2024 John Deere W48M

V-twin engine delivers smooth operation and plenty of power

Powered by an air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine:

• 14.5 hp (10.8 kW)
• 36.8 cu in. (603 cc)
• Recoil start
• V-twin design for smooth operation and fast starts
  • Consistently strong torque at low- or high-speed operation
• Aluminum engine block with cast-iron cylinder liners
  • Effectively dissipates heat
• Lightweight and strong construction
• 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

A fabricated floating mower deck delivers high-quality cut

John Deere commercial mower decks have always demonstrated quality, performance, and durability. Each commercial walk-behind mower is equipped with a high-quality fabricated mower deck:

• 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) fabricated steel deck top with added 10-gauge, 0.135-in. (3.42-mm) spindle mounting plate
• 7-gauge, 0.19-in. (4.8-mm) side skirts with reinforcement bar

The fabricated, floating mower deck delivers an extremely high-quality cut in diverse conditions:

• Floating suspension enables the best possible cut
• Reinforced front lower edge gives strength and durability
• Deep-deck design for superior capacity

Optional mulching attachment for extra convenience

An optional mulching attachment and special mulching blades are available:

• The high-performance mulching attachment includes formed steel baffles to control the material for superior performance.
• Special mulching blades can also be used when side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.
• The mulching attachment allows for conversion of the mower deck so it can be used to perform the mulching function (grass or leaves).

OPERATING TIPS WHEN MULCHING:

• Mow when grass is dry.
• Observe the one-third rule.
  • No more than one-third of the grass blade should be cut off at one time. This allows more efficient mulching and will promote the continued good health of the grass.
  • If the desired cut height cannot be achieved by cutting off one-third, or there is clumping of the clippings, it may be required to cut higher, wait a day, then lower the mower and make a second pass.
• Mow at proper intervals, approximately every four to five days.
• Always mow with sharp blades.
• Adjust ground speed to allow the mower deck to process the clippings effectively.

Convenient controls for operator comfort and productivity

All of the controls are located within comfortable reach of the operator. Simplified operation of each control offers superior convenience, productivity, and safety:

• Color-coded and clearly marked levers, switches, and buttons enable simplified operation.
• Bilingual decals in English and Spanish are provided.
• The operator presence system requires that one of the bails must be depressed to operate the unit; the machine must be in neutral and the power take-off (PTO) must be disengaged to start.
  • Operator presence control levers are recessed into control handle when engaged, provides a smooth contour and comfortable handle to hold during operation.
• Separate choke and throttle – This takes the guesswork out of choke operation, with less chance of fowling the spark plugs.
• Electric PTO clutch on the engine powers the mower deck. The PTO switch on the dash is easy to see and use.

Compact design with a strong, welded frame for superior durability

From the operator's station to the mower deck, John Deere walk-behind mowers have a compact and functional design:

• Caster wheels are set in as close to the mower as possible.
  • Shortest overall machine length to maximize maneuverability and minimize space needed on a trailer
• The compact design of John Deere commercial walk-behind mowers allows access to operate in tight areas where larger ride-on machines cannot fit. Often, this means the area can be mowed with a walk-behind mower so it is not necessary to switch to another mower, which helps reduce the time on site.
• With the compact design of John Deere commercial walk-behind mowers, less space is required on a truck or trailer, possibly freeing up space for an extra mower, resulting in less time on property, saving both time and money.

Self-propelled drive system gives infinite mowing speeds

Thoughtful designs promote safe operation

Safety features are designed into M and R Series commercial walk-behind mowers:

• Before the engine will start, the transmission speed control lever must be locked in neutral, the parking brake set, the power take-off (PTO) disengaged, and the key switch turned to the on position.
• Left- and right-hand speed/direction control levers are locked in neutral by spring-loaded knobs on the end of control handles.
  • The knob has a finger lever, making it easy to move to the locked position while holding the control lever in the neutral position.
  • The locking knob is spring loaded for easy release of the control levers.
• Separate choke and throttle – this takes the guesswork out of choke operation, and there is less chance of fouling the spark plugs.
• Color-coded and clearly marked switches and buttons are easy to find.

Optional grass catcher makes collecting grass and leaves easy

The grass catcher is designed to work with 36-in. (91-cm), 48-in. (122-cm), and 52-in. (132-cm) Mower Decks on John Deere Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers:

• Large, 4.4-cu ft (125-L) capacity for less stops to empty catcher.
• No mower faceplate is needed. The catcher connects directly to standard mower deck features.
• Stainless steel and aluminum construction is both durable for long life and lightweight for easy handing.
• Convenient sliding door latch enables easy emptying.
• Two large grab handles provide for easy handling.
• Catcher weighs about 30 lb (13.6 kg) empty.