Starter for John Deere S120 S130 S140 S160 S180 100 Series Tractor MIA13038
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John Deere S120 22HP 42" Ride-on Mower

THE RDO READY TO MOW ADVANTAGE:
✓ Free professional assembly calibration
✓ Free full tank of fuel✓ Free onsite handover training
The 100 Series Ride-on Mowers combine strength and reliability with yard-friendly simplicity, comfort and control. With a choice of models and a wide range of features and options to choose from, the 100 Series has something for everyone. These robust ride-on mowers are engineered for years of trouble-free service and combine superb cut quality with outstanding ease of use.
The John Deere S120 ride-on mower is the upper tier 42-inch deck model of the 100 Series line up. The ride is comfortable. S120 features a hydrostatic transmission, side-by-side foot pedals, enhanced styling, adjustable controls and 15-in open back seat. The 42-inch Edge Cutting System is time-tested and proven to offer superior cut quality and can be easily equipped to bag or mulch. And the John Deere Branded single cylinder engine is 22 HP. plenty of power for up to one acre.
Powerful V-twin engine features full-pressure lubrication for dependability and long life
- A 16kW (22-HP) V-twin engine has plenty of power and torque to handle tough mowing, mulching, and bagging:
- V-twin cylinder design for greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality
- Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
- Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for cleaner oil, prolonging engine life and extending the time between oil changes
John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system\
- The John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean. Changing the oil is as easy as twisting on a new oil-filled filter. Oil does not need to be drained from the engine.
- Everyone who uses the John Deere Easy Change system saves time and avoids the mess of a traditional oil change. In the past, many 100 Series Lawn Tractor owners rarely or never got around to changing their engine oil. With the 30-second oil change, even people who previously would not consider changing the oil themselves can easily do it. The Easy Change system is a no-mess, no-fuss solution the competition cannot match.
Frame made of full-length welded steel for reliability
- The solid one-piece frame is constructed of 12-gauge, 2.66-mm (0.105-in.) steel:
- Full-length, robotically welded frame design has high-strength steel rails for added strength and long life.
- One-piece, steel fender deck is bolted to the frame.
- Cast-iron front axle will not bend
- The front bumper is included on the S130 and S140. It is available as an optional attachment for the S100, S110, and S120.
- The CargO Mount system is a combination of front- and rear-mounting points providing convenient and easy installation of the sun canopy, rear bagger, and other attachments.
Hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of ground speeds
- A Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of speeds and makes changing the direction of travel easy. Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel.
- Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
- Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
- Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.
- Appropriate transmissions are used in each model, depending on rear tire size and tractor performance requirements, to ensure excellent performance and reliability:
- Tuff Torq TLT200 – S100, S110, S120, S130 and S140
Operator station designed for comfortable operation
- The operator station is designed for operator comfort and easy operation:
- Controls are positioned where they are easy to reach and use to control the tractor.
- The steering wheel is positioned and angled to give the operator plenty of room and steering comfort.
- The seat is positioned to provide the most comfortable operator position.
- Controls are easy to see and use.
- Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration floor mats are provided for operator comfort.
- Operator comfort is enhanced with a 38-cm (15-in.) high-back, two-piece seat with an open back.
Instruments and controls are easy to find and convenient to use
- The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling.
- The easy-read fuel gauge shows how much fuel is in the tank and can be seen on the dashboard.
- Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel.
- Cruise control is available on the S120 and S130. To engage, lift the cruise lever and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal. The cruise control can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or the forward pedal.
- Mower deck height adjustment. A spring-assisted, ergonomically designed lift lever simplifies adjusting the mower cut height.
- Parking brake control. The parking brake control is conveniently located on the tractor pedestal for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.
Serviceability is convenient with an easy-open hood
- The one-piece hood opens easily to permit checking and servicing the engine.
- The John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean. Changing the oil is as easy as removing the old oil-filled filter and twisting on a new oil-filled filter.
- Hood will not rust or dent and includes quality headlights.
The Edge cutting system gives superior performance
John Deere S120 Lawn Tractor
A 22-HP (16.4-kW) V-twin engine has plenty of power and torque to handle tough mowing, mulching, and bagging:
- V-twin cylinder design for greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality
- Electronic ignition for fast starts
- Spring-return feature to ensure the operator does not mistakenly leave the throttle lever in the choke position
- Cast-iron cylinder liners for longer engine life
- Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
- Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for cleaner oil, prolonging engine life and extending the time between oil changes
- effective when operating the tractor on an incline
John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
The John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean. Changing the oil is as easy as twisting on a new oil-filled filter. Oil does not need to be drained from the engine.
The John Deere Easy Change filter is an additional engine oil reservoir. Changing the filter removes the captured contaminants and replaces about 0.8 qt (0.76 L) of engine oil.
The functionality does not stop with ease of use. The Easy Change oil system has several meaningful benefits over the traditional oil filter system of the 100 Series:
- A synthetic filter material is used for more predictable filtering and longer life.
- Filtering capacity is greater than with a standard oil filter.
- filter surface area
- oil flow capacity
Partly due to these improvements, it is not necessary to remove and dispose of all the oil in the engine during service.
Everyone who uses the John Deere Easy Change system saves time and avoids the mess of a traditional oil change. In the past, many 100 Series Lawn Tractor owners rarely or never got around to changing their engine oil. With the 30-second oil change, even people who previously would not consider changing the oil themselves can easily do it. The Easy Change system is a no-mess, no-fuss solution the competition cannot match.
Installation instructions are in the Operator’s Manual and in the John Deere Easy Change service part box.
Please recycle. Many local government recycling programs, authorized retailers, auto-service centers, and auto-parts stores will puncture and recycle used oil filters and oil.
Frame made of full-length welded steel for reliability
The solid one-piece frame is constructed of 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.66-mm) steel:
- Full-length, robotically welded frame design has high-strength steel rails for added strength and long life.
- One-piece, steel fender deck is bolted to the frame.
The front axle is constructed of solid cast iron that will not bend:
- Automotive-like steering system with sector and pinion steering gears and single drag link with a tie rod provides a very strong, low-effort, and tight-turning system.
- Three grease fittings, on both steering spindles and center pivot, allow for regular lubrication to help maintain easy steering and minimize wear.
- Large, 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) diameter wheel spindles provide excellent durability.
Front bumper protects the tractor
The front bumper is included on the S130, S140, S160, S170, and S180. It is available as an optional attachment for the S100, S110, and S120.
CargO Mount system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy
The CargO Mount system is a combination of front- and rear-mounting points providing convenient and easy installation of the sun canopy, rear bagger, and other attachments.
Snow removal is a strength of lawn tractors
An advantage of lawn tractors is their ability to use equipment for snow removal. Lawn tractor owners can add a John Deere snow blower or front blade to make quick work of moving snow whenever the need arises. Weather enclosure and tire-chain attachments add comfort and performance.
Equipment available for snow removal includes:
- 44-in. (112-cm) Snow Blower
- 46-in. (117-cm) Front Blade
- Tire chains or TerraGrip traction belts
- Weather enclosure
- Weights
Hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of ground speeds
A Kanzaki Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of speeds and makes changing the direction of travel easy. Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:
- Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
- Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
- Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.
John Deere S120 Riding Lawn Tractor

John Deere S120 vs S130: Key DifferencesInvercargill Gore Mosgiel Cromwell
Now, let’s look at the major differences between the John Deere S120 and S130. The most significant differences are in the mower drive system, front bumpers, rear tires, dimensions, and price.
Mower drive system differences
The main difference between the S120 and S130 is that the S120 arrives with a manual power take-off drive system, while the S130 comes with an electric PTO, though you can upgrade to an electric PT on the S120.
So, why’s the standard PTO drive system important? Because electric PTOs are significantly more efficient than their manual counterparts.
First, electric PTO systems use electric wires to provide the power needed to operate the clutch. Meanwhile, manual PTOs rely on human energy pushing against several joints and levels.
Additionally, an electric PTO comprises fewer parts, typically the clutch, PTO switch, and the length of wire joining the two.
On the other hand, a manual PTO comprises multiple parts, including U-joints, pedestal connection points, and input connection surfaces. parts mean more maintenance and increased failure risk.
Front bumper differences
Front bumpers aren’t mandatory on lawn tractors as on cars. Nevertheless, responsible manufacturers provide bumpers to protect your investment.
The S130 arrives with a standard bumper, so you don’t need to purchase one separately. It’s a styled bumper that blends nicely with the tractor’s design.
But more importantly, it’s a strong and durable bumper with sufficient hood clearance for regular maintenance.
On the other hand, the S120 doesn’t arrive with a bumper. Not that it’s not important. On the contrary, it is needed.
However, you must purchase it separately. The bumper costs 48 to 74, depending on where you buy it.
If you’ve owned a garden tractor before, you’ll know that the rear tires are critical to the tractor’s performance. They have a big impact on acceleration.
Additionally, the rear tires help to distribute the weight equally to prevent the front wheels from rising whenever the tractor pulls heavy loads.
Rear tire differences
Fortunately, John Deere provides large rear tires for all its tractors, including the S120 and S130. So, whichever you buy, rest assured you won’t run into load-balancing issues.
That said, the S130 has bigger tires than the S120. John Deere S130 rear tires measure 20 x 10-8.
Meanwhile, the S120’s rear tires measure 20 x 10-8. It’s a small difference. But you’ll appreciate it when pulling heavy loads.
Dimensions and weight
The difference in dimensions and weight isn’t noticeable until you manually measure the tractors. However, the S130 is bigger and weighs more than the S120.
The John Deere S120 has a height of about 44 inches, whereas the S130 measures 45 inches tall. The S130 is also longer, measuring 74.2 inches long, while the S120 measures 69.7 inches long.
Note that physical dimensions often mean little, provided the user is comfortable and the tractor performs optimally. That said, larger tractors are typically roomier for increased convenience.
Regarding weight, the S130 is slightly heavier. The John Deere S120 weighs an estimated 444 lbs. Meanwhile, the S130 weighs 462 lbs.
Again, the weight matters little, provided the tractor works as intended. But heavier tractors are typically better suited for heavy-duty applications.
Price
Finally, the John Deere S120 and S130 are reasonably priced lawn tractors, though slightly more expensive than comparable ride-on mowers like Cub Cadet. For instance, the S130 is about 500 more than the Cub Cadet mowers in its class.
That said, the S120 and S130 are almost similarly priced, with the S130 only slightly more expensive, depending on where you buy.
For instance, the Everglades Equipment Group sells the John Deere S130 at 6500,899 and the S120 at 6500,799.
Meanwhile, the New England Power Equipment lists the John Deere S130 at 6500,989 and the John Deere S120 at 6500,889. So it’s about a 100 difference.
Other equipment stores charge slightly less or more. However, the price difference between the two tractor models doesn’t change much.
FAQs
Who makes the engine for John Deere S130?
Briggs Stratton makes the engines for John Deere S130 tractors. Headquartered in Wauwatosa, WI, Briggs Stratton is a US company that builds more than 9 million engines for different tractors and automobiles each year. It has manufacturing plants in five other states, including Montana, Alabama, Georgia, and New York.
What is the best series of John Deere tractors?
Many lawn mowing professionals consider the S140 the best lawn tractor from John Deere. It’s the best of the introductory 100 Series tractors and the best-value tractor overall, particularly for small and medium-duty applications. Meanwhile, John Deere X700 Signature Series tractors are the most powerful and intuitive.
What is the difference between John Deere s120 and s130
The main difference between John Deere S120 and John Deere S130 mower tractors is that the S120 is a manual PTO tractor while the S130 is an electric PTO mower. Electric PTOs are newer innovations that transfer power from the engine to the deck and blades via electric current. They comprise fewer parts and are less likely to fail than manual PTO systems.
Verdict
The S120 and S130 are two of the best-selling John Deere lawn tractors, as they’re compact, powerful, and comfortable.
Also, they are reasonably priced. Nonetheless, the two tractor models are substantially different.
When to Consider John Deere S120: The John Deere S120 is a great choice if you prefer a manual transmission. Of course, it’s also 100 more affordable than the John Deere S130 lawn tractor.
When to Consider John Deere s130: The John Deere S130 lawn tractor is the better option when seeking an improvement over the S120 within the same price range.
Rhys Charles
Rhys is a passionate landscaper, a self-proclaimed barbecue expert and the author of this site. He combines his lawnmowing expertise with his engineering background to teach you about how to not just take care of grass, but also the equipment you use.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best John Deere Lawn Tractor
Top-of-the-line John Deere mowers and lawn tractors are not inexpensive, but they can be a wise purchase for those looking to invest in high-quality yard-care equipment. Choosing the best John Deere tractor for lawn and landscaping involves considering yard size, engine power, and the type of attachments owners want to use.
Engine Source and Power
Lawn tractor engines are measured in horsepower (HP), and the larger the engine, the more powerful the machine. John Deere uses a variety of engine sizes in its lawn-tractor offerings. Engines produced specifically for John Deere may be made by Briggs Stratton or other manufacturers, but they are often listed as “John Deere–branded engines.”
They range from a 17.5-HP Briggs Stratton engine in their compact S100 lawn tractor up to a 24-HP Briggs Stratton engine in their S180 model. In their high-end specialty, the X500 Select Series, buyers can find a couple of higher-power options, including the X590, which is fitted with a 25.5-HP Kawasaki engine.
In addition to engine size and type, John Deere makes it easy to put all that power to use by implementing hydrostatic transmissions in most of its machines. This type of transmission converts the power generated by the engine into fluid power that drives the shaft. Hydrostatic transmissions are valued because they conserve energy, operate quietly, and reduce wear and tear on moving parts.
Deck Size and Cutting Options
On lawn tractors, deck size indicates how quickly the user can cut the grass. John Deere lawn tractors feature deck sizes ranging from 42 to 60 inches. Compared with some push mowers with deck sizes as small as 18 inches, it’s easy to see how the larger decks on lawn tractors will cut much wider swaths and significantly reduce the time it takes to mow a lawn.
In addition to deck size, mowing height is a consideration. Most lawn tractors can be adjusted to cut as low as 1 inch or as high as 4 to 5 inches. On some models, mowing height is adjusted with a hand lever. In contrast, some of the pricier models come with a hydrostatic dial that allows the user to adjust the height in inches, and then the deck automatically adjusts to suit.
Yard Size and Ground Type
In general, riding mowers and lawn tractors are well suited to cutting large lawns such as yards with 1 to 3 acres or more of grass. Depending on the speed at which the user operates the lawn tractor, the yard can be mowed in a fraction of the time it would take with a push mower.
Still, not all yards are suitable for mowing with riding mowers or lawn tractors. If the yard is small or there are many trees and other obstacles to navigate, a large riding machine may be too cumbersome. Plus, it may be too wide to fit through a yard gate.
Steeply sloped terrain can also be a hazard for a riding tractor, which tends to tip if the user is mowing along the side of a steep slope. However, the risk is reduced by mowing either going up or down the hill rather than sideways. When considering mowing on steep or rough terrain, always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
Fuel Capacity or Battery Life
All John Deere lawn tractors are powered by gas or diesel engines, such as the 2.4-gallon gasoline engine in the S100 model. The company offers higher-capacity tanks on some of its larger models, such as the X570, which has a 4.4-gallon tank.
Larger fuel tanks provide longer runtimes and the extra power that is necessary for operating attachments. They’re most often found on bigger lawn tractors that use fuel more quickly as well. Larger tanks also translate into less-frequent fill-ups, but they also require storing more gasoline in a garage or shed.
Controls and Comfort
John Deere’s residential lawn tractors are designed to maximize user comfort and include such features as Twin Touch forward and reverse foot pedals that allow the user to change the machine’s direction. This is a user-friendly way to control the movement of the tractor compared with what was available on older models that required stopping the machine and then using a hand-shift gear to change directions.
All of John Deere’s basic lawn tractor models come with power steering, a feature that may be missing on some less-expensive brands. In addition, the standard John Deere seat is a two-part seat and backrest that allows air circulation between the two, won’t hold water, and may be less likely to rip as one-piece seats can be prone to do.
Attachments
Some of the larger John Deere lawn tractors can be fitted with agricultural-type attachments that expand their versatility. Users can opt for a special-order backhoe attachment or a front-end loader that simplifies digging and moving dirt or compost. These attachments are installed at the factory before the tractor is delivered.
Standard attachments that will fit most John Deere lawn tractors include an adjustable chute that ejects grass clippings, a sun shade for protecting skin from sunrays, a rear bagger for collecting clippings, and more. Attachments are available for using the machines during any season of the year. If the goal is to find the right option that provides mowing capability only, John Deere also makes some of the best John Deere riding mower options.
Our Top Picks
Selecting the best lawn tractor from John Deere’s dozens of high-quality machines was no easy task. This respectable brand produces a wide range of mowers and tractors. We stuck with basic lawn tractors for our list and didn’t include riding mowers or zero-turn-radius (ZTR) mowers. Those looking for a quality lawn tractor are likely to find a model that suits their needs in our lineup.
John Deere S140 Lawn Tractor
Finish mowing chores in record time with the John Deere S140 Lawn Tractor, which reaches maximum forward speeds of up to 5.5 mph so mowers can finish yard work and get on with more enjoyable activities. The S140 features side-by-side forward and reverse foot pedals for easy operation, and it comes with a comfortable 15-inch padded seat that’s open in the back for enhanced air circulation.
The S140 cuts an admirable 48-inch swath of grass in a single pass, and its 22-HP gas engine offers plenty of power for mowing and mulching (mulch kit sold separately). It comes with Deere’s patented Edge Cutting System that makes it possible to mow right up to obstacles such as trees or storage sheds. It features the company’s 30-Second Oil Change System for quick maintenance, and it comes with electric blade engagement and a rugged front bumper.
Get the John Deere S140 Lawn Tractor at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local John Deere dealer.
John Deere E120 Lawn Tractor
John Deere lawn tractors are not budget mowers, but those looking to buy one of these high-quality machines can still get a good deal on a slightly less-expensive model. The John Deere E120 Lawn Tractor is designed to provide economically minded consumers with a high-end lawn tractor for a modest investment. This model offers some of the same features found on more expensive models, such as a hydrostatic transmission as well as forward and reverse foot pedals. The seat is a one-piece model, but it adjusts to 10 positions for the best fit and feel.
The E120 offers EZ 30-second oil change and provides plenty of mowing, mulching, and clipping-catching ability with its 20-HP engine. And to maintain an optimal speed when mowing those vast expanses, the E120 offers cruise control. Attachments are sold separately.
Get the John Deere E120 Lawn Tractor at The Home Depot or your local John Deere dealer.
John Deere S120 Lawn Tractor
Those looking for a high-quality lawn tractor for mowing and other landscaping tasks may need to look no further than the John Deere S120. This model comes with a 22-HP gas engine and runs at forward speeds up to 5.5 mph. The S120 is one of John Deere’s midline machines, and it’s well suited for most large yards of a couple of acres or so.
With a 42-inch deck, the S120 can mow a large lawn quickly, and it comes with consumer-friendly features such as an easy-read fuel gauge on the dash and a deck that adjusts to 13 cut heights, ranging from 1 to 4 inches. It comes with edge-cut technology that allows users to mow right along the edge of fences and trees to reduce the need for weed-eating in those spots. Like other John Deere lawn tractors, the S120 can be used with many yard and landscape-related attachments.
Get the John Deere S120 Lawn Tractor at The Home Depot or your local John Deere dealer.
John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor
The John Deere S130 22HP Lawn Tractor comes with a wealth of user-friendly features that were put through their paces during hands-on testing. It could haul more than 700 pounds of concrete bags in a garden trailer with ease. However, the tires did lose traction on steeper parts of the lawn, and John Deere recommends users not mow slopes greater than 13 degrees. Because most yards feature gentler slopes, that won’t be an issue for many.
The S130 comes with a two-piece padded seat, a powerful 22-HP engine, and an impressive 42-inch deck. It also features side-by-side forward and reverse pedals and will accept John Deere’s wide range of attachments. During testing, the S130’s quiet operation was appreciated, thanks to its hydrostatic transmission. Plus, its headlights were bright enough to navigate in near-dark situations.
Get the John Deere S130 at Lowe’s or your local John Deere dealer.
John Deere S160 Lawn Tractor
The John Deere S160 is a step up in many directions. It features a sizable 24-HP engine that is designed for extended use, and its 48-inch mowing deck means it makes quick work of cutting lawns up to 4 acres in size. Its large 20-inch rear wheels make it better suited for use on hilly terrain, but it works just as well as flat parcels. It comes with John Deere’s hydrostatic transmission and a fully welded steel frame for strength and durability.
Our Verdict
John Deere manufactures some of the best-selling lawn tractors, and any of the models we’ve chosen for this lineup are among the best options for a variety of mowing and landscaping needs. Still, the John Deere S140 Lawn Tractor, our best overall pick, tops the list for a quality lawn tractor for the typical sizable residential yard. It features a 42-inch cut and comes with a 22-HP engine.
Our budget model, the John Deere E120 Lawn Tractor, is still a pricey prospect for many, but it comes at a slightly lower cost while providing features found on some of the more-expensive models.
How We Chose the Best John Deere Lawn Tractors
In choosing the tractors for this lineup of John Deere-specific lawn tractors, we focused on what we felt were among the most common residential yard-care needs. We selected models from a range of because no two yards—or budgets—are identical.
We looked for models that offered standard John Deere features, such as hydrostatic transmissions and easy-to-see fuel gauges that make mowing more user-friendly. Then, we hunted down models best suited to specific needs such as the need to mow tight radiuses around multiple trees or to cut closely along the edge of a fence or structure.
The result is a lineup with an array of John Deere lawn tractors within a range of power levels and price tags. Still, each of the chosen models is suitable for use with multiple John Deere attachments to extend each one’s versatility.
FAQs
Buying a lawn tractor is an investment in the landscape. Numerous manufacturers make lawn tractors, but the John Deere name has become synonymous with high-quality machinery and agricultural equipment. Those looking to buy their first John Deere lawn tractor will probably have a few questions.
Q. Which series John Deere tractor is best?
The best tractor depends on an individual buyer’s needs. Models in the 100 Series, from which we’ve selected multiple picks for this lineup, are most likely to be sold at local home improvement stores. Still, models in other series are just as durable, although some may have to be special-ordered from the company or through a local John Deere dealer
Q. Which is the best John Deere tractor?
Choosing the best John Deere lawn tractor will depend on individual needs, but our best overall pick, the S140, offers a good combination of power, dependability, and price.
Q. What brand engine does John Deere use?
John Deere uses a variety of engines in its lawn tractors, including Briggs Stratton and Kawasaki. However, because some of these engines are manufactured explicitly for John Deere, they may be listed as “John Deere–branded” engines. Users can google the engine model number to find out its manufacturer.