The new Z960M has a 31-horsepower engine and is available with 60 and 72-inch decks.Photo: John Deere
John Deere is introducing a new zero-turn mower and expanding an existing product line, the company announced this week. The new Z960M and expanded Z970R ZTrak mowers provide customers more choice in matching their equipment to the specific types of work their companies perform.
Deere says the Z960M provides professional landscape contractors with a powerful, reliable machine at an affordable price point. Boasting 31 horsepower, the Z960M is available in three deck offerings – 60 inch, 60 inch Mulch On Demand (MOD), or 72 inch.
John Deere’s Z970R, meanwhile, is now available with two additional deck options: 60 inch side discharge or 60 inch MOD. The Z970R is the most powerful machine in the Z900 Series.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our offerings to better equip our customers,” said Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere Commercial Mowing. “Through the introduction of the Z960M and the expansion of the Z970R, we are able to provide our customers with a solution that fits their business, regardless of the difficulty of the task or their price point.”
In addition to the new offerings, the company said it has implemented improvements across all of its commercial zero-turn mowers. For example, the current push/pull PTO switch has been replaced with a toggle style switch, improving the feel of operation and switch durability. In addition, John Deere added front tie-down points to the machines to make them easier to secure for transport.
John Deere’s efforts to broaden its product offerings for landscapers also includes the company’s propane-conversion program – established recently in partnership with EnviroGard. Deere says that program now includes 36 different commercial mowing models, including 21 zero-turn mowers, seven QuikTrak stand-on mowers and eight commercial walk-behind mowers.
