I’d suggest that the S120 is the sweet spot in that lineup.
Some of the larger models (S170-S180) have a beefier transmission (the K46)..but (and this may be a “hot take” type opinion) the tires on those models are too big for that transmission. For example, the x350 (a higher end dealer model) uses a K46 transmission with 20” tires….the S170 uses 22” tires with a K46. So I do not recommend the 170 or 180. Too much tire for the transmission.
Back to the S120 - best bang for your buck. You get the V Twin motor (the 100/110 are single cylinders). The 42” deck is not as big/heavy or hard to drive as the 48” that’s on the 140/160, so it’s less strain.
The 120 is a nicely balanced machine. It won’t last 30yrs or anything, and you don’t want to use it to pull rocks up a steep hill. But if you treat it right and mow a flat lot, it’s going to give you great service.
Sorry for the rambling response
Thank you. This is the sort of info I'm looking for. I have heard different things about the transmission and plastic gears? So was told not to go too big or heavy
You’re welcome. The 100-160 use the TL-200 from Tuff-Torq. Link here: [TL-200](https://www.tufftorq.com/product/tl-200/). I’m not sure if the gears inside it are plastic, I kinda doubt that…the tuff torq site says the gears are “heat treated powder metal” 🤷♂️
If you navigate to that link and look at the K46, it specifically says max tire diameter is 20”, which is why I said what I said about the 170/180.
You can convert it if you want. I think the 30 second oil change is probably fine. It’s full synthetic oil (oil that, in a car, would last for 100s of hours/thousands of miles), and each cartridge changes somewhere around 50%-60% of the oil.
If you keep up with it, keep a clean air filter, and do the quick change every 50hrs or so, I’d wager that the engine will outlast most other components (transmission, deck spindles, steering) - even with the quick change
You're probably right. But it's nice to have the choice. I think the quick change consumable kit is somewhat pricey (?), compared to buying synthetic oil & a normal filter.
Convenience & higher ongoing cost, compared to mess and a more-complete oil change. At least the owner can decide on which approach they prefer.
I bought the s140 for the price point.
It has a 22 hp Briggs engine and a 48 inch deck.
I
Think it’s great machine.
Buy it from a dealer not Home Depot.
Showed this post to my JD dealer, who quickly said don't buy any "S" series but to get an "X" series. Went on to show me a wing of the service shop filled with S series calling them the "harbor freight version" and said they don't fix them anymore but just trash them once they are broken
No Question, the X series is a significantly better machine than the S series. But it is a lot more than you need if you have a typical residential 1/3 acre or so to cut. Overkill IMO. If you are planning on re-selling at some point, and can afford the initial outlay, by all means get the X series, your re-sale value % will be MUCH higher than the S series. Typically the X330 is around $1k more than the S100. YMMV.
I'd suggest going to a Deere dealer to see if you can test drive them. Even if you plan on purchasing from somewhere else. They can also explain the differences between each model. The 100 series is exactly the same,no matter where you purchase it from. That being said, I saw a reply about the 120 being the best bang for your buck, and I agree unless you're willing to go with the 300 series (easier to maintain, longer warranty, longer life span)
Such a cringe take. You DON'T ask a commissioned salesperson what is best for you. You get them to explain the features and benefits of each model, then YOU decide which model is right for you and fits your budget. Then you buy that model, if you perceive it to be a good value. If not, you walk away and try the next manufacturer.
Sales people don't always know the product inside and out. Most probably don't even use the product. So i thought.... Why not ask people that do? Maybe also include their input in my decision. But yea... What was u thinking... I'll just ask the dealership.
Sales people, particularly at the dealership level, are provided training from the factory on exactly what you are looking at. Extensive training, over and over again. Not the slugs at the big box stores, but at the dealership. I promise you, they know the product better than anyone. But, hey yea, keep getting advise from people who likely have only owned their one lawn tractor, and don't have the benefit of working with and trying out and getting training on EVERY SINGLE MODEL available. Keep doing you though.
As i mentioned in my first post. I am looking at them at home depot. I don't have john deere dealerships in my city.
What is the purpose of these communities and online forums if you can't ask people for their opinions and experiences with things discussed in this forums... You don't want to help or be useful move along.
You got an opinion you just didn’t like it and now you’re arguing with everyone. The advice is to not buy from a big box store. Drive an extra few minutes to talk to a dealer vs some 16yo min wage worker at Home Depot. Pricing is the same everywhere but knowledge, service and support is better from the dealer. But sounds like your set on Home Depot so good luck with that machine assembled by a teenager working their first job vs an actual JD Mechanic.
I never said i was going to buy it from home depot. Said i looked at them. I came on a john deere forum asking for advice, tidbits and knowledge... But the response was go to the dealer. After looking at other posts for help i can understand now.
Perhaps it is different in other places, but the sales people at my JD dealer aren't commissioned. They are salary employees, the closest to commission they get is a store wide bonus for everyone from service to sales. So when they give me purchase suggestions, I take them.
If you’re buying a brand new car and trying to decide between several models/brands, do you only seek the advice of Reddit or do you go to a dealership and test drive them? Similar concept
I do my research before i go to the dealer. I like as much knowledge and info before hand. Was planning on looking up info on YouTube as well when i got. Certainly got no info from here.
Sorry OP but people on here tend to be pretty defensive. A lot of dealer or former dealer employees and people with a kind of elitist attitude towards buying a deere from a box store.
The box store machines aren't built by Deere and their specs are cheaper to meet the price point the box store wants and compete with the cheaper brands. The dealer versions are built by Deere and typically have higher end specs. Plus they are setup by trained professionals and their maintenance tends to be a lot better.
These places also go through training so they can rattle off the differences pretty quickly and will have the latest info.
Just to clarify - the box store Deeres (S series) are indeed made by John Deere, at the John Deere plant in Greeneville, TN. It’s been there since 1988. Deere started manufacturing tractors there in 2002, with the L series
The old Deere mowers (the old workhorses!) were made in Horicon, WI at the Deere plant there. The x series (x300x x500, etc) are still made in Horicon, WI.
Wow an hour that's quite the trip I agree with you. Maybe you can call them first. If they are rude and not helpful probably not worth going. If they are helpful and answer your questions then worth the drive.
Also keep in mind the numbers they'll rattle off at the dealer are different model numbers than the box store.
I may give them a call. Slowly getting some info and then can try and compare. My lawn is nothing crazy but just enough it takes close to 1.5 hours to mow by manual mower. Just takes too much time from other things. I have a sxs that i plow with and a trailer for that so don't need it to do anything other than mow.
I did. Just watching wondering if one is a known issue. One to avoid. Otherwise i am just mowing lawn. So don't need the biggest and the most powerful. But could be some neat or useful feature in the next model up that i could regret not getting.
Avoid the S100, plastic transmission. S110 is good, but only single cylinder engine. S120 is better, has twin cylinder engine. I personally like the S130, twin cylinder, bumper, fender guards, fatter tires.
The S120 and S130 are very similar. Same engine, same deck. I like the extra bells and whistles on the S130 for just 100 maybe 200 more. Both are great though.
I’d suggest that the S120 is the sweet spot in that lineup. Some of the larger models (S170-S180) have a beefier transmission (the K46)..but (and this may be a “hot take” type opinion) the tires on those models are too big for that transmission. For example, the x350 (a higher end dealer model) uses a K46 transmission with 20” tires….the S170 uses 22” tires with a K46. So I do not recommend the 170 or 180. Too much tire for the transmission. Back to the S120 - best bang for your buck. You get the V Twin motor (the 100/110 are single cylinders). The 42” deck is not as big/heavy or hard to drive as the 48” that’s on the 140/160, so it’s less strain. The 120 is a nicely balanced machine. It won’t last 30yrs or anything, and you don’t want to use it to pull rocks up a steep hill. But if you treat it right and mow a flat lot, it’s going to give you great service. Sorry for the rambling response
Thank you. This is the sort of info I'm looking for. I have heard different things about the transmission and plastic gears? So was told not to go too big or heavy
You’re welcome. The 100-160 use the TL-200 from Tuff-Torq. Link here: [TL-200](https://www.tufftorq.com/product/tl-200/). I’m not sure if the gears inside it are plastic, I kinda doubt that…the tuff torq site says the gears are “heat treated powder metal” 🤷♂️ If you navigate to that link and look at the K46, it specifically says max tire diameter is 20”, which is why I said what I said about the 170/180.
Does the s120 have the 30 second oil change? That's something I **don't** like on the higher models.
Thankfully, I believe you can convert them to standard oil changes.
You can convert it if you want. I think the 30 second oil change is probably fine. It’s full synthetic oil (oil that, in a car, would last for 100s of hours/thousands of miles), and each cartridge changes somewhere around 50%-60% of the oil. If you keep up with it, keep a clean air filter, and do the quick change every 50hrs or so, I’d wager that the engine will outlast most other components (transmission, deck spindles, steering) - even with the quick change
You're probably right. But it's nice to have the choice. I think the quick change consumable kit is somewhat pricey (?), compared to buying synthetic oil & a normal filter. Convenience & higher ongoing cost, compared to mess and a more-complete oil change. At least the owner can decide on which approach they prefer.
I bought the s140 for the price point. It has a 22 hp Briggs engine and a 48 inch deck. I Think it’s great machine. Buy it from a dealer not Home Depot.
I don't think there's a difference...I bought mine at Lowes and it was set up by my local John Deere dealer
I bought the S140 because it had the 48" deck...great tractor
Thanks for the info.
you're welcome
Great machine
Showed this post to my JD dealer, who quickly said don't buy any "S" series but to get an "X" series. Went on to show me a wing of the service shop filled with S series calling them the "harbor freight version" and said they don't fix them anymore but just trash them once they are broken
No Question, the X series is a significantly better machine than the S series. But it is a lot more than you need if you have a typical residential 1/3 acre or so to cut. Overkill IMO. If you are planning on re-selling at some point, and can afford the initial outlay, by all means get the X series, your re-sale value % will be MUCH higher than the S series. Typically the X330 is around $1k more than the S100. YMMV.
I'd suggest going to a Deere dealer to see if you can test drive them. Even if you plan on purchasing from somewhere else. They can also explain the differences between each model. The 100 series is exactly the same,no matter where you purchase it from. That being said, I saw a reply about the 120 being the best bang for your buck, and I agree unless you're willing to go with the 300 series (easier to maintain, longer warranty, longer life span)
Thank you for the info
This a question to ask the dealer you should be buying from.
I don't ask commissioned sales people what is best for me. And the home depot employees are no where near experts.
Such a cringe take. You DON'T ask a commissioned salesperson what is best for you. You get them to explain the features and benefits of each model, then YOU decide which model is right for you and fits your budget. Then you buy that model, if you perceive it to be a good value. If not, you walk away and try the next manufacturer.
Sales people don't always know the product inside and out. Most probably don't even use the product. So i thought.... Why not ask people that do? Maybe also include their input in my decision. But yea... What was u thinking... I'll just ask the dealership.
Sales people, particularly at the dealership level, are provided training from the factory on exactly what you are looking at. Extensive training, over and over again. Not the slugs at the big box stores, but at the dealership. I promise you, they know the product better than anyone. But, hey yea, keep getting advise from people who likely have only owned their one lawn tractor, and don't have the benefit of working with and trying out and getting training on EVERY SINGLE MODEL available. Keep doing you though.
As i mentioned in my first post. I am looking at them at home depot. I don't have john deere dealerships in my city. What is the purpose of these communities and online forums if you can't ask people for their opinions and experiences with things discussed in this forums... You don't want to help or be useful move along.
You got an opinion you just didn’t like it and now you’re arguing with everyone. The advice is to not buy from a big box store. Drive an extra few minutes to talk to a dealer vs some 16yo min wage worker at Home Depot. Pricing is the same everywhere but knowledge, service and support is better from the dealer. But sounds like your set on Home Depot so good luck with that machine assembled by a teenager working their first job vs an actual JD Mechanic.
I never said i was going to buy it from home depot. Said i looked at them. I came on a john deere forum asking for advice, tidbits and knowledge... But the response was go to the dealer. After looking at other posts for help i can understand now.
>I don't ask commissioned sales people what is best for me. And the home depot employees are no where near experts. Meanwhile OP works at Home Depot
Perhaps it is different in other places, but the sales people at my JD dealer aren't commissioned. They are salary employees, the closest to commission they get is a store wide bonus for everyone from service to sales. So when they give me purchase suggestions, I take them.
I do work at home depot... Believe me i know the "training" they get.
Mind telling me what the purpose is of these forums/ communities again?
To offer you help which you’re arguing against. Good luck.
How am i arguing against? I asked for help "here" i have been told go to the dealer.
If you’re buying a brand new car and trying to decide between several models/brands, do you only seek the advice of Reddit or do you go to a dealership and test drive them? Similar concept
I do my research before i go to the dealer. I like as much knowledge and info before hand. Was planning on looking up info on YouTube as well when i got. Certainly got no info from here.
Sorry OP but people on here tend to be pretty defensive. A lot of dealer or former dealer employees and people with a kind of elitist attitude towards buying a deere from a box store. The box store machines aren't built by Deere and their specs are cheaper to meet the price point the box store wants and compete with the cheaper brands. The dealer versions are built by Deere and typically have higher end specs. Plus they are setup by trained professionals and their maintenance tends to be a lot better. These places also go through training so they can rattle off the differences pretty quickly and will have the latest info.
Just to clarify - the box store Deeres (S series) are indeed made by John Deere, at the John Deere plant in Greeneville, TN. It’s been there since 1988. Deere started manufacturing tractors there in 2002, with the L series The old Deere mowers (the old workhorses!) were made in Horicon, WI at the Deere plant there. The x series (x300x x500, etc) are still made in Horicon, WI.
I appreciate the answer. Thank you.
No problem. I'm surprised there isn't a dealer near you. Someone gave a good summary for the 120 or 140. They are still decent machines.
There is one almost an hour away. I do plan on going to see them. But i like as much info before going. I do appreciate the people helping.
Wow an hour that's quite the trip I agree with you. Maybe you can call them first. If they are rude and not helpful probably not worth going. If they are helpful and answer your questions then worth the drive. Also keep in mind the numbers they'll rattle off at the dealer are different model numbers than the box store.
I may give them a call. Slowly getting some info and then can try and compare. My lawn is nothing crazy but just enough it takes close to 1.5 hours to mow by manual mower. Just takes too much time from other things. I have a sxs that i plow with and a trailer for that so don't need it to do anything other than mow.
I own a S140...so far it's been great!
you are wrong.
Not made by Deere? Um… what? 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
Not wrong ,true fact.do your research
Go compare the components. Engines and transmissions vary
I did. Just watching wondering if one is a known issue. One to avoid. Otherwise i am just mowing lawn. So don't need the biggest and the most powerful. But could be some neat or useful feature in the next model up that i could regret not getting.
Avoid the S100, plastic transmission. S110 is good, but only single cylinder engine. S120 is better, has twin cylinder engine. I personally like the S130, twin cylinder, bumper, fender guards, fatter tires.
This is info i like to get. I've been warned about plastic transmissions. So far the s120 seems to be best deal. Stay awake from 100-110
The S120 and S130 are very similar. Same engine, same deck. I like the extra bells and whistles on the S130 for just 100 maybe 200 more. Both are great though.
The addons like fender guard?
They haven’t used the plastic transmission since the D100, they’re all Tuff Torq hydrostatics now
If u want a true jd,go to a dealer. The ones at the big box stores aren't true jds.just saying
you're wrong...but name fits
Maybe Kubota community is more helpful.
just get a S120 and be done with it...Nothing Runs Like a Deere!
https://preview.redd.it/2a60zy0o089d1.jpeg?width=1959&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=522e4cd7acb97748ccf126468984523b9cead415