John Deere Z540R

Motion-control levers

Adjustable motion-control levers

Motion control lever positions

The motion-control levers can be adjusted to three different height settings and fifteen different fore-aft settings:

• Increased operator comfort
• Can adjust for the most precise control of the machine

Shock absorber for motion-control levers

A standard shock absorber for the motion-control levers makes it easy and comfortable to maneuver the ZTrak© Mowers:

• Shock absorber modulates the movement of the control levers for smoother operation.
• Operator can smoothly and precisely control the machine.

Tracking adjustment

Cut-height pin doubles as tracking adjustment tool

Tracking adjustment from the operator seat is quick and easy. A cut-height pin provides an easy method to adjust the motion-control levers:

• The socket included on the cut-height pin can be used for the operator to use when making a tracking adjustment.

Control panel

Control panel

The operator control panel is conveniently located and easy to use.

The instruments and controls are as follows:

• Hour meter
• Ignition switch
• Power take-off (PTO) control
• Engine speed control
• Engine choke control

Park brake

Park brake

The park brake is conveniently located:

• Large lever is easy to use.
• Park brake effectively holds the machine in the parked position.
• Park brake must be engaged (in the upper position) to start the engine.
• Once the engine is started, the park brake must be disengaged before operating the motion-control levers.

Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment

Cut-height adjustment

Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment

The Z535R and Z540R include a foot-lift pedal along with the hand-lift lever to make raising the mower deck easier. The foot-lift pedal also provides a convenient way to temporarily raise the mower deck over an obstruction while mowing:

• Mower deck cutting height adjusts from 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments for optimum cut quality and performance.
• Mower deck adjustment has built-in memory so the operator can easily return to the desired cutting height.

Mower deck lift pedal

•  Foot pedal provides easy lifting of the deck.

Steering is easy with large diameter front caster wheels

Motion-control levers shown on Z335E

Shock absorber dampens movement of control levers

Motion-control levers are designed for comfortable and easy operation.

A shock absorber is included to dampen the movement of the control levers so any operator can make smooth, controlled turns.

Front caster wheel (Z335E)

Front caster wheel (Z525E)

Pneumatic caster wheels give a smoother ride and easier steering:

• Large diameter front caster wheels provide extra ride comfort and better steering control.
• Caster wheels have sealed bearings for long life and easy steering.
• Tires are sized for the size and weight of the vehicle.

Conveniently located fuel-sight window allows operator to see fuel level

Easy to view fuel level (fuel-sight window)

Easy-to-fill fuel tank

A convenient fuel-sight window is located where it is easy for the operator to see:

• Semi-clear material makes seeing how much fuel is in the tank quick and easy.
• Large, 3-in. (7.6-cm) fuel-fill opening reduces the chance of spilling when adding fuel.
  • Fuel-fill opening is low and angled to make adding fuel easy.
• Cap is tethered to the fuel tank.
  • Less chance of fuel cap getting lost

Controls are designed to promote safe operation

Park brake (Z535E shown)

Motion-control levers (Z525E shown)

• Park brake must be engaged for the engine to crank.
• Motion-control levers must be in the outward position for the engine to crank.
• Park brake must be disengaged before operating the motion-control levers or the engine will stall.

Interlock switch is located under the seat (Z540R shown)

• Seat interlock switch disengages the mower when the operator leaves the seat.
• Engine will stall if the operator leaves the seat without the motion-control levers in the outward position and the park brake set.

48 HC Power Flow blower

48 HC blower in cleanout position

The 48-in. (122-cm) high-capacity (HC) Power Flow blower can be used with the ZTrak Z540R. It, along with the hopper and chute, will provide 6.5-bu (229-L) material collection system capability for the Z540R, giving added versatility and value.

54 HC Power Flow blower

54 HC blower in cleanout position

The 54-in. (137-cm) high-capacity (HC) Power Flow blower can be used with the ZTrak Z535R and Z540R. It, along with the hopper and chute, will provide 6-5-bu (229-L) material collection system capability for the Z535R and Z540R, giving added versatility and value.

Rear bumper

The optional rear bumper bolts to the ZTrak^TM tubular frame for solid support:

• Provides protection for the rear of the ZTrak mower

Boarding step

Compatible with EZTrak™ Z400-series, Z600-series and ZTrak Z500-series mowers, the ZTrak Z5 boarding step allows for easier mounting and dismounting of a zero-turn mower. A complete bolt-on solution, this kit attaches to the left side of the mower frame for convenient access.

Ordering information

Please contact a local John Deere dealer for availability and pricing information.

ZTrak Z5 Boarding Step
Order number: LP66655

Footrest extensions

The optional foot rest extension kit includes bolt-on left and right footrests for EZtrak^TM and ZTrak™ Mowers:

• Makes operating the mower more comfortable for the operator

Striping kit brush

Brush adjusts to varying ground conditions

Features and benefits:

• Homeowners can now achieve results just like the professionals.
• The attachment works extremely well with the suspended mower design.
• The attachments are easy to adjust for varying mower cutting height.
• The brush adjusts to varying ground conditions and allows the operator to freely maneuver the vehicle without damaging the turf.
• The brush fits EZtrak™ and ZTrak™ 48-in. (122-cm) and 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mowers.
• The brush is very economical and functional.

Specifications

Ordering information

Customers, please contact your local John Deere dealer for availability and pricing information.

Grass striping kit for 48-in. (122-cm)  and 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Decks
Order number: LP36265

Kit includes headlights and required components to provide additional lighting when needed.

Protective cover (partially removed)

Protective cover (vehicle fully covered)

This cover provides heavy-duty protection for EZtrak™ and ZTrak riding mowers. It protects against sun damage, rain, dust, birds, and tree sap.

Dual reinforced air vents let air circulate and help prevent ballooning in winds. Elastic cord in bottom hem gives a quick and custom fit. Side handles are included for easy fitting and removal.

Ordering information

Please contact your local John Deere dealer for availability and pricing information.

EZtrak and ZTrak protective cover

Order number: LP64430

48-in. (122-cm) high-capacity mower deck

48-in. (122-cm) high-capacity mower deck shown on a Z540R

Left side of 48-in. (122-cm) high-capacity mower deck

The 48-in. (122-cm) high-capacity deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.150-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:

• Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (140 mm) delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• Wider and higher discharge opening provides an even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• Durable plastic deflector spreads grass clippings evenly across the lawn, is hinged, and can be raised to minimize the storage space required. 
• 1-in. (25-mm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and supported by ball bearings.
• Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.8 in. (20 mm) greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
• Mower can side-discharge, mulch (optional), or use a Power Flow™ collection system (optional).

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

 A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy:

• Hose connector is included with the mower deck.

54-in. (137-cm) high-capacity mower deck

54-in. (137-cm) high-capacity mower deck shown on a Z540R

Reinforced mower edge for durability

The 54-in. (137-cm) high-capacity deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.150-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:

• Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (140 mm) delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• Wider and higher discharge opening provides an even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• Durable plastic deflector spreads grass clippings evenly across the lawn, is hinged, and can be raised to minimize the storage space required. 
• 1-in. (25-mm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and supported by ball bearings.
• Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
• Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.8 in. (20 mm) greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
• Mower can side-discharge, mulch (optional), or use a Power Flow™ collection system (optional).

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy: 

• Hose connector is included with the mower deck.

60-in. (152-cm) high-capacity mower deck

60-in. (152-cm) high-capacity mower deck

The 60-in. (152-cm) high-capacity mower deck has a deep-deck design.

Reinforced mower edge for durability

The 60-in. (152-cm) high-capacity deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.150-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:

• Deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• Durable plastic deflector spreads grass clippings evenly across the lawn, is hinged, and can be raised to minimize the storage space required.
• 1-in. (25.4-cm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and are supported by ball bearings.
• Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
• Blade overlap is greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
• Mower can side-discharge or mulch.

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

 A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy: 

• Hose connector is included with the mower deck.

Mulching attachment components (48 HC shown)

An optional mulching attachment is available:

• This is a high-performance mulching attachment that includes formed steel baffles to control the material and special mulching blades for superior performance. 

The special mulching blades that are included can also be used for side discharging, though overall performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.

Mower deck leveling gauge

Leveling gauge allows quick and accurate mower deck leveling and cutting height adjustment.

Can be used for:

• Lawn tractors
• Lawn and garden tractors
• Riding mowers
• Front mowers
• Commercial walk-behind mowers
• Zero-turn-radius mowers

48 HC mulching attachment

These mulching attachments are designed for the high-capacity mower decks. This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware count for easy removal of the mulching components.

Steel baffles control material and close off the discharge area. Special mulching blades are included to optimize mulching performance. These blades can also be used for side-discharging or material collection (if a material collection system is available), though performance may be reduced in some conditions.

NOTE: A material collection system is not available for the EZtrak™ Z665 Mower.

MulchControl advantages and benefits

X730 Tractor mowing

EZtrak™ Z655 mowing

The MulchControl attachment for the 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Deck makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge or collect the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer use
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

How MulchControl works

MulchControl baffle open

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
  • The left mower blade area is completely enclosed and optimized for mulching, thus will mulch even when the mower is in the side-discharge mode.
  • Baffles around the center and right blades are optimized for mulching when the discharge baffle is closed.

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl handle

• The MulchControl handle is located on top of the mower deck and used to open and close the discharge baffle.
  • The operator is required to get off of the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• Changing from mulching to side discharge or vice versa takes only a few seconds.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• Usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• Usually side-discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
• Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags
  • The MulchControl baffle can be opened or closed with the Power Flow™ blower installed. The Power Flow blower will run without material when the baffle is closed.

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. The operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharge or bagging when needed.

Hydraulic MulchControl actuator option (X700 Series Tractors)

For model year 2019 and newer 54 HC and 60 HC Mower Decks (serial number 070,001-), an extra-cost, optional X700 hydraulic MulchControl actuator attachment (BUC10536) is available to replace the standard hand-control lever to allow control of the MulchControl baffle from the seat using the tractor’s hydraulic control lever:

• The hydraulic MulchControl actuator is the control only and also requires a MulchControl attachment.
• It is operated with the tractor’s hydraulic control lever.
• The mower deck can be converted from wide-open side-discharge mode to fully-chambered mulch mode.
• The hydraulic MulchControl attachment is field-installed.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial-mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean-up is desired

Compatibility

MulchControl for 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Decks is a field-installed attachment and compatible with the following:

• Model year 2015 and newer X700 Signature Series Tractor 9074M or 9078M 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Deck (serial number 030,001-)
• Model year 2015 and newer EZtrak Z625 and Z655 (serial number 170,001-)
• Model year 2016 ZTrak™ Z535R and Z540R

48 HC mulching attachment

These mulching attachments are designed for the high-capacity mower decks. This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware count for easy removal of the mulching components.

Steel baffles control material and close off the discharge area. Special mulching blades are included to optimize mulching performance. These blades can also be used for side-discharging or material collection (if a material collection system is available), though performance may be reduced in some conditions.

NOTE: A material collection system is not available for the EZtrak™ Z665 Mower.

MulchControl advantages and benefits

X730 Tractor mowing

EZtrak™ Z665 mowing

The MulchControl attachment for the 60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Deck makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge or collect the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer use
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

How MulchControl works

MulchControl baffle open

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
  • The left mower blade area is completely enclosed and optimized for mulching, thus will mulch even when the mower is in the side-discharge mode.
  • Baffles around the center and right blades are optimized for mulching when the discharge baffle is closed.

MulchControl handle

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl handle

• The MulchControl handle is located on top of the mower deck and used to open and close the discharge baffle.
  • The operator is required to get off of the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• Changing from mulching to side discharge or vice versa takes only a few seconds.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• Usually mulch, but side-discharge when grass gets too long
• Usually side discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
• Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags
• The MulchControl baffle can be opened or closed with the Power Flow™ blower installed. The Power Flow blower will run without material when the baffle is closed.

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. The operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side-discharge or bagging when needed.

Hydraulic MulchControl actuator option (X700 Series Tractors)

For model year 2019 and newer 54 HC and 60 HC Mower Decks (serial number 070,001-), an extra-cost, optional X700 hydraulic MulchControl actuator attachment (BUC10536) is available to replace the standard hand-control lever to allow control of the MulchControl baffle from the seat using the tractor’s hydraulic control lever:

• The hydraulic MulchControl actuator is the control only and also requires a MulchControl attachment.
• It is operated with the tractor’s hydraulic control lever.
• The mower deck can be converted from wide-open side-discharge mode to fully-chambered mulch mode.
• The hydraulic MulchControl attachment is field-installed.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial-mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn clean-up is desired

Compatibility

MulchControl for 60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Decks is a field-installed attachment and compatible with the following:

• Model year 2015 and newer X700 Signature Series Tractor 9075M or 9079M 60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Deck (serial number 030,001-)
• Model year 2015 and newer EZtrak Z665 (serial number 170,001-)
• Model year 2016 and newer ZTrak™ Z540R

48 HC mulching attachment

These mulching attachments are designed for the high-capacity mower decks. This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware count for easy removal of the mulching components.

Steel baffles control material and close off the discharge area. Special mulching blades are included to optimize mulching performance. These blades can also be used for side-discharging or material collection (if a material collection system is available), though performance may be reduced in some conditions.

NOTE: A material collection system is not available for the EZtrak™ Z665 Mower.