Preparing Vehicle

Verify Frame Member Reinforcement

MX19962,MX2965a

The assembly section of this manual refers to the removal and installation of side plates (A) and reinforced frame members (B).

Determine if mower is equipped with reinforced frame members. If not, parts (TCA19292 and TCA19293) must be ordered and installed on mower prior to installing MCS.

• Reinforced frame members and side plates are not necessary on ZTrak Estate series.

• Reinforced frame members are factory installed on ZTrak Pro series models listed below. Removal of frame members and installation of side plates is not necessary.

• Z810A through Z850A - serial numbers 020001 and above.

• Z860A

• Z900A Series

• Confirm that mower is equipped with reinforced frame members by measuring material thickness:

• Reinforced frame members are 4.55 mm (3/16 in.) thick.

• Non-reinforced frame members are 3.42 mm (1/8 in.) thick.

Checking Tire Pressure

Check tire pressure of machine before installing hopper. See your machine operator’s manual.

Installing Proper Mower Blades


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! When replacing mower blades, always use genuine John Deere Service Parts. • For best performance, always use correct mower blade for job being performed. • Always follow safety and service instructions in the machine operator’s manual when changing mower blades.

For maximum performance from your material collection system (MCS), install the correct mower blades for your application:

• Mulching Blades - Not for use with MCS.

• Standard Blades - Standard blades are designed for bagging, side discharging, and all mowing conditions.

Installing Mounting Bracket for MCS Blower

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.

MX25142

1. Lift discharge chute up and locate mounting holes (A) for front bracket.

MX23678, MX22841

Picture Note: Hardware removed for clarity. Position bracket as shown with blower pivot tube toward bottom.

2. Position front pivot bracket (N) flush with deck.

3. Install and tighten three M8 X 25 carriage bolts and locknuts in locations listed below:

• 48 in deck located in back of slot (O)

• 54 in deck located in the middle of slot (O)

• 60 in. deck is located front of slot (O).

• 72 in. deck is location (P).

Bracket Assembly for all Mulch on Demand Decks.

MX26037

1. Position front pivot bracket (R) flush with outside scalp wheel frame.

2. Install and two M8 X 25 carriage bolts (S) and locknuts, and secure bracket into place.

Install Blower Support Bracket

MX47240

Picture Note: Z800/Z900 Series shown

1. Remove screws and rear right anti scalp wheel assembly (A) from mower deck.

2. Position blower support bracket (B) in place flush against deck.

3. install anti scalp wheel onto bracket and secure in place with new provided M8x30 screws (C).

Install Pulley and Spacer

1. Remove belt shield on discharge chute side of mower deck.

MX25080

2. Install five spacers (A) and extra pulley (B) on sheave (C) using four M8x50 flange head bolts (D), and tighten to 24 N•m (18 lb-ft).

Install New Gate (Mulch on Demand Mower Decks Only)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Lift discharge chute up.

MX25143

3. Remove link assembly (A).

4. Remove discharge gate (B).

MX26043

5. Install new gate (C) and attach link assembly.

Gate Extension for MCS Gate

NOTE: Gate extension must be installed if machine is operated without MCS blower.

MX25143

1. Install gate extension (D) with hardware and secure in place.

Install Mulch-On-Demand Position Lever (Mulch on Demand Mower Decks Only)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX26039

2. Place shim washer (B) onto Insert bushing (C).

MX25145

3. Insert bushing (C) into lever release (A) and attach to deck mode lever (M) with M6x30 cap screw and nut (D). Tighten hardware.

4. Position pawl plate (J) and shim latch (K) in place and secure with two M6x21 socket head shoulder bolts and nuts (L). Do not overtighten hardware.

5. Install M6x21 socket head shoulder bolt and nut (G). Tighten hardware.

6. Install tension spring (H) from pawl plate (J) to socket head shoulder bolt (G).

7. Install link latch (F) to lever release and pawl plate. Secure link latch with M8.4x1.6 washer and cotter pin (E) and M6.4x1.6 washer and cotter pin (I). Spread cotter pins to secure in place.