Deere Z970R - need input

[BigBlue1]

I'm looking at a used Deere zero-turn and would like some input. A little background:

I currently use a Deere x758 60" deck to mow 7 acres of my property. It works well but it takes me 4.5 hours to do it all, usually at least once a week in the summer. A couple years ago I tried out a Deere Z930M 60". It worked quite well and shaved off 45 min to an hour from my mowing time and that was the first time I had been on a zero-turn. My original idea was to trade the x758 for one and then blow snow with my 2520. I've since realized that the 2520 is pretty big to work well for my snowblowing needs so I won't part with the x758. That makes a new zero-turn infeasible and thus I shelved the idea.

I now have a chance to buy a used Z970R for a pretty good deal and am looking into it. But I have some questions about that model. This is a 2013 with less than 100 hours on it, and with a 72" deck. I don't have any concerns with the unit working well for my property. I have no hills and no place that the width would be a problem. My main interests are about this model's potential issues.

Questions:
- Did they offer different engines in the Z970R? Looking up used ones I see the HP ratings all over the place, including: 25, 28, 35, 37 HP. I didn't think Deere offered different engines, at least within a single model year on the same model number. But if they did I want to make sure I know which engine is in this one.
- Are there any known issues or gotchas with this model, beyond normal tractor/mower wear points to inspect?
- This is a 7 year old unit. Are there any new features zero-turns have come out with since then that I'd really be missing if I went with it?

I'm just interested in the model, not in any comparison of zero-turns to garden tractors or the like.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[om21braz]

If you don't get any reviews by actual owners here - try Lawnsite - mostly commercial pros, but some good info.

Here are a couple links:

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/deere-z970r-vs-scag-tt2.455972/

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/john-deere-z950r-vs-z960r-vs-z970r.428720/

 

[xrjohndeere]

I'm looking at a used Deere zero-turn and would like some input. A little background:

I currently use a Deere x758 60" deck to mow 7 acres of my property. It works well but it takes me 4.5 hours to do it all, usually at least once a week in the summer. A couple years ago I tried out a Deere Z930M 60". It worked quite well and shaved off 45 min to an hour from my mowing time and that was the first time I had been on a zero-turn. My original idea was to trade the x758 for one and then blow snow with my 2520. I've since realized that the 2520 is pretty big to work well for my snowblowing needs so I won't part with the x758. That makes a new zero-turn infeasible and thus I shelved the idea.

I now have a chance to buy a used Z970R for a pretty good deal and am looking into it. But I have some questions about that model. This is a 2013 with less than 100 hours on it, and with a 72" deck. I don't have any concerns with the unit working well for my property. I have no hills and no place that the width would be a problem. My main interests are about this model's potential issues.

Questions:
- Did they offer different engines in the Z970R? Looking up used ones I see the HP ratings all over the place, including: 25, 28, 35, 37 HP. I didn't think Deere offered different engines, at least within a single model year on the same model number. But if they did I want to make sure I know which engine is in this one.
- Are there any known issues or gotchas with this model, beyond normal tractor/mower wear points to inspect?
- This is a 7 year old unit. Are there any new features zero-turns have come out with since then that I'd really be missing if I went with it?

I'm just interested in the model, not in any comparison of zero-turns to garden tractors or the like.

Thanks,
Rob

I just purchased the z970r. I am very pleased with it. I had a 930r that I ran for years. The 970 is a 35 hp engine. You may see different ratings because somewhere in that time period John Deere had to change how they rated the engines. It should be a Kawasaki engine unless there was a Kohler option for that year. Under a 100 hours I would suspect it would be in good shape unless someone abused it. They are really tough built mowers. No big surprises or weak points. Just check normal stuff. If it is a dealer ask for a compression check. Ask to take the deck belt loose and spin the spindles to make sure they spin free with no grinding. They are easy to replace but I think they are about 150 bucks. The hydrostatic pump filters are not do for replacement until 300 hours. Not hard to do just a $150 job if you do it yourself. Check hydraulic fluid and make sure it is not burnt. Other than maintenance stuff if it looks clean and taken care of I would jump on it. My 930 and 970 smoke a little on start up sometimes but it is unburnt fuel. Nature of carburetor. Run ethanol free gas if you can find it and keep it greased. It should last well passed a 2000 hours or more. When you get used to running it you will shave more than 45 mins. One big yard I used to mow with a 1025r with 60 inch deck took me 6.5 to 7 hours to mow. With the 930 I could do it in 3.5. With the 970 I can do it under 3. 60 inch decks on both. The z970 has lots of power. If you are flat and fairly smooth you should be able to run about 12mph. The only real change I seen was the seat and to be honest I don稚 think it is anymore comfortable than the seat on yours. I do have tweels. Are they worth the$$. Meh. No flats and a little more stable on hills is the only thing I found. You will love the hydraulic deck when you get used to how it works. Beats foot raise deck to ****. Good luck. Any questions drop me a line. Mark

 

[BigBlue1]

Thanks for all the feedback, but the opportunity passed. The business that had it decided to sell it to an employee instead. Oh well. 5 grand I didn't need to spend right now anyway.

Rob

 

[xrjohndeere]

Thanks for all the feedback, but the opportunity passed. The business that had it decided to sell it to an employee instead. Oh well. 5 grand I didn't need to spend right now anyway.

Rob

That stinks. Oh well there are a lot of z930 r out there. Flat ground they will mow just as fast. If you don稚 need the hydraulics a z930m or z960 is a good option. Good luck.