“By extending our line-up of Diesel ZTrak mowers, not only are we providing our customers with new industry-first innovations but also expanding versatility and capabilities within their mowing fleets,” said Luke Gribble, marketing manager, John Deere. “The result of these introductions are more capable models that help our customers take their operations to the next level. There is no detail that hasn’t been strategically designed to address the needs of the operator.”
The expansion of the John Deere commercial mowing portfolio spanned beyond an internal effort, pulling in real customer feedback and thinking to deliver optimal industry solutions. Mark Elingburg, Grounds & Athletics Manager at SSC Services for Education, participated in the multi-year product field testing process, weighed in on his experience. “This was such a cool process to be a part of and they really listened to our preferences,” said Elingburg. “The operation station is very friendly, the power is there, the independent decks are key on slopes, and the cooling package being located behind the seat is hands down one of the best things that could be done on this mower.”
Brand 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.
