John Deere is expanding its line-up of Diesel ZTrak zero-turn mowers. John Deere is also unveiling its new independent E-Cut wing deck design with the introduction of the FastBack Pro 100, available exclusively on the Z998R model. 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.
New to the market, the Z998R offers extreme versatility and can be transformed to meet the needs of the jobsite. The Z998R offers unmatched versatility and control, operating as a traditional 100” zero-turn mower or adapting 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. What truly sets the Z998R apart is its ability to keep mowing with the center deck while adjusting the wing decks. You can even mow with just one wing deck down, giving you 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, helping ensure reliable performance and minimal downtime.
Making for a more customized experience, 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 new, advanced 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, allowing for a higher cut quality overall. 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, providing simplified and convenient 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 easy and intuitive operator transitions.
The Height of Cut (HoC) system has been enhanced to offer center deck adjustment ranges from 1.0 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 seamlessly adjust the mower’s cut height on the go.
Lastly, a newly 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.
