John Deere 636M

QuikTrak© mower deck

Mower-deck reinforcement

A well-designed mower deck can make the difference between just getting the job done and getting eye-catching results. The 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) fabricated mower deck delivers a higher quality of cut in more diverse conditions to enhance mowing performance.

Key features of the fabricated mower deck include: 

• This is manufactured 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.
• A compact footprint delivers greater maneuverability when working in tight quarters.
• A deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow, so material is processed quickly and efficiently.
• A powerful vacuum effect is created by the deck's unique air-flow design, which pulls more grass upright so that the blades can cut more evenly.

Flexible mower-discharge deflector

Caster wheels

The wide-discharge opening and raised deflector provide even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.

Caster wheels with flat-free tires contribute to a smooth, even cutting job:

• Large, flat-free caster wheels carry the mower deck smoothly over the lawn.
• Caster wheels are recessed to reduce the vehicle footprint and turning radius.
  • With the wheels less exposed, there is less chance they will get snagged by immovable obstacles, thus improving maneuverability, and reducing damage.

Mower lift lever

The QuikTrak is equipped with a floating mower deck that offers several advantages over a fixed mower deck:

• The lift lever allows the operator to raise the mower to the full-up position from the operator's station.
  • Convenient when transporting from one mowing area to another and when loading/unloading.
  • Allows the operator to raise the mower over roots or other obstructions in the lawn on the fly.
• Lift-assist springs reduce the effort required to raise the mower deck.

Cutting-height adjustment

Easy-to-remove mower deck shields

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.25-in. (3.2-cm) to 5-in. (12.7-cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments:

• Pull the lift lever back to the full-raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

Mower deck shields are easy to remove for access to the drive belt and other service points.

Optional mulching attachment

Optional mulching attachment and blades (similar design shown)

Optional mulching attachment and special mulching blades are available:

• This is a high-performance mulching attachment that includes formed steel baffles to control the material for superior performance.
• The special mulching blades can also be used for side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.

Engine

A commercial-quality, 19-hp (14.2-kW) at 3600 rpm, air-cooled engine powers the QuikTrak© Mower:

• 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
  • Filtered oil reduces risk of contamination for increased engine life
• V-twin design
  • Fast starts
  • Smooth operation
• Vertical shaft for efficient transfer of power to the transmission and mower
• Standard canister-type, dry replaceable, heavy-duty air cleaner
• Fuel pump for consistent and reliable fuel supply to the carburetor
• 50-state compliant engine, which complies with strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission standards without loss of horsepower or torque
• Air-cooled engine design for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability
• Standard cleanout ports for easy access to remove debris collecting in cooling fins.
• Aluminum cylinder block
  • Effectively dissipates heat
  • Lightweight and strong construction
  • Extends engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures

Engine oil-fill/check tube

The engine is equipped with a replaceable oil filter for longer engine life.

Engine oil fill/check tube, oil filter, and oil drain are located close together for easy and convenient service.

Large fuel tank saves refueling time and increases productivity

Fuel tank

Fuel cap, gauge, and shutoff valve

Quality fuel-system components enhance performance and convenience: 

• Large, 5.5-U.S. gal. (20.8-L) capacity
  • Wide fuel tank filler opening
    • Conveniently located
    • Makes adding fuel easy and helps eliminate spillage
• Sealed and tethered fuel cap
  • Reduced fuel vapor loss
  • Less chance of losing fuel cap

A fuel gauge is conveniently located to keep the operator informed about the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

A fuel shut-off valve is provided. It should be turned off whenever the QuikTrak Mower is not in use.

Replaceable fuel filter

A high-quality, replaceable fuel filter is provided to help maintain reliable engine operation.

636M QuikTrak© Mower

Hydrostatic pumps

QuikTrak Mowers use a heavy-duty hydrostatic pump and wheel-motor drive system that gives reliable and consistent performance and long life:

• Heavy-duty components stand up to the rigors of commercial use.
• Individual pump and wheel motor design allows placement of these heavy components low in the vehicle for a low center of gravity and excellent hillside stability.

Two Hydro-Gear©, 0.61-cu in. (10-cc) axial piston, variable-displacement pumps provide hydraulic power to the wheel motors:

• Pumps are linked to the hand-control levers to allow the operator to make speed and direction changes.
• Rugged construction is ideal for high-performance commercial use.
• Piston design gives efficient and consistent performance. 
• A replaceable hydraulic filter helps ensure long life of the pumps and wheel motors.

Two individual, 12-cu in. (196.6-cc), piston wheel motors power the QuikTrak drive wheels. Their heavy-duty construction and super-efficient axial-piston design provides superior performance and seamless power to the wheels:

• Integrated high-pressure shaft seal gives greater reliability.
• Large bearings are designed with the capacity to carry heavier loads and give long life.

Transmission oil filter

Transmission fluid oil reservoir

A spin-on-type replaceable hydraulic oil filter is conveniently located:

• Extends life of transmission components by keeping oil clean
• Easy to reach for easy and fast service

A hydraulic fluid oil reservoir is located behind the leaning pad:

• Located in a cleaner environment
• Easy to access for inspection and service
• Sight glass built into the tank reduces risk of contamination when checking fluid level

Transmission bypass valves are provided on each hydrostatic pump to permit moving the QuikTrak without the engine running.

Hydro-Gear is a trademark of Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership AF Holding Company.

QuikTrak© Mower (636M shown)

Control console (636M shown)

 Controls are color coded and logically placed to make them easy for the operator to find and use:

• Ground speed and direction are easily controlled by moving the two hand-lever hydrostatic drive controls forward or reverse.
  • Speeds are infinitely variable up to 8.2-mph (13.2-km/h) forward and 3.5-mph (5.6-km/h) reverse.
  • A positive neutral-lock position for the levers provides added safety.
• Two stationary reference bars are provided for operator convenience and security.
  • Front reference bar is included to control speed and reduce fatigue from control lever operation.
  • Rear reference bar is included to make reverse operation easy while maintaining operator confidence.
• Control levers return to neutral automatically for safety and convenience.
• Separate choke is easy to locate and use.
  • Less adjustment is needed with the separate choke.

Brake lever (engaged position)

A tire brake is provided to give stability for parking the vehicle on hillsides and for transport; it should be engaged whenever the machine is not being used:

• Brake must be engaged to start the machine, for added safety.
• The tire brake bars are easily adjusted, if necessary, to maintain effective operation.

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment

Mower deck lift handle and height-of-cut adjustment

An easy-to-use cutting height adjustment system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck cutting height with no tools and minimal effort:

• Pull the lift lever back to the fully raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

NOTE: Additional information on mower cutting height adjustment can be found in the mower deck section.

Operator trimming with 636M QuikTrak© Mower

Mower discharge deflector

High-quality mower deflector directs cut clippings across the lawn for optimum appearance. Plastic material flexes if contacted to minimize damage.

Operator controls

Curb wheels

Key safety features of QuikTrak Mowers include:

• Start circuit requirements
  • Park brake engaged
  • Power take-off (PTO) disengaged
  • Control levers in neutral
  • Ignition key used to start the engine
• A high-quality, polyethylene, mower-discharge deflector
  • Deflects if it strikes a solid obstruction, causing less damage
  • Returns to its original shape and function
• Operator station designed to allow fast exit
• Two large curb wheels
• Easy to remove and replace shields
• Stationary handles on either side of the traction controls for operator security
• Control levers return to neutral when released

Mower deck safety certification

QuikTrak mower decks are evaluated by the manufacturer (John Deere Turf Care) and conform to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B71.4 2004 safety certification specifications for commercial turf care equipment.

Optional LED strobe light attachment

Rear strobe light

Front strobe light

The optional BUC11317 LED strobe light attachment increases visibility of the QuikTrak mowers to motorists. The kit includes two lights providing visibility in all directions. BUC11317 is compatible with model year 2019 (S.N. 075001-) and newer QuikTrak Mowers.

636M QuikTrak© Mower

Open engine compartment

All service components are easy to access:

• Servicing is simplified because of the open engine compartment.
• All service and maintenance points are within easy reach.

Dual-stage air cleaner

Engine oil fill/check tube and oil filter

 Dual-stage air cleaner is easy to reach and easy to service:

• Standard canister-type, dry replaceable, heavy-duty air cleaner.
• Element is easy to access and easy to change.

Engine oil service points are grouped together in easy-to-reach locations:

• Reduces the time required to check and/or change the oil and filter.

Leaning pad raised for service access

Periodic service chart

Simply raising the leaning pad exposes the hydrostatic oil reservoir, control linkage, and other service areas.

A periodic service chart is provided for convenience in keeping up on required service.

Easy-to-remove mower deck shield

Hydrostatic transmission control linkage

Remove service access shields on the mower deck, battery box, etc. to service the machine:

• Panels are easy to remove and install.

Threaded ball and socket rod ends are used throughout the QuikTrak Mowers:

• Provide precise control over a long period of time.
• Easily replaced when necessary.

Convenient access panel

Hydrostatic pump maintenance access

Access to check and service the hydrostatic pumps and motors is readily available at the rear of the machine.

Transmission bypass valves enable moving the vehicle without the engine running.

Battery box

Battery cover removed for service access

A secure battery box is provided to protect the battery, for reliable operation:

• Cover is easily removed for servicing the battery.

Front tie-down

Rear-tie down

Four tie-down locations, two at the front and two at the rear, are provided for safely towing or anchoring the vehicle.

QuikTrak© Mower mowing (636M shown)

Operator platform and leaning pad

The large operator platform is cushioned to absorb shock to give the operator a smooth and comfortable ride.

A high-quality leaning pad is provided for operator comfort and to insulate the operator from heat given off by the machine.

Storage pocket

Operator controls

A storage pocket on the battery box provides a convenient place for the operator to store a cell phone, gloves, etc.

Control levers are covered with cushioning material for operator comfort. Two stationary reference bars are provided for operator comfort and convenience:

• Front reference bar is included to control speed and reduce fatigue from control lever operation.
• Rear reference bar is included to make reverse operation easy while maintaining operator confidence.

636M QuikTrak© Mower frame

648M QuikTrak frame

QuikTrak Mowers are designed around a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for strength and reliability:

• More-rounded corners contribute to a clean, attractive appearance.
• Greater strength results from eliminating sharp angles where peak loads can cause failure.
• Large 11x4.50-6 flat-free front caster wheels and large 18x8.50-10 (636M) or 18x10.50-10 (648M and 652M) 4-ply rear drive wheels provide a smoother ride.
  • Better slope performance
  • More operator comfort over uneven ground
  • Better traction

Operator platform

The operator platform is roomy and uncluttered for maximum comfort, productivity, and safety:

• Easy to get on and off the mower.
• Plenty of legroom for comfortable operation.