John Deere 1550 TerrainCut™ Front Mower

Mechanical rear-wheel drive axle

Mechanical rear-wheel drive is available as standard equipment (1575, 1580, 1585) or as a factory-installed option (1550, 1570):

• On-demand four-wheel drive automatically engages and disengages as needed.
  • Constantly maximizes trimming ability
  • Offers better fuel economy than full-time four-wheel drive 
  • Provides better steering tire wear than full-time four-wheel drive 
  • Increases traction and trimming ability to allow a novice operator to mow like an expert
  • Works in the forward direction only
• Full-time four-wheel drive is on at all times.
  • Can be engaged or disengaged on the go
  • Provides maximum traction and flotation in poor conditions
  • Works in reverse as well as the forward direction
• Two-wheel drive position is available on 1580 and 1585 with two-speed transaxle.
  • Disengages rear axle when transporting at high ground speeds

Kanzaki 30-cc transmission

A Kanzaki® 30-cc transmission is used for reliable operation.

Durability features include the following:

• High-capacity hydrostatic transmission and heavy-duty transaxle maximize performance and uptime and minimize cost of maintenance. 
• Charge pump is used to efficiently deliver oil to the transmission.
• Oil cooler helps maintain optimum transmission oil temperature for superior performance and longer transmission life in the most challenging operating conditions.
• Maximum forward top speed is 12 mph (19.3 km/h) on the 1550, 1570, and 1575 and 15 mph (24.1 km/h) on the 1580 and 1585.
• Self-bleeding design helps keep air out of the system.

Kanzaki is a trademark of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company.

Hood open for access to engine

3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine

The 1500 Series TerrainCut Front Mowers are powered by liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder diesel engines.

These engines feature low levels of exhaust and emissions, reduced noise levels, and excellent fuel economy. They also meet the necessary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 emissions requirements.

Models 1570, 1575, 1580, and 1585 are biodiesel compatible from the factory up to B20. Model 1550 requires an optional kit to be compatible with B20 biodiesel fuel.

Engine drawing for 1570, 1575, 1580, 1585 shown

Key features of the engine include:

• Economical cast-in block cylinder design for good cooling and long life
• Indirect fuel injection (model 1550)
• Direct fuel injection (model 1570, 1575, 1580, 1585) 
  • Injects fuel directly on top of pistons for more efficient combustion
  • Delivers more horsepower per gallon of fuel
  • Improves starting
  • Develops more horsepower per gallon of fuel; improves starting
• Aluminum alloy pistons with built-in steel struts are lightweight to reduce connection rod bearing loads and provide good heat transfer characteristics
• Design permits tighter tolerances and neutralizes expansion of the piston, thereby reducing blow-by gas and noise from the piston slap
• Higher top rings on the piston and a thinner head gasket greatly reduce the volume of unburned waste gases and increase combustion efficiency
• Timing gears and injector drive gears utilize helical profile gears to help lower engine noise; gear teeth have a newly designed roll-off profile, giving almost no clash, no noise, and no backlash
• Fuel filter with replaceable element
• Full-pressure intake manifold provides quick starts in temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). (Optional engine coolant heater attachment will assist starting under more extreme conditions.)
• Auto-bleed fuel system; there is no need to prime the system if the tractor runs out of fuel; the system will self-prime the injection pump, lines and injectors, providing fast fuel recovery
• Key start and shutoff eliminates fuel shut-off knob; electric solenoid shuts fuel supply off immediately when key is turned off
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits operator to check coolant level without removing radiator cap
• Enclosed engine compartment to keep out debris and lower sound levels
• Sealed radiator compartment to keep trash and debris on outside of hood
• Excellent torque for plenty of lugging power when operating in tough mowing conditions
• Full-pressure lubrication for positive lubrication, even when operating on slopes
• Dual-element, dry-type, replaceable air cleaner completely sealed for effective cleaning
  • 90 percent to 95 percent of dirt ejected before it reaches the paper element
• Secondary safety element for additional filtering
• Progressive-type air restriction indicator to let operator know when the filter needs servicing
• Automotive-type alternator for plenty of charge to the battery and power for accessories 
  • 75 amp for open-station models
  • 95 amp for ComfortCab models
• Automatic initiation of air heater for easier cold-weather starting
• Automotive-sensing system tells operator when engine is ready to start

Rear-mounted radiators

Rear-mounted radiators (1550, 1570, 1580)

Rear-mounted radiators and air conditioner condenser (1575, 1585)

Deluxe comfort seat

Operator comfort enhances productivity. The open station TerrainCut™ Front Mowers can be equipped with three seat options that have features and adjustments to make most any operator comfortable.

Deluxe comfort seat

• Seat with fore-aft adjustment to accommodate both tall and short operators
• Standard adjustable armrests

Other comfort features include:

• Standard cup holder
• Noise level meets North American and European standards

Two factory-installed seat options are available for extra comfort for long-day productivity.

High-strength, tubular steel frame

The revolutionary tubular, high-strength welded steel frame provides durability and allows major components to be located lower in the machine:

• The design results in a lower center of gravity for better stability and traction on hillsides and slopes.
• Rollover protective structures (ROPS) are integral members of the frame.

Durable design

Durability features of the frame include:

• Heat-treated cast-iron axles with 1.24-in. (3.15-cm) kingpins
• Internal wet-disk brakes
• Hydraulic PTO clutch, with brake
  • Provides smooth engagement and long life
• Hydrostatic oil cooler
• O-ring seal (ORS) hydraulic fittings
• Integrated, shaft-driven power take-off (PTO)
• Sealed relays and electrical connectors
• Heavy-duty, dual hydraulic cylinders
• Nodular cast-iron lift arm sockets
• Cast-iron rear bumper

Engine hood

Large screened area of engine hood

Hood latch

Engine hood includes large screened area:

• Minimizes the amount of material that can get to the cooling radiators
• Minimizes the need to clean the hood screens 

Hood latch keeps the hood securely in place, providing an optimum seal:

• A single hood latch is located on top of the hood behind the seat.

Engine hood opens to the rear

Designed-in service accessibility

Designed-in service accessibility helps ensure daily maintenance is completed to keep the machine operating at peak performance.

The hood opens rearward, exposing the following:

• Engine
• Oil and fuel filter
• Hydraulic oil cooler
• Radiator check/fill

The hood can be totally removed, if necessary. The seat flips forward for access to air filter, fuse bank, engine oil dipstick, and front of engine.

Condenser release knob

Condenser tilted back to permit cleaning

Easy-to-turn knobs are provided to release the air conditioning condenser (1575 and 1585 only) and fuel and hydraulic oil coolers so they can be tilted back to permit thorough cleaning between them and the engine coolant radiator.

Foot platform access panel

Removable foot platform

The panel on the foot platform can be removed for access to the transaxle, PTO shaft, and most linkages.

Easy-to-read daily service decal is located on the bottom of the foot platform panel:

• Provides access to easily hook up driveshaft when changing implements
• Makes it more likely service will be performed at the optimum time, thus ensuring the highest level of performance and uptime

Panel on foot platform removed

Removal of the foot platform gives convenient access to the driveshaft that powers the mower deck, snow blower and rotary broom:

• Helps make changing from one front implement to another easier and more convenient

 Hydraulic hoses have reusable O-ring seal (ORS) fittings:

• ORS fittings seal at a lower torque to prevent leaks.
• Fittings can be removed from a damaged hose and installed on another hose.
• Downtime and cost for repairs are reduced considerably.

Rotate For Service™ (RFS) feature shown

RFS service lockout latch

RFS feature provides access for cleaning and maintenance of the mower decks:

• The service-latch pin allows mower deck to lock into position to ensure deck is held in position for cleaning or service.
• The top-greaseable spindle grease fittings can be accessed without removing the belt covers. 

Since 1998 the John Deere 7-Iron™ mower deck has demonstrated commercial quality, performance, and durability. The 7-Iron PRO, Fastback™, and V-Flex mower decks deliver an even higher-quality cut in even more diverse conditions.

1580 Front Mower

1585 Front Mower

TerrainCut Commercial Mower Compatibility

Rear weights (R66949) are required based on machine configuration. Must also order TCB10303, rear weight mounting bracket.

*Mower deck offset for trimming capability. Vehicle track width is 2 in. (5.1 cm) wider on the discharge side of deck. This may cause the tire to drive over uncut grass on discharge side of deck.

NOTE: These mower decks will not retrofit to F900 Series or F1145 Front Mowers.

Rotate for Service (RFS™)

Mower deck showing RFS feature

Rotate for Service (RFS) feature provides access for cleaning and maintenance of the mower decks:

• The rotation angle will vary depending on deck size and power unit tire size.
• No tools are required to access belts.
• The underside of the mower deck is easy to access.
• Easy on/off design simplifies installing and removing mower decks.
• Top, greaseable spindles can be accessed without removing belt covers.

The Rotate for Service position also reduces the length of the machine for trailering.

Certification

TerrainCut Front Mowers comply with ANSI B71.4 safety certification.

Heavy-duty blade spindles

Cast-iron spindle housing

Cast-iron spindle housing

The mower spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron, except for the 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron V-Flex Side-Discharge Mower Deck, which has an aluminum center spindle housing and cast-iron gearboxes to drive the outer blades.

Key benefits of ductile cast-iron spindle housings:

• Ductile cast-iron material provides superior impact strength.
• Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Strength of cast iron protects against damage from blade impacts.
• Grease fitting is mounted at the top for easy access.
• Grease pressure-relief valve minimizes seal damage from overfilling with grease and keeps debris from entering housing.
• The 8-in. (20.3-cm) diameter housing distributes loads and impacts to minimize deck-shell damage.
• Spindle allows ability to be rebuilt.

NOTE: The 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron V-Flex Side-Discharge Mower Deck has an aluminum center spindle housing. The outside blades are driven by cast-iron gearboxes.

62-in. (157-cm) Fastback Mower Deck

62-in. Fastback Mower Deck

The 62-in. (157-cm) Fastback rear-discharge mower is ideally suited for:

• Areas where people are present
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Traffic areas (city boulevards, roadsides, etc.)
• Conditions and applications:
  •  Areas with long grass and weeds
  • Areas where customer is not as concerned about having a wide dispersal of grass (park areas, roadsides, etc.)
• Government bids that specify a rear discharge mower. 

Key features of the 62-in. (157-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck include: 

• Mower deck is constructed of 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel for the strength to stand up to the demanding use of commercial and municipal mowing applications.
• Blade spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron.
  • Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Deck is constructed with a patented baffling system that reduces clumping and windrowing and
  produces a finished appearance that competitive rear-discharge mowers cannot match.
• The belt-drive system has an easy-to-adjust tension device.
  • By using a spring system, the risk for over tensioning is eliminated, ensuring a long belt life and excellent performance during the season.
• For easy service and maintenance, the deck can be rotated into the vertical locked service position.
• Deep-deck design increases airflow so more material can be processed.
• Operator can trim with either side.
  • Dual side trimming increases operator productivity.
• 1-in. to 6-in. (2.5-cm to 15.2-cm) cutting heights, in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments, allow the operator to match all mowing conditions.
• Gauge wheels, rollers, or side-mounted skid shoes lift the deck over uneven surfaces for a well-groomed appearance.

• Double-captured anti-scalp wheels provide increased durability.

• Easy lift and lock system for service purposes.

• Standard semi-pneumatic caster tires will not go flat when punctured.

• Spindles can be greased without removing belt shields.
• 1-in. (2.5-cm) cold-forged spindles are strong for long life.
  • Heat-treated to provide additional strength
• Certified to European (CE) standards

72-in. (183-cm) Fastback Mower Deck

72-in. Fastback Mower Deck

The 72-in. (183-cm) rear-discharge mower deck is ideally suited for:

• Areas where people are present
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Traffic areas (city boulevards, roadsides, etc.)
• Conditions and applications:
  • Areas with long grass and weeds
  • Areas where customer is not as concerned about having a wide dispersal of grass (park areas, roadsides, etc.)
• Government bids that specify a rear discharge mower.

Key features of the 72-in. (183-cm) Rear-Discharge Mower Deck include:

• Mower deck is constructed of 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel for the strength to stand up to the demanding use of commercial and municipal mowing applications.
• Blade spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron.
  • Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Deck is constructed with a patented baffling system that reduces clumping and windrowing and
  produces a finished appearance that competitive rear-discharge mowers cannot match.
• The belt-drive system has an easy-to-adjust tension device.
  • By using a spring system, the risk for over tensioning is eliminated, ensuring a long belt life and excellent performance during the season.
• For easy service and maintenance, the deck can be rotated into the vertical locked service position.
• Deep-deck design increases airflow so more material can be processed.
• Operator can trim with either side.
  • Dual side trimming increases operator productivity.
• 1-in. to 6-in. (2.5-cm to 15.2-cm) cutting heights, in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments, allow the operator to match all mowing conditions.
• Gauge wheels, rollers, or side-mounted skid shoes lift the deck over uneven surfaces for a well-groomed appearance.

• Double-captured anti-scalp wheels provide increased durability.

• Easy lift and lock system for service purposes.

• Standard semi-pneumatic caster tires will not go flat when punctured.

• Spindles can be greased without removing belt shields.
• 1-in. (2.5-cm) cold-forged spindles are strong for long life.
  • Heat-treated to provide additional strength
• Certified to European (CE) standards

72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron V-Flex Commercial Side Discharge Mower Deck

72-in. 7-Iron V-Flex Deck

The 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron V-Flex Mower Deck is suitable for those who need a rotary deck capable of following the undulations and mounding in rough or uneven areas: 

• Golf courses
• Sports facilities
• Parks and recreation facilities
• Municipalities 

60-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck

60-in. 7-Iron PRO Mower Deck

60-in. 7-Iron PRO Mower Deck

Features include:

• Blade tip speed of 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min) for more blade strikes per inch mowed.
• Redesigned front baffle manages airflow and controls clippings better.
• Blade spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron
  • Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Spindle pocket reinforcement gives even greater structural durability.
• Adjustable anti-scalp wheels help smooth out the mowing job.
• Standard semi-pneumatic caster tires will not go flat from punctures.

The mower is designed to provide exceptional cut quality at higher travel speeds:

• The mower deck is stamped from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside, with fewer sharp corners, for reduced material buildup.
  • Provides precision components and long deck life
  • Single piece of steel means no welds to break
  • Provides a smooth underside, without corners, reducing material buildup
• 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) solid steel bar is welded to mower deck perimeter for added strength.
• The rounded corners of the stamped deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• A deep-deck design of 5.5-in. (14-cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• 1-in. to 6-in. (2.5-cm to 12.7-cm) cutting heights, in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments, allow the operator to match all mowing conditions.

Unique baffling system allows grass to stand up before being cut, producing a uniform length and appearance:

• Baffling system eliminates clumping, blowout, and windrowing.
• Wide discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent, finished appearance in all conditions.

72-in. (152-cm) 7-Iron PRO Side-Discharge Mower Deck

72-in. 7-Iron Pro Side-Discharge Mower Deck

Features include:

• Blade tip speed of 18,000 fpm (5486 m/min) for more blade strikes per inch mowed.
• Redesigned front baffle manages airflow and controls clippings better.
• Spindle pocket reinforcement gives even greater structural durability.
• Blade spindle housings are made of ductile cast iron.
  • Gusseted design puts reinforcement where it is needed.
• Adjustable anti-scalp wheels help smooth out the mowing job.
• Standard semi-pneumatic caster tires will not go flat from punctures.

The mower is designed to provide exceptional cut quality at higher travel speeds:

• The mower deck is stamped from 7-gague, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel to minimize the number of welds and provide a smooth underside, with fewer sharp corners, for reduced material buildup.
  • Provides precision components and long deck life
  • Single piece of steel means no welds to break
  • Provides a smooth underside, without corners, reducing material buildup
• 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) solid steel bar is welded to mower deck perimeter for added strength.
• The rounded corners of the stamped deck help distribute impact stress to reduce the potential of damage when the mower contacts trees, rocks, curbs, and other fixed obstacles.
• A deep-deck design of 5.5-in. (14-cm) delivers excellent airflow so material can be processed quickly and efficiently.
• 1-in. to 6-in. (2.5-cm to 12.7-cm) cutting heights, in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments, allow the operator to match all mowing conditions.

Unique baffling system allows grass to stand up before being cut, producing a uniform length and appearance:

• Baffling system eliminates clumping, blowout, and windrowing.
• Wide discharge opening provides even clipping dispersal for an excellent, finished appearance in all conditions.

Mower deck specifications

1570 Front Mower mowing tall grass

1550 Front Mower

Maneuverability:

• Turn radius of 13 in. (33 cm)
• Uncut circle of 28 in. (71.1 cm) with a 72-in. (183-cm) 7-Iron™ PRO mower deck
• Deck offset and pulled rearward 
• Tail-follows-the-trail trimming capability with 72-in. (183-cm) side-discharge mower deck
• Steered wheels (tail) stay within the path (trail) cut by the mower deck, allowing maneuverability without the rear of the machine contacting mowing obstacles

Operator controls

Master stop brake/directional foot pedals

Hydrostatic power steering provides the following benefits:

• Makes it easy to turn the unit, for less operator fatigue
• Allows quick turns - two turns lock to lock - for excellent productivity

The steering console offers the following:

• Throttle
• Key switch
• Headlight switch

lift and drive controls and lever for single-spool auxiliary hydraulic kit (1570 shown)

Controls, including levers for double-spool auxiliary hydraulic Kit (1585 shown)

Console information/warning lights include the following:

• Hourmeter
• Battery discharge light
• Engine oil pressure
• Engine coolant temperature
• Hydraulic oil over temperature
• Air preheater
• Lights
• Power take-off (PTO) operation indication
• T4 display for monitoring performance (1570, 1575, 1580, 1585)

1550 Front Mower

Two-pedal foot control:

• Allows operator to select speed and direction with just the touch of a toe
• Keeps both hands free for steering and operating controls

Master stop brake (parking brake):

• Provides stopping power to both drive wheels
• Disengages the power take-off (PTO)
• Disengages the optional cruise control
• Used also for a parking brake

Individual turn-assist brakes and differential lock

Individual turn-assist brakes:

• Provides additional traction when operating on hillsides
• Ideal for tight trimming situations
• Work in conjunction with hydrostatic foot controls to stop or slow the unit for turns

Differential lock:

• Locks both of the front drive wheels together for added traction
• Easily engaged with the left foot

Four-wheel-drive lever

Deck lift-control lever

Four-wheel drive (4WD) control lever (standard on 1575, 1580, and 1585; factory-installed option on 1550 and 1570)

The 4WD control lever:

• Allows the operator to select between on-demand or full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) on 1550, 1570, and 1575 models (factory-installed option on 1550 and 1570)
• Allows the operator to select between on-demand or full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and full-time two-wheel drive (2WD) on 1580 and 1585 models

Electronic cruise control (optional):

• Beneficial when mowing open areas or when transporting

Lift-control lever is conveniently located, within easy reach of the operator's right hand.

1585 shown with control levers for double-spool auxiliary hydraulic kit

Two-speed transaxle shift lever is standard on 1580 and 1585.

Safety starting system

TerrainCut™ Front Mowers have an operator-presence system.

To start the engine the following conditions must be met:

• Master brake must be depressed or the parking brake locked; the hydrostatic foot controls will then be in the neutral position.
• PTO must be disengaged
• Ignition key must be used.

In addition, once the engine is running, an interlock automatically shuts the engine and PTO off if the operator leaves the seat. To keep the engine running, the operator must disengage the PTO and set the parking brake before dismounting.

Front mowers must be properly ballasted for both good performance and safe operation. Ballast requirements differ depending on the front mower model and the implement being used.

The chart below gives the minimum ballast requirements for the various product configurations. Additional ballast is recommended for operating on slopes or other conditions that may warrant it.

NOTE: Use only implements and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

 Front mowers and current (model year 2015 and later) implements

 Front mowers and model year 2014 and prior implements