This comparative review offers an in-depth look at the features and capabilities of two popular mid-quality riding mowers – Husqvarna Yth18542 and John Deere S100. Both mowers offer strong construction and solid performance, but each has its own set of benefits and limitations. We’ll compare the two machines head-to-head, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
The Husqvarna Yth18542 is a mid-grade riding mower designed for mowing up to two acres. It offers a Kohler single engine with 18.5 horsepower and a 42 inch cutting deck. It features a 16-inch turning radius, a soft-grip steering wheel, and a comfortable, high-back seat. It’s perfect for homeowners who want to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
The John Deere S100 is also a mid-grade riding mower designed for mowing up to two acres. This machine is powered by a 500cc 10.5 hp V-Twin engine and a 42-inch cutting deck. It also has a 16-inch turning radius, but it also features an EZ-Traction foot pedal for increased maneuverability. It’s ideal for larger yards and acreage, and its most impressive feature is its longer mowing times, cutting up to 8 acres per hour.
Husqvarna Yth18542 Vs John Deere S100 Specs
Husqvarna Yth18542 Specs:
– Blade: 18.5 Inches
– Horsepower: 18 hp
– Cutting Speed: 5.2 MPH
– Fuel Capacity: 3.5 Gallons
– Cutting Resolution: 28 – 104 mm
– Drive System: Automatic
– Deck Construction: Stamped Steel
– Deck Lift: Manual
– Warranty: 3-year
John Deere S100 Specs:
– Blade: 17 Inches
– Horsepower: 17 hp
– Cutting Speed: 5.5 MPH
– Fuel Capacity: 2.3 Gallons
– Cutting Resolution: 5 – 3 Inches
– Drive System: Hydrostatically Controlled
– Deck Construction: Stamped Steel
– Deck Lift: Manual
– Warranty: 2-year
Conclusion:
The Husqvarna Yth18542 and John Deere S100 are both powerful, feature-packed lawn mowers. The Husqvarna Yth18542 offers 18 hp of power, with a blade size of 18.5 inches, a cutting speed of 5.2 MPH, and a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons. The John Deere S100 offers 17 hp of power and a blade size of 17 inches, with a cutting speed of 5.5 MPH, and a fuel capacity of 2.3 gallons. Both mowers have a manual deck lift and a stamped steel deck construction, with the Husqvarna Yth18542 providing a cutting resolution of 28 – 104 mm and the John Deere S100 offering a cutting resolution of 5-3 inches. The Husqvarna Yth18542 also comes with a 3-year warranty compared to the John Deere S100’s 2-year warranty. Both mowers provide excellent cutting accuracy and power, with the Husqvarna Yth18542 giving the added benefit of a higher power output and larger fuel capacity than its John Deere S100 counterpart.
Husqvarna Yth18542 Vs John Deere S100 Features
Husqvarna Yth18542:
• 42-inch reinforced stamped steel deck
• 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Intek engine
• Automatic transmission
• Manual blade engagement
• Heavy-duty front axle
• High back seat
• 3-gal fuel tank
• Cup holder
John Deere S100:
• 38-inch stamped steel mower deck
• 17.5 hp Briggs & Stratton engine
• Automatic transmission
• 21-inch turning radius
• Manual deck lift
• Dual-bar handlebar
• 2.90-gal fuel tank
• Bumper
Summary:
The Husqvarna Yth18542 and John Deere S100 are both feature-packed mowers designed for efficient and comfortable lawn care. Though the specifications of the two mowers are comparable, the Husqvarna Yth18542 has the edge in terms of power and strength with its 18.5 hp Briggs & Stratton Intek engine, reinforced stamped steel deck, heavy-duty front axle, and high back seat. On the other hand, the John Deere S100 is more compact and boasts a tight turning radius with its 38-inch stamped steel mower deck, 17.5 hp engine, and dual-bar handlebar. Both mowers offer an automatic transmission and manual deck lift. Ultimately, the mower best-suited for your needs will depend on the size and terrain of the lawn.
Husqvarna Yth18542 Vs John Deere S100 Maintenance
Husqvarna YTH18542 The Husqvarna YTH18542 requires regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure it works properly and safely. Generally, this includes checking the engine, changing the oil and filter, lubricating all moving parts, belts, and pulleys; sharpening and replacing the mower blade, cleaning the air filter, servicing the fuel system, and inspecting the machine for any loose nuts, bolts, and screws. John Deere S100 Similar to the Husqvarna, regular maintenance and upkeep of the John Deere S100 is necessary to keep it running safely and efficiently. This includes regularly checking the engine, changing the oil, checking the spark plug and air filter, inspecting the fuel system, ensuring all belts and pulleys are tight, and replacing the mower blade as needed. Conclusion Both the Husqvarna YTH18542 and the John Deere S100 require regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure safe and effective operation. Common maintenance tasks for both mowers include checking the engine, changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and replacing the blade when needed. While the exact steps may vary slightly, both mowers regular require the same basic maintenance and upkeep.
Husqvarna Yth18542 Vs John Deere S100 Performance
Husqvarna YTH18542:
– 42-inch cutting deck
– 18.5hp engine
– Pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission
– Cast iron front axle
– Washout port for cleaning the deck
– Mulching capability
– Cruise control
– 9 cutting heights
– Electric clutch for access to attachments
John Deere S100:
– 42-inch cutting deck
– 17.5hp engine
– Edge™ cutting system
– Easy-to-read deck lift lever
– 12 cutting heights
– Infinite speed control
– Fuel gauge
– Front bumpers
– Electronic Throttle and Choke control
Conclusion: The Husqvarna YTH18542 and the John Deere S100 both offer similar engine power, cutting decks and cutting heights, however the Husqvarna has more features that are beneficial to the operator, such as the cruise control, electric clutch and mulching capability. The John Deere provides additional features like the Edge™ cutting system,Fuel Gauge and Front Bumpers. Ultimately both mowers provide great performance and the user should select the mower that best suits their specific needs.
What are They Best For
Husqvarna Yth18542: This lawn tractor is best suited for medium-sized and large yards, up to an acre. It features an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine with a 42-inch cutting deck, serviced hydrostatic transmission and ergonomic operator seating position. This lawn tractor is great for mulching, bagging and collecting lawn clippings, as well as hauling and mowing.
John Deere S100: The John Deere S100 is an entry-level lawn tractor, best suited for smaller yards, up to 1/2 acre in size. It features a 19.5 HP single-cylinder engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a hydrostatic transmission. This lawn tractor is great for mowing, side-discharging or bagging clippings, and is equipped with several operator ergonomic features.
The Husqvarna YTH18542 and the John Deere S100 are both quality lawn tractor models and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Husqvarna YTH18542 offers more power, with a 20 HP Briggs and Stratton engine and an excellent 42” mowing deck, while the John Deere S100 is more fuel-efficient, with an 18 HP Kawasaki engine and a smaller 38” mowing deck. Other features that distinguish the two include comfort, safety, usability, and storage. Both models have the same warranty of three years, but in terms of price and overall value, the Husqvarna YTH18542 is marginally more expensive. Despite both models being highly rated, we feel that the Husqvarna YTH18542 provides the best overall value, with its more powerful engine, larger deck, and additional features. Therefore, it would be a better choice for most users.