How to Manually Move a John Deere Zero Turn That Won't Start

It's the situation no mower owner wants to face—your John Deere Zero-Turn Mower won't start, and you need to move it now. Luckily, with a few quick adjustments, you'll be able to push your mower to its destination. Let’s get into the specifics of how to do this for different John Deere Zero-Turn models.

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Z5 Series

The first thing you'll need to do regardless of the model, is to release the parking break.

Once releasing the parking break on a John Deere Z5 model, you will then need to locate the two transmission fluid reservoirs at the mower's rear, then find the transaxle release levers near these reservoirs. They'll typically be in the "out" position, as shown below. To make your mower pushable, push these levers inward and you will be able to push your mower with significantly less resistance. Remember to flip those levers back to re-engage the drive system when you get the mower where it needs to go so you will be ready the next time you need to mow. 

Z3 Series

The transaxle release levers on a John Deere Z3 model are at the back of the mower, generally in plain sight. When you locate the levers after releasing the parking break, pull the levers out and then down, locking them into a notch. Once this is done, you should be able to push the mower freely. As with the Z5 model, be sure to put the transaxle release levers back into their original position when the mower is moved.

Z7 Series

You should find the transaxle release levers at the rear of your John Deere Z7 model. Consult your manual for the exact location, but you can get a good idea by looking at the image below. Once the levers are located, adjust them according to your model's guide to disengage the drive. Then with the levers adjusted, the mower should move without resistance. Once again, remember to move them back in place after moving your mower. 

Z9 Series

To find the transaxle release levers on a John Deere Z9 model, check around the rear of the mower. Whn found, adjust the levers so that the transaxle is in the pushable mode, and shown below. Now your mower can be moved manually. Again, be sure to revert the levers back before using the mower again.

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Whatever series you have, remember to locate and use the transaxle release levers whenever you need to push your mower without starting it. This small but crucial step will prevent damage to the mower's drive system and save you from unnecessary strain.

If you have questions about any of the information above or are just more of a visual learner, head over to our YouTube channel and watch our video (also attached below)! Leave a comment or question and receive a personal reply from Brent, our resident John Deere expert. Be sure to subscribe and thanks for reading!