As a homeowner looking for a reliable compact tractor to handle yard work, you may be trying to decide between the John Deere S130 and S140 models. Both are great options, but have some key differences when it comes to features, horsepower, transmission, attachments, and overall value.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of both models to help you determine which is the best choice for your property.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | John Deere S130 | John Deere S140 |
| Engine Horsepower | 22 HP | 24 HP |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic, 1-Range | Hydrostatic, 2-Range |
| Mowing Deck Width | 38-inches | 42-inches |
| Steering | Power Steering | Power Steering |
| Turning Radius | 18-inches | 16-inches |
| Attachments | Rear-mount tiller, carts, blades, rollers, snow blower | Adds front-end loader, box scraper, backhoe |
| Oil Change System | Standard | Easy ChangeTM 30-sec oil change |
Overview of the John Deere S130
The S130 is John Deere’s entry-level compact utility tractor in their 100 Series line. This affordable model is packed with user-friendly features that make quick work of all your basic landscaping and property maintenance needs.
Some of the key specs and selling points of the S130 include:
- 22 HP gas engine – Provides adequate power for most small property tasks
- 2-pedal foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission – Allows for easy speed and direction changes without clutching
- 38-inch mower deck – Wider than the S140 for faster mowing
- Power steering – Offers light and responsive turning
- 12V power outlet – Allows for charging devices while working
- Low maintenance features – Like the easy-change oil system and replaceable filters
The S130 is a great value tractor for homeowners who need a basic machine to mow, till soil, haul loads, clear snow, and perform other property care chores. While it lacks some of the extras of the S140, it gets all the core features right at an affordable price point.
Overview of the John Deere S140
The John Deere S140 sits one model higher than the S130 as an upgraded compact tractor with more power and versatility. It’s a great step-up choice if you need a few more tools and options for managing a larger property.
Key specs and attributes of the S140 model include:
- 24 HP gas engine – More power to handle tougher jobs
- 2-range hydrostatic transmission – Shifts on the go for optimized speed in each task
- 42-inch mower deck – Wider cut for faster mowing time
- Power steering and DELUXE seat – Enhanced comfort during long days
- Higher hauling capacity – Can move more dirt, brush, and other loads
- More attachment options – Compatible with a tiller, loader, backhoe and more
The S140 packs professional-grade power and versatility into a compact tractor suitable for homeowners with bigger yards and more demanding property maintenance needs.
Head-to-Head Comparison of John Deere S130 And S140 Compact Tractors
Now that you know the basics of each model, let’s take a detailed look at how the key specs and features of the John Deere S130 and S140 compare.
Engine and Horsepower
The S130 tractor is equipped with a 2-cylinder gasoline engine that provides 22 HP of performance power. This output is suitable for most basic property care jobs.
Stepping up to the S140 gives you an extra 2 HP from its 24 HP 2-cylinder engine. That little power boost makes a difference if you need to drive tougher attachments. It delivers more torque for digging, tilling, and clearing heavyweight loads.
- Advantage: S140 for more torque and horsepower.
Transmission Type
John Deere outfitted both the S130 and S140 with hydrostatic transmissions that perform well for residential use. This type of transmission utilizes fluid and hydraulics to adjust speed and torque rather than mechanical gears.
The key difference lies in the number of ranges. The S130 transmission only needs to be operated in the forward and reverse directions, without any shifting. Just use the pedals to speed up, slow down, and change direction.
The S140 transmission takes performance up a notch by offering two ranges. Use the lower range for tough tasks where more rotational power is needed, like tilling or digging. Then shift easily up into the higher range to travel across your property faster.
- Advantage: S140 for the two-range speed optimization.
Mowing Deck
Both tractors utilize John Deere’s Edge Cutting System on their mower decks to deliver a precise, level cut every time. Durable steel construction prevents rust and enhances longevity.
The S130 comes equipped with a 38-inch mower deck. This width gets the job done swiftly for small-to-medium sized yards. You can mow right up close to buildings and trees thanks to the shorter wheelbase on the S130.
Stepping up to the S140 nets you a wider 42-inch mowing deck. The increased width cuts down your mowing time significantly on larger properties. The flip-up style makes it easy to access the underside when cleaning or replacing blades.
- Advantage: Depends on your yard size. The 4 extra inches on the S140 is better for bigger lawns.
Implements and Attachments
One of the major advantages of owning a compact utility tractor like the S130 or S140 is the ability to add attachments and implements that transform your machine into a multi-tool.
The S130 comes attachment-ready for hauling carts, snow blowers, front blades, lawn rollers, and more.
It can utilize a rear-mount John Deere tiller attachment to save you hours of backbreaking tilling work in the garden.
The S140 open up the door for even more implement options thanks to the extra power. In addition to all the same attachments as the S130, you can also add:
- John Deere loaders for lifting and moving dirt, mulch, brush and other materials
- Box scrapers for heavy grading and debris cleanup
- Post hole diggers
- Rear-mount backhoes capable of digging holes up to seven feet deep
The S140 serves as a more versatile property management machine with its wider range of compatible attachments.
- Advantage: S140 offers superior attachment versatility.
Ease of Operation Comparison
Compact tractors like the John Deere S130 and S140 models are designed to provide user-friendly operation for residential owners. However let’s compare some of the key features that impact your comfort and convenience when using these machines:
Control Layout
Both models arrange the operational controls – like the throttle, PTO switch, lights, safety interlock, etc. – in an intuitive layout to the right of the steering wheel. This makes things easy to reach as you drive.
The S140 also equips an upgraded deluxe suspension seat with padded armrests for superior comfort over long mowing or working sessions.
- Advantage: The S140 seat offers better ergonomic support.
Steering
Light and responsive steering is critical for navigating landscaping tasks efficiently around trees, tight spots, and landscaping features.
Fortunately, both the S130 and S140 come standard with power steering to eliminate heavy resistance at the wheel.
The S140 does feature a tighter 16-inch turning radius compared to the 18-inch minimum on the S130. This allows you to pull tighter turns in navigating narrow garden paths and gates.
- Advantage: S140 for the tighter turning capability.
Visibility
Good visibility is essential in monitoring your mower deck to prevent accidental property damage while working. Both models provide excellent visibility to the front and sides thanks to the optimal operator positioning.
The S140 gains a bit of an advantage with its slightly higher seat position for a better vantage point of your surrounds.
- Slight Advantage: S140 for better sight lines.
Maintenance Features
Ongoing maintenance is made quick and easy on both models thanks to user-friendly features like:
- Transparent fuel tanks that let you see fuel level at a glance
- Easy-access oil drains and filters for routine changes
- Deck wash ports to hook up a water hose for underside cleaning
- Battery housed under the seat for protection
The S140 also comes equipped with the Easy ChangeTM 30-second oil change system.
This is a huge convenience since oil changes are one of the most frequent service needs.
- Advantage: S140 for the easy oil change capability
Price Considerations
With more features and capability also comes a higher price tag. The S140 retails around 15-20% higher than the S130. Exact pricing varies by model year and ongoing promotional offers.
This places the S130 at an MSRP of around $2,199 and the S140 at approximately $2,599 at the time of writing. That’s still very affordable for all the quality and performance these tractors deliver.
If budget is a primary factor in your decision, then the S130 provides strong value at a slightly lower price point. The S140 justify its higher cost if you truly need the extra attachments, turning radius, and overall versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To wrap up this S130 and S140 comparison guide, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these popular John Deere compact tractor models.
While you may see references to a “John Deere D130” online, John Deere has never manufactured a compact tractor under this model name. D-series mowers refer to John Deere’s lineup of riding lawn mowers. The S130 and S140 models discussed here fall under the utility tractor category equipped for a wide range of year-round property maintenance implements.
Yes, a standout feature of the S140 compact utility tractor is that it comes equipped standard with the Easy ChangeTM 30-second oil change system. This provides fast, spill-free oil changes when maintenance is due.
The John Deere S140 is powered by a 2-cylinder, 24 horsepower gas engine. This gives it an extra 2 HP over the base S130 model. The added torque provides enhanced pulling power for yard implements.
All John Deere compact tractors like the S130 and S140 are built with the quality and durability that the brand is known for. The S240 model is considered one of their most reliable for residential use thanks to its heavy-duty construction, proven Kohler engine, and inclusion of features that simplify operation and maintenance over years of use.
Closing Remarks
At the end of the day, choosing between the S130 and S140 comes down to matching the model that best fits your property size and needs as a homeowner.
For small-to-medium residential yards:
- The entry-level S130 is likely the best fit with its 22 HP engine and 38-inch deck to swiftly tackle weekly mowing, minor landscaping jobs, and general yard maintenance.
For larger yards and more demanding property tasks:
- The extra power and attachment versatility of the step-up S140 model is worth the investment. Its 24 HP and wider 42-inch deck size save significant time on bigger mowing jobs while the loader, tiller, and other implements transform it into the ultimate year-round property management tool.
At the end of the day, both deliver outstanding performance, reliability, and user-friendly design at their respective price points. It just comes down to determining what size and scope of residential property care tasks you need to perform.
