Riding lawn tractors are gaining popularity nowadays since they are easy to operate and can be used for even small yards. These tractors are a great option for home gardeners who want to mow their lands without taking any professional assistance. And to serve them in the best possible way, John Deere has taken the onus of manufacturing world-class garden tractors and mowers, of which the S120 is one.
The John Deere S120 belongs to the S100 family of lawn tractors, first produced in 2021. This machine is still in production and is a great option for mowing 1- 2 acres of land. Like many other lawn tractors from John Deere, the S120 is a mower but can be used for snow blowing and grass stripping.
In short, this is a multipurpose mower cum tractor that comes packed with prominent features and ease of handling. And we have dedicated this post to focusing on the specifications of S120 and have a detailed analysis of them. So this article is for those looking to buy a lawn tractor but is confused about which one will suit them.
We suggest you read the article until the end to get an unbiased review of the John Deere S120 riding lawnmower.
Table of Contents
John Deere S120 Specs
Before we delve deep into the analysis mode, here is a summarized (tabular) version of each feature of the S120 model. Here, you can glance at the features of this machine to get a rough idea of what it is going to serve you.
| General Specifications | |
| Model | John Deere S240 |
| Family name | S100 |
| Product year | 2021- Ongoing |
| Engine Power (Gross) | 22 hp |
| Type | Lawn and garden tractor |
| Power take-off (PTO) | Electric |
| Height | 44 inch |
| Length (overall) | 69.7 inches |
| Width | 55.2 inches (with the mower) |
| Weight | 444 lbs (no fuel) |
| Wheel Base | 48.9 inches |
| Front Axel | Cast iron, powdered-metal front wheel bushings |
| Cabin type | Open operator station |
| Tires | |
| Lawn/turf front: | 15 x 6 - 6 |
| Lawn/turf rear: | 20 x 8 - 8 |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Manufacturer/ model | 44N677 (M44) |
| Engine Type | Overhead valve, full-pressure lube, oil filter |
| Cylinders | V Twin |
| No. of cylinders | 2-cylinder |
| Governor | Mechanical |
| Displacement | 44.2 cubic inch |
| Starter | Electric |
| Cooling System | Air |
| Air Cleaner | Cartridge |
| Oil change | John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system |
| Fuel tank capacity | 9.1 L |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel delivery | Pulse pump and carburetor |
| Tank location | Rear |
| Fuel fill opening | Center, 1.75-inch |
| Electrical System | |
| Battery | 12 V 300 CCA |
| Charging system | Regulated |
| Charging amps | 8 amp |
| Engine starter | Benedix type |
| Hour meter | Yes |
| 12-V outlet | No |
| Headlights | Two standard, incandescent |
| Transmission | |
| Type/ model | Belt-driven hydrostatic Tuff-Torq TL200 |
| Control | Side-by-side pedals |
| Brakes | Internal wet disk |
| Oil filter | Yes, non-serviceable |
| Oil cooler | Fins and fan on the transaxle |
| Steering type | Sector and pinion with single link and tie rod |
| Differential lock | No |
| Forward speed | 0-5.5 mph 0-8.9 km/h |
| Reverse speed | 0-3.2 mph 0-5.2 km/h |
| Chassis | |
| Type | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Frame | Full-length welded steel |
| Fender deck material | Stamped steel |
| Hood material | Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent |
| Equipment mounting | CargO Mount™ system |
| Cup holder | Yes |
| Storage | Storage tray with cover |
| Lifting | |
| Type | Spring-assisted hand-grip lever |
| Hydraulic outlets | No |
| Cut height increments | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm |
| Mower cut height | 13 positions, 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm |
| Present cut height | No |
| Steering | |
| Four-wheel steer | Not available |
| Steering wheel | Standard, diameter - 12 in. |
| Turning radius | 18 inches |
| Uncut circle radius | 25 inches |
| Seat | |
| Type | Two-piece with open-back |
| Seat back height | 15 in. 38 cm |
| Fore-aft adjustment | While seated 5.5 in. 14 cm |
| Armrests | No |
| Seat suspension | Tilt, two coil spring |
| Mower Deck | |
| Type | Side discharge |
| Construction | Stamped steel deck shell |
| Cutting width | Edge™ mower deck, 42 in. 107 cm |
| Material | Steel, 13 gauge |
| Mower wheels | Two |
| Mower level adjustment | Easy-level deck |
| Mower wash port | Yes |
| Mower wheel adjustment | One bolt |
| Attachability | Slide under tractor |
| Drive system | Single belt |
| Attachments | |
| Rear bagger | 2-bag, 6.5 bu 229 L |
| Blade | Front-mount 46" |
| Snowblower | Front-mount 44"; two-stage |
| Mulching system | Mulch cover or high-performance plug |
| Sprayer | Tow-behind only, 15 U.S. gal. Mounted, 15 U.S. gal. Tow-behind only, 25 U.S. gal. |
| Tank | 94.6 L |
| Spreader | Tow-behind only |
| Weather protection | Weather enclosure |
| Sun canopy | Yes |
| Bucket holder | Yes, single bucket |
| Grass striping | Lawn striping kit |
| Tow-behind tools | 16 |
| Safety | |
| ANSI standard | Yes |
| OPEI standard | Yes |
| Backup protection | Reverse Implement Option (RIO) |
| Safety video | Yes |
| Production | |
| Type | Riding lawnmower tractor |
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Manufacturing location | Greenville, Tennessee, USA |
| Original price | $2299 |
| Warranty | |
| US Warranty | 2 year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper |
Features of John Deere S120
We hope you have taken a look at the table above and got a rough idea about S120. Now, let’s dig deeper to unfurl things better.
First, we will focus on the general specifications of this lawnmower cum tractor to give you an idea of how it will get accommodated in your yard. Not all tractors or mowers are suitable for every yard. One must choose a mower based on the yard’s size, type, grass thickness, etc.
Hence, to help you out, here is a detailed analysis of the features.
1. Physical Specs
Like any other John Deere product, the first thing to notice in S120 is its color-coding. The brand has kept its official green and yellow color coding for this lawn tractor. And it is through this body color you can pinpoint the product, among others.
After noticing the product by its color, you will immediately get glued to it by its sleek look. This tractor has a dimension of 69.7″ x 55.2″ x 44″ (l x w x h), which is perfect for mowing 1- 2 acres of land. When not in use, you can also store this machine in a smaller place, such as a garage or garden shed. The S120 weighs 444lbs, which is slightly higher than the S110 (423lbs) and S100 (415lbs). Still, this weight won’t bother you operating it.
Some of the other features to look at are its cast-iron front axel, which offers it a robust build meant to last for years. Also, the rider will get an open operator station, which makes it easy to hop on the tractor. Unfortunately, however, this facility does not provide any protection from bad weather and an accident.
2. Engine
A mower might look very attractive outwards but lacks a powerful engine. It won’t serve its purpose in such a situation, and only a great look can’t save it. Hence, based on your mowing needs, you must inspect the engine of the lawn tractor or mower before saying yes to it.
That said, the S120 is equipped with a Briggs & Stratton 44N677 engine. It has a gross power of 22 horsepower, which is more than sufficient for mowing a modest to medium-sized lawn. The tractor is fueled by gasoline and has V-twin cylinders. The bore/stroke ratio is 3.12×2.89 inches, and the displacement is 44.2 cubic inches.
The V-twin cylinder will provide smooth running with minimal jerking even when operated for extended periods. Unfortunately, the S120’s gasoline tank is positioned in the back and has a capacity of 9.1 liters, which is extremely low. On the plus side, the S120 boasts an electric start that enables starting the engine even in sub-zero temperatures much easier.
3. Electric Start
For all lawnmowers, the electric start technology is a godsend, especially if you live in a location with harsh winters. With an electric engine starter, you can ignite the tractor’s engine even at a sub-zero temperature with the flip of a switch.
Keeping this convenience in mind, John Deere has provided the S120 model with a Benedix-type starter with a regulated 8 amp charging system. This variant includes a 12 V 300 CCA battery as well as two incandescent standards headlights. Even at low temperatures, a greater CCA ensures that the battery produces more power.
Also Read About: John Deere S240 Lawn Tractor Review and Specs
4. Transmission & Chassis
The S120 comes with Tuff-Torq TL200 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission. This transmission allows the rider to easily maneuver the tractor for mowing, chopping, and snow-blowing tasks. A side-by-side foot pedal control system is also included. The S120 can travel at a peak forward speed of 8.8 km/h and a peak reverse speed of 5.1 km/h.
On the other hand, the internal wet-disc brake allows the rider to bring the tractor to a complete and smooth stop in wet weather. However, riders are advised not to use the oil change because the area is sealed. With the standard cruise control technology, you can now concentrate on mowing because the pace will remain constant regardless of the terrain.
A full-length welded steel frame and a 2WD chassis are also included with the S120. The tractor’s welded steel frame keeps it rust-free and corrosion-free for a long time. The tractor’s color coat, on the other hand, prevents any color fading caused by UV radiation. Apart from this, the CargO Mount™ system is the icing on the cake.
5. Safety
Our decision to buy a machine depends on two things; first, we look for safety standards, and the second is, a warranty. It is not at all recommended to go for a product that does not label the safety standards it has adhered to. However, this is not the case for John Deere S120.
The ANSI and OPEI safety requirements are met by this riding lawn tractor. A safety video is also included. In addition, the ‘Reverse Implement Option (RIO)’ allows the rider to drive the tractor in reverse without difficulty. That being stated, we never recommend mowing in reverse unless it is the only option left.
The tractor’s entirely welded steel body is also a plus for the buyer. However, one factor could cause problems: the tractor’s open operating system. It is both a blessing and a bane for the S120 and various other John Deere models. In severe jerking or turnover, the rider is more likely to fall off the tractor with an open working system. It also does not protect in the event of bad weather.
6. Cut Quality
When purchasing a lawn tractor, you want a machine that can make high-quality cuts that leave your grass looking clean, crisp, and manicured. The 42-inch cutting deck is one of the most appealing characteristics of this machine in this regard. In addition, the tractor’s V-twin engine provides adequate lubrication to allow it to go forward smoothly.
The S120’s Edge Cutting System enables it to function as a mower, mulcher, plus bagger. As a result, you’ll be able to clip thorny lawn edges consistently every time. On the other hand, the side-discharge option helps to move the clippings side-by-side, while the 18″ turning radius allows you to make excellent turns even in narrow spaces.
7. Rider’s Comfort
A tractor that does its work well but is a pain in the rider’s back is never a good thing. Hence, John Deere ensures that its products are built with the rider’s comfort in mind.
That being said, the S120 has an open operator’s cabin, allowing the rider to board the vehicle quickly. It also includes a 15-inch backrest that helps the user support their back when working in the field. In addition, the tractor’s seating area has been ergonomically built, with a cup holder within easy reach. The S120 also comes with dirt-removal grooves in the floor mats.
8. Attachments (Optional)
A riding tractor is not just for mowing grass. These machines are meant to serve multiple purposes, including grass stripping, snow blowing, etc. So, the S120 is made with this need in mind. In addition, with this lawn tractor, you will get a range of attachment options.
The John Deere S120 utilizes a slide under tractor attachability for latching attachments. Furthermore, the PTO allows the user to mount multiple attachments based on the users’ needs. The front blade, mulcher, rear bagger, and snowblower are some of the most important attachments that can be utilized with the S120.
The front-mounted 46″ blade is excellent for this tractor, while the front-mounted 44″ two-staged snow blower can be used with it. A weather guard, a sun cover, and a single bucket holder are all included with the S120.
John Deere S120 Pros and Cons
This is a more direct section that will bring out what makes the S120 an ideal lawn tractor and the areas that need further improvisations.
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Offers smooth operation
- Comes with several attachment options
- Offer a clean and crisp lawn mowing experience
- Great for small to medium-sized lawns
- Welded steel frame
- Cartridge air cleaner
- 30 seconds oil change system
- 15” high seat
- 22hp 2-cylinder V-twin engine
- Complies with the ANSI and OPEI safety requirements
Cons
- Comes with only a 2-years warranty
- Limited fuel tank capacity
- Open operator station
- Has a low rating (3.2 stars) on the John Deere website
- Suspension is not satisfactory for some users
- The belt is loose
- Some customers have complained of the precariousness of the tractor
Warranty
The John Deere S120 riding lawn tractor comes with a 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Summary
To sum up, the John Deere S120 lawn tractor is capable of mowing and cleaning 1-2 acres of lawn. The S120 is not a complete disappointment, even though it is not the brand’s best offering, and there are some complaints about its instability. It is a new tractor that is still establishing itself in the market. This tractor is a good option if you don’t have a large yard and a limited budget.
Have you bought the S120 lawn tractor yet? If so, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the subject.
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