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John Deere S130 vs. S140: Which Lawn Tractor is Right for You?

Whether you’re a homeowner passionate about lawn care or a professional landscaper by trade, having the right lawn equipment can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful lawn. When considering riding lawn tractors, the John Deere S130 and S140 are two affordable, comfortable, and reliable options. In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences and similarities between John Deere S130 vs. S140 to help you make an informed decision. 

What is a John Deere S130?

The John Deere S130 is part of the 100 series lawn tractor family, manufactured in Greeneville, Tennessee. This model makes maintenance a breeze with the John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System. With a 22-horsepower V-twin engine and a 42-inch Edge™ Cutting System, it’s well-equipped to handle all your lawn maintenance tasks, whether you’re mowing, mulching, bagging, or removing snow.

What is a John Deere S140?

Also part of the 100 series lawn tractors, the John Deere S140 shares many features with the S130. However, a key difference between the two models is that the S140 is equipped with a larger 48-inch Edge™ Cutting System to provide a wider cutting swath while also being slightly heavier and wider. This model includes enhanced comfort features, like an open-back seat design and wider footrest, for those operating the tractor for extended periods.

John Deere S130 vs. S140: Key Features of John Deere S130

Let’s take a closer look at the key features that make the John Deere S130 a compelling choice:

Powerful V-twin Engine Features

The John Deere S130 is equipped with a 22-horsepower V-twin engine with a fuel capacity of 2.4 gallons. The V-twin engine offers greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality. Electronic ignition ensures fast starts, while cast-iron cylinder liners contribute to extended engine life. Overhead valves enhance power and provide more cost-effective fuel economy. Additionally, it features a full-pressure lubrication system with an oil filter that extends the time needed between oil changes and increases the overall engine lifespan.

Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System

One of the standout features of the John Deere S130 is the Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System. This system simplifies oil changes, allowing you to change the oil quickly and cleanly, giving you more time to get back to work. With this system, you can replace the oil filter without draining the engine oil, making maintenance a breeze.

Hydrostatic Transmission

The S130 boasts a hydrostatic transmission with side-by-side foot pedals for speed and direction control. This feature ensures effortless operation, making it suitable for experienced lawn tractor rides or novices just learning the ropes. Whether you’re mowing in tight spaces or navigating uneven terrain, the hydrostatic transmission provides smooth and precise control.

Convenient Serviceability with Easy-Open Hood

Maintaining your S130 is a straightforward task, thanks to the user-friendly hood design. Important service points are conveniently located within easy reach, allowing you to perform routine lawn maintenance without hassle. A service-interval decal under the hood guides servicing the tractor. This means you can spend less time maintaining your machine and more time enjoying your lawn.

John Deere S130 vs. S140: Key Features of John Deere S140

Now, let’s explore the key features that define the John Deere S140:

Full-length Welded Steel Frame

Like the S130, the John Deere S140 features a full-length welded steel frame. This one-piece frame design incorporates high-strength steel rails, ensuring reliability and long life. Additionally, the steel fender deck is bolted to the frame, further enhancing durability.

Convenient Use of Instruments & Controls

The operator station of the S140 is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The controls are intuitively placed for easy access and operation, and the steering wheel is positioned for maximum comfort. These lawn and garden tractors also feature a wide footrest with debris-removal channels, ensuring operator comfort and cleanliness.

Mower and Lawn Maintenance with MowerPlus™ App

For added convenience, the S140 is compatible with the MowerPlus™ mobile app. You can access valuable information about your tractor and external conditions, including weather forecasts, fuel level, battery health, mowing history, and maintenance reminders. The MowerPlus™ app helps you easily stay on top of your lawn care equipment and tasks.

Superior Performance with Edge™ Cutting System

The John Deere S140 boasts a 48-inch Edge™ Cutting System, providing a wider cutting width compared to the S130. This system delivers superior mowing performance, ensuring an even and clean cut across your lawn. Whether you have a large lawn or need to tackle extensive mowing tasks quickly, the Edge™ Cutting System on the S140 is up to the challenge.

John Deere S130 vs. S140: Key Specifications

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider the key specifications of both the S130 and S140. Here’s a breakdown:

Engine Power

Both the S130 and S140 are equipped with a robust 22 hp V-twin engine, providing ample power for various lawn mowing tasks.

Oil Change

While the S130 features the innovative John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System, the S140 has a traditional no-tools oil drain with a replaceable filter.

Engine Manufacturer/Model

Both models share the same engine manufacturer and model – the 44N677 (M44), an overhead valve, full-pressure lube, and oil filter equipped V-twin.

Transaxle Type

The S130 and S140 both possess a TLT200 hydrostatic transaxle, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.

Transaxle Control

Both models feature side-by-side pedals for transaxle control to provide intuitive and effortless maneuverability.

Rear Tires Type

The S130 boasts 20×10-8 rear tires compared to the S140’s 20×8-8 rear tires.

Lift System Type

Both models include a spring-assisted hand-grip lever for easy and comfortable engagement of the mower deck.

Cutting Width

One notable difference between models is the cutting width – the S130 comes with a 42-inch Edge™ Cutting System, while the S140 boasts a wider 48-inch cutting deck.

John Deere S130 vs. S140: Find Your Perfect Lawn Tractor Now

Investing in a John Deere lawn tractor is a smart choice for homeowners or professional landscapers who need to maintain a well-groomed lawn efficiently and comfortably. The John Deere S130 and S140 are excellent options within the 100 Series, offering a range of features designed to make your lawn care and tractor maintenance tasks easier.


When deciding between the two, consider the size of your lawn, the time you’ll spend riding and maintenance needs. Whether you opt for the S130’s compact versatility and ease of oil change or the S140’s larger cutting swath and enhanced operator comfort, you can trust John Deere to deliver a quality mowing experience for years to come. Contact your local John Deere dealer today!

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