John Deere has been providing quality lawn care products for over a century. Their ever-expanding line of garden tools and accessories continues to impress home owners and professionals alike. Today, we take a closer look at the two mid-sizes riding mowers from the company’s 2018 lineup: The Deere S120 and E120. Both mowers are a great choice for those who have large properties to cover or people who need a wide deck to cut through thicker grass. The S120 is equipped with a V-twin engine and features a 42-inch cutting width. Its design includes a cutting edge deep-deck design and it translates into superior cut quality for consumers who require a precise finish. The E120 mower is perfect for those who need more power and agility. The E120 was designed to navigate around landscaping, gardens, and smaller properties with ease. It is equipped with a V-twin engine and 48-inch cutting deck. Additionally, it boasts a larger fuel tank as well as a fully adjustable high-back seat. Both mowers are equipped with hydrostatic transmissions and a cutting height range of 1-4 inches.
John Deere S120 Vs E120 Specs
John Deere S120:
• 19-horsepower V-twin engine
• 42-inch mowing deck
• Shaft-driven, hydrostatic transmission with infinite speeds
• Sweeps, aerates, and collects grass for mulching
• Hand-operated cruise control
• Power steering
• Electric blade engagement
John Deere E120:
• 20-horsepower V-twin engine
• 42-inch mowing deck
• Pump-driven hydrostatic transmission
• Southern Turf System for easy grass tracking
• Hand-operated cruise control
• Power steering
• Electric blade engagement
Conclusion: The John Deere S120 and E120 are both powerful, efficient mowers with a 42-inch mowing deck. The main differences between the models are the engine horsepower, transmission type, and the Southern Turf System that the E120 utilizes. The S120 has a 19-horsepower V-twin engine and a shaft-driven, hydrostatic transmission, while the E120 has a 20-horsepower V-twin engine and a pump-driven hydrostatic transmission. Both models feature hand-operated cruise control, power steering, and electric blade engagement.
John Deere S120 Vs E120 Features
John Deere S120:
• 20 horsepower engine
• Working width of 42 inches
• Twin Blade cutting system
• Easy to use deck lift
• Comfortable 4-point suspension system
• Optional MulchControl System
• 2-year or 120-hour limited warranty
John Deere E120:
• 22 horsepower engine
• Working width of 42 inches
• Twin Blade cutting system
• Easy to use deck lift
• Comfortable 4-point suspension system
• Optional MulchControl System
• 3-year or 120-hour limited warranty
Conclusion:
The two lawnmowers, the John Deere S120 and the John Deere E120, possess the same cutting systems, working widths, and safety features. The main difference is the engine power; the S120 has 20 horsepower and the E120 has 22 horsepower. Additionally, the E120 has a longer limited warranty than the S120 and other backing support services.
John Deere S120 Vs E120 Maintenance
John Deere S120 and E120 lawn tractors require varying levels of maintenance and upkeep. The S120 requires basic upkeep that includes checking the oil level, inspecting and replacing worn drive belt and cleaning the air filter. Additionally, regularly lubricating the drive controls and removing any debris from the undercarriage is necessary. The E120 requires more extensive maintenance, including regularly changing the oil and filter, monitoring and replacing the battery, and inspecting and replacing the drive belts on a regular basis. It also requires regular cleaning of the mower deck and the air filter and frequent cleaning of the air filter and undercarriage components, as well as grease fittings. Both models also require ventilation and regular checking of tire pressure as well as adjusting the deck. In conclusion, the John Deere S120 and E120 lawn tractors require different maintenance and upkeep levels. The S120 requires basic maintenance while the E120 needs more frequent and detailed maintenance, including oil and filter changes, battery monitoring and replacement, and frequent cleaning of various parts of the tractor. Proper maintenance of both models will ensure they last and provide the desired performance level.
John Deere S120 Vs E120 Performance
John Deere S120:
Features:
• Powerful 24hp V-Twin OHV engine
• Cast iron front axle
• Easy to operate hydrostatic transmission
• Comfort and security with technologically advanced operator station
• Twin Touch™ pedals and mow-in-reverse
• Easy traction control
• Stable ride technology
• Available 42” Mulch-on-Demand Deck
John Deere E120:
Features:
• Powerful 22hp V-Twin OHV engine
• Cast iron front axle
• Easy to operate hydrostatic transmission
• Comfort and security with technologically advanced operator station
• Twin Touch™ pedals and mow-in-reverse
• Easy traction control
• Edge™ cutting system
• Available 48” Mulch-on-Demand Deck
Conclusion:
The John Deere S120 and E120 are both great lawn tractors with plenty of power and excellent maneuverability. Both models are equipped with cast iron front axles and hydrostatic transmissions for easy operation and control. The S120 has a 24hp V-Twin OHV engine, providing more power than the E120’s 22hp V-Twin OHV engine. Additionally, the S120 features Stable Ride Technology for increased stability and the 42” Mulch-on-Demand Deck for easier mowing. The E120 features the Edge™ cutting system for a more precise cut and a larger 48” Mulch-on-Demand Deck. In the end, it comes down to what your needs are and which features you value in a lawn tractor.
What are They Best For
John Deere S120: The John Deere S120 is a mid-range garden tractor best used for larger lawns that require regular mowing, trimming and other chores. It is powered by a 20 HP V-twin engine and have an adjustable mowing deck ranging from 42 inches to 54 inches. The tractor is designed to take on rougher terrains and handles well with a tight turning radius.
John Deere E120: The John Deere E120 is a higher-end garden tractor designed with larger land areas in mind. It is powered by a 22 HP V-twin engine with three-blade mowing decks ranging from 42 inches to 54 inches wide. It also has hydrostatic transmission and cruise control for optimal performance. The E120 is the perfect choice for land owners with large acreage to cover and is a great choice for serious landscapers.
In an overall comparison, the John Deere S120 and E120 are very similar. They both have the same 19-horsepower V-twin engine that is designed for efficiency and offer dependable power and durability. The S120 also has a mow-in-reverse feature and a tight 16-inch turning radius but the E120 has a slightly larger cutting width of 42 inches. Both mowers also come standard with a smooth, low-maintenance hydrostatic transmission and easy-to-use control system. The E120 also has a comfortable high-back seat and a cast iron front axle for added strength. Ultimately, the decision between these two models comes down to personal preference and budget.