That’s a great price. I have looked at them and I have decided that I am definitely getting one at the beginning next season. That will give me an all diesel fleet. I have no doubt that the cutting power is unreal for that engine. Congrats on the purchase.

 

I looked at one at the dealer yesterday when I was picking up oil. They are sweet. The weight scares me though. They are like 500lbs more than most of the gas models from Deere. Most of those are around 12-1300lbs. The 994 is like 1800 isn’t it?

 

How much more does it weigh than a comparable gas model, say a 950 or 960?

 

The 994 is around 1700 pounds and a comparable gas model 950 is around 1300

 

Addressing the weight.
Again it was a concern of mine as well. A two fold concern.
1 I did NOT want to get stuck all of the time. 2 I did not want to tear up my yards.
Honest review. With the stock turf tires I never got stuck but it started spinning in wet spots. (Not any easier than a 1200 pound mower would though, about the same!)
With the stock tires it was hard to zero turn on a dime without rutting up the yard. I never do that though. I always 3 point turn and take it slow no matter what machine I am on. The weight of the mower does not tear up even the small yards with cautious turning. If it wasn't so wet this time of year and dirty I would show you guys a picture of the mower. I put some A/T field Trax tires on it and it goes through water lIke its a boat. The turns are still clean when I take my time.
Honestly guys this mower is the best I've ever used. Yesterday we cut a pasture of knee high clover at 3 wide open without stalling it leaving it with a great finished cut. The manual tells you to flush and replace the radiator fluid at 6,000 hours. That tells me what they think of these engines. When I can pay this one out and afford another one I will be getting another I can promise you!

 

I tried one of these out at the dealer yesterday. I have to say that when I buy a new machine, this is it. I cut a lot next to the dealer and it is so smooth and rides so good. I was quoted $16000 with the rear tweels and the new best seat. I love the fact that
It’s an R but it has a foot deck lift.

 

I bought one. I’m picking it up Friday. I can’t wait!

 

I bought one. I'm picking it up Friday. I can't wait!

Jealous

 

I bought one. I'm picking it up Friday. I can't wait!

Had a chance to run it yet?

 

Hopefully it's dry enough that I can run it tomorrow. I'll let you know!

 

View attachment 382088 View attachment 382089 View attachment 382090 View attachment 382091 Hopefully it's dry enough that I can run it tomorrow. I'll let you know!

Is that sprayer an option? That rack it's on is cool as hell. Part #?

 

I just wanted to make a post about this machine. I went through a lot of different decisions on which mower to get to add to my business . I just want to state that I am not affiliated with John deere. I have run every zero turn except grasshopper and ferris. I realize at this point in the game they are all good. This post isn't to say which is better, I just wanted to shine some light to the new diesel mower that John deere came out with. I decided to buy it 2 weeks ago with .5 hours on it. I now have 30 hours on the machine and I feel I can give a decent review of it. Going in I had 2 major concerns about the risk of buying a very expensive machine. The power, (24.7 hp diesel) and the weight. People told me the torque is what makes the difference and while I believed them I still was worried. I did not want to invest in a machine that would not be able to handle anything I could put it through.
Power: boy was I dead wrong. This mower will cut through anything. Cutting yards really short, cutting them tall, cutting in wet grass. It handles anything I have put it through with ease!! I have a 960m 31 hp kawasaki and I know this diesel will out perform it, and my kawasaki 31 is strong so that says a lot. The weight is also not an issue. I have found that the rear end sits higher than the other z tracks. The new seat is all I need. Extremely comfortable. I'm sure it's not "the best" but unless your going to start getting into cab and air tractors the new seat John deere has made is comfortable to mow all day long. I watch carefully how I turn and the mower jumps curbs and cuts in tight places flawlessly. This little big engine is so strong, the torque is so much and the engine is quiet. These yanmar engines have proven to run 4k hours many times. It's the same engine that is on all the small 25 hp tractors (24.7) same engine!
Honestly that was one of my selling points to buy this mower. I know there are a lot more elements that could go out, but if I am paying on a machine, I want one that is proven to last. I am thanking God a lot about this mower. It is great guys. If you can afford it and are considering it I would DEFINITELY get it. Work with your dealer. I got mine for 14,400
60 inch 7 iron pro with the regular tires

I'm glad you brought this up....i run quiktrak and honestly for me it cuts through anything but i was thinking what if i had this mower. I think i saw lower fpm on it? I say this because i run gators day in day out and was worried about lower fpm less suction? Any comment on that just curious. Up hills i have a few berms i go up and over and my 730 digs in at a pretty steep angle no loss rpms no loss in speed. Again just curious. I am very interrested in this unit.

 

When I demoed one only time I felt it was lacking some power was if you are going up a hill.. that is where it lets you know it is a heavy machine.

 

I will never demo one. Never. This looks like the cats meow--- a test run will only deplete the bank roll. Never will I test one.

 

Ok, so I took the 994r on its maiden voyage today. Although I've only been in the seat for one day, here are my first impression.

Ride- I can't compare the ride of the new suspension seat to any other brand's suspension seat, but compared to my past Deere's, this is by far the best ride I've ever had. I can honestly say it's quite comfortable.

Cut quality- Even though it's the much hated MOD deck, I must say they work great in Louisiana. My dealer swapped a deck from a 930m because the 994r does not come with a 54 MOD deck. It was a must for me. It has the same awesome cut quality of my outgoing 925m with 54 MOD deck. I was a little concerned at first because the blade tip speed is advertised at 16,000. It was a non-factor, in fact, the deck seemed much smoother and quieter than any Ztrak I've ever ran. It discharges great, and it mulches fine where I needed it.

Engine- Smooth, smooth, smooth. This is the smoothest running ZTR I've ever been on, including my 997r. With the 54 inch deck is NEVER asked for more power, and the engine isn't even broken in yet! I figured it would be quite torquey, because that is the same engine that is on my 1025r.. and I find that engine smooth and torquey as well. I ran it basically all day, and that burned about a quarter of a tank. I will hand calculate numbers as the machine breaks in.

Additional Pros- I do love the foot parking brake much better than the previous hand brake. The chute on the deck seems to have a little larger opening than my previous mower. The machine is very quiet, and with my hearing protection on I can barely hear the engine. If I use my radio I can't hear the engine at all. In fact, I stopped a couple of times to check to see if the machine was still cutting. I think Deere has developed a near perfect zero turn mower.

Cons- The only thing I can really think of is the fact that the machine is heavier than the gas counterparts. It is a non-factor for me however, but it may pose a problem for a few people.

Also, the AT101's are a great ZTR tire. I have not hit any soft ground with them yet, but like how smooth they ride and I also like how they grab with no slippage like the OEM Turfmasters. Anyways that's my review. If you have additional questions hit me up.

 

Ok, so I took the 994r on its maiden voyage today. Although I've only been in the seat for one day, here are my first impression.

Ride- I can't compare the ride of the new suspension seat to any other brand's suspension seat, but compared to my past Deere's, this is by far the best ride I've ever had. I can honestly say it's quite comfortable.

Cut quality- Even though it's the much hated MOD deck, I must say they work great in Louisiana. My dealer swapped a deck from a 930m because the 994r does not come with a 54 MOD deck. It was a must for me. It has the same awesome cut quality of my outgoing 925m with 54 MOD deck. I was a little concerned at first because the blade tip speed is advertised at 16,000. It was a non-factor, in fact, the deck seemed much smoother and quieter than any Ztrak I've ever ran. It discharges great, and it mulches fine where I needed it.

Engine- Smooth, smooth, smooth. This is the smoothest running ZTR I've ever been on, including my 997r. With the 54 inch deck is NEVER asked for more power, and the engine isn't even broken in yet! I figured it would be quite torquey, because that is the same engine that is on my 1025r.. and I find that engine smooth and torquey as well. I ran it basically all day, and that burned about a quarter of a tank. I will hand calculate numbers as the machine breaks in.

Additional Pros- I do love the foot parking brake much better than the previous hand brake. The chute on the deck seems to have a little larger opening than my previous mower. The machine is very quiet, and with my hearing protection on I can barely hear the engine. If I use my radio I can't hear the engine at all. In fact, I stopped a couple of times to check to see if the machine was still cutting. I think Deere has developed a near perfect zero turn mower.

Cons- The only thing I can really think of is the fact that the machine is heavier than the gas counterparts. It is a non-factor for me however, but it may pose a problem for a few people.

Also, the AT101's are a great ZTR tire. I have not hit any soft ground with them yet, but like how smooth they ride and I also like how they grab with no slippage like the OEM Turfmasters. Anyways that's my review. If you have additional questions hit me up.

Please let us know some GPH numbers when you have them. Thanks.

 

I will figure that out after I run a couple of tanks through it. It seems very fuel efficient thus far but I have not figured numbers. My 997r at last check was 1.1 gallons per hour.

 

I

I just wanted to make a post about this machine. I went through a lot of different decisions on which mower to get to add to my business . I just want to state that I am not affiliated with John deere. I have run every zero turn except grasshopper and ferris. I realize at this point in the game they are all good. This post isn't to say which is better, I just wanted to shine some light to the new diesel mower that John deere came out with. I decided to buy it 2 weeks ago with .5 hours on it. I now have 30 hours on the machine and I feel I can give a decent review of it. Going in I had 2 major concerns about the risk of buying a very expensive machine. The power, (24.7 hp diesel) and the weight. People told me the torque is what makes the difference and while I believed them I still was worried. I did not want to invest in a machine that would not be able to handle anything I could put it through.
Power: boy was I dead wrong. This mower will cut through anything. Cutting yards really short, cutting them tall, cutting in wet grass. It handles anything I have put it through with ease!! I have a 960m 31 hp kawasaki and I know this diesel will out perform it, and my kawasaki 31 is strong so that says a lot. The weight is also not an issue. I have found that the rear end sits higher than the other z tracks. The new seat is all I need. Extremely comfortable. I'm sure it's not "the best" but unless your going to start getting into cab and air tractors the new seat John deere has made is comfortable to mow all day long. I watch carefully how I turn and the mower jumps curbs and cuts in tight places flawlessly. This little big engine is so strong, the torque is so much and the engine is quiet. These yanmar engines have proven to run 4k hours many times. It's the same engine that is on all the small 25 hp tractors (24.7) same engine!
Honestly that was one of my selling points to buy this mower. I know there are a lot more elements that could go out, but if I am paying on a machine, I want one that is proven to last. I am thanking God a lot about this mower. It is great guys. If you can afford it and are considering it I would DEFINITELY get it. Work with your dealer. I got mine for 14,400
60 inch 7 iron pro with the regular tires

I have 52 hours on mine now and your review matches my opinion of this machine 100 percent. The more I run it the better I like and appreciate it.

 

I

I have 52 hours on mine now and your review matches my opinion of this machine 100 percent. The more I run it the better I like and appreciate it.

I agree. The more I run mine the more I like it. Quiet, powerful, fuel efficient.

 

I agree. The more I run mine the more I like it. Quiet, powerful, fuel efficient.

Is this a good deal? 13800 farm tax card so no tax out the door with tweels. New

 

If they are giving you that price then you need to buy it yesterday.

 

can you tell me why one wheel assembly is straight and the other curved out?

 

If you’re talking about the front caster wheels, the left side is straight because that makes it better for getting around obstacles. That is the “trim” side of the deck.

 

If you're talking about the front caster wheels, the left side is straight because that makes it better for getting around obstacles. That is the "trim" side of the deck.

That makes sense. Thanks

 

One thing I learnt from the manual is basically never run the engine at slow idle. I start and shutdown engine at half throttle (fast idle?), same for engaging/disengaging the PTO.

I asked the dealer if the oil had to changed after 8 hours due to the break in oil, he said that wasn't required. I ended up changing it anyway at 20 hours to get the initial machining junk out, using JD Plus 50 II 15W40.

The most impressive thing to me is how it cuts so beautifully, even in the wet (60" side discharge). Standard OEM high lifts.

 

I start it at idle and stop it at idle. That won't hurt anything. Idling every once in a while won't hurt anything, but I wouldn't let it idle excessively. Yes the cut on those decks are second to none. I'm almost to the first hundred hours on mine. I will change the oil then. I'll probably change it again at 100 hours, but then I'll probably change it every 200 hours. The manual recommends 250 hours but I won't go that far.

 

Let us know how you like it.

 

I start it at idle and stop it at idle. That won't hurt anything. Idling every once in a while won't hurt anything, but I wouldn't let it idle excessively. Yes the cut on those decks are second to none. I'm almost to the first hundred hours on mine. I will change the oil then. I'll probably change it again at 100 hours, but then I'll probably change it every 200 hours. The manual recommends 250 hours but I won't go that far.

Was doing some more research and looks like JD recommend that the initial break in oil be used for at least 100 hours on the diesels. If its still using oil at 100 hours (due to babying machine and not running it hard) recommendation is to continue with break in oil for an additional 100 hours. The break in oil is a 30 weight with no friction modifiers. Apparently the 50 plus II oil is too slick to allow proper break in on the diesels. My local dealer doesn't stock it and didn't know that JD does sell it at retail, so will have to order a gallon from green parts store and eat the UPS shipping fee to get the break in oil back in for another 75 hours as recommended.

 

What’s the reason for not low idling?

 

What's the reason for not low idling?

I think there's two reasons. One is that slow idle doesnt provide the workload for effective break in.

The other is that the three cylinder engine is inherently unbalanced, when at slow idle it rocks on its mounts much more than at fast idle and greater rpms. As the rpms rise the engine smooths out. You can see that effect on shutdown, shutting down from fast idle theres a little bit of rocking as the engine comes to a stop. From slow idle there's significantly more rocking on the mounts as the engine stops.

 

3rd reason: avoiding carbon buildup.

 

Got a 3-1 warning light sequence first thing yesterday morning, cooler day than normal. Looked it up and it's for high voltage. Checked battery terminal connections and they were solid. Warning didn't reoccur for further starts since then - maybe some moisture in a connector from overnight rain.

Only 30 hours on the clock.

 

If you are changing the oil before 100 hours, I would suggest using the JD 10W30 break in oil. Article below is for the big tractors but would seem prudent to follow for the smaller engines as well. I replaced the factory fill and filter at 25 hours, using JD plus 50 II, before doing my research. I bought two gallons of the break in oil from greenpartsstore, apparently you need to do several changes to get rid of the antiwear additives in the higher end oils and recommence the break in process. My dealer didn't know the JD break in oil even existed...

https://www.greenpartstore.com/John...re.com/John-Deere-Break-In-Plus-Special-Purpose-Engine-Oil-TY26661-TY26663.html

"Important: DO NOT use John Deere Plus-50 oil or engine oils meeting API CG4, API CF4, ACEA E3, ACEA E2, or CCMC D5 performance levels during the first 100 hours of operation ( or additional periods of break-in that may be required) of a new or rebuilt engine. These oils will not allow the engine to break-in properly."

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/servicesupport/tips/tractors/common_stories/engine_break-in_oil.html#

 

The crazy thing is if you use the JD 50 plus II (after break in) they say you can extend your future intervals out to 500 hours (double standard) while remaining within warranty requirements. I'll prob go with 200 hours myself.