John Deere S100 Review 2022 Model: Great Riding Lawn Tractor

Read our review on the John Deere S100 riding lawn tractor (2022 model) to see if it is right for you. This model has a single cylinder 17.5 hp engine and a 42-inch mower deck cutting system. It is suited for yards up to one acre. For most homeowners, this will be all you need unless you have significant acreage to mow.

Riding Lawn Tractors For Residential Needs

If you want a neat and tidy lawn without much hassle, a riding lawn mower is the way to go. The engine power and blade width you need depend on the size of your lawn. John Deere is a trusted name in the lawn tractor market. We have not tested other brands for comparison, but this review will tell you what the S100 model can do and if it suits your needs.

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Key Features Of The 2022 S100 Model

If you have a yard of about an acre, you will appreciate the power and performance of the 17.5 hp engine. The 42-inch cutting blade can cover a large area of land with ease. The turning radius is smooth and agile for navigating corners. The operator station is comfortable and the controls are intuitive. Even beginners can operate this machine without difficulty.

The design of the hood makes it easy to access the air filter and change the oil. The wash port feature is also handy for removing grass clumps under the mowing deck.

The John Deere lawn tractor is an outstanding machine. In addition to the sleek look, power, and cutting ability, it just felt good to ride on. The envious looks you get from neighbors tells you all you need to know.

John Deere S100 Riding Lawn Mower Exterior And Accessories

This is an impeccable machine with a great look and finish. The green and yellow trademark John Deere colors glisten and do not disappoint on this model.

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Fuel Tank, Manual Gauge And Operator Seat

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The operator seat has a cushion that offers comfort for up to an hour of riding, which is enough to mow an acre of land. The seat can be adjusted and slid back to accommodate taller riders.

The fuel tank is located under the seat and can be accessed by lifting it up, as shown above. It can hold 2.4 gallons of fuel. The S100 model does not have a digital fuel level indicator, but a manual gauge below the seat. It works most of the time but is flimsy and not something to rely on a lot. One minor negative on this model.

Raise/Lower Mower Deck (Cutting Heights)

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The cutting deck can be adjusted with a spring-assisted lever that is within easy reach on the right side of the operator station. The lever allows for precise control of the grass height, from one to four inches, in steps of a quarter inch. This feature makes the mower versatile and efficient.

Headlights

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The mower has two incandescent headlights that you can switch on from the ignition by turning the key forward. This feature is useful if you need to mow late in the evening when the visibility is low. We have not tested the headlights in the dark, so we cannot vouch for their effectiveness.

Wash Port For Cleaning Blades And Mower Deck

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One of the features that sets John Deere lawn tractors apart is the self-cleaning function of the mowing deck. You can easily attach a standard garden hose to the wash port above the deck and rinse off any debris. Make sure you do this on a hard surface like asphalt, and lower the deck (with the PTO blades on) for a thorough cleaning.

Transaxle Release Rod (Manual Pushing) And Rear Hitch

One of the functions of the rear hitch at the tractor’s back is to attach different accessories such as the rear bagger, spreader and dump cart.

Another essential feature to notice is the transaxle release rod. This is helpful if you need to move the tractor manually due to a mechanical problem or low fuel. For normal operation, keep it pushed in. Pull it out to enable manual pushing of the lawn tractor.

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Storage Container And Cup Holder

A convenient feature of the seat is a holder for a cup and a phone. The storage space is open, but an optional cover can be attached easily. The S100 model does not include the cover.

Under The Hood Of The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor: Engine And Maintenance

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Under the green hood, which opens smoothly but lacks a latch, lies a remarkable sight. A 17.5, single cylinder engine that delivers enough power for riding, towing and cutting.

The hood is also cleverly designed to provide easy access to the components that require regular maintenance. You can reach the air filter, battery, spark plug, oil and fuel filter, and oil drain knob without any hassle.

Replacing Air Filter

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A plastic lid comes out with just the twist of two hand-turned knobs to give you full access to the air filter. Replacing it couldn’t be easier.

Oil Changes And Oil Filter Replacement

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Changing the oil is easy and quick. You only need a drainpipe to remove the old oil and reach the oil filter without any trouble. The whole process is very simple.

Battery And Spark Plug

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Some other ways to perform more complex maintenance are to replace the spark plugs and the battery. These tasks are relatively simple in the S100.

Operator Station And Operating Features Of The John Deere Riding Lawn Tractor

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The John Deere S100 lawn tractor offers a smooth and easy ride. The operator station and driving controls are intuitive and user-friendly. You can learn how to operate them in no time, even if you are new to lawn tractors. Here is a brief overview of the main features and functions of the tractor.

Parking Brake, Ignition And Choke

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To release the parking brake, push the brake pedal with your left foot and lower the orange plastic lever (to activate the parking brake, do the opposite: pull the lever up while pressing the brake pedal).

The choke has a smooth spring back mechanism that prevents engine damage. When you turn the ignition, the choke automatically returns to its position.

Forward And Reverse Drive Pedals

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The new S100 models have a major improvement over the previous ones: a true hydrostatic engine. This means that you can control the direction of travel with two separate pedals on the right side, one for forward and one for reverse.

No more confusing side-lever to switch between forward and backward. The old S100 models had a CVT transmission that used only one pedal for both directions, which was not very intuitive.

Mowing In Reverse (Rear Implement Option Safety Switch)

To reverse safely with the blades on, press the yellow RIO button first. This prevents accidents and lets you see what’s behind you before you move. The engine will stop if you try to reverse without the button. This warns you that the blades can hurt someone or something nearby.

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Blade Engagement (PTO) Lever

To activate the mower deck blades, rotate the yellow PTO engagement lever in a counter-clockwise direction while the engine is running. You may feel a slight bump and a jolt, but this is normal. Now you can start moving forward and enjoy cutting your grass.

Side Discharge Tube

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The default option for clippings discharge is on the side. You can adjust the black plastic discharge tube slightly to mow near narrow objects and spaces. This option disperses the grass clippings to the side and back on your lawn. A rear bagger option is also available as an accessory (approximately $500). This is an accessory you may want to strongly consider.

Video Review, Walkaround And Test Of The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

Check out our comprehensive video review of the 2022 John Deere S100 lawn tractor. We’ll show you what’s inside the engine and how to start it up easily. Plus, you’ll see how it performs on a real lawn with a cutting demonstration.

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What’s Good About The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

John Deere is synonymous with quality and durability, and the S100 tractor lives up to that reputation. This tractor has a robust and high-quality mechanical design, and a powerful engine for its 17.5 hp rating. It can handle mid-sized yards up to one acre with ease.

The tractor is also user-friendly and comfortable to operate. The controls are intuitive and easy to reach. Mowing the lawn becomes a fun and relaxing activity, rather than a tedious chore.

The only drawback we noticed is the noise level. The tractor can be quite loud when the blades are on, although not more than other tractors. A simple solution is to wear noise-cancelling headphones while mowing.

Final Review Of The John Deere S100 Riding Lawn Tractor

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The John Deere brand is known for its quality and durability. Our interaction with the S100 only served to reinforce that view. All the mechanical parts in this tractor are sturdy and high-quality. The engine has significant power for just a 17.5 hp rating. Ideal for mid-sized yards up to one acre. We were highly impressed with this riding lawn mower from John Deere.

In addition to the sleek look, power, and cutting ability, it just felt good to ride on. The John Deere lawn tractor is an outstanding machine. In the end, the envious looks you get from neighbors will tell you all you need to know.

John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor Attachments To Make Yardwork Easier

There are numerous attachments and accessories that fit the S100. The most popular one is the rear bagger system which collects grass clippings and fall leaves. Others that may be of interest are the tow-behind cart, spreader and sweeper.

Price and Warranty Information

Depending on where you buy, the S100 sells for $2300 to $2400 at Lowes, Home Depot, or a John Deere dealership (as of this writing).

A 2 year/120-hour warranty is generally supported by your local John Deere dealership. Remember to register your purchase with them for this to take effect.

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John Deere S100 42 in. 17.5 HP Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor Mulching Capable (Kit Sold Separately)

Deere & Company (Moline, IL)

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

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Product Information: John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor

Name	S100 Lawn Tractor
Manufacturer	John Deere
Manufacturing Location	Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
Engine Power	17.5 hp, 13 kW
Engine Manufacturer/Model	31R977 (M31)
Transaxle Type	TLT200 hydrostatic, two-wheel drive
Mower Cutting Width	42 in. (107 cm)
Mower Cut Height	13 positions, 1-4 in. (2.5-10.2 cm)
Mower Type	Side discharge
Fuel System Type/Capacity	Gasoline/2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L)
Headlights	Two standard, incandescent
Mower Wash Port	Yes
Manufacturer’s Description	A 17.5-hp (13.0-kW), single-cylinder engine has plenty of power and torque to handle tough mowing, mulching, and bagging: -Electronic ignition for fast starts. -Spring-return feature to ensure the operator will not mistakenly leave the throttle lever in the choke position. -Cast-iron cylinder liner for long engine life. -Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy. -Anti-vibration system. -Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for cleaner oil, prolonging engine life, and extending the time between oil changes. -Large fuel filter for trouble-free operation.

By Master Influencer Magazine Garden & Outdoor Staff

Published 10:51 AM EDT, Monday August 8, 2022

Keywords

John Deere S100; Lawn Tractor; Riding Lawn Mower; Gas Mower; Video Review

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