Touting a new standard of commercial-grade stand-on mowers for professional landscape contractors, John Deere debuted its new QuikTrak mowers for 2024. The new Q800 Series models offer compact designs that provide visibility, maneuverability and ease of operation. New for 2024, the M and R Series models were redesigned to better meet customer needs, and the E Series models were updated to meet the growing demands of the landscaping industry.
“Our new QuikTrak mowers are game-changing machines equipped with features to help transform the way contractors work,” said Chase Tew, production systems & business unit manager, John Deere. “With more speed, power and fuel capacity, our 2024 models deliver an ideal solution for customers looking to improve both productivity and profitability while benefitting from the trusted quality of a John Deere machine.”
The 2024 E Series models, the Q810E and Q820E, boast new features, including serviceability improvements. Helping to maximize uptime, the E Series models feature a single power takeoff belt design and aluminum commercial mowing spindles that make changing mower blades simple and fast. These models also include high-lift blades and a new belt cover design for easier cleanout. In addition, the Q820E QuikTrak mower now boasts a 23.5-horsepower engine, increasing mowing power.
The new Q800 M and R Series models, including the Q820M, Q850M, Q850R and Q865R EFI machines, have been transformed from previous generations to amplify speed, comfort and power. Now featuring a wider horsepower range, the M and R Series mowers offer optimal power, especially in challenging conditions, with 27-horsepower carb and 34.5- horsepower EFI options.
The M and R Series feature the 7-Iron PRO decks, in 48-, 54- and 60-inch sizes. Anti-scalp wheels on the deck’s front and back edges help with uneven terrain, while the trim side bumper helps protect property and the mower deck. The height of cut features improved access and visibility during height selection, providing quick changes from 1.5- to 5-inch cut heights. In addition, the new spindle covers were designed to help ease cleanout, getting contractors back on the job sooner.
The new M and R Series machines provide improved traction in challenging conditions due to the even weight distribution of the new low-profile fuel tanks, which are positioned over the drive tires on both sides of the mower. The optimized weight distribution helps stabilize the machine and provides better traction for mowing along slopes. On level ground, the even weight distribution also minimizes damage to the turf. Not only do the new fuel tanks help with stability, but the entire fuel system was also redesigned to draw fuel from both tanks equally, keeping the mower running for longer without refueling. Lastly, the two 6-gallon saddle tank design provides 114% more fuel capacity than previous John Deere models.
A compact design engineered with serviceability in mind, the new design allows easy access to complete maintenance and repairs. The front engine guard folds forward, providing access to the mower deck and to the engine to perform engine oil changes with ease. From the operator station, the leaning pad can be removed along with the service panels without tools, making it easier to perform daily checks and keep the area clean. There is no need for a lift to gain access, as the traction drive belt is accessible from the top side of the transaxles.
Keeping operator comfort top of mind, the new operator station featured on the M and R Series models provides improved access to controls, while keeping them protected, and provides a cockpit-type feel. The reimagined design boasts a new operator position that helps optimize performance. The foot platform is 14% larger, combined with the forward pitch of the leaning pad, centers the operator over the pivot point of the unit, ensuring the operator feels comfortable and stable while driving. The wider foot platform also provides the operator with the ability to reposition over varying terrains. Lastly, the new display panel provides enhanced feedback, such as vehicle hours, fuel level, engine speed and voltmeter, in real time, along with indicators for PTO, operator presence control, oil pressure and park brake.
The M and R Series models received tire upgrades for 2024, helping to improve curb-climbing capabilities and provide better traction. Factory-installed Tweel options, in 22- and 24-inch sizes, are also available for M and R Series models to help eliminate flats and downtime.
Lastly, customers who purchase the new QuikTrak mowers can benefit from the extended warranty of three years or 1,200 hours on the E and M Series models, and three years or 1,500 hours on the R Series machines.