John Deere at GaLaBau 2026: ZTrak™ Mower Updates Target Professional Landscape Contractors

• John Deere updates its ZTrak™ zero-turn mower range at GaLaBau 2026, focusing on professional landscaping contractors' needs.

• The Z740R model offers a stronger entry-level commercial option with improved deck durability and ergonomic enhancements.

• The redesigned diesel Z997R emphasizes operator comfort and control, featuring a full-color touchscreen and drive-by-wire steering.

• The Z998R delivers high-output mowing with flexible cutting widths using electrically powered wing decks for efficient operation in wide areas.

• All ZTrak™ models can be equipped with JDLink™ connectivity for fleet monitoring and maintenance management.

Expanded ZTrak™ line-up focuses on productivity, durability and consistent results across crews

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At GaLaBau 2026, John Deere will present a contractor-focused range of ZTrak™ zero-turn mowers, addressing the needs of professional landscaping businesses operating across diverse sites, tight schedules and multiple operators.

Z740R: a stronger entry-level commercial option

The Z740R ZTrak™ has been updated to better meet the expectations of professional contractors seeking a suitable entry point into commercial mowing. Retaining its proven mid-duty chassis with a 17.5 kW (23.5 hp) petrol engine and 16 km/h ground speed, the model year 2027 update introduces the 7Iron™ PRO side-discharge decks (122 cm or 154 cm), bringing heavier-duty deck construction and improved durability to this segment.

Further refinements focus on everyday contractor use, including enhanced deck protection, revised anti-scalp wheel placement and updated ergonomic steering handles. A refreshed operator station design aligns the Z740R visually and functionally with larger ZTrak™ models, while a wide range of optional kits — such as lighting, storage and Tweel™ solutions — allow contractors to tailor the mower to their operation.

Z997R: redesigned diesel ZTrak™ with focus on operator control

The Z997R represents a significant step forward in the large diesel ZTrak™ category. While retaining its established powertrain, the machine features a substantially revised design, centered around operator comfort, control and consistency.

Key updates include an 11 cm full-colour touchscreen display, which replaces traditional analogue instrumentation and provides clear access to machine information, settings and diagnostics. Through customisable user profiles, contractors can define parameters such as mowing behaviour and operating limits, helping ensure consistent results across different operators. 

The Z997R also introduces drive-by-wire steering, reducing steering effort, alongside an in-base air-suspension seat designed to improve comfort on uneven terrain. Power comes from a 3-cylinder diesel rated at 27.5 kW (37.4 hp) with a 1.64 l displacement, paired with an updated cooling system. The Z997R can be configured with 7IronPRO side-discharge decks (152 cm or 183 cm) or FastBack PRO rear-discharge decks (152 cm or 183 cm), matching deck choice to site conditions and discharge requirements.

Z998R: high-output mowing with flexible cutting widths

The Z998R expands the large diesel ZTrak™ line-up with a solution aimed at maximum productivity in wide, open areas. It is powered by a turbocharged 3-cylinder diesel engine rated at 32.4 kW (43.4 hp) with a 1.57 l displacement and uses an air intake positioned behind the seat for cleaner airflow. For mowing, the machine features a FastBack PRO rear-discharge deck with E-Cut wing decks, delivering cutting widths of 152 cm, 203 cm or 254 cm (five blades total) for high output in open areas.

Operators can raise or lower the wing decks at the touch of a button, quickly adapting cutting width when working around obstacles. The 155 cm centre deck is shaft-driven, while two 56 cm E-Cut wing decks are powered by electric motors supplied by an engine-mounted 56 V, 240 amp alternator. In around nine seconds, the operator can switch from the full 254 cm cut width to narrower configurations (152 cm or 203 cm) as conditions require. The wing decks also articulate 20 degrees up or down to follow uneven ground contours.

Connectivity to support fleet operations

All ZTrak™ models can be equipped with an JDLink™ M-Modem, enabling access to John Deere Operations Center™. This supports fleet visibility, machine monitoring and maintenance planning — particularly valuable for contractors managing multiple machines and operators.

See the ZTrak™ range at GaLaBau 2026

The ZTrak™ line-up will be on display at Hall 9, Stand 316, where John Deere product specialists will advise on configurations for professional landscaping applications.