Z965M EFI MOWER

Commercial-quality V-twin air-cooled engines with EFI power the ZTrak™ Mowers:

• Vanguard 61A6 33 hp (24.6 kW) gross at 3600 rpm (Z965M and Z965R)
• Vanguard 61G8 40 hp (29.8 kW) gross at 3600 rpm (Z985R)

Engine features include:

• EFI with electronic throttle control
• Electronically adjusts the supply of both fuel and air, responding instantaneously when the mower transitions from light to heavy mowing.
• Unlike mechanical governors that droop under load, torque rises while maintaining constant full-throttle engine speed.
• Productivity and cut quality are improved because the mower blades keep turning at full speed, delivering optimal cut quality and dispersion of clippings.
• Immediate starting in hot or cold ambient temperatures or after long periods of seasonal storage
• No choke linkage for the user to operate
• Higher reliability with the elimination of vapor locking, misfiring, run-on, and after-bang
• Automatic altitude compensation
• Delivers fuel precisely for added efficiency
• Reduces the potential for plug fouling
• V-twin design
• Fast starts
• Smooth operation
• Overhead valves
• More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
• Better fuel efficiency
• Air-cooled for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability
• Aluminum cylinder block
• Effectively dissipates heat to extend engine life
• Lightweight and strong construction
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
• Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
• Filtered oil reduces risk of contamination for increased engine life for increased engine life
• Standard cleanout ports for easy access to remove debris collecting in cooling fins
• 20-amp alternator

Oil Guard System delivers a 500-hour oil change interval

The Z965M,  Z965R and Z985R ZTrak Mowers are equipped with the Oil Guard System which increases engine oil service intervals from 100 to 500 hours, which drastically reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

To further reduce maintenance hassles, engine oil-level checks, oil changes, and oil filter changes also move from the engine block to the accessible reservoir location. The reservoir has a large 5-quart capacity and aluminum construction for exceptional cooling and extended oil life.

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, operation, and dependent on loads and operating conditions, fuel consumption for Z965M, Z965R, and Z985R ZTrak Mowers:

• 7Iron PRO side-discharge: 1.4 U.S. gph (5.3 L/hr)
• FastBack PRO rear-discharge: 1.3 U.S. gph (4.9 L/hr)

Oil Guard is a registered trademark of Briggs & Stratton Corporation

7-Iron PRO mower decks have demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. They deliver a high-quality cut in diverse conditions.

Key features of the 7-Iron PRO mower deck:

• Deck is forged from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside with fewer sharp corners for reduced material buildup.
• Significantly fewer welds on the deck shell to wear or break - it is forged from a single sheet of steel rather than multiple fabrications. An anti-skid step on the deck provides easy machine mounting.
• Extra reliability and long life with cast-iron blade spindle housings.
• Higher blade tip speed than many competitors - approximately 18,500 fpm (5,639 m/min) for more blade cuts per inch mowed.
• A deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• The wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• 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.

• Deck has rectangular leading deck edge reinforcement and the rounded corners of the forged deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• Dual-captured front and rear anti-scalp wheels provide deck flotation over even the toughest terrain.
• Three 1-in. (2.5-cm), cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength without bulk and are supported by ball bearings, providing reliability and performance; spindle housings are ribbed cast iron providing both excellent strength and heat dissipation.
• The trim edge of the deck is equipped with a bumper that provides great abrasion resistance to protect the machine and the property.
• The front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass and is reinforced with a square bar for durability. The front baffle has been redesigned to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Three spindle grease fittings are accessible from the top.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40.6 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, to reduce striping between blades.
• Quick-change, cutting-height adjustment.

Extra reliability and long life with cast-iron blade spindle housings

On every commercial mower deck there are three 1-in. (25-mm) 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 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.

7-Iron PRO mower deck

The deck step safely aids the operator's entrance and egress from machine.

There are three seating options available for the M Series, all of which are factory installed:

1. Deluxe comfort seat with armrests
2. Deluxe comfort seat with armrests and isolation
3. 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 M 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 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 helps 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 provides 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:

• The operator can 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 is 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.

Onboard storage and cup holder

Several storage areas are provided on the ZTrak machines. A convenient cup holder is also available.

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 produce professional striping results.

Right-hand control panel

The controls are grouped together on the right console, providing one central location for:

• Rocker-type PTO switch
• Height-of-cut knob with transport lock
• Key switch
• Hour meter (carbureted models) or display panel (EFI models)
• Throttle
• Separate choke control
  • Easy choke operation yields less fouling of plugs
  • No choke required for the electronic fuel injection (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.

The Z900 ZTrak Mowers with EFI engines are equipped with upgraded electrical systems that power a modern display panel and speed trouble shooting.

The display panel assists in operating the mower and alerts to problems to reduce downtime and repair costs. The display panel includes:

• Hour meter
• Fuel level
• Engine speed
• System voltage
• Low engine oil-pressure indicator
• Starting interlock indicators for power take-off (PTO), operator presence, and park brake
• Bright caution and stop indicators to capture the operator's attention

The display panel’s diagnostics mode provides error codes, system voltage, and circuit continuity tests that can report switch functionality and circuit continuity in seconds, without tools.

When equipped with an optional JDLink™ M Modem - 4G, the upgraded electrical system provides additional data (fuel level, fuel consumption, and trouble codes) and enables Service Advisor Remote access to speed dealer diagnostics.

M Series 3-year, 1200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive 2-year, unlimited hour/3-year, 1200-hour (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard for all John Deere M Series Mowers. The warranty is best in its class and places John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is also hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

NOTE: 36 months or 1200 hours, whichever comes first. For the first 24 months, there is no hour limitation.

R Series 3-year, 1500-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

An exclusive 2-year, unlimited hour/3-year, 1500-hour (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard on all John Deere R Series mowers. The warranty is best in the industry and puts John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is also hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

NOTE: 36 months or 1500 hours, whichever comes first. For the first 24 months, there is no hour limitation.

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.

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 M and R Series Mowers can tow up to 400 lb (181.4 kg).

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Michelin North America, Inc.

The hydrostatic drive included with the Z900 Z Trak 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 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 Z900 ZTrak™ 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

The design of the Z900 Series makes many service components reachable and easily accessible from the ground.

• Large, open engine compartment at the rear of the machine provides convenient servicing and ensures the engine heat is directed away from the operator.

Onboard maintenance information

All ZTrak™ Mowers come with a maintenance label that is conveniently located inside the right-hand console. The label is written on English and Spanish languages and includes daily service check points, approximate fluid capacities, and tire pressures.

Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages

To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a product identification number (PIN) label located near the onboard storage. The owner information web pages that include links to:

• Safety and how-to videos
• Operator’s manuals
• Parts catalogs
• Maintenance reminder sheets
• Attachments
• Warranty statements

Diagnostics

On Z920M, Z930M, Z950M, Z960M, Z950R, Z970R models, the hour meter shows the number of hours the machine is run when the key switch is in the on position. It only counts the hours the engine is actually running. Machine diagnostics are the first step of a monitoring system to help operators quickly diagnose common downtime issues. A trouble code light is included on the hour meter.

Use of the hour meter and service interval chart helps determine when the machine will need service.

The Z955M, Z965M, Z975M, Z955R, Z965R, and Z985R EFI models include a modern display panel that speeds trouble shooting by providing error codes, system voltage, and circuit continuity tests that can report switch functionality and circuit continuity in seconds, without tools. These models are also equipped with a Service ADVISOR™ J1939 port to speed dealer diagnostics.

The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:

• Getting on and off is easy with the flat operator platform.
• Convenient-to-use controls located close to the operator are color coded and designed for easy identification and operation.

The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:

• It reduces the operator’s risk of being crushed under the vehicle should it overturn.
• When used with the seatbelt, the ROPS can reduce the severity of injury in the event of a rollover.
  • Use of the seat belt is recommended when operating with ROPS in the upright position.

Foldable ROPS and retractable seat belt are standard equipment:

• Position adjustment pins provide a good grip and make changing the angle of the ROPS easier.
• The ROPS can be pinned in an intermediate position to accommodate machines equipped with a material collection system.
• Under normal operation, the ROPS should be in the upright position.
• See Operator’s Manual for more information on ROPS.
• Door height of most garages will accommodate the machine with ROPS in the raised position.
  • Easy-fold ROPS improves the ability to store the ZTrak™ mower in structures with a lower door opening.

Optional light-emitting diode (LED) work lights

BUC11438 LED work lights provides the ability to mow at twilight and are available as a field installed attachment. See attachment story for compatibility and requirements.

Optional LED beacon light

BUC11406 LED beacon light signals to others that the machine is approaching and is available as a field installed attachment. See attachment story for compatibility and requirements.

Overview

A JDLink™ M Modem connects a commercial mower to the John Deere Operations Center, which enables you to manage your fleet more efficiently, increase productivity, and reduce labor costs. With a modem and Operations Center, you are always connected to the work in progress and can make timely adjustments to keep your fleet mowing.

JDLink M Modem

A JDLink M Modem is standard equipment on model year 2024 and newer TerrainCut Front and Wide-Area Mowers.

A modem can be field installed on:

• Model year 2024 and newer Z700 ZTrak™ Mowers
• Model year 2024 and newer gasoline-powered Z900 ZTrak Mowers
• Model year 2024 and newer Z994R ZTrak Mowers
• Model year 2021 and newer Z997R ZTrak Mowers
• Model year 2024 and newer Q800 QuikTrak™ Mowers
• Model year 2025 and newer R Series commercial walk-behind mowers
• Model year 2022-2023 TerrainCut Front Mowers
• Model year 2023 TerrainCut Wide-Area Mowers

See compatibility section for serial number breaks and requirements.

John Deere Operations Center

The John Deere Operations Center tracks your fleet and provides tools to analyze mower data. The connected features vary by mower model.

Location and status

The JDLink M Modem regularly transmits the location and operational status of each mower in the fleet so you can monitor mowing progress in Operations Center.

• Location history-Display of map with current and past locations of each mower.
• GPS Speed-Maps each mower’s current speed, based on GPS location data, so you can target operator training.
• Hours of operation-Reports the time of day the vehicle has been operated.
• Geofencing-Alerts when a mower enters or exits a prescribed area, for example if the mower has been stolen or an operator entered an area that should not be mowed.
• Curfews-Alerts if the mower is operating outside prescribed times, for example residential areas with early-morning noise restrictions.

Engine hours

The modem regularly transmits the mower’s engine hours to inform maintenance planning and balance use.

• Sync-The mower reports actual engine hours to the Operations Center.
• Key-Engine hours are estimated by monitoring the key switch. Engine hours can be corrected in Operations Center.

Maintenance planner

Factory or custom maintenance plans can be established in Operations Center. Maintenance alerts are sent when engine hours reach maintenance intervals.

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

On select products, the modem transmits the trouble codes generated by the mower’s control units to the Operations Center. Addressing DTCs can reduce downtime and repair costs. For example, a low-engine oil pressure DTC can indicate an engine is low on oil. Addressing the issue can prevent costly downtime and repairs.

To help address issues quickly, when a DTC is generated, the Operations Center can display a push notification on the mobile app and send an email. Operations Center can also be configured to limit notifications to stop-level severity DTCs.

Machine Analyzer Tool

On select products, the modem reports the time the mower spent transporting, idling, and working. The Operations Center’s Machine Analyzer tool reports usage data which allows you to analyze operator behavior, identify causes of low productivity, and initiate corrective actions.

Fuel level

On select products, the modem reports the fuel level. On these products, an analysis of fuel consumption is available in the Operations Center Machine Analyzer Tool. Measuring fuel consumption enables you to address causes of excessive fuel use.

Service Advisor Remote

On select products, John Deere dealers can perform remote diagnostics, software programming, and adjustments without the cost of a service call.

Compatibility

A JDLink M Modem is standard equipment on model year 2024 and newer (SN 110,001-) TerrainCut Front Mowers and model year 2024 and newer (SN 690,001-) TerrainCut Wide-Area Mowers.

A JDLink M Modem can be field installed on the commercial mowing products listed below. Field installation attachments simplify modem installation, and include brackets, mounting hardware, harness, and instructions. Field installation requires a JDLink M Modem to be ordered separately. The field installation attachments include a wiring harness therefore the modem should be ordered with the less harness option code.

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 48 in., 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 48 in., 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., 60 in., and 72 in. (137-cm, 152-cm, and 183 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 Tweel tires are required depending on the mower deck size.

Tires deliver exceptional traction and maneuverability

The ZTrak M Series Mowers with 48-in. (122-cm) mower decks come with 24x9.5-12 4 PR drive tires. M Series Mowers with 54-in. (137-cm), 60-in. (152- cm), and 72-in. (183-cm) decks come with 24x12-12 4 PR drive tires. All M Series Mowers are equipped with 13x6.5-6 front flat-free semi-pneumatic caster tires.

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 semi-pneumatic tires.

The tires provide:

• 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

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin SCA.