The John Deere Z970R is a top-of-the-line commercial zero turn that is built like a tank. It is built to last and has several noteworthy features. It is definitely worth a look if you're needing a new commercial zero turn.
John Deere has been providing innovative equipment for the agricultural communities, the forestry and construction industry, and personal equipment such as lawn mowers for the general public for over 180 years. Their equipment is highly regarded and sought after. They make high-quality machinery to meet the needs of the masses.
The John Deere Foundation has raised millions of dollars to help farmers, communities they have stores in, and children and families within those communities. They have spent over one million hours donating their time to numerous projects and have awarded over $340 million in grants since 1948.
If you’re looking for a piece of equipment, whether it be a backhoe or a residential lawn mower – check with John Deere and see what they have to offer before you start shopping around.
For the remainder of this article, we are going to do a review of the Z970R lawnmower.
Comparison
The Z970R zero turn lawnmower and the Gravely Pro turn 600 and the Ferris ISX 3300 are all comparable in looks and quality. However, the Z970R has more of a selection of mulching decks to choose from and the Glide seats make for a comfortable ride, making the John Deere Z970R the superior mower in some eyes.
| Specs | John Deere Z970R | Gravely Pro Turn 600 | Ferris ISX 3300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 35 hp 26.1 kW | 27 HP, 35 HP, 38.5 HP | 38 HP |
| Displacement | 999 cc | 852 CC, 999 CC | 993CC, 999CC |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | PARKER HTG | Hydro-Gear® ZT-5400 |
| Cutting Width | 60, 72 in. | 50, 60, 70 in | 61 in, 72 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.5 gal | 12.5 gal | 11 gal |
| Weight | 1336 to 1344 lbs | 1486 – 1815 lbs | 1,717 lbs |
Power
The Z970R Zero-Turn lawn mower has a two-cylinder motor with 35 horsepower, 3,600 rpm, and 26.1 kW. With a hydrostatic transmission.
Compared to other lawn mowers in the same class, it has a little bit more power. Even though some mowers in the same class have more than one engine option to choose from, the Z97OR engine is more powerful with higher RPMs.
Features
The Z970R John Deere Lawn Mower features the following.
- A powerful 35.0-horsepower commercial engine provides performance and economy that are unmatched in the industry.
- Built using high-quality materials.
- Provides a great deal of comfort with the Glide system.
Cut Quality
The cut quality is excellent. The Mulch on Demand's mower deck provides commercial mower operators with unparalleled performance and productivity and versatility in their operations. Maintaining the majority of cuttings and keeping them out of the landscaping features. While directed to where they are supposed to go.
With the option to change from side-discharge & mulching operation by flipping the lever while the operator mows. Making the cut simple to direct ending with a nice, manicured lawn.
Durability
Blade spindle housings made of cast iron provide increased dependability and long durability. This machine is built to last. Upon research, no weak points could be found. This John Deere mower is one of the top commercial mowers in their line-up.
Comfort
Designed to provide improved ride comfort across uneven terrain, the Comfort Glide suspension system has been installed in each seat.
The seat may move up to 3 inches forward and backward to absorb bumps, resulting in a significant improvement in ride comfort.
If required, the control lever can be used to shut out the suspension movement quickly and conveniently.
One lever can perform three different tasks:
The seat can be moved to give the operator the capacity to select the amount of legroom required by the situation.
Comfort can be activated. Glided seat suspension makes this mower very comfortable to ride on.
This Series is all equipped with a deluxe comfort seat, which includes armrests and isolation.
Rubber springs are included to help separate the seat base and improve ride comfort during long rides.
Lifting the seat is made simple by the use of a convenient seat latch.
The isolation mounting function reduces vibration and makes the seat more comfortable.
Aesthetics
This mower looks like a luxury mower. It is large and accommodates up to two people. It has John Deere's traditional colors of green and yellow.
Build Quality
The Z970R Zero-turn lawnmower is built using high-quality John Deere parts. The mower is made out of steel, cast iron, metal, and other high-quality, state-of-the-art materials that are made to last a long time.
Pros / Cons
The John Deere Z9709 Zero-Turn mower has received a lot of excellent reviews from consumers, but it is not without a few cons; nothing is perfect.
Pros
- Choice of sizes for mulch decks, which is convenient because you do not want too large of a deck for mowing for your yard or a small commercial area. The same for the larger mulch deck for larger areas. You don’t want a mulching deck that is too small either.
- Comfort is very important and with the glided seat users have the ability to enjoy a nice smooth ride.
- A power engine to get the job done quicker and is great for rough terrain.
- Zwheels take your tire worries away, no need to constantly check the tire pressure. Power through tall grass and brush like a champ.
Cons
- Fuel mileage isn’t as good as it could be. This uses a bit more than other mowers. If you have large areas to mow, gas could cost you more than you want to pay.
- A mower is more expensive than what most people who are using it to just mow their yard are probably expecting. It is well worth the money, but you could buy a slightly used car for the same amount of money.
Our Rating
| Performance: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Cut Quality: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Comfort: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4.3 / 5) |
Price
A brand new John Deere Z9709 Zero-Turn mower costs about $17,500. You can always buy a less expensive used mower from a private individual selling it.
Wrapping It Up
The Z9709 Zero-Turn mower is perfect for residential and commercial mowing. Choose from four mulching deck sizes and two types of Glide Comfort seating. This lawnmower received rave reviews from customers who have purchased it with the chief complaint being the fuel mileage and everything else being great.
If you’re not sure about the mower, head to your local John Deere and test drive one. You can test drive the whole line of mowers if you like, but in the end, you’ll most likely go back to the Z970R mower. There is something about it people can’t resist.
What do you think?
We hope you learned a thing or two from this John Deere Z970R review. Let us know in the comments what you think of the John Deere Z970R!
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Images are from John Deere.
