Highlights for 2016
In 2016, John Deere dropped the “E” – ZTrak Mowers that have replaced the previous EZTrak lineup. New models have upgraded, commercial features similar to Z900 Series ZTrak Mowers. The E – entry-level, M – mid-level, and R – premium machines are highlighted below.
Accel Deep™ Mower Deck
The redesigned Accel Deep deck maintains industry-leading cut quality at higher speeds, increasing user productivity. Replacing the Edge Xtra Deck designed for slower ground speeds, the Accel deck maximizes airflow and has a 38% larger discharge opening for higher throughput. A smooth, stamped one-piece shell and deeper deck allow optimal air circulation, grass recutting, and clipping discharge.
Increased Durability and Longevity
Durability innovations include a new, heavier stamped-steel deck with reinforced edges and double-captured mower wheels for greater strength. A low-tension belt-drive with a higher belt drive height reduces bearing side-load and minimizes debris ingestion. Simpler belt routing and easy-to-access spindle grease fittings with flip-up shields simplify maintenance, and an electrostatic-primed powder-paint coating provides extra rust protection.
Optional On-the-fly Mulch Control
Flip a lever during operation to switch between side discharge and mulching. Opting for the closed mulching position creates smaller clippings and controls dispersal. The Mulch Control addon can provide fertilizer for lawns, not to mention keep driveways, gardens, and sidewalks clean.
Revised Operator Station
An additional 1.4 inches of spacing has been added between the seat and steering levers, increasing vertical and lateral room for the operator. Improved brake handle and lift handle ergonomics reduce fatigue. The control panel has been re-positioned moving from the left to right side of the machine to allow for more intuitive operation. Additional storage space and two cup holders have been added.
Larger Fuel Tank
Accomplish more between fill ups with a new increased capacity tank – up to 4.5 gal. (17 L) from 3.5 gal. (13 L). The filler neck has also been lowered, angled, and enlarged to make filling the tank easier, while a window that indicates fuel level is now visible from the front of mower.
| 2015 model replaced | Z235 | Z255 | Z425 | Z435 | Z445, Z465 | Z625 | Z645, Z655, Z665 |
| 2016 model specifications | Z335E | Z355E | Z525E | Z535M | Z540M | Z535R | Z540R |
| Engine power | 20 hp (14.9 kW) | 22 hp (16.4 kW) | 22 hp (16.4 kW) | 25 hp (18.6 kW) | 24 hp (17.9 kW) | 25 hp (18.6 kW) | 24 hp (17.9 kW) |
| Engine model number | M40 | M44 | M44 ELS | M44 Cyclonic™ | M44 Cyclonic | FS730V | FS730V |
| Engine displacement | 40 cu in. (656 cc) | 44.2 cu in. (724 cc) | 44.2 cu in. (724 cc) | 44.2 cu in. (724 cc) | 44.3 cu in. (726 cc) | 44.2 cu in. (724 cc) | 44.3 cu in. (726 cc) |
| Engine cylinders | V-twin | V-twin | V-twin | V-twin | V-twin | V-twin | V-twin |
| Caster wheel tires | 11×4.0-4 | 11×4.0-4 | 13×5.0-6 | 13×5.0-6 | 13×5.0-6 | 13×6.5-6 | 13×6.5-6 |
| Drive wheel tires | 18×8.50-8 | 18×8.50-8 | 22×9.50-10 | 22×9.50-10 | 22×9.50-10 | 23×10.50-12 | 23×10.50-12 |
| Seat | 15-in. (38.1-cm) medium back | 15-in. (38.1-cm) medium back with armrests | 15-in. (38.1-cm) medium back with armrests | 18-in. (45.7-cm) medium back with armrests | 18-in. (45.7-cm) medium back with armrests | 20-in. (50.8-cm) high back with armrests | 20-in. (50.8-cm) high back with armrests |
| Seat travel | 3 in. (7.6 cm) | 3 in. (7.6 cm) | 3 in. (7.6 cm) while seated | 3 in. (7.6 cm) while seated | 3 in. (7.6 cm) while seated | 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) while seated | 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) while seated |
| Ground speed | 7 mph (11.2 km/h) | 7 mph (11.2 km/h) | 8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) | 8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) | 8.5 mph (13.7 km/h) | 9 mph (14.5 km/h) | 9 mph (14.5 km/h) |
| Factory mower decks | 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep™ | 48-in. (122-cm) Edge™ | 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep, 54-in. (137-cm) Accel Deep |
48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep, 54-in. (137-cm) Accel Deep |
48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep, 54-in. (137-cm) Accel Deep, 62-in. (157-cm Edge |
54-in. (137-cm) High Capacity | 48-in. (122-cm), 54-in. (137-cm), 60-in. (152-cm) High Capacity |
| Mower deck lift | Hand, optional foot lift | Hand, optional foot lift | Hand, optional foot lift | Hand, optional foot lift | Hand, optional foot lift | Foot lift and hand lever standard | Foot lift and hand lever standard |
| Mulch capability | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Material collection | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) cut and throw | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) cut and throw | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) Power Flow™ | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) Power Flow | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) Power Flow | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) Power Flow | Optional 6.5 bu (229.1 L) Power Flow |
| Warranty | 2 year/120 hour bumper to bumper | 2 year/120 hour bumper to bumper | 2 year/120 hour bumper to bumper | 4 year/300 hour bumper to bumper | 4 year/300 hour bumper to bumper | 4 year/500 hour bumper to bumper | 4 year/500 hour bumper to bumper |