Z540R
Residential ZTrak™ Mowers
- Edge™ Cutting System deck
- V-twin, air-cooled cyclonic engine
- Speeds up to 15 km/h
- 4 year/500 hour limited warranty
Features
Engine is smooth and powerful V-twin design with features for reliability and long life
24-hp (17.9-kW) engine 
Overhead valve engine Key engine features include:
- 24 hp (17.9 kW) provides plenty of power.
- Large 44.3 cu in. (726-cc) displacement provides plenty of torque.
- V-twin air-cooled design is efficient.
- Excellent power and performance
- Smooth, quiet power
- Easy starts
- Engine model FS730V
- Many quality features are included.
- Cast-iron cylinder liners provide a long-wearing surface for longer engine life.
- Overhead valves allow the engine to breathe easily for excellent power and fuel economy.
- Full-pressure lubrication is more effective.
- Replaceable oil filter keeps the oil cleaner for longer engine life.
- Dual-stage air cleaner thoroughly cleans engine intake air.
- Electronic ignition contributes to fast starts.
- Solenoid-shift starter for easy starts, even in cold weather.
- 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 or a sprayer.
- 20-amp capacity
- Regulated to keep the battery at a full charge, without risk of overcharging
Air filter cover 
Cover removed to show air filter First-stage foam filter stops large dirt particles before they make contact with the filter.
The air filter is easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
Engine cooling-air screen 
Engine oil fill, filter, and drain Air screen cover provides protection for the rotating air screen. Rotating screen filters out debris and reduces the size of material that gets through so it will pass harmlessly past the engine fins.
Full-pressure lubrication system provides plenty of oil to the engines moving parts to ensure reliable operation and long life:
- Replaceable oil filter keeps the oil cleaner for a longer engine life.
- Extends the time between oil changes
-
- Full-pressure lubrication is more effective.
- No-tools oil drain is convenient to use.
John Deere recommends the use of fuel stabilizer in gasoline. See Fuel-Protect for gasoline engines (8 oz [237 mL]) for more information.
The Edge™ Cutting System high-capacity (HC) 48-in. (122-cm) Mower Deck handles larger volumes of grass
48-in. (122-cm) HC Mower Deck The 48-in. (122-cm) HC Mower Deck has a deep-deck design to handle higher volumes of grass. It is stamped from heavy-gauge steel and has additional durability features to stand up to challenging mowing conditions.
48-in. (122-cm) HC Mower Deck shown on a Z540R 
Left side of 48-in. (122-cm) HC Mower Deck The 48-in. (122-cm) HC Deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:
- Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
- Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
- Durable plastic deflector spreads grass clippings evenly across the lawn, is hinged, and can be raised to minimize the storage space required.
- 1-in. (2.5-cm) cold-forged spindles are heat-treated for strength and are supported by ball bearings.
- Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
- Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (4 cm), nearly 0.8 in. (2 cm) greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
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.
Rear angle of 6.5-bu (230-L) Power Flow™ Rear Bagger shown on Z525E 
Side view of 6.5-bu (230-L) Power Flow Rear Bagger shown on Z525E An optional rear bagger is available:
- Mower is designed to fill the 6.5-bu (230-L) rear hopper using the Power Flow blower.
- Standard or mulch blades may be used with the Power Flow collection system.
Power Flow blower 
The Power Flow blower is mounted on a sturdy swing arm that allows easy installation and cleanout.
Mulching attachment components An optional mulching attachment is available:
- This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware-count that allows for easy removal of the mulch components.
- The high-performance mulching attachment includes formed steel baffles to control the material and special mulching blades for superior performance.
- The special mulching blades that are included can also be used for side discharging or with a material collection system, though the overall cut quality may be slightly less than with the standard mower blades.
The Edge™ Cutting System high-capacity (HC) 54-in. (137-cm) Mower Deck
54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Deck The 54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Deck has a deep-deck design.
54-in. (137-cm) HC Mower Deck shown on a Z540R 
Reinforced mower edge for durability The 54-in. (137-cm) HC Deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.150-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:
- Deep-deck design of 5.5 in. (14 cm) delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
- Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
- 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 roller and two double-captured anti-scalp wheels give a more even mowing job and reduce the chance of scalping.
- Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
- Blade overlap is 1.6 in. (40 mm), nearly 0.8 in. (20 mm) greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
- Mower can side-discharge or mulch.
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.
Optional MulchControl™ attachment
MulchControl with baffle closed 
MulchControl handle 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
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, thus 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 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.
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
MulchControl compatibility
MulchControl is a field-installed attachment. Mulching blades are included:
- MulchControl is available for 2015 and later EZtrak™ Z625 and Z655 (SN 170,001-).
Order:
Rear angle of 6.5-bu (230-L) Power Flow™ Rear Bagger shown on Z525E Side view of 6.5-bu (230-L) Power Flow Rear Bagger shown on Z525E An optional rear bagger is available:
- Mower is designed to fill the 6.5-bu (230-L) rear hopper using the Power Flow blower.
- Standard or mulch blades may be used with the Power Flow collection system.
Power Flow blower The Power Flow blower is mounted on a sturdy swing arm that allows easy installation and cleanout.
Optional high-performance mulching attachment
Mulching attachment components (48 HC shown) An optional mulching attachment is available:
- This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware-count, that allows for easy removal of the mulch components.
- The high-performance mulching attachment includes formed steel baffles to control the material and special mulching blades for superior performance.
- The special mulching blades that are included can also be used for side discharging or with a material collection system, though the overall cut quality may be slightly less than with the standard mower blades.
- Order: BM23977, 54 HC mulching attachment
The Edge™ Cutting System High-Capacity (HC) 60-in. (152-cm) Mower Deck
60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Deck The 60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Deck has a deep-deck design.
60-in. (152-cm) HC Mower Deck shown on a Z540R 
Reinforced mower edge for durability The 60-in. (152-cm) HC Deck is stamped from heavy, 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside for reduced material buildup:
- Deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow, so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
- Wider and higher discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.
- 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 roller and two double-captured anti-scalp wheels give a more even mowing job and reduce the chance of scalping.
- Front edge is raised above the blade plane to allow even cutting of tall grass.
- Blade overlap is greater than many conventional decks, for a clean cut.
- Mower can side-discharge or mulch.
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.
Optional high-performance mulching attachment
Mulching attachment components (48 HC shown) An optional mulching attachment is available:
- This design requires no drilling for initial mounting, less installation time, and reduced hardware-count that allows for easy removal of the mulch components.
- The high-performance mulching attachment that includes formed steel baffles to control the material and special mulching blades for superior performance.
- The special mulching blades that are included can also be used for side discharging, though overall performance may be slightly less than with the standard mower blades.
- Order: BM23978, 60 HC mulching attachment
Optional MulchControl™ attachment
MulchControl with baffle closed MulchControl handle 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 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
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, thus 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 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
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 the side-discharge mode 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, 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 lawn clean-up is desired
MulchControl compatibility
MulchControl is a field-installed attachment. Mulching blades are included:
- MulchControl is for 2015 and later EZtrak™ Z665 Mower (SN 170,001-) and ZTrak™ Z540R Mower.
Order:
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 have 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, 21-in. (53.3-cm) seat with adjustable armrests and 4.5-in. (11.4-cm) fore-aft adjustment
- Z540R – High-back, 21-in. (53.3-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
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.
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
- Can adjust for the most precise control of the machine
Shock absorber for motion-control levers A standard shock absorber for the motion-control levers makes it easy and comfortable to maneuver the ZTrak™ Mowers:
- Shock absorber modulates the movement of the control levers for smoother operation.
- Operator can smoothly and precisely control the machine.
Tracking adjustment
Cut-height pin doubles as tracking adjustment tool Tracking adjustment from the operator seat is quick and easy. A cut-height pin provides an easy method to adjust the motion-control levers:
- The socket included on the cut-height pin can be used for the operator to use when making a tracking adjustment.
Control panel
Control panel The operator control panel is conveniently located and easy to use.
The instruments and controls are as follows:
- Hour meter
- Ignition switch
- Power take-off (PTO) control
- Engine speed control
- Engine choke control
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
Cut-height adjustment 
Mower deck lift/cut-height adjustment The Z535R and Z540R include a foot-lift pedal along with the hand-lift lever to make raising the mower deck easier. The foot-lift pedal also provides a convenient way to temporarily raise the mower deck over an obstruction while mowing:
- 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 optimum cut quality and performance.
- Mower deck adjustment has built-in memory so the operator can easily return to the desired cutting height.
Mower deck lift pedal - Foot pedal provides easy lifting of the deck.
Steering is easy with large diameter front caster wheels
Motion-control levers shown on Z335E 
Shock absorber dampens movement of control levers Motion-control levers are designed for comfortable and easy operation.
A shock absorber is included to dampen the movement of the control levers so any operator can make smooth, controlled turns.
Conveniently located fuel-sight window allows operator to see fuel level
Easy to view fuel level (fuel-sight window) 
Easy-to-fill fuel tank A convenient fuel-sight window is located where it is easy for the operator to see:
- Semi-clear material makes seeing how much fuel is in the tank quick and easy.
- Large, 3-in. (7.6-cm) fuel-fill opening reduces the chance of spilling when adding fuel.
- Fuel-fill opening is low and angled to make adding fuel easy.
- Cap is tethered to the fuel tank.
- Less chance of fuel cap getting lost
Front caster wheel (Z335E) 
Front caster wheel (Z525E) Pneumatic caster wheels give a smoother ride and easier steering:
- Large diameter front caster wheels provide extra ride comfort and better steering control.
- Caster wheels have sealed bearings for long life and easy steering.
- Tires are sized for the size and weight of the vehicle.
| ZTrak™ model | Caster wheel tire size |
| Z335E, Z335M, Z345M, Z345R | 11x4.0-5 |
| Z355E, Z355R, Z375R, Z525E, Z535M, Z540M | 13x5.0-6 |
| Z535R, Z540R | 13x6.50-6 |
Controls are designed to promote safe operation
Park brake (Z535E shown) 
Motion-control levers (Z525E shown) - Park brake must be engaged for the engine to crank.
- Motion-control levers must be in the outward position for the engine to crank.
- Park brake must be disengaged before operating the motion-control levers or the engine will stall.
Interlock switch is located under the seat (Z540R shown) - Seat interlock switch disengages the mower when the operator leaves the seat.
- Engine will stall if the operator leaves the seat without the motion-control levers in the outward position and the park brake set.
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
Styling is both functional and attractive
ZTrak™ Z335E 
ZTrak Z525E The styling of ZTrak Mowers is functional and attractive to appeal to residential owners who value product appearance and the easy, comfortable operation that comes with thoughtful control designs:
- Color-coded controls are not only attractive, but easy to find and use.
- Large foot platform, surrounded by frame rails, has a safe and inviting appearance and provides easy access for the operator.
- Contoured shape of the fenders provides improved visibility to the drive tires, minimizes storage space required, and adds to the stylish appearance of the vehicle.
Loosening bolt to remove platform for access to mower deck Footrest opens for access to mower deck The footrest area is easily removed, utilizing the on-board tool, for access to the mower deck.
Heavy-duty welded steel frame for reliability and long life
Heavy-duty frame tubing 
ZTrak™ mower frame The ZTrak frame includes 1- x 1.5-in. (2.5- x 3.8-cm) steel tubing for long-term durability:
- Heavy-duty frame tubing provides a solid support.
- Reinforced frame offers additional strength where needed.
Electric PTO clutch is reliable and easy to use
Electric PTO switch A heavy-duty electric power take-off (PTO) clutch is controlled by a convenient, dash-mounted control.
Heavy-duty PTO clutch
PTO clutch The PTO clutch is designed to operate through many on/off cycles.
Dual transmissions are efficient and have large, 1-in. (2.5-cm) diameter axles for durability
Unitized transmissions set low in vehicle (right side shown) 
Unitized hydrostatic transmission Dual unitized transmissions efficiently power the ZTrak™ forward and reverse and give steering capability:
- Transmissions are set low in the vehicle for excellent hillside stability.
- Tuff Torq® TZT7-M transmissions are reliable and durable.
- Beefed-up 1-in. (2.5-cm) axles for greater strength
- Have heavier-duty components to stand up to the higher loads from the larger tires and greater weight of Z500R Series ZTrak Mowers
- Maintenance-free, unitized transmissions are sealed and have no hose connections to leak hydraulic fluid.
- Four-bolt hubs provide a reliable and convenient wheel-mounting system.
Transmission expansion tank and tow-valve lever 
Tow valve control lever Tow-valve controls are provided for each transmission and located on the transmissions near the expansion tanks:
- Easy to reach and use
- Allow the vehicle to be moved without the engine running
Tuff Torq is a trademark of Tuff Torq Corporation.