How to Install String Trimmer Kit on John Deere Z5 Mower

Shop Part No. BUC10952

Having a string trimmer kit on your John Deere Z5 mower is a game-changer. It keeps your trimmer within arm’s reach, so you can mow and trim efficiently without having to stop and go back to your garage or truck. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of installing the string trimmer kit step by step.

In this kit:

• U-shaped bracket
• Long tall bracket
• 2 trimmer holding clips (1 smaller, 1 larger)
• Carriage head bolts and nuts for assembly
• Hex head bolts and locking nuts for trimmer clips

Tools needed:

• 10mm wrench and socket
• 13mm wrench and socket
• Ratchet wrench
• Extension for ratchet (optional)
• Impact drill (optional)
   

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Mounting the Front Bracket

The string trimmer kit comes with two pieces: one for the front caster wheel area and one for the rear. We’ll start by attaching the front bracket, which holds the shaft of the trimmer. Begin by positioning the U-shaped bracket around the bottom of the frame of the front caster on the right side of the mower. Make sure the bracket is seated properly before placing the tall bracket on top of it. Ensure the slotted end of the bracket is facing outward—away from the foot pedal and the center of the mower.

Once everything is aligned, grab four of your Carriage head bolts. Insert them from the top, making sure the square part of the bolt fits snugly into the square openings of the bracket. Once the bolts are in place, thread the nuts onto the bolts by hand. You’ll use a 13mm socket and ratchet to tighten everything down. With this front bracket secured, we can now attach the trimmer holding clips.

Installing the Trimmer Holding Clips

There are two clips in the kit: one smaller clip for the front bracket and one larger clip for the rear bracket. Start by attaching the smaller clip to the front bracket. You’ll need a hex head bolt and locking nut for this step. Insert the bolt through the center hole in the clip, and if the rubber inside the clip makes it difficult to push through, give it a twist and work it through gently. Once the bolt is through, align the clip with the bracket and secure it with the nut. Don’t fully tighten it just yet—you’ll want to leave some room for adjustments to ensure the trimmer fits properly.

Mounting the Rear Bracket

Next, we’ll move on to the rear bracket, which supports the body of the trimmer. This bracket mounts just above the rear tire, on a mounting tab that’s already part of the mower’s frame. Position the bracket so that the tab on the frame slides into the slot on the bracket. There’s also a square hole on the bracket that lines up with a hole in the frame. Once the bracket is positioned, insert a Carriage head bolt through the hole and secure it on the backside with a nut.

You might need an extension for your ratchet to tighten this bolt, depending on how much clearance you have. Using a 13mm socket, tighten the bolt until the bracket is firmly attached to the mower’s frame.

Installing the Larger Trimmer Clip

Now that the rear bracket is mounted, you can attach the larger trimmer clip. Just like with the front bracket, insert the hex head bolt through the clip, working it through the rubber material as needed. Once the bolt is through, position the clip on the bracket and secure it with a locking nut. Again, don’t tighten it fully just yet—you’ll want to adjust it once you place your trimmer in the holder to ensure a perfect fit.

Clip Your Trimmer into the Kit

With both brackets and clips in place, it’s time to test the fit with your trimmer. Slide the shaft of your trimmer into the front clip and position the body of the trimmer into the rear clip. Adjust the positioning of both clips as needed to ensure the trimmer is securely held and not interfering with the operation of your mower.

Once everything is positioned correctly, tighten the clips by pulling down on the tabs to lock them in place. This will keep your trimmer secure as you move around the yard. With the trimmer securely clipped in, you’re ready to go. Now you can mow and trim without any extra trips back and forth—your trimmer is always right there when you need it.

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And that's it! You’ve successfully installed the string trimmer kit on your John Deere Z5 mower. This convenient setup allows you to trim as you go, making yard work more efficient and keeping your tools readily accessible.