2025 John Deere Golf & Sports Turf W52R 

• 52-inch (132-cm) floating mower deck
• Powerful 19 hp (14.2 kW) V-twin engine
• Self-propelled hydrostatic drive system
• Easy-to-use controls for operator comfort and convenience

Features May Include: 

• V-twin engine delivers smooth operation and plenty of power

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

• 15.5 hp (11.6 kW) FX481V - W36R 
• 19.0 hp (14.2 kW) FX600V - W48R, W52R
• 23.5 hp (17.5 kW) FX730V - W61R
• 36.8 cu in. (603 cc) - W36R, W48R, W52R
• 44.3 cu in. (726 cc) - W61R
• Electric start with a large 300 cold-cranking amp (CCA) battery for fast, convenient starts
• 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

• Heavy-duty canister air cleaner for extended engine life and efficient operation
• Single-element air filter (W36R, W48R, W51R) or dual-element air filter (W61R)
•  Rotating grass chopper screen
• Cylinder-head cooling-fin cleanout ports to ease maintenance
•  Complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards

Large, 5.4-gal. (20.4-L) top draw fuel tank is easy to fill with large filler opening in an easy-to-reach location.

• Fuel pump for dependable, consistent operation
• Top-draw system to reduce the chance for fuel leakage
• A replaceable in-line fuel filter for trouble-free operation

A powerful, 300-CCA battery is secured and protected from damage in an easy-to-access location.

• 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.
• Anti-scalp wheels are double-captured for durability and adjustable to three positions to suit the cut height.
• Deep-deck design for superior capacity.
• Side and center anti-scalp wheels promote a smooth mowing job.

• Hardened, high-lift steel blades extend cutting time and increase durability.
• High blade-tip speed of approximately 18,000 fpm (5,486 m/min).
• R Series mower decks include a center rear wheel for additional anti-scalp and curb climbing protection.
  • Adjustable to three height positions to suit the cut height

A high-quality polyethylene deflector gives an excellent finished appearance:              

• Wide, formed discharge deflector provides even clipping distribution.
• Large discharge deflector evenly disperses expelled clippings.  

Caster wheels with flat-free tires contribute to a smooth, even cutting job:

• Large, flat-free caster wheels carry the mower deck smoothly over the lawn.
• Caster wheels are close to the mower deck to reduce vehicle footprint and turning radius.
  • With the wheels less exposed, there is less chance they will get snagged by immovable obstacles, thus improving maneuverability and reducing chance of damage.

A floating mower deck has several advantages over a fixed mower deck design:

• Follows ground contour more effectively for a more even cut
• Travels smoothly above the ground with minimal chance of scalping
• Easier to adjust the cutting height

Mower cutting height can be set from 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) in 0.5-in. (1.3-cm) increments:

• The free-floating deck gives a smoother, more level cut.
• Height-of-cut changes can be made without tools.
• Large handles are provided to facilitate lifting the mower deck for setting the cut height.
• Cut-height adjustment pins have 90-degree bend for easy removal and reinstallation.

Mower deck shields are easily removed with hand knobs for access to the drive belt and other service points:

• Easy-attach belt shields allow quick access for service.
• Four hand knobs allow removal of both mower shields.
• Greaseable spindles with easy, top access for simplified servicing.
• Spindle grease fittings can be greased with shields in place.

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 for side discharging, though overall cutting performance may be slightly less than with the standard blades.

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 (3.5-bu) capacity allows 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.

• 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.

• Speed and steering controls are designed for ease of operation.
• Ergonomically designed control configuration on all units gives good operator comfort and leverage while driving.
• A speed-control lever is conveniently located in the center of the console and used to set maximum desired speed.

• Low actuation force is required for operator comfort.
• The neutral lock is spring-loaded for easy release.

A convenient and easy-to-operate switch is located on the console to operate the electric clutch, which powers the mower deck.

W36M and W48M parking brake control lever:

• Color coded and located above the console, within easy reach of the operator
• Actuates internal braking mechanism of the transmissions

W36R, W48R, W52R, and W61R parking brake control lever:

• Color coded and located above the console, within easy reach of the operator
• Actuates arm that creates a mechanical locking interference on both drive tires
• Brake pawl located near top of tire to eliminate contact with curbs