The Z960M is powered by an air-cooled, vertical shaft engine:

• 31-hp (23.1-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.

The ZTrak™ M and R Series Mowers are equipped with either a side-discharge or Mulch On Demand™ 7-Iron PRO deck.

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 stamped 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 stamped 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 - 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 stamped 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 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.

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

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The Mulch On Demand mower deck delivers unprecedented levels of productivity and versatility to commercial mower operation. With the ability to switch between side discharge and mulching operation with the flip of a lever as the operator mows, keeping most clippings out of landscaping features and where they are wanted is extremely easy.

Key features of the 7-Iron™ PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck:

• Deck can be converted from a wide-open side discharge mode to a fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever.

NOTE: Mulch On Demand decks are a balance between a side discharge deck and a side discharge deck with a mulching kit.

• Deck is stamped 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 stamped from a single sheet of steel rather than multiple fabrications. Anti-skid step on the deck provides for easy machine mounting.
• Mulch On Demand decks are superior to aftermarket chute blockers due to the movable baffles.
• Higher blade tip speed than many competitors - 18,500 fpm (5,639 m/min) for more blade cuts per inch mowed.
• Rounded corners of the stamped deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• 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 front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass and reinforced with a square bar for durability. The front baffle has been redesigned to better manage airflow and control clippings.
• Dual-captured anti-scalp wheels provide deck flotation over even the toughest terrain.
• Three greasable spindle zerks accessible from the top.
• 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.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.79 in. (20 mm) greater than previous decks, to reduce striping between blades.
• Quick-change, cutting-height adjustment.

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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 E and 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 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 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.

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.

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 hour meter.

• Rocker-type PTO switch
• Height-of-cut knob with transport lock
• Key switch
• Hour meter
• 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.