John Deere W36M

Air-cooled engine, right front view

Air-cooled engine, left side

Powered by an air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine:

• 14.5 hp (10.8 kW)
• 36.8 cu in. (603 cc)
• Recoil start
• V-twin design for smooth operation and fast starts
  • Consistently strong torque at low- or high-speed operation
• Aluminum engine block with cast-iron cylinder liners
  • Effectively dissipates heat
• Lightweight and strong construction
• Overhead valve design
  • More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Less oil consumption
  • Cooler operating temperature
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
  • Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
  • Helps keep oil clean for increased engine life

Air cleaner and fin cleanout port access

Engine air filter and cleanout ports

• Dual-stage air cleaner for extended engine life and efficient operation
• Rotating grass chopper screen
• Cylinder head cleanout ports to ease maintenance
• Air filter and engine cooling fin cleanout ports are easy to access
• Complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards

Fuel tank

Fuel tank and in-line fuel filter

Large, 5.4-gal. (20.4-L) top draw fuel tank is easy to fill with large filler opening in an easy-to-reach location:

• Fuel pump for dependable, consistent operation
• Top-draw system to reduce the chance for fuel leakage
• A replaceable in-line fuel filter for trouble-free operation

M Series drive system

M Series tracking adjustment knob

W36M and W48M Mowers are equipped with an infinitely variable hydrostatic drive system with reverse, which does the following:

• Provides infinite ground-speed adjustments from 0 mph to 6.5 mph (0 km/h to 10.5 km/h) to meet the mowing application
• Enables a smooth transition from one speed to another 
• Positive reverse speed of 3 mph (4.8 km/h), enabling the operator to back out of tight mowing areas and increase productivity
• Steel guards protect the transmissions from obstructions
• Convenient tracking adjustment knob allows on-the-go adjustment

Drive wheels provide excellent traction

W36M 18x6.50-8 4 ply rear drive tire

W48M 18x8.50-8 4 ply rear drive tire

Wide and large drive wheels provide excellent traction with low turf compaction. The square shoulder improves hillside performance compared to a round-shouldered tire. Tire width is matched to the machine and the mower size.

• W36M - 18x6.50-8 in. 4 PR
• W48M - 18x8.50-8 in. 4 PR

Operator station (R Series shown)

Compact control console (R Series shown)

All of the controls are located within comfortable reach of the operator. Simplified operation of each control offers superior convenience, productivity, and safety:

• Color-coded and clearly marked levers, switches, and buttons enable simplified operation.
• Bilingual decals in English and Spanish are provided.
• The operator presence system requires that one of the bails must be depressed to operate the unit; the machine must be in neutral and the power take-off (PTO) must be disengaged to start.
  • Operator presence control levers are recessed into control handle when engaged, provides a smooth contour and comfortable handle to hold during operation.
• Separate choke and throttle ™ This takes the guesswork out of choke operation, with less chance of fowling the spark plugs.
• Electric PTO clutch on the engine powers the mower deck. The PTO switch on the dash is easy to see and use.

Steering control locked in neutral position

Steering levers control speed and direction in use

• Speed and steering controls are designed for ease of operation.
• Ergonomically designed control configuration on all units gives good operator comfort and leverage while driving.
• A speed-control lever is conveniently located in the center of the console and used to set maximum desired speed.

Operator presence control handle in use

• Low actuation force is required for operator comfort.
• The neutral lock is spring-loaded for easy release.

Electric PTO switch

Electric PTO clutch

A convenient and easy-to-operate switch is located on the console to operate the electric clutch, which powers the mower deck.

Parking brake (W36M, W48M)

Parking brake lever, W48M shown

W36M and W48M parking brake control lever:

• Color coded and located above the console, within easy reach of the operator
• Actuates internal braking mechanism of the transmissions

Parking brake (W36R, W48R, W52R, W61R)

Left brake pawl and color-coded parking brake control

Right brake pawl, W48R shown

W36R, W48R, W52R, and W61R parking brake control lever:

• Color coded and located above the console, within easy reach of the operator
• Actuates arm that creates a mechanical locking interference on both drive tires
• Brake pawl located near top of tire to eliminate contact with curbs

Operator presence system

Right speed control lever and neutral lock

Safety features are designed into M and R Series commercial walk-behind mowers:

• Before the engine will start, the transmission speed control lever must be locked in neutral, the parking brake set, the power take-off (PTO) disengaged, and the key switch turned to the on position.
• Left- and right-hand speed/direction control levers are locked in neutral by spring-loaded knobs on the end of control handles.
  • The knob has a finger lever, making it easy to move to the locked position while holding the control lever in the neutral position.
  • The locking knob is spring loaded for easy release of the control levers.
• Separate choke and throttle ™ this takes the guesswork out of choke operation, and there is less chance of fouling the spark plugs.
• Color-coded and clearly marked switches and buttons are easy to find.

Parking brake lever (W48R shown)

Key switch

• Convenient parking brake location
• The key switch interlock prevents bypass starting

Mower deck shields

Control panel

• Shields are easy to remove and reinstall so they are more likely to be put back on after removal
• Safety labels
• Bilingual decals in English and Spanish

W36M mower deck

W36R mower deck

John Deere commercial mower decks have always demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. Each commercial walk-behind mower is equipped with a high-quality fabricated mower deck:

• 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) fabricated steel deck top with added 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) spindle mounting plate
• 7-gauge, 0.19-in. (4.8-mm) side skirts with reinforcement bar

The fabricated, floating mower deck delivers an extremely high-quality cut in diverse conditions:

• Floating suspension enables the best possible cut
• Reinforced front lower edge gives strength and durability
• Deep-deck design for superior capacity

Mower deck underside (W36R mower shown)

Rear mower wheel (W48R, W52R, W61R only)

• Hardened high lift steel blades extend cutting time and increase durability.
• High blade-tip speed of 18,000 fpm (5,486 m/min).
• R Series mower decks (except 36-in. [91-cm]) include a rear wheel for additional anti-scalp and curb climbing protection.
  • Adjustable to three height positions to suit the cut height

Flexible mower-discharge deflector

Caster wheels

A high-quality polyethylene deflector gives an excellent finished appearance:              

• Wide, formed discharge deflector gives even clipping distribution.
• Large discharge deflector evenly disperses expelled clippings.  

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 close to the mower deck to reduce 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 chance of damage.

Mower cut-height adjustment

Mower cut-height adjustments

Mower cut-height adjustment clip

A floating mower deck has several advantages over a fixed mower deck design:

• Follows ground contour more effectively for a more even cut
• Travels smoothly above the ground with minimal chance of scalping
• Easier to adjust the cutting height

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments:

• The free-floating deck gives a smoother, more level cut.
• Height-of-cut changes can be made without tools.
• Large handles are provided to facilitate lifting the mower deck for setting the cut height.
• Cut-height adjustment pins have 90-degree bend for easy removal and reinstallation.

Mower shields in place

Easy-to-remove mower deck shields

Mower deck shields are easily removed with hand knobs for access to the drive belt and other service points:

• Easy-attach belt shields allow quick access for service.
• Hand knobs allow removal of both mower shields, no tools required.
• Greaseable spindles with easy, top access for simplified servicing.
• Spindle grease fittings can be greased with shields in place.

Optional grass catcher

Grass catcher door

Grass catcher installed

The grass catcher is designed to work with 36-in. (91-cm), 48-in. (122-cm), and 52-in. (132-cm) Mower Decks on John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers:

• Large, 4.4-cu ft (3.5-bu) capacity allows for less stops to empty catcher.
• No mower faceplate is needed. The catcher connects directly to standard mower deck features.
• Stainless steel and aluminum construction is both durable for long life and lightweight for easy handing.
• Convenient sliding door latch enables easy emptying.
• Two large grab handles allow for easy handling.
• Catcher weighs about 30 lb (13.6 kg) empty.

NOTE: The optional mulch and grass catcher attachments are not included in base equipment for the commercial walk-behind mower and must be ordered separately.

Optional mulching kit and blades (similar design shown)

An optional mulching attachment and special mulching blades are available:

• The high-performance mulching attachment includes formed steel baffles to control the material for superior performance.
• Special mulching blades can also be used when side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.
• The mulching attachment allows for conversion of the mower deck so it can be used to perform the mulching function (grass or leaves).

Operating tips when mulching:

• Mow when grass is dry.
• Observe the one-third rule.
  • No more than one-third of the grass blade should be cut off at one time. This allows more efficient mulching and will promote the continued good health of the grass.
  • If the desired cut height cannot be achieved by cutting off one-third, or there is clumping of the clippings, it may be required to cut higher, wait a day, then lower the mower and make a second pass.
• Mow at proper intervals, approximately every four to five days.
• Always mow with sharp blades.
• Adjust ground speed to allow the mower deck to process the clippings effectively.

Grass catcher door

Grass catcher installed

The grass catcher is designed to work with 36-in. (91-cm), 48-in. (122-cm), and 52-in. (132-cm) Mower Decks on John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers:

• Large, 4.4-cu ft (125-L) capacity for less stops to empty catcher.
• No mower faceplate is needed. The catcher connects directly to standard mower deck features.
• Stainless steel and aluminum construction is both durable for long life and lightweight for easy handing.
• Convenient sliding door latch enables easy emptying.
• Two large grab handles provide for easy handling.
• Catcher weighs about 30 lb (13.6 kg) empty.