2025 John Deere Z997R Diesel

Powerful 24.7-hp (18.4-kW) diesel engine delivers superior performance and efficiency

The Z994R is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with gross SAE J1995, PS 24.7 hp (18.4 kW) rated power at 3200 rpm that meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Final Tier 4 emission standards:

• High-torque, low-emission diesel engine for strong performance in the toughest conditions
• Low vibration and noise levels
• Isolated with rubber mounts for a smoother operator ride
• Superior fuel economy
• High torque reserve for plenty of power and performance

Key features of the engine include:

• Economical, cast-in block cylinder design provides good cooling and long life.
• Liquid-cooled design provides more consistent operating temperatures than air-cooled.
• Fuel filter with replaceable element is provided.
• Indirect fuel injection uses a pre-combustion chamber to give the engine smooth and quiet operation.
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter lengthens engine life.
  • Engine wear reduced by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain.
  • Oil filter helps keep oil clean for increased engine life.
• Aluminum alloy pistons with built-in steel struts are lightweight to reduce connection rod bearing loads and provide good heat-transfer characteristics.
  • Design permits tighter tolerances and neutralizes expansion of the piston, thereby reducing blow-by fuel and noise from the piston slap.
  • Higher top rings on the piston and a thinner head gasket greatly reduce the volume of unburned waste and increase combustion efficiency.
• Timing gears and injector drive gears utilize helical profile gears to help lower engine noise.
  • Gear teeth have a ''roll-off'' profile, giving almost no clash, no noise, and no backlash.
• Glow plugs provide quick starts in temperatures down to -18°C (0°F)
• Key start and shutoff eliminate fuel shut-off knob; electric solenoid shuts fuel supply off immediately when key is turned off.

Deluxe comfort seat is fully adjustable and includes ComfortGlide™ fore/aft suspension

The deluxe comfort professional-grade seat is included in base equipment. It provides the operator with an enjoyable ride by allowing the operator the ability to adjust the seat to their preference. It includes:

• 24-in. (60.9-cm) high-back seat
• Suspension-reaction dial that adjusts vertical suspension for operator weight and a firm or soft ride
• Adjustable armrests
• Adjustable back angle
• ComfortGlide suspension with 2-in. (50.8-mm) fore/aft seat travel to absorb bumps
• Vibration reduction
• 3-in. (7.6-cm) fore-aft adjustment while operator is seated
• Retractable seatbelt

ComfortGlide fore/aft suspension 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 Comfort Glide fore/aft seat suspension
  • Lock out Comfort Glide fore/aft seat suspension

Quality drive system provides longer life and less maintenance

The hydrostatic drive features a Kanzaki® DUP 17SB dual-unitized hydraulic pump. This dual pump, in a single housing, provides longer life and less maintenance than competitive units.

The pump features a shaft-driven fan for added cooling and longer component life. The swash-plate bearings are roller-type versus ball-type bearings for a longer overall pump life.

The transmission module integrates the dual pumps and steering valves in one single housing. The pump is shaft-driven from the engine. An isolator ensures reduced vibration between the engine and the transmission module. 

Two wheel motors are installed on the chassis to directly transfer power to both wheels. Commercial-grade, heavy-duty TG0310 18.9-cu in. (310-cc) wheel motors from Parker Ross, part of the Hydraulic Pump & Motor Division of Parker Hannifin®, are also important components of the overall drive system efficiency.

Rigid hydraulic lines are installed between the hydraulic module and wheel motors for long life.

Kanzaki is a trademark of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company. Parker Hannifin is a trademark of Parker Intangibles, LLC.

Heavy-duty frame provides strength and durability

Attractive styling incorporates a roomy and uncluttered operator platform with adjustable footrest, seat, and steering control positions for different operator preferences. Other well-thought-out features further contribute to good looks and operator comfort.

A strong, welded steel frame provides solid, reliable support for the machine components and operator:

• Heavy-duty, 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.55-mm) 1.5x3-in. (38x76.2-mm) steel tubular frame for durability
• Wide-open access for maintenance and cleaning
• Rear frame provides solid support and protection for the engine

Enhanced productivity, safety, and trim ability with a FastBack™ PRO rear-discharge mower deck

For professional landscapers and government municipalities requiring rear discharge placement of grass and debris, John Deere FastBack PRO rear-discharge mower decks deliver a commercial zero-turn mowing solution for both gas and diesel machines. Advantages of a rear-discharge mower include:

• Less chance of damage from objects being thrown from the mower deck
• Time savings with the ability to mow closely around fixed objects with either side of the deck
• A cleaner mowing experience by lessening the amount of debris that can blow onto the operator

A rear-discharge mower deck is ideally suited for:

• Schools
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Traffic areas (city boulevards, roadsides, etc.)
• Areas with long, grassy spots that need to be cut, where you are not as concerned about wide dispersal of grass (park areas, roadsides, etc.)*

*NOTE: Operators maintaining turf outside of target areas are encouraged to evaluate rear-discharge dispersion through a cut quality demonstration to ensure satisfaction.

Compatibility

Thoughtful designs and high-quality controls promote safe operation

Protective zone around the operator is provided by the rollover protective structure (ROPS)

The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:

• Getting on and off is easy with the flat operator platform.
• Convenient-to-use controls located close to the operator are color coded and designed for easy identification and operation.

The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:

• It reduces the operator’s risk of being crushed under the vehicle should it overturn.
• When used with the seatbelt, the ROPS can reduce the severity of injury in the event of a rollover.
  • Use of the seat belt is recommended when operating with ROPS in the upright position.

Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf airless radial tire technology option for a smoother ride and more uptime

John Deere leads the commercial zero-turn mower industry with use of the Michelin X Tweel Turf technology.
Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and technology. This airless radial tire solution is an industry first for John Deere, which provides a smoother ride for the operator and additional advantages to John Deere owners.
Advantages of the Michelin X Tweel Turf include:

• Mowing performance is improved.
  • Rutting is reduced because the Michelin X Tweel Turf has more support across the surface for improved flotation and better ground contact.
  • Unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reduces the bounce associated with pneumatic tires, to give a smoother ride.        
  • Excellent curb climbing is possible due to the Michelin X Tweel Turf construction and flexibility.
  • More consistent cut quality is achieved because inconsistent tire pressure is eliminated.
• Uptime is improved.
  • The exclusive technology eliminates downtime and associated cost due to flat or damaged tires. Punctures and sidewall damage no longer result in downtime.
• Cost of operation is reduced.
  • Cost of repairs and maintenance is reduced. One single unit replaces the current tire, wheel, and valve assembly. There is no need for complex tire-mounting equipment.
  • No need to spend time checking and optimizing tire pressure.
  • The need to purchase and stock plug kits and spare tires is eliminated, particularly for professional landscape contractors and government agencies who normally stock them.
  • The tire tread will last up to three times longer than current pneumatic tires because automotive-grade rubber is used for the tread.