade tip speed	Approximately 5,029 m/min (16,500 fpm)	Approximately 5,029 m/min (16,500 fpm)	Approximately 5,029 m/min (16,500 fpm)
Number of      blades	Three	Three	Three
Blade spindles:
Bearings	Grade=ABEC-1	Grade=ABEC-1	Grade=ABEC-1
Spindles	Cold-forged and heat-treated	Cold-forged and heat-treated	Cold-forged and heat-treated
Spindle      housings	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron
Wheels:
Front anti-scalp      rollers	Standard	Standard	Standard
Rear anti-scalp rollers	Standard	Standard	Standard
Deck construction	One-piece forged steel	One-piece forged steel	One-piece forged steel
Deck thickness	7-gauge steel, 4.55 mm (0.179 in.)	7-gauge steel, 4.55 mm (0.179 in.)	7-gauge steel, 4.55 mm (0.179 in.)

Optional three-bag material collection system (MCS)

The 493-L (14-bu), three-bag MCS is available for the Z994R with a 60-in. (152-cm) Mower Deck, or a 60-in. (152-cm) Mulch On Demand Mower Deck. Professional landscape contractors can increase productivity by utilizing this durable collection system. This system allows fast, easy grass clipping and leaf collection to give lawns a well-groomed appearance.

Optional dump-from-seat material collection system

The durable dump-from-seat MCS for the Z994R ZTrak Mower increases productivity. Professional landscape contractors are able to empty the large, 458-L  (13-bu) capacity hopper without leaving the seat. This system allows fast, easy grass clipping and leaf collection to give lawns a well-groomed appearance.

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

ZTrak™ Z900 Series Model	60-in. (152-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck	72-in. (183-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck
Z930M	X	—
Z950M	—	X
Z950R	X	—
Z970R	—	X
Z994R	X	X
Z997R	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 2.54 to 14 cm (1 to 5.5 in.) in 0.64-cm (0.25-in.) 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, 4.56-mm (0.179-in.) 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 3.8-cm (1.5-in.) tall by 1.3-cm (0.5-in.) 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 1.3-cm (0.5-in.) by 1.3-cm (0.5-in.) thick solid steel bar.

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Operator comfort was a primary focus in the design of the Z994R:

• Large, open operator station and foot platform with plenty of legroom and room for multiple foot positions
• A choice of seat and suspension options to suit the operator and operating conditions
• Instruments, controls, and storage areas that are easy to see and use
• Three-position rollover protective structure (ROPS) and retractable seat belt for operator safety and convenience
• Thick seat cushion for lasting comfort, even after a full day of use
• Retractable seatbelt for convenience and ease of use
• Springs to isolate the seat base for increased ride comfort

• ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension for superior ride comfort over uneven areas
• Seat can travel up to 50.8 mm (2 in.) fore and aft to absorb bumps for a significant enhancement to ride comfort
• Ability to easily lock out if desired by the operator
• One lever for three functions
• Slide seat forward and back 7.6 cm (3 in.)
• Activate ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension
• Lock-out ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension

A spring-type locking mechanism holds the seat securely down in the operating position for operator comfort and safety, but allows quick release for tilting the seat up:

• For protection from the elements
• For access to the transmission fluid reserve tank, battery, etc.

Fully adjustable seat with 61-cm (24-in.) high back, armrests and ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension

The fully adjustable, 61-cm (24-in.) high-back, mechanical suspension seat with adjustable armrests includes:

• Adjustable armrests that can also be raised for operator convenience

• Suspension seat control dial for easy adjustment of suspension to suit the operator
• Adjustable lumbar support for operator preference
  • Lumbar adjustment gives extra operator comfort
  • Adjustment is especially helpful when operating the vehicle for extended periods of time
• Vibration reduction
• Seat back-angle adjustment to maximize operator comfort by using a convenient lever on the side of the seat

Foot pegs

Foot pegs help provide the operator with a comfortable foot placement.

• Location and angle of foot pegs can be adjusted for individual operator comfort.

Foot platform isolators

Foot platform isolators provide the operator with added comfort.

• Vibration to the legs and feet is reduced.

Onboard storage and cup holder

A convenient storage compartment and cup holder are available within easy reach of the operator.