Landscaping & Grounds Care Z970R

Features
Heavy-duty frame provides strength and durability
The durability features of the frame are as follows:
- Heavy-duty, thick-gauge, steel channel mainframe for strength and durability
- Cast I-beam caster arms to handle the beating and pounding professional mowers receive
- Wide-open access for maintenance and cleaning
Two-piece rear bumper provides protection
A steel rear bumper provides protection for the machine. The bumper is made of two pieces, making it easy to remove and install when using a material collection system (MCS).
A rear hitch can be added to the steel bumper for towing purposes. ZTrak E, M, and R Series Mowers can tow up to 400 lb (181.4 kg).
Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf airless radial tire technology for ZTrak™ Mowers eliminates downtime and reduces cost of operation
John Deere provides the commercial mower industry with the Michelin X Tweel Turf technology for Commercial ZTrak Mowers:
- 24x12N12 as an ordering option code for ZTrak Gas Mowers with 54 in., 60 in., and 72 in. (137-cm, 152-cm, and 183-cm) Mower Decks
- 24x12N12 is also available as base code equipment for ZTrak Gas Mowers with 54 in., 60 in., and 72 in. (137-cm, 152-cm, and 183-cm) Mower Decks (ordering information available at Configurator on the Tweel model page)
- 24x12N12 as an ordering option code for ZTrak Z994R Diesel with 54 in. and 60 in. (137-cm and 152-cm) Mower Decks
- 26x12N12 as an ordering option code for Z997R Diesel with 60 in. and 72 in. (152-cm and 183-cm) Mower Decks
Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and technology. This airless radial tire solution is an industry first for John Deere, which provides an additional advantage to John Deere customers.
Advantages of the Michelin X Tweel Turf include:
- Mowing performance is improved.
- Rutting is reduced because the Michelin X Tweel Turf has more support across the surface for improved flotation and better ground contact.
- Unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reduces the bounce associated with pneumatic tires.
- Excellent curb climbing is possible due to the Michelin X Tweel Turf construction and flexibility.
- More consistent cut quality is achieved because inconsistent tire pressure is eliminated.
- Uptime is improved.
- The exclusive technology eliminates downtime and associated cost due to flat or damaged tires.
- Punctures and sidewall damage no longer result in downtime.
- Cost of operation is reduced.
- Cost of repairs and maintenance is reduced. One single unit replaces the current tire, wheel, and valve assembly. There is no need for complex tire-mounting equipment.
- No need to spend time checking and optimizing tire pressure.
- The need to purchase and stock plug kits and spare tires is eliminated, particularly for professional landscape contractors and government agencies who normally stock them.
- The tire tread will last up to three times longer than current pneumatic tires because automotive-grade rubber is used for the tread.
Heavy-duty construction provides the ultimate in performance and reliable operation:
- High-strength poly-resin spokes carry the load.
- Four-hole, heavy-duty steel hub for durability.
- Deep, open-tread design provides excellent cleaning and traction.
- Zero degree, high-tensile proprietary carcass provides great lateral stiffness while resisting damage from impact and penetration.
NOTE: In some cases different size Tweels are required depending on the mowing deck size.
Tires deliver exceptional traction and maneuverability
The ZTrak™ R Series Mowers with 48-in. (122-cm) mower decks come with 24x9.5-12 4 PR drive tires. R Series Mowers with 54-in. (133-cm), 60-in. (152-cm) and 72-in. (183-cm) decks come with 24x12-12 4 PR drive tires. All R Series Mowers are equipped with 15x6-6 front flat-free tires for the following:
- Excellent traction, flotation, and curb climbing
- Low center of gravity to increase hillside mowing capability
- Caster wheels and caster wheel towers with sealed bearings for long life and easy steering
- Offset front caster wheels to help improve the inside corner-trim performance and reduce between-blade striping
Powerful 35.0-hp (26.1-kW) commercial-grade engine delivers class-leading performance and efficiency
The Z970R is powered by an air-cooled, vertical shaft engine:
- 35.0-hp (26.1-kW) gas engine
Engine features include:
- Overhead valve design
- More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
- Better fuel efficiency
- Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
- Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
- Oil filter helps keep oil clean for increased engine life
- V-twin big block design
- Vertical shaft
- Easy-access, dual-element air filter with quick-release latch
- 15-amp alternator
- Fuel pump
- Complies with strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards without loss of horsepower or torque
- Aluminum block engines
- Effectively dissipate heat
- Lightweight and strong construction
- Extend engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures
- Air-cooled engine design
Air cleaner filters out dust that can damage an engine
ZTrak™ Z900 Mowers are equipped with a dual-element, canister-style air filter, easily accessible from the rear of the machine without tools.
- The filtration system pulls clean air from above the engine, in turn filtering out the dust that can damage an engine over time.
- Filters are extremely easy to change when required.
- Pre-cleaner provides more protection against contamination in dusty and dirty applications.
Mow all day on a single tank of fuel with efficient and easy-to-fill fuel tank
The ZTrak™ Z900 Mowers are equipped with one single-fill, top-draw fuel tank:
- 11.5-U.S. gal. (43.5-L) capacity enables operators to mow all day without refueling.
- The fuel gauge makes it quick and easy to see how much fuel is in the tank.
- Top draw provides added safety.
- A large fuel-filler neck is angled to make it easy for an operator to complete the fueling process.
Under normal conditions, load, and operation, fuel consumption for the Z900 ZTrak Mowers is 1.5 U.S. gph (5.7 L/hr) to 2.2 U.S. gph (8.3 L/hr), depending on the horsepower and conditions.
Durable, hydrostatic drivetrain including cross porting delivers better cooling and provides easy access
The hydrostatic drive included with the R Series Mowers features two 13-cc (0.8-cu in.) unitized hydraulic pumps combined with commercial-grade, heavy-duty, 13-cc (0.8-cu in.) wheel motors into a single unit. The R Series drive units feature cross porting, where the hydraulic fluid from the side doing the least work is filtered and then fed into the input of the side doing the most work. This ensures that the coolest fluid is going into the side working the hardest in order to provide the best performance during extended hillside operation in the same direction.
One pump and one motor drive each wheel on the ZTrak™ R Series Mowers. This provides several benefits:
- Exceptional cooling in high load conditions
- Easy-to-check level and refill hydraulic oil
- Opens up access under the seat
Three seat choices with ComfortGlide™ fore/aft suspension offer exceptional operator comfort
There are three seating options available for the M and R Series, all of which are factory installed :
- Deluxe comfort seat with armrests
- Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation
- Fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests
ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension
Each seat has the ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension system that gives superior ride comfort over uneven areas:
- Seat can travel up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) fore and aft to absorb bumps for a significant enhancement to ride comfort.
- Control lever provides the ability to easily lock out fore/aft suspension movement if desired.
- One lever has three functions.
- Slide seat forward and back 3 in. (10.2 cm) to allow the operator the ability to choose the leg room needed
- Activate ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension
- Lock out ComfortGlide fore/aft seat suspension
Deluxe comfort seat with armrests
The deluxe comfort seat with armrests is standard on all E, M, and R Series models:
- Rubber springs are provided to increase ride comfort.
- A convenient seat latch makes it easy to lift the seat.
- The seat is factory installed.
Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation
The deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation is available on the E, M, and R Series:
- Rubber springs are provided to isolate the seat base and to increase ride comfort.
- A convenient seat latch makes it easy to lift the seat.
- Isolation mounting is a good feature to reduce vibration for operators who do not require the fully-adjustable suspension seat option.
- Factory installed on Z900s ordered with the deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation option.
Fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests
A fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests option is available on the M and R Series:
- Adjustable back angle is provided for individual operator comfort.
- Adjustable lumbar support to suit the needs of the operator.
- A suspension seat control dial gives easy adjustment for operator weight and ride comfort.
- A convenient seat latch for ease of lifting the seat
- On Z900s ordered with the fully-adjustable suspension seat with armrests option, it is factory installed.
Designed for operator comfort
Two-lever hydrostatic control provides the following:
- Allows the operator to select the ground speed and direction control simply by moving levers forward or reverse.
- Positive neutral lock position for levers provides added safety.
- Brake & Go operator-presence system returns levers to the neutral position when the brake pedal is actively engaged.
- Starting the machines are as easy as starting a car. It no longer matters if the control levers are extended out or pulled in, as long as the parking brake is engaged. Just turn the key and go.
- Wide-bend, large-diameter steering levers swing out easily for entry and exit from the operator platform.
Brake & Go starting system
The Brake & Go starting system is a John Deere exclusive. This feature makes the starting process on all ZTrak™ mowers easier, while also making it possible to remove two interlock switches from the machine.
The Brake & Go starting procedure helps a novice operator look and feel like a professional. To start the machine, the parking brake must be engaged. It does not matter whether the power take-off (PTO) switch is on or off, nor does it matter if the control levers are pulled in or in the out position.
As long as the parking brake is engaged, the machine will start. When the parking brake is applied, the control levers cannot be moved to the forward or reverse positions.
Adjustable levers
The motion control levers have two height positions and can also be adjusted forward or rearward within the slotted holes. The levers should be adjusted so the operator can achieve a full range of control operation comfortably.
Tracking adjustment
The easy-to-turn (from-the-seat) tracking adjustment allows operators to keep their mowers straight and able to produce professional striping results.
Onboard storage and cup holder
Several storage areas are provided on the ZTrak machines. A convenient cup holder is also available.
Right-hand control panel
The controls are grouped together on the right console, providing one central location for key switch, throttle, PTO engagement, height-of-cut, diagnostics, and hourmeter.
- Rocker-type PTO switch
- Height-of-cut knob with transport lock
- Key switch
- Hourmeter
- Throttle
- Separate choke control
- Easy choke operation yields less fouling of plugs
- No choke required for the EFI models
Easy-to-operate height-of-cut adjustment enables on-the-go changes
An easy-to-use cutting-height lift system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck height with no tools and minimal effort. The easy-to-grip knob allows operators to dial in the desired height of cut (HOC).
Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 1 in. to 5.5 in. (2.5 cm to 14 cm). Each increment on the knob adjusts the HOC approximately 0.25 in. (0.64 cm). The deck can also be raised and locked in a transport position to provide maximum ground clearance when moving the machine from one area to another.
The transport lock function allows the deck to be returned to the previous HOC after being in the transport position:
- Use the foot-lift pedal to lift the deck and engage the transport lock.
- Rotate the knob to adjust from 1 in. to 5.5 in. (2.5 cm to 14 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64 cm) increments.
This design increases productivity by allowing operators to change the cutting height without having to leave the seat.
Specifications
Key Specs
Engine Manufacturer/model | FX1000V |
Engine Power | Gross at 3,600 rpm: 35 hp 26.1 kW |
Fuel tank capacity | 11.5 U.S. gal. 43.5 L |
Mower deck Size | 60, 72 in. 152, 183 cm |
Blade tip speed | Approximately 18,000 fpm 5,486 m/min |
Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Speed range | 0-12 mph 0-19.3 km/h |
Drive wheels | 24x12-12 |
Caster wheels | 13x6.5-6 |
Warranty | 36 months or 1500 hours, whichever comes first First 24 months, no hour limitation |
Engine
Manufacturer/Model | FX1000V |
Power | Gross at 3,600 rpm, 35 hp 26.1 kW |
Displacement | 61 cu in. 999 cc |
Cylinders | Two |
Crankcase capacity | With filter, 2 U.S. qt 1.9 L |
Oil filter | Full flow, replaceable |
Lubrication | Full pressure |
Cooling | Air |
Air cleaner | Pre-cleaner Yes Heavy-duty canister type with safety element |
Fuel system
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Fuel consumption | Under normal conditions, load, operation, and dependent on loads and operating conditions 1.1-1.9 U.S. gal./hr 4.2-7.2 L/hr |
Fuel tank capacity | 11.5 U.S. gal. 43.5 L |
Fuel tank switch/shut-off valve | Yes |
Electrical system
Charge system | 20 amp |
Battery voltage | 12 V |
Cold cranking amp | 300 amp |
Hour meter | Standard, digital |
Operator presence starting system | Brake-N-Go (foot) |
Drivetrain
Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Hydraulic pumps | |
Wheel motors | Tuff Torq heavy-duty integrated piston wheel motor |
Travel speed | Speed range 0-12 mph 0-19.3 km/h Forward 0-12 mph 0-19.3 km/h Reverse 0-4.5 mph 0-7.2 km/h |
Speed and direction control | Twin levers |
Hydraulic capacity | 5.9 U.S. qt 5.6 L |
Hydraulic oil cooler | |
Filter | Internal, replaceable |
Buyer's note
Warranty | 36 months or 1500 hours, whichever comes first First 24 months, no hour limitation |
Tires
Drive wheels | 24x12-12 |
Rear tires | |
Load rating | 4 PR |
Brakes
Dynamic braking | Twin levers |
Park brake | Internal wet disk integrated in the transmission |
Park brake actuation | Foot brake |
PTO
Type | Electro-magnetic, 225 lb-ft 305 Nm |
Drive | V-belt |
Mower decks
Size | 60, 72 in. 152, 183 cm |
Deck construction | 7-Iron PRO, one-piece stamped steel with reinforcements |
Deck thickness | 7 gauge 0.18 in. 4.6 mm |
Discharge | Side, MOD |
Height-of-cut range | Increments 0.25 in. 0.64 cm 1-5.5 in. 2.54-14 cm |
Cutting width | 60, 72 in. 152, 183 cm |
Blades
Length | Varies by deck size |
Thickness | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm |
Blade tip speed | Approximately 18,000 fpm 5,486 m/min |
Number | Three |
Wheels
Caster wheel type | Flat free |
Caster wheels | 13x6.5-6 |
Front anti-scalp rollers | RH, center, LH |
Rear anti-scalp rollers | Optional |
Dimensions
Length | 84 in. 213 cm |
Width | With chute down, 74, 86 in. 188, 218 cm |
Height | With ROPS up, 73 in. 185 cm With ROPS down, 47 in. 119 cm |
Weight | 1,336 to 1,345 lb 606 to 610 kg |