Operating Guide
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Contents
- Product Identification
- Safety Labels with Text
- Safety Labels without Text
- Safety Label Location
- Understanding the Machine Safety Labels without Text
- Avoid Injury from Loaded Spring
- Avoid Injury from Rotating Blades
- Avoid Injury from Getting Caught in Belts
- Read Operator’s Manual
- Keep Children Away from Mower
- Avoid Injury from Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury From Tipping
- Avoid Injury From Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury from Equipment Fires
- Safety
- Machine Cleanout
- Operating Controls
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Mounting and Dismounting Machine
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Armrests
- Adjusting Motion Control Levers
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Level
- Adjusting Mower Wheels
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Mower Engagement (PTO) Switch
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Motion Control Lever Switch
- Using Park Brake
- Using Key Switch
- Using Low Fuel Indicator Light
- Using Mower Engagement Switch
- Using the Hour Meter
- Using the Motion Control Levers
- Starting the Engine
- Engaging Mower
- Using MulchControl (If Equipped)
- Unplugging Mower
- Stopping the Engine
- Moving Machine by Hand
- Unplugging Mower, Bagger, or Material Collection System
- Using Wash Port to Clean Mower Deck
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Transporting Material Collection System (If Equipped)
- Towing Loads
- Mowing Tips
- Blade Choices
- Service Intervals
- Service Lubrication
- Service Engine
- Emissions Service Information
- Avoid Fumes
- Gasoline Engine Oil
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Conventional Engine Oil and Filter
- Changing John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Cleaning Engine Shroud
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Element
- Checking Spark Plug
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Cleaning Engine Screen Guard
- Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Spark Arrestor
- Service Transmission
- Service Mower
- Mower Deck Identification
- Removing and Installing Mower Deck Foot Plate
- Removing Mower Deck (42A)
- Removing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing Mower Deck (42A)
- Installing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (42A Mower)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing MulchControl Discharge Plate (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Deflector (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Handle (If Equipped)
- Removing and Storing MulchControl Deck (If Equipped)
- Installing Mulch Blades
- Checking for Bent Mower Blades
- Servicing Mower Blades
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Warranty
- John Deere Quality Statement
- Service Record
- Slope Gauge
- Index
MXT005334—UN—22MAY13
8. Fasten rear of machine at both sides of frame at points (B) to trailer
with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Straps must be directed
down, rearward and outward from machine.
MX52301,0000F1C-19-18APR16
Transporting Material Collection System (If
Equipped)
If the material collection system is left on the machine during transport,
follow these guidelines when trailering the unit:
● Empty the cloth bags and remove them from the hopper. Full bags
add extra weight which can overstress the hopper frame on rough
roads. At road travel speeds, wind can cause premature wear of the
cloth bags.
● Make sure that the hopper cover is latched securely to the hopper
frame.
● If the unit is transported over long distances or at high speeds,
remove the rear bagger or power ow chute before transport.
TH84124,000020A-19-10APR19
Towing Loads
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Towing excessive trailer loads can
stress drivetrain components. To avoid damage to
drivetrain components, use the following guidelines.
● Do not exceed maximum towing capacity of 113.4 kg (250 lbs).
● Do not exceed maximum tongue weight of 45.4 kg (100 lbs).
● Always run tractor at full throttle when towing loads.
● Avoid inclines greater than a 10 degree slope while towing to avoid
damage to the pulling machine. Use the Slope Guide located in this
operator’s manual to ensure proper machine towing operation. See
Operating on Slopes in the Safety section for additional information.
● Avoid making tight turns. Make wide turns to avoid jack-kning.
● Travel slowly and allow extra stopping distance.
SB31882,0000444-19-01JUN20
Mowing Tips
● Mow grass with throttle lever in the full fast / mow position.
● Mow grass when it is dry.
● Keep mower deck and discharge chute clean.
● Mow with sharp blades.
● Properly level mower deck for a smooth cut.
● Mow grass frequently.
● Use a travel speed that ts the conditions:
- Mow tall or wet grass twice. With the rst pass, cut grass
halfway to the desired height. With the second pass, cut to the
desired height.
- Travel slow when mowing tall or thick grass.
- Avoid damaging grass by slipping or skidding machine drive
wheels. Practice smooth control lever movements.
- When performing sharp turns, do not allow the inside machine
drive wheel to stop and twist on grass.
SB31882,0000409-19-05MAY20
Blade Choices
Several types of blades are available for Z300 series mowers:
42A , 48A, and 54A Decks
● Dedicated Side discharge blades. These blades are designed for
optimal performance when side discharging, and are installed on
Z300 Series 42A, 48A, and 54A mowers when shipped from the
factory.
● Dedicated Mulching blades. These blades are designed for optimal
performance when used with a mulch cover or mulch plug installed.
● Dedicated Bagging blades (42A Deck Only). These blades are
designed for optimal performance when used with a Z300 series
bagger.
MX52301,0000EFF-19-28MAY20
Service Intervals
Servicing Your Machine
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage!
Operating in extreme conditions may require more frequent
service intervals:
● Engine components may become dirty or plugged when
operating in extreme heat, dust or other severe
conditions.
● Engine oil can degrade if machine is operated constantly
at slow or low engine speeds or for frequent short
periods of time.
High-pressure washing can cause damage to machine
components. It is recommended that your vehicle be
washed by hand or with a garden hose using mild soap.
Avoid spraying water with any great force near or into the
following places:
● Air intake
● Electrical connections (including battery compartment)
● Wheel bearings
● Radiator (if equipped)
● Warning labels
● Other labels
● Ignition switch
● Instrument panel (gauges and switches)
● Breather/tube vents
● Mower spindles
● Mower idler bearings
● Transmission cooling fans
Please use the following timetables to perform routine maintenance on
your machine.
Park the vehicle safely. (See Park Safely in the SAFETY Section.)
OUMX068,00006EF-19-22NOV16
Service Intervals
Every 8 Hours or Daily
● Clean muer area.
Service Intervals
25