Targeting turf: John Deere offers a range of new mowers, tractors, for commercial turf applications - Turf Equipment

Diesel Progress North American Edition, July, 2002 by Mike Mercer

The Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division of John Deere has available several new products for commercial turf care applications. These include its Z-Trak mowers, Quik-Trak ride behind mowers, the 1565 front mower, 1600 Turbo wide area mower and the 4000 TEN series compact utility tractors.

The latest zero-turning-radius (ZTR) Z-Trak mowers include the 717 and 727, which Deere calls the mini frame, and the 737 and 757, which Deere calls the mid-frame mowers.

The mini-frame mowers are intended for high-usage commercial market applications such as apartment and other residential properties, business and industrial complexes. The mid-frame mowers are designed to handle small, tight spaces as well as open fields in applications such as business and industrial complexes, highly landscaped lots, cemeteries, etc.

All four mowers are powered by aluminum, air-cooled, overhead-valve Kawasaki FH series gasoline engines. The 717 and 727 engines are vertical shaft designs while the 737 and 757 are horizontal shaft designs. The engines use pressure lubrication systems and full-flow filters to reduce engine wear and increase engine life. The pressure lubrication system is designed to ensure proper lubrication during operation on hillsides and uneven terrain.

The engine in the 717 mower is rated 19 hp, while the 727 and 737 mowers are powered by 23 hp engines and the 757 mower by a 25 hp unit. The engine packages include Nelson air filters and Warner Electric PTO clutches to drive the cutting blades through a triangle configuration V-belt.

The ground drive systems for the Z-Trak mowers are hydrostatic and use dual hydraulic pumps driving Parker Ross wheel motors.

All models include John Deere's mid-mount, 7-Iron, 7-gauge commercial cutting deck. The 717, 727 feature 48 and 54 in. cut capabilities while the 737 and 757 are capable of using either a 54 or 60 in. deck. All models use a no-tool, 1/2 in. incremental mower deck height adjustment from 1.5 to 5 in.

There are two seat options available -- one each from Milsco or Seats Inc. The mowers are designed with a low center of gravity to increase hillside mowing capabilities.

The flip-up operator's seat allows quick access to the hydraulic system, an open engine compartment allows full access to the engine components and a rotating bumper allows access to belts and the PTO. The flip-out foot panel allows access to the deck spindles without the use of tools.

A positive park position allows operators the ability to park on hillsides and lock the park brake during trailer transport. The park brake will also automatically disengage the machine during a panic stop.

"The new Quick-Track 647, 657 and 667 mowers are designed to fill the gap between traditional mid-mount ZTR mowers arid traditional walk-behind mowers," said Brian Atkins, marketing manager. "With these mowers, the operator rides standing on a platform located at the back of the machine. The mowers compact size requires less trailer space and improves maneuverability and trimming ability."

The three models are powered by aircooled vertical shaft Kawasaki FH601V arid FH680V gasoline engines with overhead-valves. Outputs are 19, 23 and 23 hp for the 647,657 and 667 mowers, respectively These engines include full pressure lubrication, and drive twin hydraulic pumps, which in turn drive Parker Ross wheel motors.

Mower control is achieved by dualloop levers that function precisely as a ZTR lever system would. A reference bar is included to reduce fatigue from control lever operation.

All models are equipped with Deere's 7-Iron side discharge commercial mowing deck. Mulch kits are available. The 647 mower has a 48 in. deck; the 657 mower a 57 in. deck and the 667 mower a 60 in. deck. The mower deck can be adjusted within a height range of 1.5 to 5 in. in 1/2 in. increments without tools.

An open engine compartment allows access to all service components.

The 1565 front mower is designed for commercial cutters, municipal landscapers and estate owners. The mower is equipped with heavy-duty components for commercial applications such as city parks, golf courses, schools and universities, cemeteries, airports and apartment or industrial complexes. This mower will also be sold in European markets.

It is powered by a CARB certified, full pressure-lubricated Yanmar 3TNE88 diesel engine rated 36 hp at 3000 rpm. The engine features a copper and bronze CoPar radiator and hydraulic oil cooler package, with an SPAL electric cooling fan and a Donaldson dual element air filter with restriction indicator. The engine package also includes a 55 amp alternator.

A self-bleeding fuel system makes it possible to restart the engine even when it has run out of fuel. The rear-mounted radiator helps lower noise levels to which the operator is exposed, according to Deere. Airflow through the engine compartment is routed to reduce ambient noise and prevent grass and other debris from clogging the radiator assembly.

For ground drive, the engine is coupled to a Kanzaki hydrostatic transmission and two-speed transaxle with forward mowing speeds of up to 8.5 mph. The mower can also achieve a top transport speed of 15.5 mph.