The 1600 Turbo Series III WAM is equipped with a 62-in. (157.5-cm) center deck and two 42-in. (106.7-cm) wings. Cutting widths are 128 in. (325.1 cm) using all three decks, 94 in. (238.8 cm) using the center deck and either wing deck, and 62 in. (157.5 cm) with the center deck only. All decks are rear discharge. Wings fold for transport and reduce the machine’s width to a narrow 84 in. (213 cm), so it can easily be driven along golf-cart-size paths or fit on a trailer. The wing decks will float 45 degrees above horizontal and 20 degrees below horizontal, following the ground contour.

All decks have a unique baffling system that reduces clumping and provides even clipping dispersal for exceptional appearance.

Features common to these rear-discharge mower decks include:

• Mower decks are fabricated from 7-gauge, 0.179-in. (4.6-mm) steel, the thickest in the industry; strength has been designed into the 1600 Turbo Series III WAM mower decks for increased reliability
• A 3/4-in. (1.9-cm) solid bar runs along the entire mower deck perimeter for added strength
• Dual-range height of cut spans 1 in. (2.54 cm) to 5.5 in. (14 cm) in 0.5-in. (1.27-cm) increment adjustments
• Wing deck float of 45 degrees upward and 20 degrees downward provides excellent cut quality when mowing undulating terrain
• Each wing deck has four caster wheels to follow ground contour and provide unmatched cut quality
• Unique baffling system produces even grass dispersal for superior appearance

 

A patented impact-absorbing system is provided:

• This exclusive feature allows the wing decks to move rearward and inward when contacting obstructions such as trees, curbs, or other solid objects to prevent damage.
• Mowers are safety certified (meaning that mowers have been evaluated by the manufacturer [John Deere Turf Care] and conform to American National Standards Institute [ANSI] B71.4 Safety Certification Specifications for Commercial Turf Care Equipment).

Isolated deck motor design

The isolated deck motor design consists of three cast-iron mounting structures for the deck motors. Rubber isolators that are similar to engine mount isolators are located between the castings and the deck shell brackets.

The rubber isolators allow the castings to flex relative to the deck shell. The addition of the isolators stops the vibration path between the hydraulic motor and the deck shell, thus preventing the amplification of sound by the deck shell.

Deck motors

1. Radial case drain
2. Pressure balanced bronze-on-steel thrust plates
3. Flexible configuration of shaft, flange, and ports
4. One-piece steel gears with 12-tooth profile
5. Heavy-duty, low-friction sleeve bearings
6. Integrated dust protector
7. High-strength ductile iron body and covers
8. High-temperature Viton® rubber shaft seals
9. Figure 8 monolithic high-temp load seals

The deck motors are capable of withstanding high pressure requirements for all-day mowing. Motors have Viton seals, which can withstand higher hydraulic temperatures. The motor contains a dust seal to help eliminate debris from entering into the hydraulic connections.

Mower mulch kit available

A mulch kit is available as an attachment for field conversion. The mulch kit includes unique mulch blades, baffles, and a deflector shield to produce smaller clippings, which decompose faster than un-mulched clippings. Operators should follow the one-third rule when mulching grass.

This mulch kit also does an excellent job when mulching leaves.

 Viton is a trademark of The Chemours Company.

Lift valve

The lift valve controls the cylinders that lift and lower the decks. It also controls the axial piston deck-motor pump (turns it on and off).

Mow valve

The mow valve controls the hydraulic flow to the wing deck circuits.

The two-post folding Roll-Gard ROPS and seat belt are standard equipment:

• When used in combination with seat belts and safe operating practices, the ROPS is effective in reducing serious injuries and death from rollover accidents.

The standard-equipment Roll-Gard ROPS can be folded to allow for additional clearance when needed. With the ROPS in the folded-down position, the machine fits under a standard doorway.
  
The ROPS meets the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21299 ROPS standard – defined test procedures and acceptance criteria for the rollover protective structures of powered ride-on turf care machinery. Under the support of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), a panel was formed that brought together an international group of ROPS experts that presented the best-learned practices regarding off-highway vehicle operator crush protection. The result of this undertaking is a standard dedicated to protecting operators of powered ride-on turf maintenance equipment.

The ROPS can be folded down without tools for operation under tree canopies or in other confined operating spaces. Operators should leave the ROPS in the upright position for all other mowing:

• The folding ROPS enhances operator safety and still provides clearance when loading on enclosed trailers.

Folding the ROPS is simple - remove two pins and rotate the top of the Roll-Gard ROPS down. Adjustments can be made from the operator's station.

The folding ROPS performance is certified at the date of manufacture, per the following standard:

• ISO 21299

The wing decks rise to a narrow 84-in. (213.4-cm) width and can be locked into transport position. A machine transport speed of 15 mph (24.1 km/h) means the operator can spend less time transporting and more time mowing.

NOTE: The power take-off (PTO) can be engaged while in the transport position.

Proper trailering strap areas

Fasten the machine to the trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Fasten the rear strap to the tow loop behind the rear axle. Fasten the front strap to tie down holes on the operator's platform. Both the front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from the machine.

Bumper

To operate, pull out on the bottom of the engine cover latches on the left and right side of machine behind the operator’s seat. Unhook the tops of the engine cover latches from the hooks on the engine cover. Push down on the bumper lever and rotate the bumper to the right side of the machine.

Low-effort controls are conveniently grouped on the right-hand side.

The finger-touch controls are:

• Left mower deck lift/lower switch
• Front mower deck lift/lower switch
• Right mower deck lift/lower switch
• Electronically-controlled throttle lever
• Electronically-activated power take-off (PTO) switch
• Speed-range lever for high, neutral, and low range
• Four-wheel drive (4WD) lever

Hydrostatic power steering

• Makes it easy to turn the machine, reducing operator fatigue
• Allows quick steering action, two and a half turns lock-to-lock, for excellent maneuverability

Two-pedal foot controls

• Convenient two-pedal hydrostatic control system
• Allows the operator to select speed and direction with just a touch of the toe while resting heel on platform
• Twin Touch™ pedal design that allows the operator to change direction without having to lift his foot off the platform
• Large pedal surface, which provides increased operator comfort
• Keeps both hands free for steering and operating controls

Standard turning brakes

The individual brakes can be applied by the operator as a traction aid or to reduce the turning radius.

• Brake is easy to use.
• Push-pull-type parking brake release allows the operator to simply pull out the knob and depress the foot brake to engage. To disengage, simply push the foot brake pedal and push the knob in to initiate release.
• Brake provides stopping power to both drive wheels.
• The stop brake is used for a parking brake.

• Locks both front drive wheels together for added traction
• Increases traction and flotation in poor traction conditions

The differential lock is located on the left side of the platform; this allows for easy use of the Twin Touch foot pedals (on the right side) while engaging the differential lock at the same time.

• The high-/low range lever allows the operator to select the desired speed range.
• The machine must be stopped to shift between ranges.
• Shifting to the neutral position allows the operator to by-pass the hydraulic drive for towing.

• The 4WD lever allows the operator to engage 4WD in reverse. 4WD is automatically engaged when wheel slip occurs in forward drive.

• Beneficial when mowing open areas or when transporting
• Located on the steering column

Cruise control operation

• To engage, simply push forward on the cruise control switch and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal.
• For an emergency stop, cruise can be released by pushing on the master brake pedal or turning the cruise control switch off.

• Allows the operator to adjust the steering column to the most comfortable position and provides additional clearance for entry to the operator station
• Standard 20-W halogen headlights are located low in the column for the best illumination

Mower deck lift switches

The mower deck switches allow the operator to vary mowing widths, engage and disengage the wing-deck blades, and service and transport the machine.

An innovative, exclusive air-intake system draws clean air from the top of the machine instead of the rear. This keeps the radiator cleaner and prevents the engine from overheating.

The high-capacity cooling system combines the radiator and hydraulic oil cooler.

A hydrostatic transmission is used for reliable operation.

Durability features include:

• Large, forged, one-piece trunnion shaft with large support bearings to reduce vibration and noise
• Charge pump used to efficiently deliver oil to the transmission
• Oil cooler to cool transmission oil for longer transmission life
• Pressure-side filtration to allow use of a finer mesh (10 micron filter) than suction filtration systems

High-range/low-range transaxle allows the following:

• High range has maximum speed of 15 mph (24.1 km/h) for faster transport. Power take-off (PTO) can be engaged for mowing in high range.
• Low range has a maximum speed of 9 mph (14.5 km/h). The wide-area mower (WAM) can mow in both low and high range.

The differential lock is standard equipment:

• It locks both the front drive wheels together for extra traction, when needed.
• Conveniently located pedal allows the operator to engage the differential lock.

An air-ride suspension seat is standard equipment and provides maximum operator comfort across a wide range of operator traits. Key adjustments include the following:

• Weight and height adjustment allow for proper ride and suspension height.
• Fore-aft sear slide adjustment helps account for a wide range of heights.
• Fore-aft suspension travel to improve directional changes during operation.
• Back angle tilt adjustment is available for the back portion of the seat.
• Lumbar adjustment provides proper back support.
• Standard, adjustable armrests are made of a durable material that provides adequate support and surface area for the operator's arms.
• High seat-back profile features body-contoured seat cushions.
• Cushions are ideal for those who seek proper back support. The highly-resilient contoured foam construction allows for all-day mowing comfort.
• A raised seat ensures a commanding view to the front and side mower decks.
• The retractable seat belt is convenient to use.

The comfortable seat, along with ample legroom in the operator's platform, convenient pedal locations, and adjustable steering column make operator comfort on the John Deere 1600 Turbo Wide-Area Mower among the best in the industry.

The standard air-ride seat with adjustable armrests is designed with comfort, safety, and ergonomics in mind, ensuring relaxed, healthy sitting for hours on end.

The standard high-back, air-ride seat has many high-quality features:

• Adjustments are provided for operator armrests, lumbar support, and back angle, and air suspension is adjustable for the operator’s weight and ride.

The armrests are standard and the seat pads are replaceable.

The 1600 Turbo Series III WAM is powered by a liquid-cooled, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 60-hp (44.7-kW) at 3000 rpm, PS diesel engine.

Engine features include:

• 117.3 lb-ft (159 Nm) of torque at 3000 rpm for extra lugging power on hills and in tough mowing conditions
• Large 127.6-cu in. (2.091-L) displacement, which produces the torque needed to handle hills and tough mowing conditions

  Engine is a 16-valve (four valves per cylinder, two intake and two exhaust) design:

• Cold-start device to increase engine timing for improved cold starting
• Full-pressure lubrication for positive lubrication with continuous operation on slopes
• Dual-element air filter that is completely sealed for effective cleaning

• Progressive-type air-restriction indicator to let operator know when the filter needs servicing
• Automotive-type alternator (75 amp) that provides plenty of charge to the battery
• Glow plugs for quick starting in cold weather
• Automotive sensing system, which tells the operator when the engine is ready to start
• Isolated engine mounting, which reduces engine vibration in the operator's station for more comfortable operation

Direct fuel injection

• Injects fuel directly on top of pistons for more efficient combustion, less emissions
• Delivers more power per gallon of fuel
• Quicker starting and quieter operation
• Designed to meet California emission standards
• Features low levels of exhaust and emissions and excellent fuel economy. It meets the necessary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 standard and meets 97/68/EC EU non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) emissions regulation
• Electronic engine control and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
• High-pressure common fuel rail for lower emissions and improved engine responsiveness

Flow of exhaust during engine operation

• Exhaust airflow enters into the EGR cooler from the exhaust manifold near the turbocharger
• Cooler takes hot exhaust gases and cools them to where the temperature will not have excessive impact on combustion efficiency
• Based on load, air temperatures, and rpm, the engine control unit (ECU) opens (or closes) the EGR valve, allowing exhaust gases into the intake manifold. The gases mix with the rest of the incoming air from the turbocharger and aftercooler.

Other engine features:

• Overhead valve (OHV) for efficient combustion
• Liquid-cooled for more consistent operating temperatures
• Closed crankcase ventilation that burns crankcase hydro-carbon evaporation

• Deluxe air-intake system
• Hood that is composed of a large, black, cross-link polyethylene-composite center section with green, metal side panels
  • The composite center section includes air-intake screens and helps to guide the cooler air from above the machine to the radiator. The design provides a uniform distribution of clean air, as well as minimizing the amount of chaff collection on the exterior screens.
• Additional sealing around the operator station reduces the amount of hot air blowing on the operator, which in turn improves operator comfort.
• The rear bumper helps with hood sealing and reduces the potential for rear hood damage.

Due to the high percentage of operators who prefer the four-post ROPS canopy, a factory-installed option is available. The rear ROPS structure is a black fixed two-post ROPS.

The ROPS comes standard with a canopy and assembles to the 1600 Turbo Series III Wide-Area Mower (WAM) along with a two-post
Roll-Gard™ ROPS.

The four-post ROPS structure includes the following:

• Two front posts
• Rear ROPS
• Welded top and bottom assemblies
• Molded canopy

The four-post ROPS provides the ability to meet bid requirements that call for a four-post ROPS and offers the ability to use a weather enclosure. It also meets the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21299 standard.