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John DeereZ960R with MOD Deck
#1
Nwatson99
Nwatson99
Well since I have now mowed four times with the Z960R I feel I know it good enough to write up a little review and comparison on its performance.
This comparison is between a 2010 / Z930A and 2014 / Z960R.
2010 / Z930A
29HP Kawasaki Engine
60 7 Iron Deck
2014 / Z960R
31HP Kawasaki Engine
60 Mulch on Demand 溺OD 7 Iron Deck
I wrote this last Sunday, but things have changed since now and then so I now have time to post everything.
Engine:
The Z960R came with a 31HP Kawasaki engine and I never dreamed that 2HP would have made that much of a difference, but the power and torque from the 31HP engine feels like I am running a much larger engine. The Z960R engine will plow through 2 week un-mowed grass with ease and the engine still does not bog down like most others I have seen do.
The one thing with this engine I need more practice with is mowing my pond dam, my old machine I would just creep up the dam no issues, but the new 31HP engine while mowing slow like I have been for the past 4 years will raise the front end up in a minute with minimum forward pressure on the control arms, so if anyone else upgrades to the new model just be prepared for the additional power and torque of these mowers.
MOD Deck:
My thoughts on the JD MOD 7 Iron Deck, this deck is a very clean cutting deck and yes it works exactly as advertised you push the handle forward for MOD and that is exactly what you are getting this mower mows, mulches, and discharges the clippings back into the lawn with very few clippings exiting the discharge chute so yes it works when mowing around your home, buildings, landscaping, etc.
Now the MOD deck does not stripe as good and prominent as the 7 Iron deck, I spent several hours comparing different set-ups with the MOD deck and I was unable to get it looking like my old Z930.
The first three mows I performed with the MOD deck had the blades that came from factory TCU15881 which are High Lift blades and commonly used on 7 Iron and 7 Iron Pro decks.
Now the parts replacement list calls out different blades these designated MOD blades TCU18990 were installed and mowed with around the home, building, driveways, etc using the MOD feature with the different blades this machine still mows like a dream and works exactly as advertised.
If I was commercial business and mowing multiple yards say 2 acres or less this is the ultimate set-up to use especially around sensitive areas where you do not want grass clippings to be, I know I would at least have 1 if not multiple MOD decks in my fleet.
Now the Con to the MOD Deck:
We have a portion of our front lawn located between trees immediately in our yard in front of the house and Cleveland Pear trees which are located about 30 feet back from the road, this lot is 2.5 acres and then we have another lot behind our pond which is 1.5 acres where I have no obstacles or nothing stopping me from letting the machine eat while mowing these two areas.
I cannot mow with my machine at half throttle or wide open due to stragglers of grass and some uncut grass left in the lots, if I mow slowly I have no issues with uncut grass and have a beautiful cut 杜inus the prominent striping?
I have studied the deck thoroughly underneath it and determined the baffles for the MOD chambers are too close to the blades, thus not allowing proper air flow and vacuum for the deck to lift and cut all grass and causing this issue.
Also the MOD doors that close to create the mulching chambers are manufactured with additional angle iron under the deck, this angle iron even though it is far enough from the blade tips will also have a slap effect knocking grass and where they are lower than the edge of the deck I also think this contributes to the issues I am having mowing at faster speeds.
Where I cannot mow at half or full throttle without any uncut grass like I could with my old 7 Iron Pro deck in these two fields I have filed a complaint with JD and given them two options to repair this issue.
Suspension Seat:
The new suspension seat on the Z960R, yes I can tell a world of difference with the ride, softness of the ride, and no hard bounce to it. The ride I experienced with the Z930 had the deluxe seat with the JD suspension kit added later after my injury and I was never able to dial in it to get a ride even close to what I have now.
The new seat on the Z960R you just dial in your weight and enjoy the ride, the back of the seat reclines to allow customizing of the rear seat angle and do not forget the lumbar adjustment to support your spine.
Changes made to the machine:
I did change out the front tires to pneumatic tires which I purchased from Green Farm Parts.
The tires I am very happy with the purchase, I have them inflated to 18 psi and they have eliminated the majority of the bounce from the front end which is very common while running the run-flat tires. When adding the pneumatic tires I had to check the pitch of the deck, my dealer sets all Ztrak decks to ｼ deck pitch so I set it back like it was.
Also added the light kit with a rear LED light so if I do get to mow at night I will have no issues mowing.
Overall Performance of the Machine:
I am very impressed with this mower, power, torque, and a few places I would actually slide a tad and have to use more compensation to help eliminate the slide is not there anymore, it seems as this machine has a lower point of gravity which stabilizes and handles better.
Controls are more sensitive especially with the travel so I am assuming the cross porting for the cooler hydraulic fluid is working keeping the trannies color and more responsive.
Update on Mower:
Z960R is in the shop, dealer worked this past week on the MOD deck trying to get it to cut properly and it failed.
Dealer tried multiple deck settings and blades to get the MOD deck to cut properly at higher speeds and all his attempts as well as mine have failed.
So my dealer has ordered me a Brand New Z960R with the 7 Iron Pro deck to replace my new machine with the MOD deck.
Now because the MOD deck mowing around sensitive areas did work so well, I have ordered the powerchute for my new incoming machine so I can still mow around sensitive areas with not blowing the full discharge clippings into those areas.
The ETA on my new machine is on or before July 16th delivered to me, plus the additional stuff I have placed on my machine will be transferred over to the new machine before delivery.
Oh and an additional note, I am without a mower awaiting my new one to arrive, my dealer has given back to me my Z930A I traded in to mow with until my new machine arrives, I know a lot of folks does not care for green but with dealers like this it is hard to stay away.
This comparison is between a 2010 / Z930A and 2014 / Z960R.
2010 / Z930A
29HP Kawasaki Engine
60 7 Iron Deck
2014 / Z960R
31HP Kawasaki Engine
60 Mulch on Demand 溺OD 7 Iron Deck
I wrote this last Sunday, but things have changed since now and then so I now have time to post everything.
Engine:
The Z960R came with a 31HP Kawasaki engine and I never dreamed that 2HP would have made that much of a difference, but the power and torque from the 31HP engine feels like I am running a much larger engine. The Z960R engine will plow through 2 week un-mowed grass with ease and the engine still does not bog down like most others I have seen do.
The one thing with this engine I need more practice with is mowing my pond dam, my old machine I would just creep up the dam no issues, but the new 31HP engine while mowing slow like I have been for the past 4 years will raise the front end up in a minute with minimum forward pressure on the control arms, so if anyone else upgrades to the new model just be prepared for the additional power and torque of these mowers.
MOD Deck:
My thoughts on the JD MOD 7 Iron Deck, this deck is a very clean cutting deck and yes it works exactly as advertised you push the handle forward for MOD and that is exactly what you are getting this mower mows, mulches, and discharges the clippings back into the lawn with very few clippings exiting the discharge chute so yes it works when mowing around your home, buildings, landscaping, etc.
Now the MOD deck does not stripe as good and prominent as the 7 Iron deck, I spent several hours comparing different set-ups with the MOD deck and I was unable to get it looking like my old Z930.
The first three mows I performed with the MOD deck had the blades that came from factory TCU15881 which are High Lift blades and commonly used on 7 Iron and 7 Iron Pro decks.
Now the parts replacement list calls out different blades these designated MOD blades TCU18990 were installed and mowed with around the home, building, driveways, etc using the MOD feature with the different blades this machine still mows like a dream and works exactly as advertised.
If I was commercial business and mowing multiple yards say 2 acres or less this is the ultimate set-up to use especially around sensitive areas where you do not want grass clippings to be, I know I would at least have 1 if not multiple MOD decks in my fleet.
Now the Con to the MOD Deck:
We have a portion of our front lawn located between trees immediately in our yard in front of the house and Cleveland Pear trees which are located about 30 feet back from the road, this lot is 2.5 acres and then we have another lot behind our pond which is 1.5 acres where I have no obstacles or nothing stopping me from letting the machine eat while mowing these two areas.
I cannot mow with my machine at half throttle or wide open due to stragglers of grass and some uncut grass left in the lots, if I mow slowly I have no issues with uncut grass and have a beautiful cut 杜inus the prominent striping?
I have studied the deck thoroughly underneath it and determined the baffles for the MOD chambers are too close to the blades, thus not allowing proper air flow and vacuum for the deck to lift and cut all grass and causing this issue.
Also the MOD doors that close to create the mulching chambers are manufactured with additional angle iron under the deck, this angle iron even though it is far enough from the blade tips will also have a slap effect knocking grass and where they are lower than the edge of the deck I also think this contributes to the issues I am having mowing at faster speeds.
Where I cannot mow at half or full throttle without any uncut grass like I could with my old 7 Iron Pro deck in these two fields I have filed a complaint with JD and given them two options to repair this issue.
Suspension Seat:
The new suspension seat on the Z960R, yes I can tell a world of difference with the ride, softness of the ride, and no hard bounce to it. The ride I experienced with the Z930 had the deluxe seat with the JD suspension kit added later after my injury and I was never able to dial in it to get a ride even close to what I have now.
The new seat on the Z960R you just dial in your weight and enjoy the ride, the back of the seat reclines to allow customizing of the rear seat angle and do not forget the lumbar adjustment to support your spine.
Changes made to the machine:
I did change out the front tires to pneumatic tires which I purchased from Green Farm Parts.
The tires I am very happy with the purchase, I have them inflated to 18 psi and they have eliminated the majority of the bounce from the front end which is very common while running the run-flat tires. When adding the pneumatic tires I had to check the pitch of the deck, my dealer sets all Ztrak decks to ｼ deck pitch so I set it back like it was.
Also added the light kit with a rear LED light so if I do get to mow at night I will have no issues mowing.
Overall Performance of the Machine:
I am very impressed with this mower, power, torque, and a few places I would actually slide a tad and have to use more compensation to help eliminate the slide is not there anymore, it seems as this machine has a lower point of gravity which stabilizes and handles better.
Controls are more sensitive especially with the travel so I am assuming the cross porting for the cooler hydraulic fluid is working keeping the trannies color and more responsive.
Update on Mower:
Z960R is in the shop, dealer worked this past week on the MOD deck trying to get it to cut properly and it failed.
Dealer tried multiple deck settings and blades to get the MOD deck to cut properly at higher speeds and all his attempts as well as mine have failed.
So my dealer has ordered me a Brand New Z960R with the 7 Iron Pro deck to replace my new machine with the MOD deck.
Now because the MOD deck mowing around sensitive areas did work so well, I have ordered the powerchute for my new incoming machine so I can still mow around sensitive areas with not blowing the full discharge clippings into those areas.
The ETA on my new machine is on or before July 16th delivered to me, plus the additional stuff I have placed on my machine will be transferred over to the new machine before delivery.
Oh and an additional note, I am without a mower awaiting my new one to arrive, my dealer has given back to me my Z930A I traded in to mow with until my new machine arrives, I know a lot of folks does not care for green but with dealers like this it is hard to stay away.
#2
P
plateauman57
P
plateauman57
I've read a few things that made me glad I didn't go with the mod deck. I too have a good dealer which makes a world of difference. Good luck with your future mower.
#3
Nwatson99
Oh don't get me wrong the MOD would be perfect mowing residential areas where you cannot open it up for long mowing, it works exactly has JD claims it does, just a shame the cut quality in open fields is not the same as the 7 Iron Pro deck.
Excellent having good dealers is the key in my opinion when you purchase good quality commercial mowers.
I will say this though, if JD would listen and correct their baffling issues I would get one with my next purchase for sure or if I keep the 960R longer than I plan on, I would consider changing out to the revised MOD deck.
Nwatson99
I've read a few things that made me glad I didn't go with the mod deck. I too have a good dealer which makes a world of difference. Good luck with your future mower.
Oh don't get me wrong the MOD would be perfect mowing residential areas where you cannot open it up for long mowing, it works exactly has JD claims it does, just a shame the cut quality in open fields is not the same as the 7 Iron Pro deck.
Excellent having good dealers is the key in my opinion when you purchase good quality commercial mowers.
I will say this though, if JD would listen and correct their baffling issues I would get one with my next purchase for sure or if I keep the 960R longer than I plan on, I would consider changing out to the revised MOD deck.
#4
R
Ridin' Green
R
Ridin' Green
You know how I feel about the MOD.:thumbdown: It sucks, no matter what you do if you cut above 3", which most of us do, and there are many others like me who mow for a living that agree with me.
It might be fine for a homeowner around his home where he can go way slow, but for residential mowing at any decent speed (6-8 mph, which isn't exactly flying), it simply doesn't cut worth spit.
I've been using one for 2.5 seasons now, and have a lot of experience with it. I doubt there is anyone on any forum anywhere, that has studied and/or experimented with one as much as I have. The Pro deck is worlds ahead of the MOD.
It might be fine for a homeowner around his home where he can go way slow, but for residential mowing at any decent speed (6-8 mph, which isn't exactly flying), it simply doesn't cut worth spit.
I've been using one for 2.5 seasons now, and have a lot of experience with it. I doubt there is anyone on any forum anywhere, that has studied and/or experimented with one as much as I have. The Pro deck is worlds ahead of the MOD.
#5
Nwatson99
Yes sir sure do and after what you had told me that is the reason I was watching it like a hawk and sad to say it failed for me as well as the dealer trying to get it to work.
Nwatson99
You know how I feel about the MOD.:thumbdown: It sucks, no matter what you do if you cut above 3", which most of us do, and there are many others like me who mow for a living that agree with me.
It might be fine for a homeowner around his home where he can go way slow, but for residential mowing at any decent speed (6-8 mph, which isn't exactly flying), it simply doesn't cut worth spit.
I've been using one for 2.5 seasons now, and have a lot of experience with it. I doubt there is anyone on any forum anywhere, that has studied and/or experimented with one as much as I have. The Pro deck is worlds ahead of the MOD.
Yes sir sure do and after what you had told me that is the reason I was watching it like a hawk and sad to say it failed for me as well as the dealer trying to get it to work.
#6
R
Ridin' Green
At least your dealer was trying to help you. A lot of them don't give two chits after the sale regarding how that deck does.
R
Ridin' Green
Yes sir sure do and after what you had told me that is the reason I was watching it like a hawk and sad to say it failed for me as well as the dealer trying to get it to work.
At least your dealer was trying to help you. A lot of them don't give two chits after the sale regarding how that deck does.
#7
Nwatson99
Nwatson99
Something else I added to my machine:
Backup light: which I wired it into the front light wring harness using the same plugs and connectors, that way I can just unbolt and unplug it. The light is super bright and LED so I have no problem seeing at night if I ever get to mow at dark.
And a Donaldson Air Filter Restriction Monitor:
Backup light: which I wired it into the front light wring harness using the same plugs and connectors, that way I can just unbolt and unplug it. The light is super bright and LED so I have no problem seeing at night if I ever get to mow at dark.
And a Donaldson Air Filter Restriction Monitor:
#8
Carscw
I love mowing at night
Carscw
Something else I added to my machine: Backup light: which I wired it into the front light wring harness using the same plugs and connectors, that way I can just unbolt and unplug it. The light is super bright and LED so I have no problem seeing at night if I ever get to mow at dark. And a Donaldson Air Filter Restriction Monitor:
I love mowing at night
#9
Nwatson99
I do to, but unfortunately with the way the dew rolls in here so fast it is usually Sept and Oct before I can mow at night and that depends on the ground moisture, when the sun goes down you walk into the yard with flips on and your feet are soaking wet. LOL
Nwatson99
I love mowing at night
I do to, but unfortunately with the way the dew rolls in here so fast it is usually Sept and Oct before I can mow at night and that depends on the ground moisture, when the sun goes down you walk into the yard with flips on and your feet are soaking wet. LOL
#10
gfp55
gfp55
I read your write up on the Z960R. You were fair and pointed out the pros & cons. You made some good points about the Mod deck and talked about it shortcomings. I liked how you did side by side comparing the cuts. You said that they did what JD said they would and your dealer is helping you, which is getting hard to find now a days. I think your white up was very good, good facts. But thats just me. P.S. I read one of the posts that was removed.
#11
L
Lasor1
Hello there I just wanted to say I have. A. 920m with a 54" cut. I recently purchased and absolutely love it. The 900r series are sweet. There a little out of my price range.lol I notice you were saying about the power. Of the 2 hp difference is. I'd love to test drive a 31hp 960 anyway I have. The Kawasaki 23.5 up on my ztrak920m and I mowed 2.5 week old grass at 3.5" setting on deck and no bogging here on that little motor only bogged down a little going up a steep section I have to mow if I nail down on it. I am impressed with my mower and I was set on exmark till I seen the guy that I had mowing my lawn till I purchased my zt. His is a z930m with mod 60" deck it cut so nice. But he didn't close chute. On his mod. Anyway these things are built like tanks my local dealer was a whole lot more helpfull than my local exmark and that is why I choose deere. And I am glad I did!
L
Lasor1
I read your write up on the Z960R. You were fair and pointed out the pros & cons. You made some good points about the Mod deck and talked about it shortcomings. I liked how you did side by side comparing the cuts. You said that they did what JD said they would and your dealer is helping you, which is getting hard to find now a days. I think your white up was very good, good facts. But thats just me. P.S. I read one of the posts that was removed.
Hello there I just wanted to say I have. A. 920m with a 54" cut. I recently purchased and absolutely love it. The 900r series are sweet. There a little out of my price range.lol I notice you were saying about the power. Of the 2 hp difference is. I'd love to test drive a 31hp 960 anyway I have. The Kawasaki 23.5 up on my ztrak920m and I mowed 2.5 week old grass at 3.5" setting on deck and no bogging here on that little motor only bogged down a little going up a steep section I have to mow if I nail down on it. I am impressed with my mower and I was set on exmark till I seen the guy that I had mowing my lawn till I purchased my zt. His is a z930m with mod 60" deck it cut so nice. But he didn't close chute. On his mod. Anyway these things are built like tanks my local dealer was a whole lot more helpfull than my local exmark and that is why I choose deere. And I am glad I did!
#12
Nwatson99
Nwatson99
Congrats on your Z920M, those are very nice machines and yes the JD ZTrak mowers are built like tanks, plus the 31HP is a beast on my machine. LOL
I mow at 3.25" setting and can go through two week old grass like it was just cut a few days ago, stick with your high lift blades also them seem to be the best for our machines.
Now when I stated mowing my pond dam it took a couple of passes to get tuned in with the power, this machine will jerk the wheels off the ground with little effort and stand up to look at the sky with almost no effort on my pond dam.
I mow at 3.25" setting and can go through two week old grass like it was just cut a few days ago, stick with your high lift blades also them seem to be the best for our machines.
Now when I stated mowing my pond dam it took a couple of passes to get tuned in with the power, this machine will jerk the wheels off the ground with little effort and stand up to look at the sky with almost no effort on my pond dam.
#13
L
Lasor1
Hey I have a question for you since. You have been around ztraks for a while. I know you said you mow at 3.25 and. I mow at 3.5 have you adjusted your anti scalp wheels on your 7 iron pro deck? Mine is set at highest hole on my deck and that's the way it came from dealer. Didn't know if I should drop them or leave them up thanks!
L
Lasor1
Hello there I just wanted to say I have. A. 920m with a 54" cut. I recently purchased and absolutely love it. The 900r series are sweet. There a little out of my price range.lol I notice you were saying about the power. Of the 2 hp difference is. I'd love to test drive a 31hp 960 anyway I have. The Kawasaki 23.5 up on my ztrak920m and I mowed 2.5 week old grass at 3.5" setting on deck and no bogging here on that little motor only bogged down a little going up a steep section I have to mow if I nail down on it. I am impressed with my mower and I was set on exmark till I seen the guy that I had mowing my lawn till I purchased my zt. His is a z930m with mod 60" deck it cut so nice. But he didn't close chute. On his mod. Anyway these things are built like tanks my local dealer was a whole lot more helpfull than my local exmark and that is why I choose deere. And I am glad I did!
Hey I have a question for you since. You have been around ztraks for a while. I know you said you mow at 3.25 and. I mow at 3.5 have you adjusted your anti scalp wheels on your 7 iron pro deck? Mine is set at highest hole on my deck and that's the way it came from dealer. Didn't know if I should drop them or leave them up thanks!
#14
Nwatson99
Yes I would drop them down to the center hole, it is just added protection.
Our decks float anyway, but with your wheel being that high you can scalp your place if you hit a hump just right since you wheels will not engage to prevent it.
Nwatson99
Hey I have a question for you since. You have been around ztraks for a while. I know you said you mow at 3.25 and. I mow at 3.5 have you adjusted your anti scalp wheels on your 7 iron pro deck? Mine is set at highest hole on my deck and that's the way it came from dealer. Didn't know if I should drop them or leave them up thanks!
Yes I would drop them down to the center hole, it is just added protection.
Our decks float anyway, but with your wheel being that high you can scalp your place if you hit a hump just right since you wheels will not engage to prevent it.
#15
C
Crewsn
C
Crewsn
Hey guys, I've been following this thred since I have a Z960R as well with MOD deck. My problem is that it is leaving a trail of grass clippings down each row as I mow. I'm cutting once a week at 3.25 height and have a very thick dark green fescue turf grass. Dealer says they will do that on if the grass is damp or wet at all. My grass is thick and green and as such has moisture in the grass when you cut it. Dealer does not know what else to do. I'm considering adding the brush striping kit to see if it will help smooth out any left over clippings but they are quoting $440.00 to add the kit. Has anybody tried this? I'm also loosing traction on the side of my hillside and they say they don't have a replacement tire to stop that. When it starts to go, it locks rear tires and slides taking my turf with it.