Photo: John DeereAt this year’s GIE+EXPO, John Deere revealed its new line of M and R Series commercial walk behind mowers, which the company says addresses primary customer needs of productivity, operator comfort, weight distribution and ground clearance. There were six new models released: W36M, W48M, W36R, W48R, W52R and W61R.
“When speaking with customers, we specifically set out to understand the daily challenges they face with productivity and comfort,” says Carl Agee, product marketing manager, John Deere. “With our new line of commercial walk behind mowers, we focused on enhancing grip comfort with new steering controls, increasing operator leverage and machine maneuverability with new ergonomic handles and improving ground clearance for curb-climbing applications.”
Photo: John DeereThe company says the controls for the new M and R Series walk behind mowers were completely redesigned to maximize operator comfort, and the new steering controls have an improved hand position. John Deere adds that the control grips have recessed operator presence levers that provide a smooth contour during operation.
The company says the spring-loaded neutral locks ease the release of the lock while keeping it out of the way during operation. These changes, the company says, reduce operator effort and minimize fatigue after a long day of mowing.
Additionally, John Deere says the improved weight distribution and position of hand controls make it easier to raise the front end of the mower during curb-climbing applications, which improves the ease of use and reduces operator effort.
John Deere says the 14.5 HP (10.8 kW), recoil start M Series line features speeds up to six and a half miles per hour (10.5 kph). The W36M, the company says, has a 36-inch deck and the W48M has a 48-inch deck. The company says both models provide four inches of ground clearance, which makes the M Series ideal for maintaining residential properties.
John Deere says the electric start R Series line includes the W36R with 14.5 HP (10.8 kW), the W48R and W52R with 18.5 HP (13.8 kW) and the W16R with an electronic fuel injected 25 HP (18.6 kW) engine.
Providing ground speeds of up to seven and a half miles per hour, the company says each model has up to eight and a half inches of ground clearance, which they say allows operators to minimize damage to account properties and product.
Z700 Series ZTR mower Photo: John DeereThe company says the R Series models are designed for demanding conditions and strenuous applications that landscape professionals tackle daily.
The W36R has a 36-inch deck, the W48R has a 48-inch deck, W52R has a 52-inch deck and the W61R has a 61-inch deck.
In the spring of 2019, John Deere says they will release the new Z700 Series ZTR mowers, which they say will provide larger property owners with commercial-grade construction to get the job done right.
The company says it’s designed to increase productivity and enhance operator comfort for those who want a durable and comfortable machine for all-day mowing.
Notable features include:
- Commercial-grade transmission and heavy-duty frame ensures machine durability and superior strength
- Adjustable 21-, 22.5- and 24-inch seats increase comfort and reduce operator fatigue
- Large fuel tank provides enough run time for long mowing sessions
- Integrated park brake automatically engages when steering levers are moved outwards, and disengages when levers are pulled together
- Unique three-position adjustable foot platform enhances comfort by allowing the operator to move the foot platform forward and back
- Cutting-height adjustment system with transport lock allows the cutting height to be adjusted with the turn of a dial and provides a quick return to the desired cutting height after lifting the deck for transport
- High-capacity PRO Mower deck stamped from a single sheet of 9-gauge steel with commercial grade reinforcements for added strength and durability
John Deere also introduced the new diesel Z994R commercial ZTrak zero-turn mower. The company says the Z994R was developed from extensive customer feedback and expands the John Deere portfolio of diesel solutions for professional landscapers.
“Our customers wanted more options when it came to diesel ZTRs, so we expanded our line-up of diesel mowers to better meet their needs,” says Natalie Haller, product manager, John Deere. “The Z994R Diesel ZTrak mower offers a powerful diesel engine and maximizes comfort, allowing operators to be more productive throughout long work days.”
Z994R commercial ZTrak zero-turn mowerPhoto: John Deere
The company says the Z994R is powered by a three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with gross SAE J1995, PS 24.7 HP rated power at 3200 rpm that meets Final Tier 4 emission standards, and the high-torque, low-emission diesel engine provides power for tough conditions with low vibration and noise levels.
Equipped with a single 11.5-U.S. gal. diesel fuel tank, the company says it provides enough fuel capacity for long mowing days with an easy-to-read fuel gauge.
John Deere says a primary focus of the Z994R was operator comfort, and this model comes with three available seating options, each with adjustable armrests. The company adds that all seating options also feature ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension that they say provides up to 2 inches of fore and aft travel to absorb bumps for enhanced ride quality.
Additionally, the company says a large open operator station and foot platform allows for multiple foot positions and increased operator comfort.
The Z994R also comes with three mower deck options: 54-in and 60-in. 7-Iron PRO side-discharge mower deck and the 60-in. 7-Iron PRO Mulch On Demand mower deck that can change from side-discharge mode to fully chambered mulching mode with a single move of a lever.
The Z994R is also available with the Michelin Tweel X Turf airless radial tires that John Deere says virtually eliminate flats and increase productivity.
Photo: John Deere
