When it comes to buying a lawn tractor, two of the biggest names are Cub Cadet and John Deere. Both of these companies have been around for years, have a large selection of models, and have a widespread reputation of quality products. For those looking to purchase a tractor, it is important to evaluate both lines in order to make an educated decision.
The Cub Cadet XT2 is their most popular riding lawn mower, with plenty of features perfect for a small to mid-sized yard. It features great maneuverability with tight 14-inch turning radius, as well as good overall power with 27 horsepower and a solid-state ignition system. It also comes with hydrostatic transmission, powerful front and rear power take-offs, and 3-year residential-use warranty.
The John Deere S240 is slightly larger and more powerful option, with a lot of power-efficient features and great build quality. This tractor has a 2 cylinder engine, and a powerful 24 horsepower motor. It is equipped with an automatic transmission and does not require any manual shifting. It also comes with a comfortable adjustable seat and 12-volt outlet for accessories. In addition, it has a large fuel tank, allowing for longer mowing sessions with fewer refill stops. Additionally, it comes with a 4-year warranty for residential usage.
Cub Cadet Xt2 Vs John Deere S240 Specs
Cub Cadet Xt2:
-Engine: 24 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
-PTO: Electric
-Cutting Deck: 54” Double-Cut Fabricated Deck
-Ground Speed: 5.5-7.5 mph
-Transmission: Hydro-Gear
-Weight: 682 lbs
-Wheels: 13” x 6.5” high traction front, 20” x 8” rear
John Deere S240:
-Engine: 24 HP V-Twin
-PTO: Manual
-Cutting Deck: 42” Edge Cutting Systems
-Ground Speed: 7 mph
-Transmission: Hydrostatic
-Weight: 667 lbs
-Wheels: 15” x 6” front, 20” x 8” rear
The Cub Cadet Xt2 and the John Deere S240 have many similarities from the engine power to the weight. The main difference between the two is the cutting deck and the PTO. The Cub Cadet Xt2 offers a 54” Double-Cut Fabricated Deck and an Electric PTO for more efficient cutting. The John Deere S240 has a 42” Edge Cutting Systems with a Manual PTO. Additionally, the Cub Cadet has a greater range of ground speed as it can go up to 7.5 mph. In conclusion, the Cub Cadet Xt2 has more powerful and efficient cutting capabilities while the John Deere S240 emphasizes maneuverability.
Cub Cadet Xt2 Vs John Deere S240 Features
Cub Cadet Xt2 Features:
-24HP Kohler twin cylinder engine
-Heavy-duty fabricated cutting deck with reinforced heavy-duty flat-stock steel
-Just-One-Hand Feather-Touch hydrostatic transmission
-SmartJet high-pressure deck washing system
-Comfortable comfort grip steering wheel
-Rugged Heavy-Duty front and rear axles
-SmoothTrak steering system
John Deere S240 Features:
-22HP V-Twin ELS engine
-Stamped steel cutting deck
-Stepless Twin Touch foot pedal controlled hydrostatic transmission
-Hands-free deck wash system
-High back seating with adjustable armrests
-Front and rear cast-iron axles
-Edge Cutting System
Conclusion:
The Cub Cadet Xt2 and John Deere S240 mowers both offer exceptional features for a smooth and efficient mowing experience. The Cub Cadet Xt2 is powered by a 24HP Kohler twin cylinder engine and is complimented by its Heavy-duty fabricated cutting deck with reinforced flat-stock steel and its Just-One-Hand Feather-Touch hydrostatic transmission. The John Deere S240 is powered by a 22HP V-Twin ELS engine and comes equipped with a Stamped steel cutting deck, Stepless Twin Touch foot pedal controlled hydrostatic transmission, Hands-free deck wash system, High back seating with adjustable armrests, and its Edge Cutting System. For those looking for a top-of-the-line mower, both the Cub Cadet Xt2 and John Deere S240 offer an unbeatable combination of features and performance.
Cub Cadet Xt2 Vs John Deere S240 Maintenance
Cub Cadet Xt2 The Cub Cadet Xt2 lawn tractor is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only basic periodic maintenance. On a yearly basis, it is important to clean the mower deck, change the oil and spark plugs, check the steering linkage, adjust the mower deck, sharpen the blades, and check the tires and battery. Additionally, the belts and filters should be replaced on a regular basis in accordance with the mower’s manual. John Deere S240 The John Deere S240 lawn tractor is a more advanced model than the Cub Cadet Xt2, so it requires more intensive maintenance. On an annual basis, this tractor should have the mower deck, oil, transmission filter, air filter, fuel filter, blades, spark plug, and traction belt changed. Additionally, the batteries, tires, lubricated parts, and linkage should be checked regularly. Conclusion Both the Cub Cadet Xt2 and the John Deere S240 require maintenance and upkeep. However, the John Deere S240 requires more extensive maintenance than the Cub Cadet Xt2 and requires more frequent filter and parts changes. Both require cleaning the mower deck, changing the oil and spark plugs, checking the steering linkage, and adjusting the mower deck as part of their routine maintenance.
Cub Cadet Xt2 Vs John Deere S240 Performance
Cub Cadet XT2:
• 20 HP V-Twin engine
• Consistent Response™ technology for smooth operation
• 46-inch steel mowing deck
• Cruise control
• Easy-to-use ergonomic control panel
• ClearCut™ 4-in-1 cutting system
• Adjustable cutting heights
• Heavy-duty cast iron axle
• EFI Fuel Management
John Deere S240:
• 22 HP V-Twin engine
• Cylinder compression release for easy starts
• 42-inch steel mowing deck
• 5-inch depth adjustment of mowing deck
• Time-saving electric mower deck lift
• Fully welded steel frame
• Constant speed governor
• Edge™ mower deck technology
• Hydrostatic transmission
Conclusion:
The Cub Cadet Xt2 and the John Deere S240 are both advanced and powerful ride-on mowers. The Xt2 has a 20 HP V-Twin engine, Consistent Response technology, and a 46-inch steel mowing deck, while the S240 has a 22 HP V-Twin engine and a 42-inch steel mowing deck. The Xt2 offers features like a Cruise control and adjustable cutting heights, while the S240 features a 5-inch depth adjustment of the mowing deck, time-saving electric mower deck lift, and Edge mower deck technology. Both mowers have a heavy-duty cast iron axle and hydrostatic transmission for maximum performance. Both models offer excellent power and performance, making them well-suited for large lawns.
What are They Best For
Cub Cadet Xt2: The Cub Cadet Xt2 is best used for small to medium-sized residential yards. It features a twin-cylinder engine and a hydro-gear transmission that make it powerful yet efficient, and its four-wheel steering provides increased maneuverability. Its 48-inch cutting deck offers plenty of cutting width for larger lawns and its 3-blade mower system ensures a precise, even cut with each pass. It also comes with adjustable, ergonomic high-back seats, making it a comfortable ride.
John Deere S240: The John Deere S240 is best used for large yards and commercial landscaping operations. It boasts a powerful V-twin engine with a direct transmission that delivers maximum power and efficiency, and its Easy Change 30-second oil change system simplifies maintenance. It also comes with a 48-inch deep mower deck that increases air lift, meaning more grass enters the mower system at once and it can tackle deep grass with ease. An adjustable mid-back seat, large tires, and four-wheel steering make the John Deere S240 an ideal option for tackling challenging terrain.
Overall, both the Cub Cadet Xt2 and the John Deere S240 are excellent lawn tractor models that offer superior power and deck sizes. The Cub Cadet XT2 has a more powerful engine, larger cutting width, and a great range of features and accessories. However, John Deere’s S240 offers a quieter engine, Hydrostatic transmission, and easier maneuverability. Ultimately, either tractor would make a great choice, depending on how you plan to use it and the features that you require.