John Deere expert predicts battery-powered lawn mower demand will ‘rapidly escalate’
‘Fox Friends’ co-hosts join Skip Bedell in the FOX Square to check out top battery-powered tools.
Might we Americans see more electric-powered lawn mowers in the near future?
As more battery-powered home improvement products make their way to market, John Deere’s mass channel business manager Sean Sundberg predicted in a recent interview with Fox News Digital that battery-powered riding lawn mowers, specifically, could be getting some serious attention.
“It’s a great trend,” he said, sharing his opinion. “We’ll see the adoption curve rapidly escalate … It’s simplicity of use with the machine.”
For the average consumer who may be mowing half an acre of grass, Sundberg said he’s optimistic the machine will be reliable.
Deere Co. John Deere lawn mowers and tractors sit on display at a United Ag Turf dealership in Waco, Texas, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. (Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I don’t think there will be any durability issues,” he said.
“You plug it in, you go take care of your business … just like you normally would with a fuel-option machine. So it’ll be very similar in operation and I think the performance will be there as well.”
For larger property owners, having the right machine and trusting that it can get the job done is important, which all comes down to finding the right battery with enough power.
There’s already been a greater transition in the home improvement space to battery-powered machines, including walk-behind mowers and hand-held tools.
Alison Bedell, wife of home improvement expert Skip Bedell, takes EGO Power 42″ ZTR lawn mower for a spin on Fox Square in midtown Manhattan on April 15, 2022. (Fox News)
“[We’ve] definitely seen an adoption rate increasing rapidly in the consumer space,” Sundberg said. “Because it is super easy.”
A handful of brands such as EGO, Skil and Kobalt have released electric products like leaf blowers, weed whackers and power saws.
The John Deere expert said the increased interest battery-powered tool interest is due to its simplicity, since there’s no messing around with fuel — saving today’s consumer a few extra bucks at the pump.
Sundberg hinted that even though John Deere does not currently have any battery-powered tools on the market, there may be a few models coming down the road.
“We do not have a battery-powered machine in market … yet,” he said.
There may be a few new battery-powered tools coming down the road.
Worth keeping in mind, to be sure: While some major cities are already seeing their lights go off due to electricity use overload, grid operators and energy advocates gave a warning to states that are closing their coal-fired power plants even quicker than they can build new ones, FOX Business has reported.
“Any plans to remove nuclear plants or coal power plants or natural gas plants that are slated to be closed, that has to be completely suspended,” Power the Future executive director Daniel Turner told FOX Business’ Jeff Flock on Tuesday.
Eighty coal-fired power plants are slated to close across 14 states in the next six years, Flock mentioned in his report — posing a threat, as some blackouts have already begun and coal and nuclear power still source 41% of the country’s electricity, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Kristen Altus of FOX Business contributed to this report.
John Deere Just Debuted an All-Electric Riding Lawn Mower
Courtesy John Deere
When it comes to buying a lawn mower, there’s a growing trend of electric replacing traditional gas-powered models. Electric lawn mowers have a number of advantages over gas: less noise, easier maintenance, no exhaust smell and of course more eco-friendly. Several mower manufacturers have released electric machines of both the push and riding style, and John Deere is now adding its name to that list. Currently, the John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak is available for pre-order. Here’s what you need to know about this machine.
What’s John Deere’s New All-Electric Lawn Mower?
Courtesy John Deere
The John Deere Z370R is a zero-turn electric riding lawn mower. That means it’s fully battery-powered and doesn’t need any gas or oil. Like all electric machines, the lack of combustible fuel also eliminates the need to winterize—apart from parking the mower in a sheltered space and bringing the batteries indoors. Plus, one of the benefits of an electric vs. gas lawnmower it that it’s quieter than its gas-fueled counterparts, so you’re less likely to disturb the neighbors during your morning lawncare routine.
It’s zero-turn functionality means it turns as sharply around corners and tight spaces, thanks to front wheels that rotate 360 degrees.
Like other John Deere mowers, this machine comes with MulchControl technology, which allows you to switch between normal mowing and mulching easily on the fly.
John Deere’s First All-Electric Riding Mower: Everything You Need to Know
It seems everything is going electric these days, from your pickup truck to your grill. Now, John Deere is joining the EV revolution — with their first-ever fully-electric residential riding lawn mower.
Residential electric riding mowers have existed for a while, but we’ve never before seen John Deere enter the space before — and they’re making a pretty big splash with their debut effort. The new zero-turn mower is called the Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower, and it’s the first in what’s expected to be a wave of electric mowers and lawn tractors from the legendary manufacturer. You likely have a lot of questions about John Deere’s big electric shift, so here’s everything you need to know about this innovative new zero-turn mower.
The John Deere Z370R Electric Is Easy to Charge
You can kiss your gas cans goodbye, since the Z370R Electric doesn’t need any. Instead, all you have to do to charge the mower is plug a standard outdoor extension cord into a 110-volt grounded outlet. There’s no need to remove the battery or purchase any special charger, meaning you’re likely already set up to charge the mower out of the box.
Outside of the obvious benefits of going electric — like less noise and a lack of polluting emissions — is the reduction in maintenance. According to John Deere, the Z370R Electric will be much easier to maintain than its gas-powered brethren, since you won’t ever need to change its oil or replace any filters or belts.
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The John Deere Z370R Electric Is Just As Powerful As Gas Models
The Z370R Electric shares many components with John Deere’s gas-powered models. Its 42″ Accel Deep Mower Deck is the same one you’ll find on gas zero-turn mowers, and the electric transaxle has the same maximum forward travel speed of 7 mph that you’ll find on the gas-powered zero-turn Z300 ZTrak mowers. Its 3.2 kWh (3.56 kWh maximum) lithium-ion battery also allows the Z370R to mow up to 2 acres on a single charge, which is the same maximum runtime you’ll find on Z300 ZTrak mowers.
Not that you’d want to mow your lawn in the rain, but just in case, the Z370R is set up to do so. Both the battery and the mower deck motors are sealed to prevent water ingress, and the mower is rated to be used in the rain and on wet grass without worry. It’s also safe to store outdoors and wash with a hose.
The John Deere Z370R Electric Is Expensive
So far, this electric Deere sounds pretty great, but it’ll cost you. The Z370R is being launched with an MSRP of 6,399. For comparison, the closest gas-powered model specs-wise in John Deere’s lineup is the Z320R, which also has a 42″ deck and ZTrak zero-turn capabilities, and those go for 3,699.
While there’s no exact release date for the mower yet, you can get a jumpstart on John Deere’s “Electric Tomorrow” by pre-ordering your Z370R today. The brand’s online store is taking orders, and the mower is listed as a 2024 model, so it’ll likely be some time before you take delivery. Our Electric Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
Free yourself from gasoline
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower frees you from the hassles of gasoline.
Start your weekend with the scent of fresh cut grass instead of a trip to the gas station.
No spilling, transporting, smelling, or storing gasoline, plus minimal maintenance for easy ownership.
- No engine oil changes or disposal concerns.
- No engine air filters to clean or replace.
- No belts.
- No grease points.
- No need to add fuel stabilizer or remove fuel for seasonal storage.
- Doesn’t consume wall or counter space.
- Doesn’t require moving the batteries between charger and mower.
- No battery contacts to deteriorate.
- Charge anywhere with a standard 120-V outlet and grounded extension cord.
Smart charger continuously monitors battery.
- Ensures optimum charging rate based on battery level and environmental conditions.
- Stops charging when battery reaches full charge, no need to unplug the mower.
- Maximizes battery life.
Built for the outdoors
The Z370R Electric ZTrak is designed to withstand dust and water so you can confidently weather the conditions, wash the mower with a water hose, and even store the mower outdoors. The same weatherization technology used on John Deere’s agriculture and construction products is found on the Z370R for dependable, trouble-free performance.
The battery is sealed to protect it from the elements.
- Meets IP66 (ingress protection) rating.
- Solid protection – no dust can enter battery.
- Water protection – no water can enter battery from washing.
- Competitive electric mowers do not meet this standard, leaving them vulnerable.
The mower deck motors are also sealed to keep dust and water from entering. High-quality electrical connectors are also used throughout the mower.
All John Deere mowers are painted with a dual-stage E-coat process using powder paint coatings to provide protection from fading and corrosion.
Rugged and durable construction
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower is built tough to provide many years of trouble-free service. Several proven components, including the frame and Accel Deep Mower Deck, are shared with the gas-powered Z300 ZTrak models.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower frame is constructed of heavy-duty formed and welded steel for strength, reliability, and long life.
- Robust, 2.5-inch x 2-inch (6-cm x 5-cm) steel tubing in front and 1.5-inch x 2-inch (4-cm x 5-cm) steel tubing on the sides.
- A front bumper protects the front of the mower from damage.
- Caster wheel pivots have sealed bearings for easy steering and long life.
The electric transaxle is maintenance-free and reliable.
The 42-inch (107-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck is built from 12-gauge, 0.105-inch (2.7-mm) steel to withstand impacts.
Comfort features make mowing enjoyable
Look forward to the weekend and mowing with your Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower. The mower’s seat, operator station, styling package, ergonomic controls, and even the mower deck are designed to give a clean, quiet, and smooth riding experience.
- Thick seat foam and spring suspension smooths out rough ground.
- Stabilize yourself with side-bolstering.
- Rest your arms on standard armrests.
- Eye-catching embroidered John Deere logo and green accents.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of an electric powertrain.
- No gasoline engine noise, vibration, or the high-pitched whine of a hydrostatic transmission.
- Accel Deep Mower Deck keeps the grass and dust under the deck and away from you.
- Optional MulchControl enables you to mulch frequently.
- Prevents the discharge of material in mulching mode.
- Converts to side-discharge in seconds if the grass is too tall to mulch.
Thoughtful design prioritizes your ergonomics.
- Enjoy a roomy and uncluttered operator platform with lots of legroom.
- Rest your feet on footrests at the front of the platform.
- Adjust the seat and motion control levers to you.
- No tools are required to adjust seat fore and aft.
- Use the included tool to adjust the height and fore-aft position of the motion control levers.
Attractive and modern styling accommodates creature comforts.
- Glance down and see the trim edge of the mower deck without leaning.
- Contoured fenders improve visibility to the drive tires.
- Securely hold your refreshment in a cup holder.
- Store your cell phone in the covered storage compartment, and charge it with the standard USB-C charging port.
- Use the light-emitting diode (LED) lights to finish mowing at dusk.
- Forward LED lights illuminate in front of vehicle.
- Mid-LED lights light up the sides of the mower deck.
- Smoother ride.
- traction for improved slope performance.
Familiar and intuitive controls
The Z370R Electric ZTrak is designed to be intuitive to use, with controls at your fingertips.
Two easy-to-see displays keep you informed.
- Located on the console near power button and mower controls.
- Shows you battery level, operating mode, and operating hours.
- Advises if an unsatisfied PTO, seat, or motion-control interlock is preventing operation.
- Advises when the mower is in push mode or when park brake is applied.
- Backlit for night visibility.
- Status display is built into footrest to increase visibility while mowing.
- Displays battery level in five vertical segments.
- Indicates mower status in top horizontal segment.
- Green – You’re ready to turn on PTO and start mowing.
- White – You’re in standby; you need to satisfy a PTO, seat, or motion-control interlock.
- Red – There is a mower fault that needs to be corrected by cycling the PTO switch, cycling the power button, or dealer service.
The electric transaxle of the Z370R Electric ZTrak is tuned to be smooth, responsive, and operate like a gas-powered ZTrak Mower.
Three operating modes enable you to tailor the performance to your preferences and yard conditions.
- Low Mode – 5 MPH (8 km/h) travel speed for trimming or precise maneuvering.
- High Mode – Full 7 MPH (11.3 km/h) travel speed for most mowing situations.
- Bagging Mode – Increased mower blade speeds to support material collection or challenging mowing conditions.
Operating mode can be changed using the mode switch.
The integrated park brake is automatically applied when motion control levers are stowed outward and disengaged when levers are placed into operating position.
- Easily lift the mower deck using the foot-lift pedal.
- A cut-height preset ensures the deck returns to the correct position.
- Mower deck cutting height adjusts from 1.25 to 4.5 inches (3 to 11 cm) in 0.25-inch (0.64-cm) increments.
The foot-lift pedal also provides a convenient way to temporarily raise the mower deck over an obstruction while mowing.
Simplified maintenance
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower has several features to simplify maintenance.
- No engine oil changes or disposal concerns.
- No engine air filters to clean or replace.
- No belts.
- No grease points.
- No need to add fuel stabilizer or remove fuel for seasonal storage.
Accel Deep Mower Deck is designed to reduce buildup and simplify cleaning.
- Mower deck is 4.97 inches (12.6 cm) deep with a flat top.
- Reduces the amount of material that escapes and drifts on the operator and mower.
- Reduces the accumulation of debris on the underside of the shell.
- Few places on underside to catch material.
- Prevents the discharge of material in mulching mode.
- Converts to side-discharge in seconds if the grass is too tall to mulch.
The service interval decal includes recommended service points, intervals, and part numbers.
You can quickly adjust the tracking from the operator seat using the included 13-mm wrench.
If you need to push or tow the mower, you can activate the push mode switch which allows the drive wheels to roll freely.
John Deere riding lawn mowers are supported by owner information web pages that include links to:
- Safety and How-To Videos
- Operator’s Manuals
- Parts Catalog
- Maintenance Reminder Sheets
- Attachments
- Warranty Statements
To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a PIN label located under the seat. Since each vehicle model has its own web page, the links are specific to the owner’s model. The QR code also includes the vehicle’s unique PIN which allows for additional customization of the owner information web page in the future.
Front and rear tie-down locations are provided for convenience and safety when trailering the mower.
John Deere’s New Zero-Turn Electric Mower is Ready to Ride
Cory Gunther
Cory Gunther Staff Writer
Cory Gunther has been writing about phones, Android, cars, and technology in general for over a decade. He’s a staff writer for Review Geek covering roundups, EVs, and news. He’s previously written for GottaBeMobile, SlashGear, AndroidCentral, and InputMag, and he’s written over 9,000 articles. Read more.
John Deere just released what the company calls the industry’s first fully electric zero-turn riding mower. It hopes to solve several pain points for electric mowers by using sealed lithium-ion battery packs similar to an EV and offers a longer runtime for big mow jobs. And while this isn’t technically the first electric zero-turn, the new John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak is a high-end 6,400 riding electric mower with all sorts of bells and whistles.
The company says it can easily mow up to 2 acres per charge thanks to the large 3.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that’s sealed inside the machine. This also means owners won’t have to worry about dust, debris, or water, and John Deere even sprays it down with a hose after mowing.
You’ll find dual adjustable electric mowers, a nearly 5-inch deep deck, and a large LCD display full of information and controls, like its optional MulchControl. Thankfully, it offers the same 7-mph top speed as John Deere’s gas-powered variants. Apparently, the LCD screen will help with zero turns using three different modes. That way, you’ll get the perfect mowing lines and have the best-looking yard in the neighborhood.
The new all-electric Z370R Electric ZTrak is available with an optional 6.5-bu rear bagger for collecting grass clippings and leaves, recharges anywhere with a standard 120V grounded extension cord, and is available now for pre-order.
Check Ignition Switch
Ignition switches are an important part of the ignition system; bad connections here can cause lots of problems. Ignition switches – send commands to the control module if fitted.
If your mower doesn’t have a control module, then the safety sensors are wired inline to the ignition switch – meaning any sensor that is in the open position will leave the ignition switch with an open circuit (No start). These systems are basic and tend to be the most reliable.
Common Problems
Issues with ignition switches: loose wiring at the switch; corroded terminals; broken terminals; spinning ignition switches.
Wiring specs for ignition systems vary, so I can’t be more detailed. Check the ignition wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose wires. Have a helper sit on the mower and attempt a start while you wiggle the ignition wires and connectors.
- Check ignition inputs – ground and 12-volt supply.
- Check ignition outputs – 12v to the starter solenoid (or to the control module, if fitted) when the ignition is in the start position.
Switch – Spinning ignition switches cause damage to the wiring and pins.
Corrosion is another common failure. This usually causes unreliable starting and shutdowns.
Wiggle – Try wiggling the wires at the back of the ignition switch while attempting to start the engine; you may need a helper. Often wires simply come loose but do check them for corrosion.