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John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor Review

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The name John Deere is associated with tractors built to last for many years. The company concentrates on creating smaller versions of tractors to aid you with mowing duties with high feasibility. They are known for their power and reliability.

The S100 is a relatively new tractor from John Deere, and it is one of the most cost-effective models in the 100 series. If you’re seeking a clean and compact tool that can simply be used to keep your yard nice and crisp, this riding lawn tractor could be a good addition to your garden kitty. However, there is one problem with this tractor: very little information about it is available online. You won’t find much information about this product due to its recent introduction. 

John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor Review
Image Credit: John Deere S100 from John Deere

Nonetheless, despite being the newest member of the 100 series, it has received rave reviews from users. As a result, to assist you and other customers, we delved a little further to unearth all information and details regarding this tractor in an easy-to-understand manner.

John Deere manufactures the S100 lawn tractor in Greenville, Tennessee, USA plant. This tractor’s compact design combines several characteristics, making it an ideal machine for compact gardens or yards. However, what we liked most about this tractor is its 42-inch EdgeTM Cutting System, which provides an exceptional cut quality.

This tractor is so simple to use that anyone, except children, can actually sit on it comfortably and master the art of garden mowing.

So, if this tractor sounds appealing to you, we urge that you read on until the end. In this post, we’ll introduce you to one of John Deere’s newest tractor models, as well as all of the information surrounding it.

John Deere S100 Specs

The tabular specifications will help you to understand in detail about the S100 in an easy way to help you make an informed decision. Read on.

General Specifications
Model John Deere S100
Engine Power (Gross) 17.5 hp
13 kW
Deck size 42-in. Edge™ Mower Deck
Number of deck/ Anti-Scalp Wheels 2
Type Lawn Tractor
Length (overall) 68.8 inches
Power take-off (PTO) Manual
Choke/speed control Single lever with spring-return on choke
Wheel Base 48.9 inches
Weight 414 lb (Mower, no fuel)
Engine Specifications
Engine Manufacturer/ model Briggs and Stratton 31R977 (M31)
Engine type Overhead valve
Engine power 17.5 HP
No. of cylinders One
Displacement 30.5 cu in.
500 cc
Cooling System Air
Air Cleaner Cartridge
Fuel tank location Rear
Fuel type Gasoline
Fuel tank capacity 2.4 US gallon
9.1 L
Fuel delivery Pulse pump and carburetor
Fuel gauge Mechanical
viewable from seat
Governor Mechanical
Oil change No-tools oil drain with replaceable filter
Electrical System
Battery 12 V
300 CCA
Charging system Regulated, 8 amp
Engine starters Bendix type
Charging amps 8 amp
Backup lights No
Rear work lights No
12-V outlet No
Tail Lights or reflector No
Headlights Two standard, incandescent
Hourmeter Yes
Tires
Lawn/turf front15x6-6
Lawn/turf rear20x8-8
Transmission
Model Tuff-torq TL200
Type Belt-driven hydrostatic
Brakes Internal wet disk
Oil cooler Fins and fan on transaxle
Oil filter Yes, not serviceable
Differential lock No
Cruise Control No
Control Side-by-side pedals
Forward speed 0-5.5 mph
0-8.9 km/h
Reverse speed 0-3.2 mph
0-5.2 km/h
Chassis
Frame Full length welded steel
Front axle Cast-iron front axle, powdered-metal front wheel bushings
Primer/paint E-coat/powder
Receiver hitch No
Storage facility Storage tray with optional cover
Cupholder Yes
Floor mats Yes, with debris removing channels
Mounting equipment CargO Mount™ system
Steering
Type Sector and pinion with single drag link and tie rod
Four-wheel steer Not available
Steering wheel Standard, diameter - 12 inches
30.5 cm
Turning radius 18 in.
45.7 cm
Seat
Type Mid-back/ One piece
Seat back height 11 in.
28 cm
Armrest No
Seat suspension Tilt, two coil springs
Mower Deck
Type Side discharge
Construction Stamped steel deck shell
Cutting width Edge™ mower deck, 42 in.
107 cm
WheelTwo
Drive system Manual power take-off (PTO)
Mower wash port Yes
Lift System
Type Spring-assisted hand-grip lever
Hydraulic outlet No
Mower cut height 13 positions, 1-4 in.
2.5-10.2 cm
Cut height increments 0.25 in.
0.64 cm
Preset cut height No
Attachments
Attachability type Slide under tractor
Mower deck 42 inches mid-mounted mower deck
Snowblower 44 inches front-mounted snowblower
Front blade 46 in.
116.8 cm
Mulching system Mulch cover or high-performance plug
Sprayer Tow-behind, 15 U.S. gal.
56.8 L
Mounted, 15 U.S. gal.
Tow-behind only, 25 U.S. gal.
94.6 L
Spreader Tow-behind only, 125-175 lb
57.7-80 kg
Weather protection Weather enclosure
Bucket holder Yes, single bucket
Grass striping Lawn striping kit
Front bumper Styled front bumper
Sun canopy Yes
Safety
Meets ANSI standard Yes
Meets OPEI standard Yes
Backup protection Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
Safety video Yes
Production
TypeRiding Lawn Tractor
Manufacturer John Deere
Manufacturing location Greenville, Tennessee, USA
Original price $1,599.00 (Approx.)
Warranty
US Warranty 2 year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

Features of John Deere S100

Features of John Deere S100
Image Credit: John Deere S100 is a compact tractor from Lowes

The John Deere S100 is designed with the needs of today’s gardeners in mind. Because of the features included, mowing becomes even easier with this low-cost riding lawn tractor. In this section, we’ll go over all of those features in-depth. Finally, you’ll be able to choose whether or not this is the tractor you require for your yard.

Hence, keep reading this post to learn more about some of its most crucial features.

#1. Physical Specifications

To begin, let’s look at the tractor’s exteriors or its physical specifications.

Like every other John Deere product, this tractor is available in the company’s signature green and yellow color theme. You can tell it’s a John Deere product just by looking at it. So, what are the specifics of it? Let’s go exploring!

The S100 model was introduced in 2021 and is still in production today. It’s the first of the 100 series, and it is made in the company’s Tennessee plant. This tractor measures 68.8 inches in length and weighs around 414 pounds. As a result, it’s easy to see why it’s a lighter tractor type, making it popular among those with smaller yards. In addition, it has a 48.9-inch wheelbase, which is short enough to provide a clean and crisp cut in a short time. Furthermore, the manufactured material is corrosion-resistant and hardy, resulting in a body free of dents.

The tractor features a one-piece seat with a back height and tilt of 11 inches and an open operating system. So, it is simple to ride the tractor. Nonetheless, it also has a downside, which is the rider’s exposure to the elements and accidents in the event of a turnover. 

#2. Engine and Electric System 

Engine And Electric System
Image Credit: The John Deere S100 engine from John Deere

The Briggs and Stratton 31R977 (M31) overhead-valve engine powers the S100. It has 17.5 horsepower, which is more than adequate to handle landscaping chores in a small to larger yard. Unfortunately, this model has only one cylinder fueled by gasoline. Nevertheless, you can rely on its powerful engine to handle some rough mowing jobs.

This lawn tractor also includes a large gasoline tank that holds 2.4 US gal. (9.1 L) of fuel. Another feature we liked is the gauge visible from the rider’s seat, making it easy to keep track of it and the quantity of gas it has so you don’t run out while working.

Aside from that, the S100 boasts an electric start option that makes it easy for users to start the tractor, even in harsh winters. A 12 V battery and an 8 amp Bendix-type engine starter are also included.

It has a displacement of 500 ccs with a bore and stroke of 90 mm x 78 mm. Its cooling system is air, and its air cleaner is a cartridge.

#3. Transmission and Chassis

Transmission and Chassis
Image Credit: S100 steering from John Deere

The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor’s belt-driven hydrostatic transmission allows users to use it for longer periods. This variant, too, is equipped with a Tuff-torq TL200 transmission. This type also includes an integrated wet disc brake system and manual steering, allowing the rider to control the vehicle effortlessly. The integrated wet disc brake can be used to stop the machine at any time. It will also aid the rider in avoiding any possible mishaps while attempting to stop the machine.

The forward speed of this tractor can reach 0-5.5 mph (0-8.9 km/h), while the reverse speed is set to 0-3.2 mph (0-5.2 km/h), at maximum. Side-by-side pedals control the transaxle.

In terms of the chassis, we admired the company’s innovative approach. This tractor is protected by a full-length welded steel frame. It also gives the tractor a distinct appearance.

Furthermore, the green-yellow color of the tractor includes an E-coat primer, which prevents color fading and ensures that the tractor paint remains gleaming for many years. On the other hand, the tractor’s 48.9-inch wheelbase lets it travel across virtually any terrain. You’ll also get a storage compartment with an optional cover, a cup holder, a floor mattress, and the CargO MountTM system with this vehicle.

#4. Safety

Safety is an important consideration when purchasing equipment or a vehicle. The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor is in the same boat. With that said, we’d like to stress that the John Deere safety guarantee backs this riding tractor. With its products, the business never compromises on safety precautions.

So, to begin with, this tractor complies with ANSI and OPEI specifications. There’s also a safety video. The open operating station, on the other hand, is a disadvantage. Although it makes it easier for the rider to board, the rider will be extremely vulnerable to serious injuries in any turn.

The ‘Reverse Implement Option (RIO),’ on the other hand, allows the tractor to operate in reverse without any problems. With that said, we never advocate mowing backward unless there is no other choice. Furthermore, as previously indicated, this tractor has a fully welded steel frame, which adds to its sturdiness.

#5. Attachments

Attachments
Image Credit: S100 attachments from John Deere

Regarding John Deere products, the attachment possibilities are never disappointing!

The manual PTO on this S100 tractor allows the user to attach various attachments to make gardening tasks easier. The S100 tractor has three important attachments: a front blade, a front-loading snow blower, and a mower deck.

You can choose to attach a 42-inch mid-mounted mower deck to this tractor. In addition, a 44-inch front-mounted snowblower is also available, along with a 46-inch front blade.

You’ll get the following attachments, among others:

  • Mulcher
  • Sprayer
  • Spreader
  • Weather protector
  • Bucket holder
  • Rear baggage
  • Front bummer
  • Sun canopy

#6. Warranty

The S100 riding lawn mower also comes with a 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper (US) warranty, whichever comes first. However, compared to other John Deere lawn tractors, the guarantee is for a shorter period, which can be a disadvantage for some.

Pros and Cons of John Deere S100

So, now that you’ve gone over all of the tractor’s important characteristics, it’s time to focus on the tractor’s advantages and disadvantages. The John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor is an appealing gardening machine without a doubt. However, it is not all roses, as there are several drawbacks to this product.

So, before you go crazy over it, below are the distinct advantages and disadvantages of this tractor to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Modern and attractive design
  • Sturdy
  • Rust-free body
  • Welded steel frame
  • Multitasker
  • Classic look
  • 18 inches turning radius
  • Easy to be used even by novice gardeners 
  • One of the newest John Deere products 

Cons

  • Open operating system
  • No protection from elements and accidents
  • Small fuel tank when compared with other similar products
  • It comes with only-2 years if USA warranty 

Price

In 2022, a new John Deere S100 lawn tractor is likely to cost around $1799. It cost around $1,599.00 previously. So despite being a new tractor, its cost is pleasantly modest for many lawn owners.

Summary

This brings us to the end of our article. As promised, we’ve compiled a comprehensive summary of the John Deere S100 Lawn Tractor’s key specifications and features. We hope you’ve gotten all relevant and detailed information about the product from this post. This relatively new lawn tractor has undoubtedly stirred the riding tractor market. With its modern features and a reasonable price, it will undoubtedly entice more potential purchasers in the years ahead.

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