Becoming a homeowner brings a lot of exciting firsts — including learning how to care for your own lawn. The John Deere S110 and S120 deliver the reliable performance and ease of use new homeowners need to keep their yard looking its best and their house feeling like home.
Designed for simplicity and dependability, these entry-level models offer intuitive controls, durable cutting decks, and multi-season versatility. Together, these features take the stress out of lawn care and help you maintain your new space with confidence.
What Is the Best Lawn Tractor for New Homeowners? S110 vs. S120 At a Glance
The John Deere S110 and S120 are both strong contenders for homeowners in the market for their first lawn tractor. They share key features like a 42-inch Edge™ cutting deck, durable steel construction, and reliable performance. But when it comes to engine power, maintenance systems, and tech upgrades, the differences matter.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right fit for your yard:
| Feature | John Deere S110 | John Deere S120 |
| Engine power | 19 HP single-cylinder engine | 22 HP V-twin engine |
| Oil change system | No-tools oil drain with replaceable filter | Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system |
| Cutting deck | 42-inch Edge™ cutting system | 42-inch Edge™ cutting system |
| Seat comfort | 15-inch two-piece open-back seat | 15-inch adjustable two-piece open-back seat |
| App compatibility | MowerPlus™ app | MowerPlus™ app and smart connector |
| PTO clutch | Manual | Manual |
| Ideal for | Smaller, flatter lawns | Larger yards, slopes, thicker turf |
| Price | ~ $2,400 | ~ $2,800 |
Which Tractor is Right for You?
While both the John Deere S110 and S120 are great entry-level options, they’re built for different yard sizes, terrain types, and comfort preferences.
Choose the S110 if you’re budget-conscious with a standard lawn.
The John Deere S110 is a great fit for smaller, flatter yards and homeowners who want reliable performance without added complexity. It offers just the right balance of power, comfort, and value for everyday mowing.
Upgrade to the S120 if you need more engine power, comfort, and quicker oil changes.
With added horsepower, simplified maintenance, and upgraded comfort, the John Deere S120 is a smart choice for homeowners tackling larger yards or tougher mowing conditions. It’s well-suited for those who want to handle heavier workloads, reduce upkeep, and stay efficient during longer mowing sessions.
What You Get With the John Deere S110
The John Deere S110 is a dependable, entry-level lawn tractor designed for homeowners who want solid performance without overcomplicating their yard care. Its 19-HP single-cylinder engine handles routine mowing and light yardwork with ease — whether you’re trimming around garden beds or clearing leaves after a windy afternoon.
The 42-inch Edge™ cutting system delivers a clean, even cut and navigates smoothly around trees, fences, and landscaping. For year-round use, the S110 is compatible with attachments like a front snow blade, giving you an extra hand when winter weather hits.
Comfort-wise, a 15-inch open-back seat offers everyday comfort, especially for shorter mowing sessions or weekly upkeep. Maintenance is just as painless, with a no-tools oil drain system and full-pressure lubrication that extend engine life and reduce the frequency of oil changes. The S110 also connects to the John Deere MowerPlus™ app, letting you track run time and set service reminders to stay on top of upkeep without second-guessing the schedule.
For new homeowners managing their first yard, the S110 delivers reliable performance, year-round utility, and smart features — all at a price that leaves room in the budget for patio furniture.
Where the John Deere S120 Stands Out
The John Deere S120 builds on the strengths of the S110 with added power, comfort, and maintenance features for homeowners managing larger properties or tougher terrain. Its 22-HP V-twin engine runs cooler and delivers smoother, more consistent power — especially useful for tackling thick grass or larger yards that require longer mow times.
Maintenance is simplified with the Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil System, which replaces both the oil and filter in one twist — no tools, no mess, and less waste, reducing oil disposal by over 1 million pounds per year.
Unlike the S110, the S120 additionally comes equipped with the MowerPlus™ smart connector. This feature adds Bluetooth connectivity that automatically sends updates like engine hours and battery status to the app so you can stay ahead of maintenance without manual tracking. Comfort also gets an upgrade with a 15-inch adjustable seat designed to fit the operator, reducing fatigue on uneven terrain or during extended sessions.
Altogether, the S120 is a step up in capability and convenience, ideal for homeowners with larger or more demanding lawns.
Why New Home Owners Love These Tractors
When you’re settling into a new home, reliable equipment can make outdoor upkeep feel more manageable from the start. The John Deere S110 and S120 are built for exactly that — offering the right mix of ease, durability, and all-season functionality to help homeowners take care of their space without added hassle.
Ease of Use
Both the S110 and S120 are easy to operate, ideal for homeowners new to riding mowers. The control layout is intuitive and straightforward, with side-by-side pedals for forward and reverse, a clearly marked ignition, and a throttle lever that’s simple to adjust while in motion.
From the operator seat, visibility is wide and unobstructed, making it easier to line up clean passes or trim around landscaping without overcorrecting. A tight turning radius improves maneuverability in compact spaces, and with minimal setup required, you can get started quickly without sorting through a complex manual.
Low-Stress Maintenance
You don’t need a garage full of tools or mechanical know-how to keep either model running smoothly. The S110’s no-tools oil drain system with a replaceable filter makes basic upkeep quick and mess-free, without crawling under the machine or making a mess in the garage.
The S120 takes it a step further with the Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil System, which replaces both the oil and filter in one twist-on cartridge. This system increases oil capacity by 40%, improves cooling, and reduces mess and waste. Both tractors also connect with the John Deere MowerPlus™ app, which tracks run time and sends service reminders, helping you stay organized and proactive about maintenance.
Year-Round Utility
The S110 and S120 are built to handle more than just summer mowing. In the fall, you can attach a bagger to collect leaves efficiently, and in winter, add a front blade and tire chains to clear snow without breaking out a shovel.
Both models also support mulch kits, allowing you to finely chop grass clippings and return nutrients to your lawn during peak growing season. With the right attachments, one machine handles mowing, mulching, leaf pickup, and snow removal so your investment works all year, not just when the grass is growing.
Built to Last
Durability is part of the S110 and S120, with a welded steel frame and a reinforced Edge™ cutting deck that can handle repeated mowing, mulching, and seasonal attachments without breaking down. From the engine housing to the chassis, every part is engineered to hold up under regular use.
Both models also benefit from John Deere’s extensive dealer support and strong resale value, making them a smart investment as your needs evolve. Whether you’re maintaining your first yard or planning to size up in the future, you’re starting with equipment designed to keep up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the S110 or S120 handle hills or uneven terrain?
The S120 is better suited for slopes and rougher ground thanks to its powerful 22-HP V-twin engine and smoother operation. The S110 performs best on flat, more predictable terrain for routine mowing needs.
2. Do I need tools or experience to maintain either tractor?
Not at all — both models are designed with first-time owners in mind. The S110 features a tool-free oil drain system, while the S120 makes it even easier with the Easy Change™ system, which lets you replace both the oil and filter in one clean, twist-on step. Both tractors also work with the John Deere MowerPlus™ app, which helps you track run time and stay on top of maintenance.
3. What’s the benefit of the MowerPlus™ smart connector on the S120?
The smart connector enables Bluetooth communication with the MowerPlus™ app, automatically providing data like engine hours and battery status. This removes the need to manually track maintenance and helps keep service on schedule.
4. Can these tractors be used in winter?
Yes — both models are compatible with seasonal attachments like front blades, tire chains, and weather enclosures. With the right attachments in place, they’re well-equipped for clearing snow and handling other off-season yard work.
5. How do I know which model is right for me?
The S110 is a great fit for homeowners with smaller, more straightforward lawns who want reliable performance at a lower price point. The S120 is better suited for larger yards, uneven terrain, and anyone that’s looking for added power, comfort, and convenience.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re tackling your first lawn or learning the ropes of seasonal yard care, the John Deere S110 and S120 offer the right balance of simplicity, performance, and durability. Thoughtfully built for new homeowners, both models deliver the confidence to handle your property’s needs — one mow, mulch, or plow at a time.
Ready to take control of your new yard? Visit your local John Deere dealer to explore both models in person, or browse available S110 and S120 tractors online.
