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John Deere S170 review

John Deere · Lawn Tractors

John Deere S140 Review

The S140 gives you a 48-in. deck and a 22 hp V-twin at the same price as the S130. You trade away Easy Change oil and cruise control.

3.8 Our rating
Deck size
48 in
Horsepower
22 HP
Drive
2WD, hydrostatic
Fuel type
Gasoline

Rating breakdown

  • Performance 4.0
  • Build quality 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Value for money 4.0
  • Comfort & ergonomics 3.5
  • Features 3.5

Key specifications

Power typeGasoline
Horsepower22 HP
EngineV-twin OHV, air-cooled (Deere M44)
Displacement44.2 cu in (724 cc), 2 cylinders
Fuel typeGasoline
TransmissionTuff Torq TLT200 hydrostatic, foot pedals
Drive2WD, hydrostatic
Deck size48 in
Deck constructionEdge, 12-gauge steel (0.105 in), three-spindle, side discharge
Cutting height1 to 4 in, 13 positions (0.25 in steps)
Blades3-in-1 blades
DischargeSide discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits
Top speed5.5 mph forward, 3.2 mph reverse
Turning radius18 in
Front tires15x6-6
Rear tires20x8-8
Weight468 lb (no fuel)
Dimensions60.8 in W with deck; wheelbase 48.9 in
Fuel capacity2.4 US gal (9.1 L)
Recommended property sizeUp to about 2 acres
Battery12V
Uncut circle radius20 in
Seat back height15 in
Width with deck60.8 in
Front bumperStandard

Pros and cons

What we like

  • Widest deck for the price at 48 in.
  • 22 hp V-twin engine
  • Standard front bumper
  • Four deck wheels for rolling ground
  • Tight 18-in. turning radius

What could be better

  • No Easy Change oil system
  • No cruise control
  • About 60.8 in. wide with the deck
  • Mechanical fuel gauge
  • Smaller 20x8-8 rear tires

S140 review

Why the John Deere S140 stands out

The John Deere S140 is the 100 Series tractor built around a wide deck. It has a 48-inch Edge deck, where the S130 has 42 inches. A wider deck means fewer passes and a shorter mowing day. The engine is a 22 hp V-twin, the same one used in the S130.

Engine and drive

The engine displaces 44.2 cubic inches (724 cc). It has overhead valves, full-pressure lubrication and a mechanical governor. Drive is a Tuff Torq TLT200 hydrostatic transmission with side-by-side pedals. The rear tires are 20×8-8 and the front tires are 15×6-6.

The tractor weighs 468 lb without fuel. The turning radius is 18 inches. The uncut circle is 20 inches.

The 48-inch deck

This is a three-spindle deck made from 12-gauge steel. Four deck wheels help it glide over rolling ground. It ships with 3-in-1 blades and discharges to the side. Cutting height runs from 1 to 4 inches in 13 steps.

A mulch cover is optional. So is a 6.5-bushel cut-and-throw bagger. A wash port and an easy-level deck make upkeep simple.

What you give up

The S140 does not have Easy Change oil. It uses a tool-free oil drain and a replaceable filter instead. Deere does not list cruise control on this model. It also lacks the fender flares found on the S130. The fuel gauge is mechanical and is read from the seat.

The 48-inch deck makes the tractor about 60.8 inches wide. Measure your gates before you buy.

Who should buy it

Buy the S140 if you want the widest deck for the lowest price. It costs the same as the S130. Pick the S130 if you value Easy Change oil, cruise control and wide tires more than deck width. Pick the S170 if you want more power.

Buying information

Price

$3,099

Starting MSRP, base model, incl. $100 freight. Check your dealer for current price.

Where to buy

Warranty

2 years or 120 hours bumper-to-bumper (whichever comes first) in the US; the remaining coverage transfers to a new owner.

Depreciation and resale

No published resale figures. Check local used listings for pricing.

Ownership

Common problems

Spec-based limits: no cruise control, no Easy Change and no fender flares. The wide deck may not fit through narrow gates.

Search owner discussions in the forum →

Maintenance

Oil drains without tools and the filter is replaceable. Also check the air cleaner cartridge, three blades, belts and battery. Use the wash port after mowing.

Frequently asked questions

What size deck does the John Deere S140 have?

A 48-inch Edge deck with three spindles and four deck wheels.

How much horsepower is the S140?

22 hp from a 724 cc V-twin engine.

Does the S140 have Easy Change oil?

No. It has a no-tools oil drain with a replaceable filter.

Does the S140 have cruise control?

No. Deere lists cruise control on the S120, S130, S160, S170 and S180, but not the S140.

How wide is the S140 with the deck?

About 60.8 inches, so check gate and shed openings first.

Owner reviews

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