The future is electric, this much is clear. From cars and bikes to stoves and grills, it seems everything that can switch to electric is going that way. Same goes with lawnmowers, which are not just going electric, but are experiencing an increasing robot takeover. So what’s a company that makes some of the most popular ride-on gas mowers to do? Join the electric bandwagon, obviously, which is exactly what’s happening with the John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak.
That’s right, John Deere just made their very first electric ride-on mower, allowing you to cut the grass on your massive property without the noise, fumes, or emissions. No more loud engine sound roaring throughout your property during mowing day – you can drive this thing around your lot in the wee hours of the morning while the wife and kids sleep soundly in their rooms.
The John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak runs on dual electric motors with one-inch axles, which are powered by a 3.2 kWh lithium battery module. Since this is a lawnmower, not a car, it doesn’t run very fast, going forward at speeds of just 7 mph and reversing at 3.5 mph. Yes, that’s barely faster than a ride-on toy car, but the leisurely pace should ensure it’s able to properly cut your grass across every patch of ground you drive over. Both the motors and the battery are sealed to prevent water ingress, so you can cut the grass through inclement weather and hose the whole thing down for cleaning much like any regular mower.
The battery can hold up enough juice to let you clear up to two acres of land between charges, so you can cover a pretty big patch of the property before needing to drive back. Do note, that two acres is rated for ideal conditions. If your mower will need to climb up steep inclines or cut grass that have been growing unattended for months, there’s a good chance your mileage may run lower.
The John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak is one of the outfit’s zero-turn models, which allows it to perform 360-degree turns for more easily maneuvering the mower to the next patch of uncut grass. It uses an Accel Deep Mower Deck, which is made from thick 12-gauge steel, ensuring it can withstand impact against any debris lying around in the property, while large 11 x 6-5 front caster tires and large rear drive tires ensure a smooth ride and increased traction when driving through slopes. Three operating modes are available, by the way: a low 5-mph mode for mode that’s ideal for trimming, the standard 7-mph mode, and a bagging mode that gives you increase mower blade speed for those times the grass is a little too challenging to handle.
The charging cable is integrated right into the mower, so you just have to take it out and plug in to a 120V outlet to replenish the battery. Other features include a companion app that gives you access to the operator’s manual, foam and spring suspension, a noise-dampening floor mat, a built-in display panel that shows battery level and operating hours, a maximum towing capacity of 250 pounds, multiple seating adjustments (three heights and 11 positions), and an optional MulchControl attachment.
The John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak is now available for preorder, priced at $6,399.