John Deere unveils new commercial walk-behind mowers, updates to wide-area mower

John Deere introduced a full line of commercial walk behind mowers and updates to a wide-area mower for 2011 at GIE+EXPO.

 John Deere WG Series commercial walk-behind mower

 John Deere 1600 wide-area mowerThe new WG and WH Series commercial-walk behind mowers will feature six new models with gear or hydrostatic transmission. They will provide an affordable, easy-to-use product with superior mowing performance for landscape professionals that need the versatility of a commercial walk-behind mower.

“We are very excited to add the WG and WH Series to the John Deere commercial mowing lineup,” said Chase Tew, John Deere tactical brand manager, commercial mowing. “The new walk-behinds will be an extension to the fleet of any professional looking for durability and reliability from a brand like John Deere.”

The new commercial walk-behind series includes six models in the 16- to 20-hp. range. The gear models feature a robust 7-gauge fabricated deck and a smooth running 5-speed transmission that complement the 16-hp. Kawasaki engine for the power and performance operators demand. These models are also equipped with flat-free front tires for improved performance.

The hydro models include 7-gauge fabricated floating decks and easy-to-operate twin loop handle controls that feature front and rear index bars. These models are equipped with either a 16- or 20-hp. Kawasaki engine and also have flat-free front tires.

In addition to the new commercial walk-behind mowers, John Deere has also incorporated key updates to the company’s existing Quik-Trak Series.

Designed for landscape professionals looking for maximum maneuverability, as well as durability and reliability, the new Quik-Trak PRO Series offers the 7-Iron PRO deck in a compact and powerful package. The three updated models in the series also feature higher 22- and 24-hp. Kawasaki engines that deliver the power and speed commercial contractors demand.

“When you look at these new products and the ZTrak PRO 900 Series we launched last year,” said Tew, “then you add in the services we offer through John Deere Financial, John Deere Landscapes and our outstanding dealer network, John Deere has an offering that’s tough to match.”

In addition to a new full line of commercial walk-behind mowers and updates to the Quik-Trak Series, John Deere has made enhancements to the 1600 Series II Turbo Wide-Area Mower (WAM) for the 2011 season. Ideal for professionals or governmental agencies looking to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, the new 1600 has an 11-foot cutting width for large commercial mowing jobs and can mow up to 68 acres in an eight-hour day.

The new 2011 WAM is equipped with an overhead-valve, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled 57-hp. Yanmar diesel engine, which is Interim Tier IV compliant, and an on-demand or full-time mechanical rear wheel drive. Other key updates include standard run flat tires on the front and wing mower decks and a standard air ride, fully adjustable seat.

New folding ROPS design and a new engine monitoring and diagnostic console in the operator station add to the ease of operation of the machine. John Deere has also made new hydraulic updates to the 2011 WAM, including a new mow valve and a new wing deck hydraulic motor, allowing the mower to run at less pressure and cooler temperatures. A new B20 Biodiesel kit is also available on the 1600.

“We are committed to helping our commercial customers be more efficient and more productive on the jobsite, and the WAM updates are designed to do just that,” Tew said.

The new mowers will be available for purchase beginning winter of 2011.

For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.