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John Deere 994r Appretiation

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#61 ·
Looking good thanks for the feedback. I'm nearly ready for a second ztr to help speed up the larger properties and trying to decide between a second 994r with 72 or step up to the 997r with 72. Definitely sticking with diesel either way.
 
#62 ·
Brucey said:
Looking good thanks for the feedback. I'm nearly ready for a second ztr to help speed up the larger properties and trying to decide between a second 994r with 72 or step up to the 997r with 72. Definitely sticking with diesel either way.
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The 997 is an awesome machine, but after seeing what the 994 can do with a 72" deck in a smaller and more agile package, I kind of question the need for the 997 in the Deere lineup (that comment will probably get some feedback). The dealer had a 997 and 994 side by side and I couldn't get over how big the 997 is, its like a small car. The 997 is better looking and will make your friends and enemies jealous, but for storing, trailering, maneuvering, capability, price etc. the 994 just seems the better option.
 
#64 ·
For most mowing, I can't imagine needing the 997R. I've put 10 hours on mine since I picked it up and its mind blowing how much torque it has. You can mow fields that would require a tractor and mow at full sticks most of the time. I just cut 4 acres for a client and the entire thing was 3-4' tall and the 997R didn't even slow in RPM. I mowed about 5 acres total, 4 being overgrown, and I double cut the overgrown section, and only used 1/4 tank of diesel. I might be able to find some pics of it. I guess it just depends on what you're using it for. I intend to use mine mainly for weekly maintenance. I don't need a 997, but I had to jump on it because of the deal I got.
 
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#65 ·
Green Industry Pro said:
For most mowing, I can't imagine needing the 997R. I've put 10 hours on mine since I picked it up and its mind blowing how much torque it has. You can mow fields that would require a tractor and mow at full sticks most of the time. I just cut 4 acres for a client and the entire thing was 3-4' tall and the 997R didn't even slow in RPM. I mowed about 5 acres total, 4 being overgrown, and I double cut the overgrown section, and only used 1/4 tank of diesel. I might be able to find some pics of it. I guess it just depends on what you're using it for. I intend to use mine mainly for weekly maintenance. I don't need a 997, but I had to jump on it because of the deal I got.
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For most situations it is absolute overkill. The unreal power is there when needed however.
 
#66 ·
Just checking back in, I've been using my 72" 994r all Summer now and can say that I am very pleased. There is plenty of power to run full sticks most of the time and I am reallly happy with the cut quality and the speed with which I can mow. There are just a few minor negative things, the coolant reservoir leaks sometimes on the engine; there are a lot of clunky noises that come as the deck articulates over uneven ground, and it will bog down in heavy and wet grass. When the grass is normal, it will cut at full speed without issue, I've even mowed a few acres that hadn't been cut in 3-4 years with no problem (slow speeds of course). Overall I am very happy with the machine and just wanted to share.
 
#67 ·
Chad Lehner said:
Just checking back in, I've been using my 72" 994r all Summer now and can say that I am very pleased. There is plenty of power to run full sticks most of the time and I am reallly happy with the cut quality and the speed with which I can mow. There are just a few minor negative things, the coolant reservoir leaks sometimes on the engine; there are a lot of clunky noises that come as the deck articulates over uneven ground, and it will bog down in heavy and wet grass. When the grass is normal, it will cut at full speed without issue, I've even mowed a few acres that hadn't been cut in 3-4 years with no problem (slow speeds of course). Overall I am very happy with the machine and just wanted to share.
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I am guessing you bought yours at D&G?
 
#68 ·
Chad Lehner said:
Just checking back in, I've been using my 72" 994r all Summer now and can say that I am very pleased. There is plenty of power to run full sticks most of the time and I am reallly happy with the cut quality and the speed with which I can mow. There are just a few minor negative things, the coolant reservoir leaks sometimes on the engine; there are a lot of clunky noises that come as the deck articulates over uneven ground, and it will bog down in heavy and wet grass. When the grass is normal, it will cut at full speed without issue, I've even mowed a few acres that hadn't been cut in 3-4 years with no problem (slow speeds of course). Overall I am very happy with the machine and just wanted to share.
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Glad I'm not the only one that has the overflow bottle leaking. I actually replaced the entire assembly (bottle, hose, lid, tube) and still have it happen. It seems to happen if I have any more than a half inch or so of coolant when engine is cold. I drained and refilled with Coolgard 2 prior to 200 hours, so I wouldn't have to deal with it at 2000 hours - should be good to 6000 now per manual. Also did the transmission filters and fluid (JD HyGard J20C) early at 170 hours or so, and replaced gearbox oil on the mule drive.

For rattling on the deck check to be sure both the rear deck height adjusters are tight and haven't loosened up.

How many hours in yours?
 
#69 ·
I’ve had the bottle “issue” too. It doesn’t leak with about a half inch to an inch of coolant in it. I just leave it there and it doesn’t come out. No issues at all however. Man I love my 994.
 
#71 ·
Brucey said:
Glad I'm not the only one that has the overflow bottle leaking. I actually replaced the entire assembly (bottle, hose, lid, tube) and still have it happen. It seems to happen if I have any more than a half inch or so of coolant when engine is cold. I drained and refilled with Coolgard 2 prior to 200 hours, so I wouldn't have to deal with it at 2000 hours - should be good to 6000 now per manual. Also did the transmission filters and fluid (JD HyGard J20C) early at 170 hours or so, and replaced gearbox oil on the mule drive.

For rattling on the deck check to be sure both the rear deck height adjusters are tight and haven't loosened up.

How many hours in yours?
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It's only 50 hours, just use it for my 13 acres. Thanks for the tip on the deck height adjusters, I will check those today.
 
#72 ·
I finally got my hands on a demo 994r and I haven’t got much seat time yet but so far I’m impressed! I’m going to say it’s because of the extra length but good lord this thing rides way better than my 955m even though I have the exact same comfort glide seat and everything on that mower. Second it’s actually better on hills as well.. at least it seems to be. And I can believe how quiet and smooth it runs once it’s wide open
 
#73 ·
All of those points are absolutely true. The more I run mine, the more I love it. The engine is very quiet and smooth, and I was blown away by that the first time I ran mine. It does ride well, and part of that is because of the weight too. Are you looking to purchase one?
 
#74 ·
CGros31 said:
All of those points are absolutely true. The more I run mine, the more I love it. The engine is very quiet and smooth, and I was blown away by that the first time I ran mine. It does ride well, and part of that is because of the weight too. Are you looking to purchase one?
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Yes possibly.. we haven't really talked much about price yet but so far I'm really loving this one.. plan to mow most of the day tomorrow with it and I'll see if I keep the same mindset
 
#78 ·
So I ended up putting quite a bit of seat time on the 994 today and this is the first diesel mower I’ve ever used. The torch curve is so different than gas.. like it would bog down just a little and that would be it.. and this was very tall soaking wet crabgrass. My z955 would’ve stalled out if I’d pushed it like I did the 994 today. Needless to say I’m super impressed with this machine. I didn’t check fuel consumption but by just going off the gauges it’s definitely better than my z955 but I don’t think it’s much better.. but that’s completely just going off the gauge. Both are just below 3/4 tank at the end of the day and both mowers were run on each yard except the very first one which was about hour or little more of mowing.
 
#79 ·
CGros31 said:
View attachment 382088 Hopefully it's dry enough that I can run it tomorrow. I'll let you know!
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I like your tires. I have a 994 demo here and found out what I already knew- turfs just plain suck. I was intrigued by the Tweels but not any more. That rounded profile on the bar tires really lends itself well to the ZTR concept.

Had 2 issues with the machine (.2 hrs on clock) so far. Mowing along and PTO shut off. Service light blinking. Shut down restart engage PTO a few seconds later shut down again. Took me a bit but figured out it was a blink code 27 low oil pressure. Rather than mess around waiting for the dealer I unplugged and replugged the oil pressure sender and it was fine after that. Second issue was just a funky start issue. Started engine and instead of ramping up RPM it just stumbled and ran slow until I advanced the throttle. They definitely start different than my prior emissions model Yanmars that puff and purr at startup.
 
#80 ·
Yes the tires are made for ZTR’s. I have 500 trouble free hours on my 994r. It’s a little cold-natured on cool mornings for startup but once it’s warm it’s a beastly little diesel.
 
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