W48M mower deck

W48R mower deck

John Deere commercial mower decks have always demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. Each commercial walk-behind mower is equipped with a high-quality fabricated mower deck:

10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) fabricated steel deck top with added 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) spindle mounting plate
7-gauge, 0.19-in. (4.8-mm) side skirts with reinforcement bar

The fabricated, floating mower deck delivers an extremely high-quality cut in diverse conditions:

Floating suspension enables the best possible cut.
Reinforced front and side lower edge provides strength and durability.
Anti-scalp wheels are double-captured for durability and adjustable to three positions to suit the cut height.
Deep-deck design for superior capacity.
Side and center anti-scalp wheels promote a smooth mowing job.

Mower deck underside (W48M mower shown)

Rear mower wheel (W48R, W52R, W61R only)

Rear mower wheel (W48R, W52R, W61R only)

Hardened, high-lift steel blades extend cutting time and increase durability.
High blade-tip speed of approximately 18,000 fpm (5,486 m/min).
R Series mower decks include a center rear wheel for additional anti-scalp and curb climbing protection.
- Adjustable to three height positions to suit the cut height

Flexible mower-discharge deflector

Caster wheels

A high-quality polyethylene deflector gives an excellent finished appearance:

Wide, formed discharge deflector gives even clipping distribution.
Large discharge deflector evenly disperses expelled clippings.

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 close to the mower deck to reduce 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 chance of damage.

Mower cut-height adjustment

Mower cut-height adjustments

Mower cut-height adjustment clip

A floating mower deck has several advantages over a fixed mower deck design:

Follows ground contour more effectively for a more even cut
Travels smoothly above the ground with minimal chance of scalping
Easier to adjust the cutting height

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments:

The free-floating deck gives a smoother, more level cut.
Height-of-cut changes can be made without tools.
Large handles are provided to facilitate lifting the mower deck for setting the cut height.
Cut-height adjustment pins have 90-degree bend for easy removal and reinstallation.

Mower shields in place

Easy-to-remove mower deck shields

Mower deck shields are easily removed with hand knobs for access to the drive belt and other service points:

Easy-attach belt shields allow quick access for service.
Four hand knobs allow removal of both mower shields.
Greaseable spindles with easy, top access for simplified servicing.
Spindle grease fittings can be greased with shields in place.

Optional grass catcher

Grass catcher door

Grass catcher installed

The grass catcher is designed to work with 36-in. (91-cm), 48-in. (122-cm), and 52-in. (132-cm) Mower Decks on John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers:

Large, 4.4-cu ft (3.5-bu) capacity allows for less stops to empty catcher.
No mower faceplate is needed. The catcher connects directly to standard mower deck features.
Stainless steel and aluminum construction is both durable for long life and lightweight for easy handing.
Convenient sliding door latch enables easy emptying.
Two large grab handles allows for easy handling.
Catcher weighs about 30 lb (13.6 kg) empty.

NOTE: The optional mulch and grass catcher attachments are not included in base equipment for the commercial walk-behind mower and must be ordered separately.

W48M Commercial Walk-Behind Mower