OT John Deere 997 Zero Turns

Galen Houk · Jul 5, 2017

I am looking at JD 997 and Kubota ZD331s. The Kubota 331 are all pre emission complications but I can't find out when JD went to more troublesome emission control engines. One JD dealer says pre 2010 and others say pre 2016 is fine. If I go JD I want to make sure I get old enough to avoid any of the extra expense of maintaining a low emission engine. Anyone have this information?

rmcky · Jul 5, 2017

The small Diesel engines went tier 4 rules much later than the large tractor engines. We have two, a JD 997 and a Grasshopper, with Kubota diesel, sorry that I cannot tell you the exact year, maybe 2013 or 2014, or even later. Both ours are earlier engines, 2010 and 2012, no emission stuff.

Galen Houk · Jul 5, 2017

How do you like the 977? It appears that the 997 has a fixed front axel while the Kubota front axel swivels. I think the Kubota would ride much smoother. Tires are the same size. I mow 6 acres that are a little rough and ride is important. Local dealer said Tier 4 was later in the small engines as you say, 2016? I am wondering what else might have been added to a 2014 I am looking at.

Thanks for the help.

Gary H. · Jul 5, 2017

To the best of my understanding if gross horsepower is under 30 Horsepower there has been no change on the engines. I just bought a new GC1715 MF diesel and there is nothing on it for emissions. Same applies on the 325D and 725D Grasshopper mowers. No particulate filter or Diesel Oxidation Catalyst. Go with the Grasshopper with the Grammar seat if you want a good ride. Just my 2 cents worth.

rmcky · Jul 5, 2017

We mow 4 acres using the two mowers, takes 1.5 hours. The 997 will mow tall fescue faster than the Grasshopper, the Grasshopper rides better, it is a deck out front unit. In ordinary mowing, both will mow very well, faster than we can stay in the seat. The 997 is a 72 inch deck, the Grasshopper is a 60 inch deck. Bought the 997 used, with 200 or so hours on it, it now has 560 hours, bought the Grasshopper new, it now has 350 hours on it, no problems with either, note, these small diesels need CLEAN fuel. Probably the best riding zero turn is the Ferris, (four wheel suspension). The early 997 did not have a suspension seat, the later ones usually do. Good luck.

showcrop · Jul 5, 2017

If good ride is important to you , you want a Ferris. They are very durable as well.

buickanddeere · Jul 5, 2017

Under 25Hp the rules are much more relaxed than over 25HP for any year.

Galen Houk · Jul 6, 2017

997s are rated at 31 hp. There are many ways they rate hp and maybe it is less hp by some other rating. If they go by the over 30 hp rule people talk about, 997s my be impacted. I looked at a friend's 997 last night and he has had no issues. He thought it was a 2012 or 2013.

Galen Houk · Jul 6, 2017

I want a 72" diesel and Ferris looks like they only make smaller mowers. Looks like a interesting system but also a lot more to wear out.

OT John Deere 997 Zero Turns

Galen Houk

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rmcky

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Galen Houk

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Gary H.

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rmcky

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showcrop

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buickanddeere

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Galen Houk

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Galen Houk

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