Superior durability is designed in

Accel Deep Mower Decks have strong spindle pockets to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough service:

• Forged from strong 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.4-mm) steel
• Ribs in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
• Mower wheels are double captured:
  • Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life
  • Single-bolt adjustment makes setting wheels to the correct cutting height quick and easy
• Low-tension belt-drive design reduces the side load on engine lower bearings and mower deck bearings for longer life.
• A 5/8-in. (16-mm) diameter solid-steel rod side guard provides extra strength and protection.
• Dual-stage E-coat and powder-paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.

Versatility – easy to change between side discharge, mulch, and bagging modes

Accel Deep Mower Decks are designed for maximum versatility, providing the greatest ease in changing from one mower discharge mode to another:

• With MulchControl, changing from side discharging to mulching or vice versa is done with the simple flip of a lever.
• On 48A and 54A Mower Decks, the Power Flow rear bagger can be used with MulchControl by simply using the MulchControl lever to move the mulch baffle to the side-discharge position.

MulchControl option

The MulchControl system for Accel Deep Mower Decks is an optional field-installed attachment and makes mulching 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 lawn material.

Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer required
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

• The MulchControl handle is located on top of the mower deck and used to open and close the discharge baffle.
  • The operator is required to get off the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• Changing from mulching to side discharge or vice versa takes only a few seconds.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• Usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• Usually side-discharge, but would like to be able to close the chute to control clippings
• Always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• Bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags

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 still mulches 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:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn cleanup is desired

Great performance and long life with a smooth and powerful 44.2-cu in. (724-cc) V-twin engine

Get superior performance and reliability with a large 44.2-cu in. (724-cc) displacement engine that has many premium features:

• Easy inspection and removal of any debris that may have collected using two large cleanout ports that are integrated into the engine shroud over the cylinder heads.
• Engine service times, reliability, and life are increased with the use of premium engine oil and air filtering systems, as well as the cooling design.

Experience plenty of power and torque to handle tough mulching, mowing, and bagging conditions with the 24-hp (17.9-kW) V-twin engine:

• Greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality from the V-twin cylinder design
• Fast starts with electronic ignition
• Long engine life with cast-iron cylinder liners
• Excellent power and fuel economy with overhead valves
• Reliable operation with in-line fuel filter

The engine speed lever and choke control lever are separate controls:

• The engine speed lever is easy to use – there is no need to worry about pushing too far and engaging the choke like on single throttle/choke lever systems.

The engine area is open for visibility to important service points, making it easy to inspect and clean the engine.

4.5-gal. (17-L) fuel capacity for extended mowing times

The 4.5-gal. (17-L) fuel tank is easy to fill and has a sight-level window and dash-mounted gauge:

• Longer times between refills with the large tank
• Easy to see how much fuel is in the tank by viewing the sight gauge when approaching from the front of the machine
• Easy filling and minimum chance of spills with a large, 3-in. (7.6-cm) diameter fuel opening that is low and angled

John Deere recommends the use of fuel stabilizer in gasoline. See Fuel-Protect for gasoline engines (8 oz [237 mL]) for more information.

Protective zone around the operator is provided by the rollover protective structure (ROPS)

The spacious operator station has been designed for comfort, visibility, and ease of use:

• Getting on and off easy with the flat operator platform.
• Convenient-to-use controls are located close to the operator.
• Operator controls are color coded and designed for easy identification and operation.

The ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to provide a protective zone around the operator:

• It reduces the operator’s risk of being crushed under the vehicle should it overturn.
• In most situations, the ROPS limits the overturn to little more than 90 degrees.
• When used with a seatbelt, the ROPS is very effective in preventing deaths and serious injuries.
  • Use of the seat belt is recommended when operating with ROPS in the upright position.

Foldable ROPS and retractable seat belt are standard equipment:

• Handles on the position pins provide a good grip and make changing the angle of the ROPS easier.
• The door height of most garages will accommodate the machine with ROPS in the fully raised position.
  • Easy-fold ROPS improves the ability to store the ZTrak™ mower in structures with a lower door opening.