Z525EResidential ZTrak™ Mower with 48- or 54-in. Deck
- 22-hp (16.4 kW)* V-Twin engine
- 48- or 54-in. Accel Deep™ mower deck
- 8.5-mph ground speed
- 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty
Features
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22-hp (16.4-kW) engine, left rear view
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine, right rear view
Engine oil check/fill tube and oil-drain tube
Replaceable fuel filter and oil filter
Service interval decal (Z300 Series shown)
Service interval decal (Z500 Series shown)
Footrest easily removed for access to mower (Z335E shown)
Footrest removal bolt and hand grip (Z335E shown)
Loosening bolt to remove platform for access to mower deck
Footrest opens for access to mower deck
Z335E engine
Z335E engine oil and fuel filters shown
Z535M and Z535R engine
Z540M and Z540R engine
Easy-to-access oil filter, fill/check oil tube, and oil drain
Accel Deep Mower Deck
Tie-down locations
ZTrak™ Z335E shown
ZTrak Z535M shown
Z535M ZTrak™ with Accel Deep 48A Mower
Accel Deep 48A Mower
48A Mower top (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
48A Mower underside (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
Right side of Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
Mower wash port
Mower wash port with hose connector
MulchControl baffle open (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
MulchControl baffle closed (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
Spindle pocket
Mower wheels are double captured
Optional rear bagger
Power Flow blower
MulchControl baffle closed
MulchControl handle
Z525E with 54-in. (137-cm) Mower Deck shown
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (left rear view shown)
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (right rear view shown)
Adjustable motion-control levers
Motion control lever positions
Shock absorber for motion-control levers
Cut-height pin doubles as tracking adjustment tool
Adjusting tracking with cut-height pin
Control panel (Z525E shown)
Park brake
Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment
Operator station (Z535M shown)
Color-coded controls are easy to identify
Comfortable seat (Z525E)
Comfortable seat (Z535M, Z540M)
Comfortable seat (Z535R, Z540R)
Seat suspension springs
Cup holder (Z525E shown)
Open storage compartment
Flip-up foot platform
Engine is smooth and powerful V-twin design
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine, left rear view
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine, right rear view
A 22-hp (16.4-kW) V-twin engine with 44.2-cu in. (724-cc) displacement provides plenty of power and torque to handle tough mulching, mowing, and bagging conditions:
- V-twin cylinder design for greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality
- Engine model M44
- Electronic ignition for fast starts
- Cast-iron sleeves for longer engine life
- Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
- Spin-on oil filter with pressure lubrication for keeping the oil cleaner for long engine life and extended time between oil changes; pressure lubrication is also more effective when operating the tractor on an incline
- Easy access to the no-tools oil drain valve for oil changes
- Rear engine guard for protecting the engine and providing additional strength and integrity
The Z525E engine has extended life series (ELS) features for enhanced performance and longer life.
Engine oil check/fill tube and oil-drain tube
Replaceable fuel filter and oil filter
Replaceable fuel filter and oil filter are easy to access and change to minimize service time and cost.
John Deere recommends the use of fuel stabilizer in gasoline. See Fuel-Protect for gasoline engines (8 oz) for more information
Serviceability is designed-in for convenience
Service interval decal (Z300 Series shown)
Service interval decal (Z500 Series shown)
A convenient service interval decal provides basic maintenance information. It provides a quick-reference for keeping recommended service up to date.
MOWER DECK ACCESS
Footrest easily removed for access to mower (Z335E shown)
Footrest removal bolt and hand grip (Z335E shown)
The footrest area is hinged and easily raised for service to mower deck:
- It is necessary to remove just one bolt that can be conveniently removed with the lift-height pin.
-
Easy to clean grass off the top of the mower
-
Provides convenient access to the mower drive
Loosening bolt to remove platform for access to mower deck
Footrest opens for access to mower deck
ENGINE SERVICE
Z335E engine
Z335E engine oil and fuel filters shown
Z535M and Z535R engine
Z540M and Z540R engine
Easy-to-access oil filter, fill/check oil tube, and oil drain
The engines are easy to service, including changing the oil and the oil filter and servicing the air filter.
Accel Deep Mower Deck
Tie-down locations
Accel Deep™ Mower Decks have several features that make them easy to service:
- Flat-top design minimizes places for debris to collect.
- Spring-loaded, flip-up belt guards make removing debris easy.
- 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.
Tie-down locations are provided for convenience and safety when trailering the machine.
Design includes a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame
ZTrak™ Z335E shown
ZTrak Z535M shown
ZTrak Mowers are designed around a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for strength and reliability.
Large front caster wheels and large rear drive wheels provide several operator benefits:
-
Smoother ride
-
Better slope performance
-
More operator comfort over uneven ground
-
Better traction
The operator platform is roomy and uncluttered for maximum comfort, and the controls are convenient to use:
- Easy to get on and off the mower
- Ample legroom for comfortable operation
- Adjustable motion-control levers for height and position, enabling the operator to stay comfortable while using them
- Color-coded and logically placed controls
The 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep™ (48A) Mower Deck cuts clean and is versatile
Z535M ZTrak™ with Accel Deep 48A Mower
Accel Deep 48A Mower
The 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck is a stamped-steel, deep, flat-top design that delivers excellent cut quality, productivity, cleanliness, durability, and versatility. Optimal performance and dispersion of clippings is provided, even at faster mowing speeds:
- 4.5-in. (11.4-cm) deep throughout the entire deck shell for optimum mowing, mulching, and bagging performance
- Optional MulchControl™ attachment provides superior mulching performance and versatility.
- Stamped-steel design eliminates sharp edges and corners where material can build up and diminish mowing performance
- Mower deck is suspended from the vehicle for a smooth and level cut
- Adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level, help smooth out the mowing job
EXCELLENT CUT QUALITY
48A Mower top (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
48A Mower underside (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
Deep mower-deck stamping gives excellent cut quality. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck without getting recut:
- Reducing the amount of re-cutting enables more power to be used to cut incoming grass, which greatly improves mower capacity.
- Helps maintain excellent cut quality at faster mowing speeds
- Clean flow of material out of discharge area prevents cut material from interfering with cutting the incoming grass, making it possible for the blades to cut incoming material cleanly.
- Even in mulching mode, cut evenness is improved compared to other designs because the additional depth allows for continuous circulation, optimal re-cutting, and an even distribution of clippings.
PRODUCTIVITY - GETTING THE JOB DONE FAST
Right side of Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
Deep mower-deck stamping gives high productivity, which gets the job done fast. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck quickly, reducing the amount of recutting so more power is available to process incoming grass:
- Greatly improves mowers capacity to maintain excellent mowing performance in difficult mowing conditions and at higher speeds
Large discharge opening is both high and wide to handle more material:
- Gives a smooth, even discharge of clippings at all mowing speeds
- Reduces the chance of plugging, especially important when operating in wet, thick, or dense grass and when bagging
- The 48A Power Flow™ blower has an inlet housing with over 50 percent greater area than the 48X Power Flow blower used on previous machines.
CLEANLINESS - FOR THE MOWER AND THE OPERATOR
Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
Accel Deep 48A Mower Deck
The flat-top shape of the deck stamping is optimal for keeping itself and the operator clean:
- There are few places to catch and hold material on top and underneath the deck.
- Top of deck stays cleaner, reducing time and effort needed for cleaning and service
- Underside of deck is self-cleaning to maintain optimum performance without buildup of material to interfere with the flow of air and clippings
- Less need to clean and remove buildup of material from underside deck
- The depth of the Accel Deep Mower Deck minimizes the amount of material that escapes from the front of the deck
- Limited amount of material to drift onto the operator and mower deck
- Even for material discharged out the chute, less recutting results in larger pieces that are less likely to end up on the operator
- Mulching prevents the discharge of material completely and the MulchControl attachment makes mulching a practical solution for most mowing situations.
Cleaning a mower deck, both top and bottom, is one of the most frequent maintenance activities:
- The flat-top design reduces places for material to build up and makes material that does collect easy to remove.
Mower wash port
Mower wash port with hose connector
A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy.
- Hose connector is included with the mower deck.
HOW MULCHCONTROL WORKS
MulchControl baffle open (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
MulchControl baffle closed (similar mower from X700 Series Tractor shown)
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 MulchControl baffle, or divider, between the left and middle spindles is about half way down. The height is designed to balance the mulching and side-discharge modes.
- When the MulchControl baffle is open, the divider between the left and middle spindles passes a portion of the material to the discharge opening, along with the material from the middle and right spindle areas.
- When the MulchControl baffle is closed, the material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.
SUPERIOR DURABILITY IS DESIGNED IN
Spindle pocket
Mower wheels are double captured
The 48A Mower Deck has strong spindle pockets, to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough service:
- Ribs in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
- The 48A has a 23 percent heavier overall weight than the Edge™ Xtra 48-in. (122-cm) Mower Deck used on previous machines.
Mower wheels are double-captured:
- Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life.
- Single-bolt adjustment makes setting wheels to the correct height for the cutting height quick and easy.
Low-tension belt-drive design reduces the side load on engine lower bearings and mower deck bearings for longer life.
The 48A Mower Deck features a 5/8-in. (16-mm) diameter solid-steel rod side bumper that provides extra strength and protection.
Dual-stage E-coat and powder-paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.
VERSATILITY - EASY TO CHANGE BETWEEN SIDE DISCHARGE, MULCH, AND BAGGING MODES
The 48A Mower is designed for maximum versatility, providing the greatest ease in changing from one mower discharge mode to another:
- With the optional MulchControl attachment installed (along with the special mulching blades), changing from side-discharge to mulching or vice versa is done with the simple flip of a lever.
- The Power Flow rear bagger can be used with the MulchControl attachment and blades installed - by simply placing the MulchControl lever in the side-discharge position.
MULCHCONTROL OPTION
The MulchControl attachment for the 48A Mower Deck 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
6.5 BU (230 L) POWER FLOW REAR BAGGER (REAR BAGGER NOT AVAILABLE FOR ZTRAK Z355E OR Z355R)
Optional rear bagger
Power Flow blower
An optional 6.5-bu (230-L) Power Flow Rear Bagger material collection system (MCS) is available. It provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves:
- The Power Flow blower and chute are easy to install. The Power Flow blower swings out for easy cleanout and cleanup.
- The hopper design provides modern styling, great bagging performance, cleaner operation, and easy-to-empty bags:
- 6.5-bu (230-L) capacity
- Easy-to-attach Power Flow blower (ordered separately)
- Easy-to-attach chute (ordered separately)
- Air exhaust duct
- Convenient spring-latch
- Airflow fill indicator
- Quik-Tatch mounting
- Sealed hopper top
- Loose-knit bags available
MulchControl baffle closed
MulchControl handle
- 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 of the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
- Changing from mulching to side discharge or vice versa takes only a few seconds.
MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:
- Usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
- Usually side-discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
- Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
- Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags
MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. Now the operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharge or bagging when needed.
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
Full-featured engine is more reliable and lasts longer
Z525E with 54-in. (137-cm) Mower Deck shown
The Z375R and the Z525E have a full-featured engine with extended life series (ELS) features that is engineered to deliver world-class endurance and power. A step above the competition, it is designed to be more dependable and longer lasting, saving time and money over the long run.
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (left rear view shown)
22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (right rear view shown)
Built to exceed demanding needs by incorporating premium features and innovative designs:
- Overhead valve (OHV) design for cooler operation and longer valve life
- Contains an advanced debris management system that directs cooling air through the rotating screen to the air cleaner compartment, where large debris is pre-filtered through ejector slots
- Keeps unfiltered air out of the engine through a large, dual-sealed, premium oval-shaped cartridge-style filter
- Ensures maximum protection for extended engine life with the premium air cleaner, a pleated paper filter with a foam precleaner
- Captures fine particles for maximum protection and extended maintenance
- Provides maximum protection with full-pressure lubrication system
- Pumps oil by a mechanical gerotor-style pump to all critical engine components
- Enhances the system through a premium automotive-style spin-on oil filter, which removes over 95 percent of oil contaminates
- A premium bearing package for improved durability; includes a super-finished crank pin bearing with a 50 percent smoother surface to increase load capacity by 35 percent
- Uses a premium DU Teflon®-coated bearing
- Helps resist wear and increases durability through self-lubricating bronze bearing
- Wear-resistant chrome-plated valve stems for long-life valves
- 44 percent smoother for longer life
- Cast-iron cylinder sleeve for extended life
- Dependable float-feed type carburetor with integral fuel pump
- High-capacity fuel filter for dependable operation
- 30 micron filter with 55 percent more filter area than standard filters
- Maintenance-free electronic ignition for quick, dependable starts
- Platinum spark plugs for extended life
Teflon is a trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
Instruments and controls are convenient and easy to use
MOTION-CONTROL LEVERS
Adjustable motion-control levers
Motion control lever positions
The motion-control levers can be adjusted to three different height settings and fifteen different fore-aft settings:
- Increased operator comfort
- Adjustable for most precise control of the machine
- Adjustment of the control lever can be done with the cut-height pin
Shock absorber for motion-control levers
A standard shock absorber for the motion-control levers makes maneuvering ZTrak™ Mowers easy and comfortable:
- Shock absorber modulates the movement of control levers for smoother operation.
- Operator can smoothly and precisely control the machine.
TRACKING ADJUSTMENT
Cut-height pin doubles as tracking adjustment tool
Adjusting tracking with cut-height pin
On-board tracking adjustment from the operator seat is quick and easy. The cut-height pin includes a 13-mm wrench and doubles as a convenient tool for adjusting tracking and the motion-control lever position:
-
The red arrow indicates the socket included on the cut-height pin that can be used for the operator to use when making a tracking adjustment.
CONTROL PANEL
Control panel (Z525E shown)
The operator control panel is conveniently located and easy to use.
The following instruments and controls are included:
- Hourmeter
- Ignition switch
- Power take-off (PTO) control
- Engine speed/choke control
- A choke position is built into the engine speed control (525E, Z535M).
- A separate lever is provided for operating the choke (Z540M)
PARK BRAKE
Park brake
The park brake is conveniently located:
- Large lever is easy to use.
- Park brake effectively holds the machine in the parked position.
- Park brake must be engaged (in the upper position) to start the engine.
- Once the engine is started, the park brake must be disengaged before operating the motion-control levers.
MOWER DECK LIFT/CUT-HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment
- Mower deck cutting height adjusts from 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments for excellent cut quality and performance.
- Mower-deck adjustment has built-in memory so the operator can easily return to the desired cutting height after raising the deck.
Operator station is designed for comfort and convenience
Operator station (Z535M shown)
Color-coded controls are easy to identify
The operator station is designed for operator comfort and convenience in operating all controls:
- Excellent visibility forward and to the trim side of the deck makes operation easy and comfortable for the operator.
- Controls are color coded for easy identification.
- Twin-lever motion-control levers adjust, using cut-height pin/socket, for convenience and operator comfort.
- Shock absorbers dampen control movements to give smooth operation.
COMFORTABLE SEAT
Comfortable seat (Z525E)
Comfortable seat (Z535M, Z540M)
Comfortable seat (Z535R, Z540R)
Comfortable seats with two suspension springs and no-tools fore-aft seat adjustment, that can be used by the operator while seated:
- Z525E – Medium-back, 15-in. (38-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 3-in. (7.6-cm) fore-aft adjustment
- Z535M – High-back, 18-in. (45.7-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 3-in. (7.6-cm) fore-aft adjustment
- Z540M – High-back, 18-in. (45.7-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 3-in. (7.6-cm) fore-aft adjustment
- Z535R – High-back, 20-in. (50.8-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 4.5-in. (11.4-cm) fore-aft adjustment
- Z540R – High-back, 20-in. (50.8-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 4.5-in. (11.4-cm) fore-aft adjustment
SEAT SUSPENSION
Seat suspension springs
Two steel springs under the seat absorb shocks when traveling over rougher areas to provide a smoother ride.
CUP HOLDER AND STORAGE COMPARTMENT
Cup holder (Z525E shown)
Open storage compartment
FLIP-UP FOOT PLATFORM
Flip-up foot platform
The commercial-style steel footrest flips up to provide easy access for servicing the mower deck:
- Easy to clean grass off the top of the mower
- Provides convenient access to the mower drive
Specs & Compare
| Specs & Compare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere Z525E
|
Engine
| Power | 22 hp 16.4 kW | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model number | M44 Extended Life Series (ELS) | |||
| Displacement | 44.2 cu in. 724 cc | |||
| Cylinders | V-twin | |||
| Lubrication | Full pressure with replaceable filter, capacity, 2 U.S. qt 1.9 L | |||
| Type | Overhead valve | |||
| Battery | 12 V 300 CCA | |||
| Choke/speed control | Separate levers | |||
| Cooling method | Air | |||
| Fuel tank capacity | 4.5 U.S. gal. 17 L | |||
| Fuel gauge | Fuel level sight line |
Drive train
| Dual hydros | Tuff Torq TZ17-D with 1-in. (2.5-cm) axles |
|---|
Travel speed
| Forward speed | 0-8.5 mph 0-13.7 km/h | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse speed | 0-4 mph 0-6.4 km/h | |||
| Speed and direction control | Twin levers | |||
| Control adjustment | 3 height/18 positions |
Chassis
| Frame | Heavy-duty frame tubing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primer/paint | E-coat/powder | |||
| Front caster tires | 13x5-6 | |||
| Front caster bearings | Sealed ball bearings | |||
| Drive tires | 22x9.5-10 | |||
| Hourmeter | Yes | |||
| Service interval decal | Yes | |||
| Storage compartment | Yes | |||
| Cup holder | Yes |
Seat
| Seat back height | Medium back with armrests, 15 in. 38.1 cm | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fore-aft adjustment | While seated, 3 in. 7.6 cm | |||
| Seat suspension | Two springs |
Lift system
| Type | Hand lever with optional foot lift | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mower cut height | 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm | |||
| Cut height increments | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm | |||
| Preset cut height | Yes |
Mower deck
| Width of cut | 48 in. 122 cm 54 in. 137 cm | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Side discharge | |||
| Mower deck material | 10 gauge 0.135 in. 3.4 mm | |||
| Mower drive system | V-belt |
PTO
| Type | Electric, 125 lb-ft 169.5 Nm | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | V-belt |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 48.7 in. 123.7 cm | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 76.7 in. 194.8 cm | |||
| Width without mower | 47.4 in. 120.4 cm | |||
| Width with mower | 48A - 62.6 in. 159 cm 54A - 68.8 in. 174.8 cm | |||
| Width with mower (deflector raised for storage) | 48A - 54 in. 137.2 cm 54A - 59.7 in. 151.6 cm | |||
| Height | 39.4 in. 100.1 cm | |||
| Weight | With mower and fuel, 48A, 615 lb 279 kg With mower and fuel, 54A, 631 lb 286 kg |
Safety
| Operator presence system | Yes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park brake interlock | Yes | |||
| Safety video | Yes |
Buyer's notes
| Note 1 | Mower wash port makes cleaning the deck easier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 2 | Flip-up foot platform for easy service access | |||
| Note 3 | 18-position adjustable motion-control levers |
Optional attachments
| Rear bagger | 6.5 bu 229.1 L | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulching system | Yes | |||
| Double light kit | Yes | |||
| Rubber floor mat | Yes | |||
| Mounted sprayer | 15 U.S. gal. 56.8 L | |||
| Storage cover | Yes | |||
| Light kit | Dual headlight kit | |||
| Material collection system | Power Flow rear bagger, 6.5 bu 229.1 L |
Maintenance and Support
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Product modules and features has been compiled for worldwide circulation with general information, pictures, and descriptions of features not available in all countries. In some countries, products and accessories may require modifications or additions to ensure compliance with local regulations. Contact your local John Deere dealer for details.