John Deere Z720E

Key engine features:

• 23 hp (17.2 kW) provides plenty of power.
• Large 44.3-cu in. (726-cc) displacement provides excellent torque.
• V-twin, 90-degree cylinder design allows for easy starts, excellent power and performance, and smooth operation.
• Engine model is FR691V.
• Many quality features are included.
  • Cast-iron cylinder liners provide a long-wearing surface for longer engine life.
  • Overhead V-valves allow the engine to breathe easily for excellent power and fuel economy.
  • Automatic compression release provides easy starting.
  • Internally vented carburetor maintains proper fuel mixture and minimizes emissions.
  • Fuel shutoff solenoid stops excess fuel from entering the exhaust system and causing after bang upon shut down.

• Full-pressure lubrication system provides plenty of oil to the engine’s moving parts to ensure reliable operation and long life:
  • No-tools oil drain is convenient to use.
  • A flexible drain tube can be placed above a drain pan to eliminate oil spills.
  • Replaceable oil filter keeps the oil cleaner for a longer engine life and extends the time between oil changes.
• A rotating metal grass chopper screen helps keep the engine fins clean by filtering out debris and reducing the size of material that gets through so it will pass harmlessly past the engine fins.
  • The guard keeps out large pieces of debris and provides protection from the rotating fan.

• The air filter system thoroughly cleans the engine intake air.
  • Cover flips up for easy filter service.
• Electronic ignition contributes to fast starts.

• A rear engine guard protects the engine and provides additional vehicle strength and integrity.
• A flywheel alternator provides plenty of capacity to quickly recharge the battery and power electrical equipment, such as lights.
  • 20-amp capacity
  • Regulated to keep the battery at a full charge without risk of overcharging 

8-gal. (30.3-L) fuel capacity for extended mowing times

The large-capacity fuel tank is easy to fill, and a convenient fuel level gauge is provided:

• Holds 8-gal. (30.3-L) of fuel to reduce time needed for refills
• Easy to see how much fuel is in the tank by viewing the sight gauge when approaching from the front of the machine
• Large, 3.5-in. (8.9-cm) fuel fill diameter for easy filling and minimum chance of spills
• Fuel fill location low for easy filling, within easy reach of the operator

John Deere recommends the use of fuel stabilizer in gasoline. See Fuel-Protect for gasoline engines (8 oz [237 mL]) for more information.

Each Z700 Series ZTrak™ Mower is equipped with either a 48-in. (122-cm), 54-in. (137-cm), or 60-in. (152-cm) HC PRO Mower Deck.

Mower/vehicle compatibility

 

High-capacity (HC) mower deck	ZTrak model
	Z720E	Z735E	Z730M	Z735M	Z740R	Z740R with Tweel® tire technology
48-in. (122-cm) High-capacity PRO	X			X	X	X*
54-in. (137-cm) High-capacity PRO	X		X	X	X	X*
60-in. (152-cm) High-capacity PRO	X	X	X	X	X	X*

*Not compatible with material collection system (MCS)

Deep deck design

The mower deck has a deep-deck design:

• Constructed from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) steel.
  • Minimizes the number of welds required
  • Has a smooth underside for reduced material buildup
• Deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow, so large volumes of material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• A wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
• A 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-mm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and are supported by ball bearings.
• Standard front rollers and two double-captured wheels provide a more even mowing job and reduce the chance of scalping.
  • Adjustable for different mowing heights
• The front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow for even cutting of tall grass.
• Blade overlap is greater than many conventional decks for a clean cut.
• The mower can side-discharge, mulch, or collect material, except a Z740R equipped with Tweel tires is not compatible with a material collection system.

• Deck leveling and rake angle adjustment is provided at all four mower mounting points.

Reinforced leading edge

Steel reinforcing bars are welded to the front edge and trim side of the mower deck:

• Strengthens the deck to reduce chance of damage from obstructions
• Increased material thickness for longer life of the deck

Superior durability is designed in

The deck has deep, strong spindle pockets to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough operation:

• Ribs formed in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
• The aluminum spindle housing has 8-in. (20-cm) base for extra strength.

Flip-up spindle covers make cleaning the spindle area convenient.

Wheels and rollers

Dual-captured front and side anti-scalp wheels:

• Give a more even mowing job and reduce the chance of scalping
• Adjustable for different mowing heights

Step weldment

A permanent step weldment is located at the left front corner of the mower deck:

• Encourages proper entry to the operator station
• Provides a good gripping surface for the operator’s foot

Optional MulchControl™ attachment

The MulchControl attachment 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 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 and 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.
• The attachment also includes mulching blades.

MulchControl handle is used to control baffle

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 the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• MulchControl is well suited to the following mowing situations:
  • Operators who usually mulch, but side-discharge when grass gets too long
  • Operators who usually side discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
  • Operators who always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
  • Operators who bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags

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.

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 is a field-installed attachment and compatible with the 48-in. (122-cm), 54-in. (137-cm), and 60-in. (152-cm) HC PRO Mower Decks available for the Z700 Series ZTrak Mowers.

Optional 6.5-bu (229-L) ZTrak Z700 Series MCS

The 6.5-bu (230-L) rear bagger efficiently collects material from a 48-, 54-, or 60-in. (122-, 137-, or 152-cm) Mower Deck:

• Hopper, attachment bar/bumper, Power Flow™ blower, and chute components are ordered separately to make a complete MCS.
• A weight bracket and four 18-lb (8.2-kg) weights are included for installation on the front of the vehicle to help counterbalance the weight of the hopper. For proper ballast with complete MCS:
• Four weights are required on a ZTrak Z700 Series equipped with a 48-in. (122-cm) Mower Deck.
• Three weights are required on a ZTrak Z700 Series equipped with a 54-in. (137-cm) Mower Deck.
• Two weights are required on a ZTrak Z700 Series equipped with a 60-in. (152-cm) Mower Deck.

The hopper design provides efficient bagging performance, clean operation, and easy-to-empty bags:

• Two durable bags give a generous, 6.5-bu (230-L) capacity.
• The bags lift out for easy emptying.
• An efficient chute provides a smooth flow of material to reduce the chance of plugging.
  • The chute and Power Flow blower must be ordered separately.
• Standard mower blades are used for bagging.
• The air exhaust duct directs air from the hopper back and toward the ground for clean operation.
• Convenient latch makes opening and closing the hopper easy.

NOTE: Appropriate hopper, Power Flow blower, chute, and attachment bar are required and ordered separately.

Specifications

Capacity	6.5 bu (230 L)
Material:
Hopper top	High impact polypropylene
Chute	Polyethylene
Blower housing	Nylon
Fan	Ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene
Bags	Polyester
Filling	Directly into bags for emptying on ground or in trailer or into plastic liners
Fan diameter	13 in. (33 cm)
Fan width	2.75 in. (7 cm)
Number of fan blades	Four

NOTE: MulchControl attachments and MCS components are not included in base equipment for a Z700 Series ZTrak machine and must be ordered separately.

Tweel is a trademark of Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin SCA.

The operator station is designed to provide superior operator comfort for many different operators:

• Adjustable foot platform
  • Ample legroom for comfortable operation
• Adjustable seat position, armrests, and suspension to suit many operators
  • Dialed in for operator height and weight
• Adjustable motion-control levers
  • Upper and lower positioning combined with forward and rearward tilt offers more legroom and hand positions

Adjustable foot platform

The patent-pending, adjustable three-position toe board allows any operator to quickly adjust the footrest position for greatest comfort:

• Easily and without tools, each operator can adjust the location of the footrest area to the most suitable position.
  • Adjustment range of 2 in. (5.1 cm)
• Large operator platform allows a wide range of foot positions.
• An attractive floor mat is optional on E and M Series.

Adjustable seat

A deep, padded seat combined with adjustable armrests, adjustable fore/aft position, and adjustable suspension springs optimizes comfort for the operator:

• High-back, 21-in. (53.3-cm) seat comes with adjustable armrests and 4-in. (10.2-cm) fore-aft adjustment.
• Seat-adjustment lever is located at the front edge of the seat for easy use by the operator while seated.

Two steel springs under the seat absorb shocks when traveling over rough areas to provide a smoother ride:

• Four seat spring positions adjust for operator weight and preference.
• A rearward position may be more suitable for heavier and taller operators and a more forward position for lighter and shorter operators.
• 4-in. (10.2-cm) long steel springs have plenty of travel to give a smooth ride.

The seat is securely held down for operator comfort and safety, but is easy to raise when necessary:

• A spring-loaded latch locks seat down when it is lowered.
• The seat is easy to release and raise to access adjustable seat springs.

Adjustable steering levers

Adjustable steering levers are shaped for operator comfort and ease of controlling vehicle speed and direction.

The steering levers offer 18 different positions to accommodate operator preference for hand placement and leg clearance.

Optional light-emitting diode (LED) work lights

Model year 2023 and newer R-Series Z700 ZTrak Mowers include standard LED work lights. The lights are integrated into the front of the foot platform and side fenders to protect them from damage and the elements. BUC11547 LED work lights are available as a field installed attachment to upgrade for E- and M- Series models. BUC10301 LED work light kit is for earlier model years that do not have provisions for integrated LED lights.

Cup holder and storage compartment

Operator convenience is provided with easy-to-reach deluxe cup holder and storage areas.

• Cup holder includes room for a cup with a large handle.
• Covered storage under the battery access panel provides protection for important items.

A deep padded seat combined with adjustable armrests, adjustable fore/aft position, and adjustable suspension springs optimizes comfort for the operator:

• High-back, 21-in. (53.3-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 4-in. (10.2-cm) fore-aft adjustment
• Seat-adjustment lever located at the front edge of the seat for easy use by the operator while seated

Armrests can be raised for easier entry and exit from the machine.

Infinite angle adjustment of the armrest can be made by an easy-to-use thumbscrew.

Two steel springs under the seat absorb shocks when traveling over rough areas to provide a smoother ride:

• Four seat-spring positions adjust for operator weight and preference.
• Rearward position may be suitable for heavier and taller operators and the forward position for lighter and shorter operators.
• Long, 4-in. (10.2-cm) springs have plenty of travel to give a smoother ride.

The seat is securely held down, but easy to raise when necessary:

• A spring-loaded latch locks seat down when it is lowered.
• The seat is easy to release and raise to access adjustable seat springs.

An ergonomic design and professional grade components are suitable for a wide variety of operators and conditions:

• Comfortable operator station and convenient controls help optimize operator experience.
• Large operator platform allows a wide range of foot positions.

Adjustable features customize the mowing experience for each operator. One of these features is an adjustable foot platform.

Operator platform designed for adjustability and comfort

The patent-pending, adjustable, three-position toe board allows the operator to quickly adjust the footrest position for greatest comfort:

• Easily and without tools, each operator can adjust the location of the footrest area to the optimum position.
• Adjustment range of 2 in. (5.1 cm) in 1-in. (2.5-cm) increments is possible.

Short operators may be most comfortable with the platform in the rear position (as shown above), while tall operators may be more comfortable with the platform in the forward position. Or perhaps, the middle position provides just the right amount of leg room.

Foot pegs (standard on R Series, optional on E and M Series)

Patent-pending foot pegs (standard on R Series, optional on E and M Series) provide the operator with different foot placement options.

• Foot pegs can be adjusted into two different positions, horizontal or at an angle, to provide more variability for foot placement. The pegs also act as handles to remove and replace the foot platform.

4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty*

Exclusive, 4-year, single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty is included for all John Deere Z700 Series ZTrak mowers. The warranty places John Deere at the forefront of the mowing industry. It is hassle free, with one company handling all the paperwork.

 

Z720E, Z735E	4-year, 500-hour warranty
Z730M, Z735M	4-year, 750-hour warranty
Z740R	4-year, 1000-hour warranty

Service interval decal

A convenient service decal gives basic maintenance information. It provides a quick reference for keeping recommended service up to date. It is located underneath the battery cover.

Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages

To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a product identification number (PIN) label located under the right steering lever. The owner information web pages that include links to:

 

• Safety and how-to videos
• Operator’s manuals
• Parts catalogs
• Maintenance reminder sheets
• Attachments
• Warranty statements

Flip-up foot platform for mower deck access

The professional-style steel foot platform is easy to remove without tools:

• Makes cleaning grass off the top of the mower deck easier
• Provides convenient access to the mower deck for service

Engine service

The engines are easy to service, including changing the oil and the oil filter and servicing the air filter:

• The engine oil check/fill tube is located at the top of the engine and easy to see and reach.
• No-tools oil drain is convenient to use. A flexible oil drain tube is included to conveniently drain oil into a pan, thus eliminating oil spills.

Engine air filters are at the top of the engine for easy service:

• Z720E, Z735E, Z730M, and Z735M engines have knobs to remove the filer cover.
• The Z740R has a heavy-duty, multi-stage canister air filter system, which uses a round primary and secondary filter that are easily accessed with latches on the end cap.

Grease fittings

Only three grease fittings require service:

• Three to lubricate the mower-blade spindles, two easily accessed from the spindle covers, and the third by removing the foot platform.

Battery accessibility

The battery is protected from debris, dust, and moisture:

• It is easy to access under the panel on the left-hand side of the machine.
  • Held in place by an easy-to-remove thumbscrew
• Powerful 340 cold cranking amp (CCA) battery provides dependable starts.

Mower deck serviceability

A patent-pending deck-leveling system provides easy adjustment at all four mower mounting points:

• Loosen the nut (B) slightly with a 15-mm wrench.
• Using the open end of a 16-mm wrench on the hex fastener (A), raise or lower the deck as needed so the height of the rear blade tip is 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.
  • Tick marks on bracket (C) are provided to aid in observing movement.
• When the deck is at the height needed, tighten the nut (B).

Serviceability is designed into the mower deck:

• Easy access is provided by the removable operator foot platform.
• Flat-top design minimizes places for debris to collect.
• Spring-loaded, flip-up belt guards make removing debris easy.
• A provision is provided for a standard, 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) ratchet wrench to be used for releasing belt tension when removing the drive belt.

Transmission bypass (tow valves)

Tow-valve controls are provided for each transmission:

• Controls are located at the rear of the machine and are easy to access.
• Tow valves allow moving the machine in its neutral position when the engine is not running.
• Simply, loosen the knob, push towards the front of the machine, and tighten the knob back. When finished moving the machine, return the rods to the operating position.

Built-in tie-down locations

Four tie-down locations are provided for convenience and safety when trailering the machine.

Operator digital video disc (DVD)

An operation and safety DVD is provided with each machine. Please consult the operator’s manual for other safety and operating procedures.

*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.  

Control panel

The operator control panel is conveniently located to the right of the operator. The following controls are found on the right-hand console:

• Key switch
• Hour meter
• Ignition switch
• Power take-off (PTO) control
• Engine speed control
• Engine choke control
• Mower cut-height dial
• Mower transport position lock
• Space for the optional light kit switch

Adjustable steering levers

Motion control levers are shaped and located for operator comfort and ease of control.

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

• Combined height and fore/aft positions gives 18 adjustments
• Increased operator comfort with more leg room and more hand positions
• Adjustable for most precise control of the machine

Tracking adjustment

On-board tracking adjustment can be made by the operator from the operator seat.

• A 13-mm socket wrench is required.

Parking brake integrated with motion-control levers for extra convenience

A patent-pending automatic parking brake system is designed into the steering control levers:

• The mechanical parking brake is operated by the steering control levers.
• The parking brake is engaged when the steering control levers are moved outward, and it is disengaged when the steering control levers are moved inward to the operating position.
• An audible click lets the operator know the brake has fully engaged or disengaged.

The internal parking brake rotor and puck are continually lubricated and cooled for dependable operation and long life.

Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment

Mower deck cutting height adjusts from 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments for excellent cut quality and performance:

• The foot-lift pedal is used to raise the mower deck for setting cut height or locking in the raised or transport position.
• A lift-assist spring is provided to optimize the effort it takes to raise the mower deck.

• To adjust cut height, simply push down on the foot-lift pedal, adjust the dial, and release the foot-lift pedal to lower the deck to the chosen height.
• Use the foot-lift pedal to lock the deck in transport mode. Simply depress the pedal all the way and the deck will lock into transport mode.
• To unlock and lower the deck, push down on the foot-lift pedal, pull up on the transport unlock lever and release the foot-lift pedal to lower the deck to the chosen height.

Safety interlock system

Safety interlocks help prevent operating in an unsafe way:

• The parking brake must be engaged for the engine to crank.
  • Parking brake is set when motion-control levers are in the outward position.
• The operator presence system requires the operator to be in the seat to operate the PTO.
• The key switch interlock prevents bypass starting.
• If the operator leaves the seat when the PTO is engaged, controls are in the operating position, or the parking brake is not set, the engine will shut down.
• The seat interlock switch disengages the mower when the operator leaves the seat.
• The engine will stall if the operator leaves the seat without the motion-control levers in the outward position and the parking brake set.

Formed and welded steel frame

A strong, welded steel frame provides solid, reliable support for the machine components and operator:

• Heavy-duty 3- x 2-in. (76.2- x 51-mm) frame tubing for durability
• Rear frame provides solid support and protection for the engine

Large, smooth-riding front caster wheels

Large front caster wheels provide a smooth ride and level cut:

• A large surface area helps to provide a smooth ride for the operator.

• Pneumatic tires for the smoothest ride (Z720E, Z735E, Z730M, Z735M, Z740R)
• Semi-pneumatic tires for extra reliability and durability (Z740R with Tweel® tire technology)
• Better performance on slopes

• Caster wheels turn easily on two maintenance-free sealed ball bearings for both the spindles and the wheel axles.
  • Long, trouble-free life
  • Designed to give smooth turns without damage to the turf

Large rear drive wheels for a smooth ride and level cut

Rear tires have high-quality tread and optimum size for superior traction and smooth ride:

• Tire width is optimized for mower deck size.
  • 9.5 in. (24 cm) for 48-in. (122-cm) mowers (E, M, R Series)
  • 10.5 in. (26.7 cm) for 54-in. (137-cm) and 60-in. (152-cm) mowers (E, M Series)
  • 12 in. (30.5 cm) for 54-in. (137-cm) and 60-in. (152-cm) mowers (Z740R)
• Tread pattern is optimized for excellent traction and minimum turf damage.
• Special wheel design gives an enhanced appearance to the machine.
• Optional Michelin® X® Tweel Turf airless radial tire technology on the Z740R provides extra reliability and ride quality.

Heavy-duty step weldment

A heavy-duty, permanent step weldment is located at the left front corner of the mower deck:

• Encourages proper entry to the operator station
• Provides a good gripping surface for the operator’s foot

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin SCA.

Dual transmissions efficiently power the ZTrak™ mower forward and reverse and give steering capability:

• The unitized hydrostatic drive features a hydraulic pump combined with a heavy-duty wheel motor into a single unit.
• One pump and motor transmission to drive each wheel provides several benefits:
  • Exceptional cooling in high-load conditions
  • Easy-to-check fluid level and refill with hydraulic oil
    • Hydraulic oil check/fill accessed by raising the seat
• Transmissions are set low in the vehicle for excellent hillside stability.
• Heavy-duty components stand up to the higher loads from the larger tires and greater weight of Z700 Series ZTrak Mowers.
• Low maintenance, unitized transmissions are sealed and have no hose connections to leak hydraulic fluid.
• Four-bolt hubs provide a reliable and convenient wheel-mounting system.

 

The hydrostatic drive features two Hydro-Gear ZT-3100® transmissions for superior performance and durability:

• Unitized hydraulic pumps and commercial-grade, heavy-duty wheel motors combined into a single unit
• Speeds up to 8 mph (12.8 km/h)
• Pump displacement: 0.61 cu in. (10 cc) per revolution
• Motor displacement: 0.97 cu in. (16 cc) per revolution
• Durable 1-in. (2.54-cm) axles for heavy loads
• Standard shock valves for added system protection
• Standard charge pump for increased performance
• External oil filter for easier maintenance

Expansion tanks and tow valve controls

Transmission fluid expansion tanks are provided for each transmission. Yellow filler cap is easy to find and identify.

Tow-valve controls are provided for each transmission:

• Controls are located on the transmissions near the expansion tanks where they are easy to reach and use.
• Tow valves allow moving the machine in its neutral position when the engine is not running.
• Simply, pull up on the rods and secure them into the slot. When finished moving the machine, return the rods to the operating position.

Hydro-Gear and ZT-3100 are trademarks of Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership AF Holding Company, a Delaware Corporation and Danfoss Power Solutions (US) Company, a Delaware Corporation.

The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:

• Getting on and off is easy with the flat operator platform.
• Convenient-to-use controls are located close to the operator.
• Operator controls are color coded and designed for easy identification and operation.

The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:

• It reduces the operator’s risk of being crushed under the vehicle should it overturn.
• In most situations, the ROPS limits the overturn to little more than 90 degrees.
• When used with a seatbelt, the ROPS is very effective in preventing deaths and serious injuries.
  • Use of the seat belt is recommended when operating with ROPS in the upright position.

Foldable ROPS and retractable seat belt are standard equipment:

• Position adjustment pins provide a good grip and make changing the angle of the ROPS easier.
• Easy-fold ROPS includes a built-in isolator.
• The ROPS can be pinned halfway down to accommodate machines equipped with a material collection system.
• Door height of most garages will accommodate the machine with ROPS in the fully raised position.
  • Easy-fold ROPS improves the ability to store the ZTrak in structures with a lower door opening.
    
    

ROPS position	Z720E and Z735E machine height	Z730M and Z735M machine height	Z740R machine height
Full height	71.7 in. (182.2 cm)	71.7 in. (182.2 cm)	72.1 in. (183.2 cm)
Down position	47.4 in. (120.3 cm)	49.7 in. (126.2 cm)	51 in. (129.5 cm)