Features
The operator station is designed to provide superior operator comfort for many different operators:
The comfortable seat has two suspension springs, fore-aft seat adjustment and ComfortGlide suspension:
Foot pegs (standard on the Z530R and Z545R and available as an extra-cost kit on the Z515E and Z530M) provide you with different foot placement options.
Foot pegs are secured to the toe board in the horizontal position to provide more variability for foot placement. The pegs also act as handles to remove and replace the foot platform.
NOTE: Toe-board mat shown in photo is standard equipment on the Z530R and Z545R and can be ordered through Parts for the Z515E and Z530M.
The dual beverage holder on the left fender and storage compartment on the right fender add convenience for the operator:
NOTE: A storage compartment cover is standard on the Z530R and Z545R.
12-V outlet is located within the storage compartment for the convenience of connecting a variety of electrical and electronic equipment.
The control console is located to the right of the operator station and includes the following:
The Z545R engine is equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI) and electronic throttle control (ETC) that permit simplified electronic control of engine speed and power for optimum performance in varying conditions:
Advanced instrument display has the look and feel of a modern automobile with a power-up sequence cycles lights and gauges to indicate they are working:
A conveniently located fuel-sight window allows the operator to view the fuel level when approaching the vehicle from the front:
Mower deck cutting height can be adjusted from 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments for excellent cut quality and performance:
Motion control levers are shaped and located for operator comfort and ease of control.
The motion-control levers can be adjusted to two different height settings and nine different fore-aft settings:
Tracking adjustment can be made from the operator seat with the provided tool.
The park brake is conveniently located:
Brake-and-go logic:
Safety interlocks help prevent operating in an unsafe way:
High Capacity Mower Decks are a heavy-duty, 9-gauge, 0.15-in. (3.8-mm), forged-steel, deep, flat-top design that delivers excellent cut quality, productivity, cleanliness, durability, and versatility. Experience optimal performance and dispersion of clippings, even at faster mowing speeds:
Z530R and Z545R ZTrak™ Mowers are equipped with a 48-in. (122-cm), 54-in. (137-cm), or 60-in. (152-cm) High Capacity Mower Deck.
High Capacity Mower Deck size | Model | Mulching (optional) | Material collection (optional) |
48 in. (122 cm) | Z545R | Dedicated mulching system | 6.5-bu (230-L) two-bag Power Flow™ system |
54 in. (137 cm) | Z530R, Z545R | MulchControl system | 6.5-bu (230-L) two-bag Power Flow system |
60 in. (152 cm) | Z530R, Z545R | MulchControl system | Not available |
The mower deck has a deep-deck design:
Steel reinforcing bars are welded to the front edge and trim side of the mower deck:
The deck has deep, strong spindle pockets to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough operation:
Flip-up spindle covers make cleaning the spindle area convenient.
Dual-captured side anti-scalp wheels and front rollers:
The MulchControl attachment makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge or collect the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:
MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:
The optional MulchControl attachment comes with a handle on top of the mower deck that is used to open and close the discharge baffle:
MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:
MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. The operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side-discharge or bagging when needed.
While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch about one-third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:
The 6.5-bu (230-L) rear bagger efficiently collects material from a 48- or 54-in. (122- or 137-cm) Mower Deck:
The hopper design provides efficient bagging performance, clean operation, and easy-to-empty bags:
NOTE: Appropriate hopper with included attachment bar, Power Flow blower, chute and weights are required and ordered separately.
Capacity | 6.5 bu (230 L) |
Material: | |
Hopper top | High impact polypropylene |
Chute | Polyethylene |
Blower housing | Nylon |
Fan | Ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene |
Bags | Polyester |
Filling | Directly into bags for emptying on ground or in trailer or into plastic liners |
Fan diameter | 13 in. (33 cm) |
Fan width | 2.75 in. (7 cm) |
Number of fan blades | Four |
NOTE: MulchControl attachments and MCS components are not included in base equipment for a Z500 Series machine and must be ordered separately.
No choke control is needed:
Since the Z545R engine is equipped with EFI and ETC, simplified electronic control of engine speed and power for optimum performance in varying conditions is advantageous:
Easily access the oil check and fill cap that is located at the top of engine. A no-tools oil-drain cap with hose is also provided for easy, no-mess maintenance.
The 4.5-gal. (17-L) fuel tank is easy to fill and has a sight level window and dash-mounted gauge:
John Deere recommends the use of fuel stabilizer in gasoline. See Fuel-Protect for gasoline engines (8 oz [237 mL]) for more information.
The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:
The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:
Foldable ROPS and retractable seat belt are standard equipment:
Model | Height at top of ROPS in fully raised position |
Z515E, Z530R | 70.1 in. (178 cm) |
Z530R, Z545R | 70.7 in. (179.6 cm) |
Green seat accents and the John Deere logo visually communicate a premium offering and give a distinctive appearance.
Green fender trim adds style and keeps the machine cleaner by blocking some of the material thrown by the tire.
Rear wheel rims have an automotive look for overall enhanced machine appearance.
Left and right tunnel supports enhance the appearance of the Z530R and Z545R and work in conjunction with the rubber-isolated floor platform to provide extra support and rattle-free operation.
The attractive design includes a provision for light-emitting diode (LED) lighting:
NOTE: Lights are standard on the Z530R and Z545R and optional on the Z515E and Z530M.
A strong, welded steel frame provides solid, reliable support for the machine components and operator:
Strong frame is designed to accommodate a rear hitch that can be used to pull a variety of lawn equipment:
NOTE: The rear hitch is standard on the Z530R and Z545R and optional on the Z515E and Z530M.
Large front caster wheels provide a smooth ride and level cut:
Caster wheels turn easily on two maintenance-free sealed ball bearings for both the spindles and the wheel axles:
Rear tires have high-quality tread and optimum size for superior traction and smooth ride:
Dual unitized transmissions efficiently power the ZTrak™ mower forward and reverse and provide steering capability:
Tow-valve controls are provided for each transmission and are located on the transmission near the expansion tanks:
Motion control levers are shaped and located for operator comfort and ease of control.
The motion-control levers can be adjusted to two different height settings and nine different fore-aft settings:
Tuff Torq is a trademark of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
John Deere riding lawn mowers are equipped with a QR code label that links to an owner support website. The label can be found on the rear fender, to the left of the seat.
The owner support website is formatted for smart phones and available without setting up an account and password. The QR code includes the mower’s serial number, enabling the owner support website to provide a maintenance schedule, service parts, attachments, how-to guide, videos, warranty information, and an operator’s manual for the specific mower.
The owner support website also allows users to purchase service parts, schedule dealer service, purchase extended warranties, and download the Equipment Mobile app. The Equipment Mobile app enables users to maintain a shared digital service record with their dealer.
A convenient service interval decal provides basic maintenance information:
The engine is easy to service and takes a minimal amount of time:
The footrest area is removable without tools to easily access the mower deck for service:
Accel Deep™ Mower Decks have features that make them easy to service:
Tracking adjustment can be made from the operator seat with the provided tool.
Keep a mower running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the mower’s barcode to get custom information about the mower.
To download the free MowerPlus app, visit the Apple® App Store® or Google Play™ store.
MowerPlus connectors (sold separately)
Three MowerPlus connectors are available to transmit vehicle information to the MowerPlus app.
BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector is for use with:
BUC10929 MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector is for use with:
BUC10537 MowerPlus Smart Connector is for use with:
All the MowerPlus connectors transmit engine hour information to the app, making it easy to track maintenance intervals. The MowerPlus Smart Connector and MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector also transmit the fuel level.
MowerPlus connectors require the MowerPlus app on a mobile device to use. The John Deere MowerPlus app and operating system requirements can be found in the mobile device’s app store. The MowerPlus app is only available in the English language, and it is not available in all countries. BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector requires iOS® version 10 or higher and is not compatible with Android™ operating systems.
Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple, Inc. Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google LLC. iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc.
Key Specs | Current Model |
Engine power | 25 hp 18.6 kW |
Engine model number | HTR EFI/ETC |
Forward speed | 0-9 mph 0-14.5 km/h |
Front caster tires | 13x6.5-6 |
Drive tires | 23x10.5-12 |
Seat back height | High back with armrests and ComfortGlide™, 22.5 in. 57.1 cm |
Width of cut | High capacity mower deck, 48 in. 122 cm High capacity mower deck, 54 in. 137 cm High capacity mower deck, 60 in. 152 cm |
Mulching system | Optional MulchControl™ attachment, 48 in. 122 cm Optional MulchControl attachment, 54 in. 137 cm Optional MulchControl kit, 60 in. 152 cm |
Warranty | 4 year/500 hour bumper-to-bumper* (*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.) |
Battery | |
Charger | |
Engine | |
Power | 25 hp 18.6 kW |
Model number | HTR EFI/ETC |
Displacement | 44.2 cu in. 724 cc |
Cylinders | V-twin |
Lubrication | Full pressure with replaceable filter, capacity, 2 U.S. qt 1.9 L |
Type | Overhead valve |
Battery | 12 V 300 CCA |
Choke/speed control | Separate control levers |
Cooling method | Air |
Fuel tank capacity | 4.5 U.S. gal. 17 L |
Fuel gauge | Electric gauge and fuel level sight line |
Drive train | |
Dual hydros | Tuff Torq TZT7-M with 1-in. (2.5-cm) axles |
Hydraulic pumps | |
Wheel motors | |
Battery | |
Charger | |
Transmission | |
Travel speed | |
Forward speed | 0-9 mph 0-14.5 km/h |
Reverse speed | 0-4.5 mph 0-7.2 km/h |
Speed and direction control | Twin premium levers |
Control adjustment | 2-height/9-fore-aft, 18 positions |
Chassis | |
Frame | Heavy-duty frame tubing |
Primer/paint | E-coat/powder |
Front caster tires | 13x6.5-6 |
Front caster bearings | Sealed ball bearings |
Drive tires | 23x10.5-12 |
Hour meter | Yes |
Service interval decal | Yes |
Storage compartment | Yes and covered |
Cup holder | Yes |
Maximum towing capacity | 250 lb 113 kg |
Seat | |
Seat back height | High back with armrests and ComfortGlide, 22.5 in. 57.1 cm |
Fore-aft adjustment | While seated, 3 in. 7.6 cm |
Seat suspension | Two springs and ComfortGlide |
Lift system | |
Type | Foot lift |
Mower cut height | 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm |
Cut height increments | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm |
Preset cut height | Yes |
Mower deck | |
Width of cut | High capacity mower deck, 48 in. 122 cm High capacity mower deck, 54 in. 137 cm High capacity mower deck, 60 in. 152 cm |
Type | High-capacity side discharge |
Mower deck material | 9 gauge 0.150 in. 3.8 mm |
Mower drive system | V-belt |
PTO | |
Type | Electric, 125 lb-ft 169.5 Nm |
Drive | V-belt |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 49.2 in. 1250 mm |
Overall length | 81.9 in. 2080 mm |
Width without mower | 48.7 in. 1237 mm |
Width with mower | 48 HC: 62.4 in. 1585 mm 54 HC: 68.3 in. 1735 mm 60 HC: 73.5 in. 1867 mm |
Width with mower (deflector raised for storage) | 48 HC: 53.6 in. 1361 mm 54 HC: 59.6 in. 1514 mm 60 HC: 65.6 in. 1667 mm |
Height | ROPS in folded position: 49.2 in. 1250 mm ROPS in raised position: 71.7 in. 1821 mm |
Weight | With mower and fuel, 48HC, 826 lb 375 kg With mower and fuel, 54HC, 832 lb 378 kg With mower and fuel, 60HC, 840 lb 382 kg |
Operation | |
Rollover protective structure (ROPS) | Yes |
Slope operating limit | 15 degrees, 10 degrees with an MCS |
Operator presence system | Yes |
Park brake interlock | Yes |
Operator video | Yes |
Buyer's notes | |
Note 1 | Mower wash port makes cleaning the deck easier |
Note 2 | Flip-up foot platform for easy service access |
Note 3 | 18-position adjustable motion-control levers |
Warranty | 4 year/500 hour bumper-to-bumper* (*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.) |
Optional attachments | |
Mulching system | Optional MulchControl attachment, 54 in. 137 cm Optional MulchControl kit, 60 in. 152 cm |
Rubber floor mat | Foot platform and toe board |
Sun shade | Optional |
Mounted sprayer | No |
Protective cover | Yes |
Light kit | 4-point LED Light kit |
Material collection system | Power Flow rear bagger, 6.5 bu 230 L Not available on 60HC |
Additional information | |
Manufacturing location | Greeneville, Tennessee, USA |
Date collected | 1-Dec-21 |
Offers & Discounts
Reviews
Used this summer , strong high flow and easy to run. Actually quite impressed with it !
I bought this machine about 14 months ago. Ordered on line took a couple months to get but it came in earlier than promised. Have used to cut 2+ acres, does a great job! Researched for about 3 month before deciding on the Z545R I love the EFI it starts first time every time!
Spent 3 months researching reviewing zero turn mowers. Bought the z545r based on its class exclusive features and good looks. Mowed with it last night and was blown away by its performance. It actually rides smoother than the x350 it replaced and it powers through tall heavy grass like nothing. Also some people say you can’t mow hills with a zero turn…..apparently they don’t have a John Deere. Go slow and steady on the steep stuff and you’ll be fine
Super comfortable and does an amazing job cutting / spreading clipping with discharge down. My old mower went down and grass was very tall. (Probably 8-10 inches and taller in other places) Mowed one time at 3 inches and you’d never know it had gotten that tall. It processes the grass amazing. Couldn’t be happier with the power and the low fuel consumption of the EFI. In my mind this is a great value for what your getting.
Z545 zero turn got delivered from Bodensteiner Implement Co - Decorah last Friday. I'm replacing a 2008 Z445 with this mower. It took around 3 months to come in the dealer did warn it would be few months. Mowed one time with it and real happy so far. Only bummer is dealer said it would have Kawasaki engine but came with Briggs. Since 2008 I have been real happy with John Deere zero turn mowers.
I bought this lawnmower two weeks ago from Everglades Equipment Group in Fort Myers. I had been reading reviews on zero turn mowers for about two months. I found this mower to have the most features for the money plus everyone was raving about how well it cuts. I have one acre of land and it has cut my mowing time from 1.5 hours to 50 minutes. I have used it twice and still have half a tank of gas. It sips gas.
I had a Z445 that I purchased in 2010. It was my first zero turn and the machine gave me 11 trouble free seasons of mowing. So for my 60th birthday this April, I decided to treat myself to a new Z545R. needless to say, it is the best birthday present I bought myself!!! I am very pleased with the unit! It feels wonderful, the cut is John Deere terrific as usual!! The features of the mower are great! Love the operators display, gas gauge, and the EFI is terrific! I am very pleased with sticking with another JD, How about a pushbutton start for the next model? Thank You JD for making such a great mower and looking forward to another 11 + years of mowing, Geez, that would make me 71! ouch!!
If the dealer would have adjusted the steering when doing setup I would rate higher. It would creep in neutral to the right forward and when reversing if sticks pulled equally always goes left as in right wheels appear to go twice as fast. they adjusted the neutral but said it is normal for them to go faster on one drive if adjusted to go straight with sticks equal. I had another brand and it goes straight forward and backward.
I have had several John Deere mowers and have been impressed by all of them but to me this one is the best I’ve owned. Leaves our yard with an awesome cut every time!!
Bought it this past winter. Have the power bagger added. Haven’t used the mower yet but 5 stars for the guys at tri county. Amazing service and super friendly.
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