John Deere WH36A Commercial Walk-Behind Mower

WH Series operator controls

All of the controls on a WH Series Mower are within comfortable reach of the operator.

The location and simplified operation of the following controls on all models offer greater convenience, improved productivity, and increased safety: 

• Operator presence system – The bail must be depressed to operate the unit; the machine must be in neutral and the power take-off (PTO) must be disengaged to start.
• Separate choke and throttle – This takes the guesswork out of choke operation, and there is less fouling of plugs.
• Loop-type controls – These controls provide ease of operation. 
• Front adjustable cruise bar – This bar allows setting the maximum mowing speed to match conditions.
• Reverse index bar – This bar makes the machine easy to control in reverse. 
• Adjustable height of controls for short and tall operators – There are three height settings with 3 in. (7.6 cm) of total adjustment. 
• Color-coded and clearly marked switches and buttons – These enable simplified operation.
• Bilingual decals – Decals are provided in English and Spanish.

WH Series drive system

The WH Series Mowers are equipped with an infinitely variable hydrostatic drive system with reverse, which does the following:

• Provides infinite ground-speed adjustments - 0 mph to 7 mph (0 km/h to 11.3 km/h) to meet the mowing application
• Enables a smoother transition from one speed to another 
• Gives a reverse speed of 3 mph (4.8 km/h), enabling the operator to back out of tight mowing areas and increase productivity

The WH Series Mowers also come equipped with a six-position hydrostatic-transmission adjustment plate. This feature allows an operator to adjust the sensitivity of the hydrostatic transmission to provide ultimate control and comfort.

Front caster wheel

Rubber, wide-profile, flat-free front caster wheels provide a smooth cut.

WH36A Mower Deck

WH48A Mower Deck

WH52A Mower Deck

WH61A Mower Deck

John Deere commercial mower decks have always demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. The 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm), fabricated floating mower deck delivers an extremely high-quality cut in diverse conditions.

Features:

• High blade-tip speed of 18,000 fpm (5,486 m/min) for more blade strikes per inch mowed 
• Floating suspension to enable the best-possible cut
• Wide, raised discharge chute for more even clipping distribution
• Reinforced front lower edge for strength and durability
• Easy height-of-cut changes without tools
• Four, dual-captured, adjustable-height anti-scalp wheels 

WH36A Mower Deck (side view)

WH48A Mower Deck (side view)

WH52A Mower Deck (side view)

• Tube design with hanger brackets that provide a free-floating deck for a smooth cut with a reduced chance of scalping or scuffing by following the contour of the ground 
• Easy-attach belt shields to allow quick access for service 
• Wide, rolled lips for additional structural strength 
• Greaseable spindles with easy top access for simplified servicing 
• Two-coat paint covering to protect and resist corrosion 
• Hardened steel blades that extend cutting time and increase durability 
• Large discharge to evenly disperse expelled clippings

An exclusive, two-year, single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty is for all John Deere commercial mowing equipment. The warranty is best in class and places John Deere at the forefront of commercial mowing. It is hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.

Grass catcher

A 3-cu ft (85-L) capacity grass catcher is available as an attachment for field conversion. Made of strong yet lightweight steel, the grass catcher provides an easy means for collecting thatch and leaves.

The grass-collecting system offers the following features:

• Catcher is designed with a large, 3-cu ft (85-L) capacity
• Bottom of the catcher is sloped at an angle for clearing hilly areas and ground obstacles
• Catcher is designed for quick and easy removal and installation 
• Handles are large for sturdy gripping while removing and installing the bagger

Mower drive wheel on WH36A

Mower drive wheel on WH48A and WH52A

Wide and large drive wheels provide excellent traction with low turf compaction. They also provide maximum curb climbing. The square shoulder improves hillside performance.

The tire sizes for the WH Series models are as follows:

• WH36A - 16x6.50-8 in. 4 PR
• WH48A and WH52A - 16x7.50-8 in. 4 PR
• WH61A - 16x8.50-8 in. 4 PR

Propane conversion kit on a Walk-Behind Mower

Propane conversion kit on a ZTrak Mower

John Deere provides application-specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved field-installed propane conversion kits for specific John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers, QuikTrak Mowers, and ZTrak Mowers. The conversion kits include all components required to convert the engines to operate on propane fuel. Single-tank or dual-tank brackets (depending on the vehicle) are provided for securely holding the propane tank(s) to the vehicle.

Propane tanks are not included.

An optional altitude kit is required when operating at altitudes above 2000 ft (610 m). The operator’s manual provided with the propane conversion kit provides further details. Parts must be ordered separately through John Deere Parts.

Propane facts:

• Propane is flammable and commonly used as a fuel.
• The molecular formula of propane is C3H8, and it is in the family of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases). The other LP gases include butane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof.
• Propane is commonly available and has proven to be a dependable, safe, economical, and clean-burning fuel. It can be used as household fuel, industrial fuel, and fuel for internal combustion engines. Propane has been used as a fuel since 1910.
• At atmospheric pressure, propane boils at -44°F (-42.2°C), meaning it typically exists as a vapor. However, when contained under pressure, such as in a propane cylinder, it can exist as a liquid.
• Propane is naturally odorless, but includes an additive odorant, usually mercaptan, which gives it a distinct odor.
• Vapor propane is heavier than air, meaning it will settle in low areas such as along the ground or in drains.

 Advantages of John Deere propane conversion kits include:

• Reduced fuel costs, up to 30 percent depending on fuel prices
• Lower emissions
• Reduced fuel-system maintenance
• Maintains John Deere warranty
• EPA and CARB certified
• May qualify for national and state rebate and incentive programs. Please visit www.propane.com/commercial-landscape/programs-and-incentives/ for further information.

Propane tank mounting bracket options:

Single propane tank shown on QuikTrak Mower

Dual propane tanks shown on ZTrak Mower

 Optional tank configurations and sizes are available to provide operators the ability to tailor for run time:

• Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers have only a single-tank mounting option.
  • The single-tank bracket is designed for one 20-lb (9.1-kg) or 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
• QuikTrak Mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
  • The single-tank, right-side bracket is designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tank.
    • Tank is not included.
  • The dual-tank brackets are designed for two 20-lb (9.1-kg) Worthington tanks.
    • Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak Mowers have single-tank and dual-tank mounting options.
• The single-tank, left-side bracket is designed for one 33-lb (15-kg) or 43-lb (19.5-kg) Worthington tank.
  • Tank is not included.
• The dual-tank brackets are designed for two 33-lb (15-kg) Worthington tanks.
• Tanks are not included.
• ZTrak Mowers with dual-tank configurations are not compatible with any material collection systems.

NOTE: Reference the Propane and Attachment Compatibility Chart to determine tank configurations that are compatible.

Field-installed propane conversion kit compatibility:

NOTE: Conversion to propane is not intended for units with engines having more than 250 hours of use.

Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers

QuikTrak Mowers

Commercial ZTrak Mowers

Worthington tanks are manufactured by Worthington Industries, Inc.

Estimated run-time comparison

Air-cooled engine

Engines have clean-out ports (SN 070001-)

WH36A Commercial Walk-Behind Mower is powered by a 14.5-hp (10.8-kW) air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine.

WH48A and WH52A Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers are powered by 18.5-hp (13.8-kW) air-cooled, vertical-shaft engines.

WH61A Commercial Walk-Behind Mower is powered by a 23-hp (17.2-kW) air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine.

Engine features:

• Overhead valve design
  • More horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Less oil consumption
  • Cooler operating temperature
• Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
  • Reduces engine wear by ensuring proper lubrication, even when operating on hillsides or uneven terrain
  • Helps keep oil clean for increased engine life
• V-twin design
• Air-cooled engine design
• Vertical shaft
• Dual-stage air cleaner for extended engine life and efficient operation
• Cylinder head clean-out ports to ease maintenance
• Electric start
• Fuel pump
• Complies with strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards without loss of horsepower or torque
• Consistently strong torque at low- or high-speed operation
• Aluminum block engines
  • Effectively dissipate heat
  • Lightweight and strong construction
  • Extend engine life due to elimination of debilitating engine temperatures