John Deere S120
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  • Hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of ground speeds
    Two-pedal speed/direction controls Two-pedal speed/direction controls
    Forward speed control pedal in use Forward speed control pedal in use

    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.
    Hydrostatic transmission Hydrostatic transmission

    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, S140, and S160
    • Tuff Torq K46 - S170 and S180

    Kanzaki and Tuff Torq are trademarks of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.

  • The MowerPlus™ app helps maintain the tractor and lawn
    MowerPlus app screen MowerPlus app screen
    MowerPlus app maintenance screen MowerPlus app maintenance screen

    Keep a John Deere lawn tractor running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the lawn tractor’s barcode to get custom information. The app helps determine the best time to mow, communicates expert pre-mow tips, offers maintenance reminders, and provides walk-through guides.

    Look for the MowerPlus app on the iOS® or Android™ system app stores.

    The app supports residential lawn equipment such as 100 Series, 200 Series, X300, X500, X700, Z200 through Z600, and many similarly sized older products. It does not presently support tractor models numbered 1000 and larger, such as 1025R.

    NOTE: Some product image variation may exist.

     

    MowerPlus connectors also available (sold separately)
    MowerPlus hour meter connector MowerPlus hour meter connector
    MowerPlus deluxe smart connector, with a phone MowerPlus deluxe smart connector, with a phone

    The John Deere MowerPlus connectors wirelessly link a lawn tractor to the MowerPlus app on a mobile device.

      Deluxe smart connector Hour meter connector
    Compatible with lawn tractors

    S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180
    Model year 2021 and later S240 (serial number 880,001- )

    S100, S110, S140, S220
    Communicates engine usage to track maintenance intervals X X
    Communicates fuel level and battery health X  
    Compatible with MowerPlus app for iOS operating system X X
    Compatible with MowerPlus app for Android operating system X  

    iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

  • John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system
    John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system 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.
      • More filter surface area
      • More oil flow capacity
    • The system has 40 percent more oil volume.
    • The oil and engine run cooler.
    • The oil filter valve closes whenever the engine stops, so filtered particles are captured and cannot drain back into the engine.
    • The risk of spilling during oil service is greatly reduced.
    • Waste oil (and new oil production) is reduced by over 1,000,000 lb (453,592.4 kg) per tractor production year.
    • This system is not a compromise to just make oil changes easier—these engines pass the same John Deere expectations and rigorous testing as always.

    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.

  • Snow removal is a strength of lawn tractors
    Front blade and chains on a 100 Series Tractor Front blade and chains on a 100 Series Tractor
    Snow blower, weather enclosure, weights, and chains on a 100 Series Tractor Snow blower, weather enclosure, weights, and chains on a 100 Series Tractor

    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

     

  • Easy-read fuel gauge shows fuel level on dashboard and controls are convenient to use
    S120 Tractor S120 Tractor
    Steering wheel and controls on S120 Steering wheel and controls on S120
    Instruments and controls

    The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling:

    • Controls are color-coded and labeled for easy identification.
    • Controls are logically placed and easy to reach.
    • The hour meter makes it easy to tell when oil changes and other maintenance should be performed.
    • Functional design of the controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.
    Easy-read fuel gauge shows fuel level on the dashboard
    Easy-read fuel gauge Easy-read fuel gauge
    Convenient fuel filler opening Convenient fuel filler opening

    The easy-read fuel gauge shows how much fuel is in the tank and can be seen on the dashboard:

    • Easy to check fuel level
    • Convenient location
    • Visible in cloudy or dusk conditions (is not backlit)
    • Does not slosh from bumps
    • The MowerPlus™ smartphone app can read and remember the fuel level (optional MowerPlus deluxe smart connector required)
    • The hour meter is also visible on the fuel gauge display
    Side-by-side transmission control pedals
    Two-pedal speed/direction controls Two-pedal speed/direction controls
    Side-by-side foot pedals Side-by-side foot pedals

    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.
    Cruise control (S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180)
    Cruise control lever Cruise control lever

    Cruise control is available on the S120, S130, S160, S170, and the S180:

    • 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
    Mower deck height adjustment lever Mower deck height adjustment lever

    A spring-assisted, ergonomically designed lift lever simplifies adjusting the mower cut height:

    • Increments of 1/4  in. (0.64 cm) allow fine-tuning the cut height.
    • Cut height is adjustable from 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10.2 cm).
    • The lift handle is shaped for easy use and is out of the way of entering or exiting operators.
    Parking brake control
    Brake/parking brake pedal Brake/parking brake pedal
    Parking brake lever Parking brake lever

    The parking brake control is conveniently located on the tractor pedestal for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.

    Manual power take-off (PTO)
    PTO engagement lever PTO engagement lever

    The mower deck is engaged with the easy-to-see and easy-to-use yellow lever above the dashboard. Its placement on the right side leaves a lot of room on the left, the entry side of the tractor, for the operator to get on and off the tractor.

    Reverse implement option (RIO)
    RIO switch RIO switch
    Using RIO

    CAUTION: Children or bystanders may be injured by rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:

    • Carefully check the area around the machine.
    • Disengage the mower before backing up.

     

    NOTE: Backing up while the mower is engaged is strongly discouraged. RIO should be used only when operating another attachment or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.

     

    1. Stop forward travel.
    2. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.
    3. Push and hold in the RIO switch while depressing the reverse pedal slightly.

     

    NOTE: If the engine and mower or other attachment stops while repositioning the machine, return the attachment engagement lever/switch to the off position. Start the engine and engage mower or other attachment. Begin again with step 2.

     

    1. Release the RIO switch and reposition the machine as the machine begins to move rearward.
    2. Resume forward travel. The mower or other attachment should continue operating.
    3. Repeat procedure to position the machine again.
  • Serviceability is convenient with easy-open hood
    One-piece hood is easy to open One-piece hood is easy to open
    Service interval decal located under hood Service interval decal located under hood

    The one-piece hood opens easily to permit checking and servicing the engine:

    • Important service points are located within easy reach.
    • A service-interval decal is provided inside the tractor hood for convenience when servicing the tractor.
    John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system
    Seat tilted up for easy access to fuel-fill opening Seat tilted up for easy access to fuel-fill opening

    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.

    The seat tilts up and out of the way to make adding fuel easy.

    Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages
    Example product identification number (PIN) label with QR code Example product identification number (PIN) label with QR code

    John Deere riding lawn mowers are supported by owner information web pages that include links to:

    • Safety and how-to videos
    • Operator’s manuals
    • Parts catalog
    • Maintenance reminder sheets
    • Attachments
    • Warranty registration

    To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a PIN label located near the fuel fill. Since each vehicle model has its own web page, the links are specific to the owner’s model. The QR code also includes the vehicle’s unique PIN, which enables warranty registration without the need to manually enter the vehicle’s PIN.

    Hood will not rust or dent and includes quality headlights
    One-piece hood opens for service access One-piece hood opens for service access
    Quality headlights for good visibility Quality headlights for good visibility
    • Molded-in color material reduces sound and will not rust or dent.
    • Same quality hood material as on larger John Deere tractors provides good resilience and UV resistance for an extended time.
    • Openings on the side let in plenty of cooling air while keeping the sound level low.
    • Two headlights provide good lighting for nighttime operation.
  • Two-year or 120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty is included

    An exclusive 2-year or 120-hour single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty* is included for all John Deere 100 Series Tractors.

    • The warranty is hassle free, with John Deere handling the service and paperwork.

    *Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

  • Operator station designed for operator comfort and convenience
    Comfortable operator station (S130 shown) Comfortable operator station (S130 shown)
    Comfortable operator station (S130 shown) Comfortable operator station (S130 shown)

    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.
    Steering wheel and dash (S130 shown) Steering wheel and dash (S130 shown)
    Wide footrest with debris-removal channels Wide footrest with debris-removal channels

    Controls are easy to see and use:

    • Large, three-spoke steering wheel for greater operator comfort and control
    • Ignition switch is on the dash for starting ease

    Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration floor mats are provided for operator comfort:

    • The wide footrest makes it easier to step over the mower deck while entering or exiting the seat.
    • Debris-removing channels help keep the footrest area clean and dry.
    Comfortable seat Comfortable seat
    Easily adjusted seat Easily adjusted seat

    Operator comfort is enhanced with a 15-in. (38-cm) high-back, two-piece seat with an open back:

    • The open-back seat design keeps the operator cooler
    • Especially helpful when operating the tractor for extended periods of time
    • Easily adjusted forward or rearward while in the seat
    • Seat travel of 5.5 in. (14 cm) and 10 different positions to adjust for operator height
    Seat springs give a smoother ride Seat springs give a smoother ride
    Seat tilted forward Seat tilted forward

    Two long seat springs give plenty of seat travel to smooth out the ride, keeping the operator comfortable while operating the tractor.

    The seat can be tilted forward for protection from the elements and to provide easy access to the fuel tank.

    Storage compartment Storage compartment
    Beverage holder (shown with optional storage compartment cover) Beverage holder (shown with optional storage compartment cover)

    Storage compartment and beverage holder, located on the right-side fender, are conveniently located and easy to use.

    NOTE: A storage compartment cover is standard on S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180 Tractors and optional on the S100, S110, and S140.

    Fender flares Fender flares

    Fender flares included on the S130 Tractor cover the tires more completely and add style to the tractor.

  • Powerful V-twin engine features full-pressure lubrication for dependability and long life
    22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (shown on U.S. model) 22-hp (16.4-kW) engine (shown on U.S. model)

    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
      • More effective when operating the tractor on an incline
    Fuel tank
    Convenient fuel filler opening Convenient fuel filler opening
    • The capacity is 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L).
    • The fuel filler opening is conveniently located under the seat. 
      • Filling the tank without spilling is easy.
      • A tethered fuel tank cap is more convenient.
      • The sealed fuel cap helps keep vapors inside the tank.
  • The Edge™ cutting system gives superior performance
    42-in. (107-cm) Mower Deck 42-in. (107-cm) Mower Deck
    42-in. (107-cm) Mower Deck 42-in. (107-cm) Mower Deck

    The Edge cutting system has been trademarked to emphasize the advantages of the John Deere mower deck designs. They give superior mowing performance, convenience, and reliability:

    • The deep-deck design lifts grass for a clean, even cut.
    • The smooth underside has no nooks and crannies, preventing grass buildup and evenly dispersing grass clippings.
    • The rolled outer edge of the deck provides extra strength and protection.
    • Dual-stage E-coat and powder paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.
    • Flexible discharge chute minimizes property and mower deck damage.

    The 42-in. (107-cm) Edge Mower Deck is a two-spindle design with heavy-duty characteristics:

    • The 13-gauge, 0.09-in. (2.3-mm) steel deck provides years of dependable mowing.
    • Included three-in-one blades work well for side-discharge, mulching, or bagging.
    • The blade-to-spindle design provides a unique mounting system for the mower blade that provides extra safety and convenience.
    • No tools are required to switch from mulching to side discharge to rear bagging.
    • mulching cover is an optional attachment that can be installed without tools to allow mulching with the standard mower blades.
    • High-performance mulching blades are available to enhance mulching performance.
    • high-performance mulching attachment  is an optional attachment that includes a mulch plug and special mulching blades for excellent performance.
    Mower wash port
    Mower wash port Mower wash port
    Mower wash port with hose connector Mower wash port with hose connector

    A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy:

    • A hose connector is included with mower deck.
    StarLock™ blade design
    StarLock blade design StarLock blade design

    The StarLock blade design keeps the blade bolt at the correct torque for easy removal.

    Optional blades for difficult mulching or bagging conditions are available.

    Optional bagger
    6.5-bu (229-L) hopper and chute on an S100 6.5-bu (229-L) hopper and chute on an S100

    cut-and-throw, 6.5-bu (229-L) bagger is sold separately and comes with bagging blades. Special bagging blades are not required but they can enhance performance.

    The bagger kit provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves. It can be set up without tools in minutes and has easy-to-empty bags.

  • Frame made of full-length welded steel for reliability
    Solid one-piece frame Solid one-piece frame
    Solid one-piece frame Solid one-piece frame

    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.
    Cast-iron front axle will not bend
    Front axle and wheel spindle Front axle and wheel spindle

    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
    Front bumper Front bumper
    Front bumper Front bumper

    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.

    • Additional front-end protection
    • Attractive, bold style
    CargO Mount™ system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy
    Rear CargO Mount points Rear CargO Mount points
    Front CargO Mount points at the top of the dashboard Front CargO Mount points at the top of the dashboard
    Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points
    Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points

    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.

Buyer's notes

Notes Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent
Durable primer and powder paint finish
Full-length welded steel frame
John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
Warranty 2 year/120 hour bumper-to-bumper* (*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)

3.1

10 Reviews
3.6
3.5
3.7
Apr 19, 2021

Won't Start

1/5

Bought brand new from Home Depot. Unloaded from trailer, filled with new gas, connected the negative lead to the battery, and tractor wont start. Attempted to start with Choke Engaged and it still wouldn't start. Recoil starter is running, not sure what is wrong with it but for the cost it should be fill with gas and go. Very frustrated with this tractor, would not buy another Deere new.

French

  • From: Waterford, Michigan
  • Usage Frequency: Weekly
  • Level of Experience: Intermediate
1
1
1
May 13, 2021

Works great, when it will start

4/5

Purchased from Home Depot, product was delivered and started up great. Used the lawn tractor to mow the grass twice, worked great. Went out to mow today and battery is dead. Engine will not turn over at all.

Stottville52

  • From: Hudson, NY
  • Usage Frequency: Weekly
  • Level of Experience: Intermediate
4
5
1
Apr 28, 2021

Complete Failure

1/5

Brand new from Home Depot. Started up great and ran for less than 10 minutes. Then very loud sounds came from the engine and the tractor came to a complete stop. Oil was everywhere from the engine compartment all over the component and down to the deck. Called Home Depot to pick it up as I could t push it back to the garage. Doesn’t run like a Deere— it doesn’t run at all. Extremely disappointed!!!!!

JimK

  • From: Poland, Ohio
  • Usage Frequency: Weekly
  • Level of Experience: Expert
4
1
4
Apr 21, 2021

Like cutting grass driving a sports car

5/5

Just took delivery from Home Depot and examined all areas to insure ready to go and connected battery. The grease points were so amply greased that I had to wipe the excess from rims but I would rather have that then no grease. Filled the tank set the lawn height, seat and off I went. Cut perfectly and in almost half the time of the other mower that I had (same deck width) . I normally pre cut around things with a push mower then use the riding mower but with the S120 the turning radius is super so over time I will just get on the S120 and cut the grass. So comfortable to use and the noise is really manageable given you are cutting grass. Overall this is one great riding lawn mower. Highly recommend this one. Quality product all the way.

STIski

  • From: Canton, Ohio
  • Usage Frequency: Weekly
  • Level of Experience: Expert
5
5
5
May 17, 2021

So far, so good!

5/5

I purchased my S120 from Home Depot, which appears to be the norm on these reviews. I put 2.8 hours on it over the weekend. It worked flawlessly! Cruise control is fantastic! I think the reason why so many people are having a hard time starting it, is because they aren't pushing the break hard enough when they turn the key. It happened to me...I thought it wasn't starting, then when I applied more pressure to the brake, it started right up. No big deal. Less than 3 hours on it now. I don't anticipate any problems with it, but if something happens worth noting, I will update my review.

GuyP

  • From: Sharpsburg, GA
  • Usage Frequency: Weekly
  • Level of Experience: Intermediate
4
5
5