JOHN DEERE WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL & CONSUMER EQUIPMENT DIVISION M154566 H6 John Deere Z225, Z425, Z445 EZtrak OMM154566 H6 OMM154566 H6 OPERATOR’S MANUAL North American Version Litho in U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION c WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Introduction Thank You for Purchasing a John Deere Product We appreciate having you as a customer and wish you many years of safe and satisfied use of your machine. California Proposition 65 Warning Using Your Operator’s Manual This manual is an important part of your machine and should remain with the machine when you sell it.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION • If machine stops going uphill, stop blade and back down slowly. Product Identification • Read operator's manual. Record Identification Numbers • Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches) in place and working. Lawn Tractors • Remove objects that can be thrown by blade. Z225, Z425 and Z445 PIN (010001-) If you need to contact an Authorized Service Center for information on servicing, always provide the product model and identification numbers.
SAFETY LABELS • Flush eyes immediately with water. Get medical help fast. Emission Control System Certification Label • Keep out of reach of children. NOTE: Tampering with emission controls and components by unauthorized personnel may result in severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB authorized service centers. Contact your John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer concerning emission controls and component questions. • Do not tip.
SAFETY counterweights. Safety Operating Safely This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in manuals provided, and view safety video, before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.
SAFETY 7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator’s seat. • Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child. 8. Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before servicing the machine. Avoid Tipping • Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
SAFETY • While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals. • Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. • Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing. • Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or disconnecting from the battery.
ASSEMBLY • Never add fuel to or drain fuel from the machine indoors. Move machine outdoors and provide adequate ventilation. • Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. If fuel is spilled near machine, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
ASSEMBLY Install Deck Height Pin ENGINE section.) Check Machine Safety System B Perform safety system check to make sure the electronic safety interlock circuit is functioning properly. Perform all tests. (See Testing Safety System in the OPERATING section.) A MX37775 1. Be sure mower is fully raised to the transport lock position, as shown, and insert the pin (A) in the hole just below the mower deck lift lever (B). Install Seat 1.
OPERATING - CONTROLS Operating - Controls Operator Station Controls C F B E G D A L M K J I N H MX37885 Key Description Key Description A Left Motion Control Lever H Fuel Tank Cap B Headlight (If equipped) Left available for Z225, Left and Right available for Z425 and Z445 I Choke (Z425 and Z445) C Park Brake Lever J Ignition Key Switch D Seat Adjustment Lever K Headlight Switch (If equipped) E Height-of-Cut (HOC) Adjustment Pin L Mower Engagement Switch F Mower Deck Lift L
OPERATING Adjusting Seat Operating Daily Operating Checklist ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ Test safety systems. Check fuel level. Check engine oil level. Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine. ❏ ❏ ❏ Check transaxle oil level - sight bottle. Clean air intake screen. Check area below machine for leaks. A Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces • Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.
OPERATING A D C MX4896 MX37775 2. Raise mower deck: 3. Insert the pin (A) in the proper hole for the desired height of cut. b.Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both blades. The difference between blade measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.). 4. Lower mower deck. Adjusting Mower Level c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous.
OPERATING SAFETY section). 2. Inflate tires to correct pressure. 3. Raise mower deck lift lever, and lock in transport position. 4. Adjust mower wheels to correct height: 42 Inch Mower A F G C B E MX37774 F c.42 inch mower deck: Adjust mower level, if necessary, by loosening rear nut (F) on front lift rod. Turn front nut (G) clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it. Tighten rear nut after adjustment is complete.
OPERATING Testing Safety Systems Result: Engine must not crank. If engine cranks, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit. Testing Seat Switch 1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.) 2. First test: a.Start engine. b.Move throttle lever up to maximum engine speed. c.Unlock park brake. d.Engage mower. e.Raise up off seat. Do not get off machine. Result: Engine and mower blades should stop.
OPERATING Using Key Switch Start/shutdown Position B B A A C MX31338 A - STOP (off) position - With key in the STOP position, all switched power is off, and engine should not run. MX37896 B - Run (on) position - Turn key from STOP to this position, and all switched power circuits will be on. • Motion control levers must be in the start/shutdown position (A) and the park brake locked (B) to start the engine. C - Start position - Turn key to start position to crank the engine.
OPERATING Left Turn 4. Move the motion control levers forward to begin forward travel. 5. Move the motion control levers rearward to begin reverse travel. 6. To stop travel, move motion control levers back to the neutral position. Forward Travel C D A A MX37900 1. To turn slightly to the left, push right control lever (C) further forward than the left control lever (D). MX37898 1. Gradually move both motion control levers evenly forward (A) from neutral. To speed up, move the levers farther forward.
OPERATING Right Turn • Warm start: Set throttle lever to the run position. 6. Position choke knob: • Cold start: Pull knob up and hold in the choke position. • Warm start: If necessary, pull knob up and hold in choke position. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be damaged if starter is operated for more than 20 seconds at a time: D • Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start. C 7. Turn key switch to the start position. 8.
OPERATING c NOTE: The bypass valves must be fully turned clockwise (closed) during normal vehicle operation. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended. 2. Raise operator’s seat. CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. 1. Lock park brake. 8. Remove key. Moving Machine by Hand A c CAUTION: Avoid injury! When the bypass valve is open, the machine will have unrestricted motion.
SERVICE INTERVALS Removing Debris From Inspection Points: • Properly level mower deck for a smooth cut. • Mow grass frequently. c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not use hands or feet to clear plugged mower deck or blower assembly. Stored energy can cause blades to rotate. 1. Park machine safely. Wait for all moving parts to stop before getting off to inspect machine. 2. Open hopper cover. Check chute outlet. 3. Remove chute from mower deck or blower assembly. Check chute inlet. 4.
SERVICE LUBRICATION 48 and 54 in. Mower Decks Service Lubrication Grease IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use recommended John Deere greases to avoid component failure and premature wear. The recommended John Deere greases are effective within an average air temperature range of -29 to 135 degrees C (-20 to 275 degrees F). B B If operating outside that temperature range, contact your Servicing dealer for a special-use grease.
SERVICE ENGINE Avoid Fumes A c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with doors or windows opened. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. Engine Oil Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes. MX37908 SAE 10W-40 Picture Note: Single cylinder Briggs and Stratton shown.
SERVICE ENGINE 6. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks. 7. If oil level is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Do not overfill. C 8. Install and tighten dipstick. B Changing Engine Oil and Filter IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Operating in extreme conditions may require more frequent service intervals: • Engine components may become dirty or plugged when operating in extreme heat, dust or other severe conditions.
SERVICE ENGINE Twin cylinder Briggs and Stratton: 8. Add oil no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Begin with approximately 1.6 L (1.75 qt). Do not overfill. 9. Install and tighten dipstick. 10. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating. D 11. Check oil level. Add oil if necessary. Twin cylinder Kawasaki: A C MX37943 B A A C C MX37910 1. Put drain pan under drain valve (A), and loosen drain valve to drain oil into drain pan. 2.
SERVICE ENGINE 2. Clean air intake screen on top of engine and external surfaces with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air. Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Single Cylinder Briggs & Stratton) 1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) 2. Let engine cool. 6. Inspect the paper filter element (D) without removing it. If the paper filter element is damaged or dirty: • Carefully remove the element from the air cleaner housing. 7.
SERVICE ENGINE IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine through a damaged filter element: C • Do not wash paper element. • Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object. B • Do not use pressurized air to clean element. • Replace element only if it is very dirty, damaged or the seal is cracked. D 7. Inspect the foam precleaner (E) without removing it. If the foam precleaner is dirty: a.Remove it from the filter carefully. b.
SERVICE ENGINE • Pitted or damaged electrodes. • Other wear or damage. NOTE: In Canada, replace spark plug with resistor plug only. 6. Replace spark plugs as necessary. A MX37938 B Picture Note: Single cylinder Briggs and Stratton shown. A M85200 7. Check plug gap (B) with a wire feeler gauge. To change gap, move the outer electrode. Gap must be 0.75 mm (0.030 in.). 8. Install spark plugs and tighten to 20 N•m (180 lb-in.). 9. Connect spark plug wire(s).
SERVICE TRANSMISSION Service Transmission Checking Transmission (Z225) The Z225 transmission is a sealed component. No maintenance is required on this transmission. If you suspect any transmission problems, please contact your authorized dealer. A Transmission Oil (Z425 and Z445) NOTE: Machine is filled with John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil at the factory. Do not mix oils. Use only Low Viscosity HY-GARD® (J20D) transmission oil. DO NOT use type “F” automatic transmission fluid.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Contamination can damage the hydraulic system. Clean thoroughly around reservoir fill cap before opening. 5. If oil level is low, clean area around reservoir cap (C). 6. Remove cap. 7. Add John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD™ (J20D) until oil level is at FULL mark on reservoir. 8. Install cap. 9. Start engine. 10. Operate machine forward and in reverse several times. 11. Park machine safely on a level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION C B E D A MX38109 B Picture Note: Z225 shown. MX37941 2. Adjust tracking: NOTE: Tracking bolts limit top forward speed. If both levers hit against the tracking bolts, turn both bolts counterclockwise equal amounts until only one bolt contacts the lever. This will achieve maximum forward speed. D E • If machine tracks to the left, turn tracking bolt (A) clockwise. B • If machine tracks to the right, turn tracking bolt (B) clockwise. C MX38110 Picture Note: Z425 shown.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION G F H A A J MX37947 A Picture Note: View from rear of machine. I 2. Clean transaxle fan fins (A) and around exterior of each fan with a rag, brush, or compressed air. Checking and Replacing Transaxle Drive Belt (Z225) MX37947 Picture Note: View from rear of machine. c C CAUTION: Avoid injury! Entanglement in a belt or sheave can cause serious injury. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
SERVICE MOWER 7. Install electric clutch wiring harness back through frame hole and connect to main wiring harness. Secure harness onto frame with retaining clip. Checking and Replacing Pump Drive Belt (Z425 and Z445) c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Entanglement in a belt or sheave can cause serious injury. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. NOTE: The transmission drive belt is self-adjusted using a spring tensioner and does not require a tension adjustment. Checking Belt: 1.
SERVICE MOWER 2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely. G c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: E • Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 3. Raise mower deck to the transport lock position. F MX37774 B 7. Remove locking clip (E) and, remove stud end (F) from front draft bracket (G). A MX37775 H 4.
SERVICE MOWER bracket (G) and mower deck bracket (H). • Do not operate the machine without the mower deck: Machine may become unstable without the mower deck attached. Move machine only by hand. (See Moving Machine by Hand in OPERATING section.) B A I MX37775 4. Remove pin (A), lower mower deck, and install pin just above lever (B) to lock mower in lowered position. 5. Remove foot plate. c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension.
SERVICE MOWER sheaves. 8. Install foot plate. Installing Mower (48 and 54 Inch Mowers) 1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) 2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely. c A CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: • Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. MX37773 5.
SERVICE MOWER c E CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly. D D C G MX37893 • Loosen bolt (C) on belt guide. H MX37889 • Loosen hardware on two sheaves (D), and remove belt from all sheaves. 5. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary. Picture Note: 48 inch mower deck shown. 6. Clean top surface of mower deck and sheaves. 7. Connect mower drive belt: • Install belt onto engine sheave. 7.
SERVICE MOWER c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Components are installed under spring tension. Wear eye protection and use proper tools when installing and removing components with spring tension. F B A G H A MX38100 Picture Note: Shown without sheave for clarity only. 9. Make sure belt guide (F) is indexed properly into hole (G) on tension arm (H). 10. Tighten sheave nut (D) and bolt (E) to 47 N•m (35 lb-ft). MX37894 Picture Note: 48 inch mower deck shown.
SERVICE ELECTRICAL Servicing Mower Blades Installing Mower Blades 42 Inch Mower deck: c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: • Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1.
SERVICE ELECTRICAL 6. Install seat, if removed. 2. Raise operator’s seat. 7. Install wiring harness connector and harness plug on seat, if removed. 8. Lower seat. D Cleaning Battery and Terminals 1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.) A C 2. Disconnect and remove battery. 3. Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of baking soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get the soda solution into the cells. 4. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. B 5.
SERVICE MISCELLANEOUS IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Electric charge from booster battery can damage machine components. Do not install negative booster cable to machine frame. Install only to the engine block. Install negative booster cable away from moving parts in the engine compartment, such as belts and fan blades. 4. Connect the other end (F) of negative (–) booster cable to a metal part of the disabled machine engine block away from battery. 5.
SERVICE MISCELLANEOUS immediately after fuel purchase. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining. NOTE: Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS section for tire pressures. 2. Check tire pressure with an accurate gauge. 3. Add or remove air, if necessary. Filling Fuel Tank Removing and Installing Wheel Assembly c Removing CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable: 1. Park machine safely.
TROUBLESHOOTING factory look of your vehicle’s painted surfaces. Repairing Minor Scratches (surface scratch): 1. Clean area to be repaired thoroughly. IF CHECK Engine Cranks But Will Not Start Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected. Improper fuel. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use rubbing compound on painted surfaces. Plugged fuel filter. Electrical problem - See Electrical Troubleshooting Section 2. Use automotive polishing compound to remove surface scratches. 3. Apply wax to entire surface.
TROUBLESHOOTING IF Engine Loses Power Mower CHECK Engine overheating. IF Too much oil in engine. Discharge Chute Plugged Dirty air cleaner. CHECK Travel speed too fast. Faulty spark plug. Grass too long. Travel speed is too fast for conditions. Grass too wet. Improper fuel. Engine rpm not at mow position. Excessive Fuel Consumption Choke is not fully open. Black Exhaust Smoke Air filter is dirty or oil soaked. Restricted air flow. Belt installed incorrectly.
STORAGE for longer than 60 days. Storage 1. Change engine oil and filter while engine is warm. Storing Safety 2. Service air filter if necessary. 3. Clean debris from engine air intake screen. c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable. Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death: • Run the engine only long enough to move the machine to or from storage.
SPECIFICATIONS Travel Speeds at Full Engine RPM Z425 Make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briggs and Stratton Model Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intek - 445577 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V-Twin Z225 Forward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-11.3 km/h (0-7.0 mph) Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARRANTY that the small off-road engine and equipment is: Warranty Product Warranty Product warranty is provided as part of John Deere’s support program for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as described in this manual. Engine related warranties stated in this manual refer only to emissionsrelated parts and components of your engine.
WARRANTY b) Any warranted part that is scheduled only for regular inspection to the effect of “repair or replace as necessary” is warranted as to defects for the warranty period. Any such part repaired or replaced under the warranty is warranted for the remaining warranty period. c) Any warranted part which is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance is warranted as to defects only for the period of time up to the first scheduled replacement for that part.
GETTING QUALITY SERVICE Warranty Code Warranty Period Item A 40 Months Air Cleaner Element (Paper) B 36 Months C 24 Months • Z225 • Z425 • Z445 Part Number GY20573 (Filter Kit) GY20575 (Filter Kit) M150949 Oil Filter Getting Quality Service • Z225 N/A • Z425 AM125424 Service Literature If you would like a copy of the Parts Catalog or Technical Manual for this machine call: • Z445 • U.S. & Canada: 1-800-522-7448. • Z225 • All Other Regions: Your John Deere dealer.
SERVICE RECORD Service Record Record Service Dates Oil Change Oil Filter Change (If Equipped) Lubricate Machine Air Cleaner Element Check/ Clean Service Record - 47 Fuel Filter Change
