John Deere 648R

Engine

Heavy-duty dual stage air cleaner

A commercial-quality, 22-hp (16.4-kW) at 3600 rpm, air-cooled engine powers the QuikTrak™ Mower:

• Overhead valve design
  • More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
  • Better fuel efficiency
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
  • Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
  • Filtered oil reduces risk of contamination for increased engine life
• V-twin design
  • Fast starts
  • Smooth operation
• Vertical shaft for efficient transfer of power to the transmission and mower
• Standard dual-element, canister-type, dry replaceable, heavy-duty air cleaner with secondary safety element
• Fuel pump for consistent and reliable fuel supply to the carburetor
• Air-cooled engine design for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability
• Standard cleanout ports for easy access to remove debris collecting in cooling fins
• Aluminum cylinder block
• Effectively dissipates heat
• Lightweight and strong construction
• Extends engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures

Engine oil-fill tube, filter, and drain

The engine is equipped with a replaceable oil filter for longer engine life.

Engine oil fill/check tube, oil filter, and oil drain are located close together for easy and convenient service.

Large fuel tank saves refueling time and increases productivity

Fuel tank

Fuel cap, gauge, and shutoff valve

Quality fuel-system components enhance performance and convenience: 

• Large, 5.6-U.S. gal. (21.2-L) capacity
  • Wide fuel tank filler opening
    • Conveniently located
    • Makes adding fuel easy and helps eliminate spillage
• Sealed and tethered fuel cap
  • Reduced fuel vapor loss
  • Less chance of losing fuel cap

A fuel gauge is conveniently located to keep the operator informed about the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

A fuel shut-off valve is provided. It should be turned off whenever the QuikTrak™ Mower is not in use.

Fuel filter used on carbureted models

Fuel filter used on electronic fuel injection (EFI) models

A high-quality fuel filter is located where it easy to access and change.

QuikTrak™ mower deck (652R shown)

Mower-deck reinforcement (652R shown)

A well-designed mower deck can make the difference between just getting the job done and getting eye-catching results. The 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) fabricated mower deck delivers a higher quality of cut in more diverse conditions to enhance mowing performance.

Key features of the fabricated mower deck include: 

• The mower deck is manufactured from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside, with fewer sharp corners, for reduced material buildup.
• A compact footprint delivers greater maneuverability when working in tight quarters.
• A deep-deck design delivers excellent airflow so material is processed quickly and efficiently.
• A powerful vacuum effect is created by the deck's unique air-flow design, which pulls more grass upright so that the blades can cut more evenly.
• 48-in. to 61-in. (122-cm to 155-cm) decks come standard with an adjustable striping flap to enhance the after-cut appearance.

Flexible mower-discharge deflector

Large, inset caster wheels

The wide-discharge opening and raised deflector provide even clipping dispersal for an excellent finished appearance in all conditions.

Caster wheels with flat-free tires contribute to a smooth, even cutting job:

• Large, flat-free caster wheels carry the mower deck smoothly over the lawn.
• Caster wheels are recessed to reduce the vehicle footprint and turning radius.
  • With the wheels less exposed, there is less chance they will get snagged by immovable obstacles, thus improving maneuverability and reducing damage.

Mower lift lever (raised position)

Mower lift spring and lever (minimum cut-height position)

The QuikTrak is equipped with a floating mower deck that offers several advantages over a fixed mower deck:

• The lift lever allows the operator to raise the mower to the full-up position from the operator's station.
  • Convenient when transporting from one mowing area to another and when loading/unloading.
  • Allows the operator to raise the mower over roots or other obstructions in the lawn on the fly.
• Lift-assist springs reduce the effort required to raise the mower deck.

Cutting-height adjustment

Easy-to-remove mower deck shields

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 5 in. (12.7 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments:

• Pull the lift lever back to the fully-raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

Mower deck shields are easy to remove, with one knob, for access to the drive belt and other service points.

Optional mulching attachment

Optional mulching attachment and blades (similar design shown)

Optional mulching attachment and special mulching blades are available:

• This is a high-performance mulching attachment that includes formed steel baffles to control the material for superior performance.
• The special mulching blades can also be used for side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.

QuikTrak™ Mower mowing lawn (652R shown)

Spring-cushioned operator platform (652E shown)

The large operator platform is supported with three suspension springs to absorb shock. The springs are adjustable for operator weight and preference to give each operator a smooth and comfortable ride.

Operator platform and leaning pad

Leaning pad (652E shown)

A high-quality leaning pad is provided for operator comfort and to insulate the operator from heat given off by the machine.

A storage pocket on the battery box provides a convenient place for the operator to store a cell phone, gloves, etc.

QuikTrak™ Mower mowing (652R shown)

Control console (652E shown)

 Controls are color coded and logically placed to make them easy for the operator to find and use:

• Ground speed and direction are easily controlled by moving the two hand-lever hydrostatic drive controls forward or reverse.
  • Speeds are infinitely variable up to 9.5 mph (15.3 km/h) forward and 5.5 mph (8.9 km/h) reverse.
  • A positive neutral-lock position for the levers provides added safety.
• Two stationary reference bars are provided for operator convenience and security.
  • Front reference bar is included to control speed and reduce fatigue from control lever operation.
  • Rear reference bar is included to make reverse operation easy while maintaining operator confidence.
• Control levers return to neutral automatically for safety and convenience.

• Separate choke is easy to locate and use.

  • Less adjustment is needed with the separate choke.

Brake lever (engaged position)

Brake bar

A tire brake is provided to give stability for parking the vehicle on hillsides and for transport; it should be engaged whenever the machine is not being used:

• Brake must be engaged to start the machine, for added safety.
• The tire brake is easily adjusted, if necessary, to maintain effective operation.

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment (648R, 652R, 661R)

Mower deck lift handle (648R, 652R, 661R)

Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment (648R, 652R, 661R)

On the 648R, 652R, 652R EFI, 661R, and 661R EFI QuikTrak Mowers, an easy-to-use cutting height adjustment system allows the operator to adjust the mower deck cutting height with no tools and minimal effort:

• Pull the lift lever back to the fully-raised position.
• Remove the tethered pin and place it at the desired cutting height.
• Lower the lift lever; the lift lever and mower will stop at the desired cutting height.

NOTE: Additional information on mower cutting height adjustment can be found in the mower deck section.

QuikTrak two-year warranty

The equipment comes with an exclusive two-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty. The warranty is best-in-class and places John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is hassle free, with one company covering the complete machine.

652E QuikTrak™ Mower

Open engine compartment

All service components are easy to access:

• Servicing is simplified because of the open engine compartment.
• All service and maintenance points are within easy reach.

Heavy-duty canister-type air cleaner

Engine oil fill/check tube and oil filter

Canister-type heavy-duty air cleaner is easy to reach and easy to service:

• Air cleaner has two filter elements; a large outer filter and a smaller inner safety filter.
• Both filters are easy to access and easy to change.

Engine oil service points are grouped together in easy-to-reach locations:

• Reduces the time required to check and/or change the oil and filter.

Leaning pad raised for service access

Periodic service chart

Simply raising the leaning pad exposes the hydrostatic oil reservoir, control linkage and other service areas.

A periodic service chart is provided for convenience in keeping up on required service.

Easy-to-remove access panel

Hydrostatic transmission control linkage

Remove service access shields on the mower deck, battery box, etc. to service the machine:

• Panels are easy to remove and install

Threaded ball and socket rod ends are used throughout the QuikTrak Mowers:

• Provide precise control over a long period of time
• Easily replaced when necessary

Hydrostatic pump maintenance access

Transmission bypass valve

Access to check and service the hydrostatic pumps and motors is readily available at the rear of the machine.

Transmission bypass valves are located on the hydrostatic pumps to enable moving the vehicle without the engine running.

Battery box

Battery cover removed for service access

A secure battery box is provided to protect the battery, for reliable operation:

• Cover is easily removed for servicing the battery.

Front tie down

Rear tie down

Four tie-down locations, two at the front and two at the rear, are provided for safely towing or anchoring the vehicle.

Overhead view of 652E showing compact design

Side view of 652E showing compact design

From the operator's platform to the mower deck, John Deere QuikTrak™ Mowers have a compact and functional design:

• The compact design allows the QuikTrak to operate in tighter areas that a larger machine cannot. Often, this means the area can be mowed with a QuikTrak so it is not necessary to switch to a walk-behind mower, reducing the time on site.
• With the compact design of QuikTrak Mowers, less space is required on a truck or trailer - which can mean there is room for an extra mower, resulting in less time on property, saving time and money.

Mowing a tight area with 652R QuikTrak

652R QuikTrak

Whether mowing hills or on level terrain, trimming or mowing straight-away, the operator of a John Deere QuikTrak is able to affect the performance of the machine with their body:

• The compact design of the QuikTrak allows the operator to use their body to help control the machine.
• The innovative QuikTrak design puts the operator in line with the rear axle to keep traction when mowing across slopes, providing greater control.
• Faster ground speeds get work done quicker.
• Better traction on slopes gives more control and increased productivity.
• Superior stability gives more control and confidence when mowing hillsides.
• Better visibility allows more-timely operator reaction to the terrain and obstructions.
• Standing area is designed for improved range of motion to allow the operator more room to move and avoid obstacles.
• Minimal operator-station obstruction allows safe and fast exits for clearing mower-path obstacles.
• Operator area is designed for more comfort and less fatigue.

Inset caster wheels (652E shown)

Inset caster wheels (652R shown)

John Deere QuikTrak Mowers are designed, tested, and manufactured to provide the best commercial mowing machines available:

• Bull-nosed shape of the front edge of the mower deck allows caster wheels to be set back further, closer to the blades, for more effective ground following capability.
• Compact design takes less space for mowing tighter areas and may allow room for an extra machine when hauling to the worksite.

652E QuikTrak™ Mower frame

652R QuikTrak frame

QuikTrak Mowers are designed around a heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for strength and reliability:

• More-rounded corners contribute to a clean, attractive appearance.
• Greater strength results from eliminating sharp angles where peak loads can cause failure.
• Large, 11-in. (33-cm), flat-free front caster wheels and large 20x10-8 (4-ply) rear drive wheels provide a smoother ride.
  • Better slope performance
  • More operator comfort over uneven ground
  • Better traction

Operator platform

The operator platform is roomy and uncluttered for maximum comfort, productivity, and safety:

• Easy to get on and off the mower.
• Plenty of legroom for comfortable operation.

652R QuikTrak™ Mower mowing

Hydrostatic pumps

QuikTrak Mowers use a heavy-duty hydrostatic pump and wheel-motor drive system that gives reliable and consistent performance and long life:

• Heavy-duty components stand up to the rigors of commercial use.
• Individual pump and wheel motor design allows placement of these heavy components low in the vehicle for a low center of gravity and excellent hillside stability.

Two Hydro-Gear™, 0.73 cu in. (12-cc), axial piston, variable-displacement pumps provide hydraulic power to the wheel motors:

• Rugged construction is ideal for high-performance commercial use.
• Piston design gives efficient and consistent performance. 
• A replaceable hydraulic filter helps ensure long life of the pumps and wheel motors.

Two individual, 15-cu in. (245.8-cc), piston wheel motors power the QuikTrak drive wheels. Their heavy-duty construction and super-efficient axial-piston design provides superior performance and seamless power to the wheels:

• Integrated high-pressure shaft seal gives greater reliability.
• Large bearings are designed with the capacity to carry heavier loads and give long life.

Transmission oil filter

Transmission fluid oil reservoir

A spin-on type replaceable hydraulic oil filter is conveniently located:

• Extends life of transmission components by keeping oil clean
• Easy-to-reach for easy and fast service

A hydraulic fluid oil reservoir is located behind the leaning pad:

• Located in a cleaner environment
• Easy to access for inspection and service
• Sight glass built into the tank reduces risk of contamination when checking fluid level.

Transmission bypass valve

Transmission bypass valves are provided on each hydrostatic pump to permit moving the QuikTrak without the engine running.

Hydro-Gear is a trademark of Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership AF Holding Company.

652R QuikTrak™ Mower

Mower discharge deflector

Curb wheels

Key safety features of QuikTrak Mowers include:

• Start circuit requirements
  • Park brake engaged
  • Power take-off (PTO) disengaged
  • Control levers in neutral
  • Ignition key used to start the engine
• A high-quality polyethylene mower-discharge deflector
  • Deflects if it strikes a solid obstruction, causing less damage
  • Returns to its original shape and function
• Operator station designed to allow fast exit
• Two large curb wheels
• Easy to remove and replace shields
• Stationary handles on either side of the traction controls for operator security
• Control levers return to neutral when released

Mower deck safety certification

QuikTrak mower decks are evaluated by the manufacturer (John Deere Turf Care) and conform to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B71.4 2004 safety certification specifications for commercial turf care equipment.

Tweel rear tire on QuikTrak Mower

NOTE: 18x8.5N10 Tweel turf tires are available as an ordering option for QuikTrak 648R, 652R, 652R EFI, 661R, and 661R EFI Mowers. Tweel tires for QuikTrak Mowers are not available as base code equipment.

John Deere leads the commercial zero-turn mower industry with use of the Michelin X Tweel Turf technology for the QuikTrak Mowers.

Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and technology. This airless radial tire solution is an industry first for John Deere, which provides an additional advantage to John Deere operators.

Advantages of the Michelin X Tweel Turf include:

• Mowing performance is improved.
  • Unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reduces the bounce associated with pneumatic tires.
  • Excellent curb climbing due to the Michelin X Tweel Turf construction and flexibility.
  • More consistent cut quality because inconsistent tire pressure is eliminated.
• Uptime is improved.
  • The exclusive technology eliminates downtime and associated cost due to flat or damaged tires.
  • Punctures and sidewall damage no longer result in downtime.
• Cost of operation is reduced.
  • Cost of repairs and maintenance is reduced. One single unit replaces the current tire, wheel, and valve assembly. There is no need for complex tire-mounting equipment.
  • No need to spend time checking and optimizing tire pressure.
  • The need to purchase and stock plug kits and spare tires is eliminated, particularly for professional landscape contractors and government agencies who normally stock them.
  • The tire tread will last up to three times longer than current pneumatic tires because automotive-grade rubber is used for the tread.

Michelin X Tweel Turf

Michelin X Tweel Turf

Heavy-duty construction provides the ultimate in performance and reliable operation:

• High-strength, poly-resin spokes carry the load.
• Four-hole, heavy-duty steel hub easily bolts onto any R Series QuikTrak Mower.
• Zero degree, high-tensile, proprietary carcass provides great lateral stiffness while resisting damage from impact and penetration.

Michelin, X, and Tweel are trademarks of Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin SCA.

Propane conversion kit on a walk-behind mower

Dual propane conversion kit on a QuikTrak mower

John Deere provides application-specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved field-installed propane conversion kits for specific John Deere commercial walk-behind mowers, QuikTrak mowers, and ZTrak mowers. The conversion kits include all components required to convert the engines to operate on propane fuel. Single-tank or dual-tank brackets (depending on the vehicle) are provided for securely holding the propane tank(s) to the vehicle.

Propane tanks are not included.

An optional altitude kit is required when operating at altitudes above 2000 ft (610 m). The operator’s manual with the propane conversion kit provides further details. Parts must be ordered separately through John Deere Parts.

Propane facts:

• Propane is flammable and commonly used as a fuel.
• The molecular formula of propane is C3H8, and it is in the family of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases). The other LP gases include butane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof.
• Propane is commonly available and has proven to be a dependable, safe, economical, and clean-burning fuel. It can be used as household fuel, industrial fuel, and fuel for internal combustion engines. Propane has been used as a fuel since 1910.
• At atmospheric pressure, propane boils at -44°F (-42.2°C), meaning it typically exists as a vapor. However, when contained under pressure, such as in a propane cylinder, it can exist as a liquid.
• Propane is naturally odorless, but includes an additive odorant, usually mercaptan, which gives it a distinct odor.
• Vapor propane is heavier than air, meaning it will settle in low areas such as along the ground or in drains.

 Advantages of John Deere propane conversion kits include:

• Reduced fuel costs up to 30 percent depending on fuel prices
• Lower emissions
• Reduced fuel-system maintenance
• Maintains John Deere warranty
• EPA and CARB certified
• May qualify for national and state rebate and incentive programs.

Propane tank mounting bracket options:

Single propane tank shown on QuikTrak mower

Dual propane tanks shown on ZTrak mower

 Optional tank configurations and sizes are available to provide operators the ability to tailor for run time:

• Commercial walk-behind mowers have only a single-tank mounting option.
  • The single-tank bracket is designed for one 20-lb (9.1-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
• QuikTrak mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
  • The single-tank, right-side bracket is designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
  • The dual-tank brackets are designed for two 20-lb (9.1-kg) Worthington tanks.
    • Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
• The single-tank, left-side bracket is designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) or 43-lb (19.5-kg) Worthington tank.
  • Tank is not included.
• The dual-tank brackets are designed for two 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tanks.
• Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak mowers with dual-tank configurations are not compatible with any material collection systems.

NOTE: Reference the Propane and Attachment Compatibility Chart to determine tank configurations that are compatible.

Estimated run-time comparison

Field-installed propane conversion kit compatibility

NOTE: Conversion to propane is not intended for units with engines having more than 250 hours of use.

Commercial walk-behind mowers (model year 2019 and newer)

QuikTrak mowers

Commercial ZTrak mowers

Worthington tanks are manufactured by Worthington Industries, Inc.