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 Crushing
- Avoid Injury from Loaded Spring
- Avoid Injury from Equipment Fires
- Avoid Injury from Getting Caught in Belts
- Avoid Injury from Rotating Blades
- Read Operator’s Manual
- Avoid Injury from Thrown Objects
- Keep Children Away from Mower
- Avoid Serious Injury or Death from Tipping
- Safety
- Machine Cleanout
- Operating Controls
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Using Operator Display Unit (If Equipped)
- Using the Hour Meter and MowerPlus Fuel Gauge (If Equipped)
- Using Electronic Throttle Control (If Equipped)
- Mounting and Dismounting Machine
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Armrests
- Adjusting Motion Control Levers
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Wheels
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Mower Engagement (PTO) Switch
- Testing Seat Switch (E- and M-Series)
- Testing Seat Switch (R-Series)
- Testing Motion Control Lever Switch
- Using Seat Belt
- Raising and Lowering the ROPS
- Checking Fuel Level
- Using Park Brake
- Using Key Switch
- Using Mower Engagement Switch
- Using the Motion Control Levers
- Starting the Engine
- Engaging Mower
- Stopping the Engine
- Unplugging Mower
- Using Headlights (If Equipped)
- 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 Engine Oil and Filter
- Cleaning Engine Screen Guard
- Cleaning Engine Shroud
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Element
- Checking Spark Plug
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Spark Arrestor
- Service Transmission
- Service Mower
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Warranty
- John Deere Quality Statement
- Service Record
- Slope Gauge
- Index
MXAL42817—UN—09APR13
3. Back machine onto heavy-duty trailer with a full-width ramp.
4. Lower the mower deck completely.
5. Lock park brake.
6. Turn o machine and remove key.
MX101658—UN—08SEP20
7. Fasten to the front corners (A) or over top of the foot platform to the
trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Straps must be
directed forward, down, and outward from machine.
MX101463—UN—01MAY20
8. Fasten rear of the machine at slots on each side of frame (B - right,
C - left) to the trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables.
Straps must be directed rearward, down, and outward from
machine.
SB31882,00003F8-19-04SEP20
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 control in the full fast / mow position.
NOTE: For Z545R - select ECO or MAX on electronic throttle
controller.
● 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 slowly 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.
SB31882,0000401-19-29JUN20
Blade Choices
Several types of blades are available for ZTrak Z500 series mowers:
● Side discharge blades. These blades are designed for optimal
performance when side discharging and are installed on Z500
series mowers when shipped from the factory.
● Mulching blades. These blades are designed for optimal
performance when used with a mulch cover or mulch plug installed.
SB31882,0000478-19-08JUN20
Service Intervals
Servicing Your Machine
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage!
Operating in extreme conditions may require more frequent
service intervals:
Service Intervals
29