John Deere’s S120 and the Cub Cadet XT1 provide a great selection of riding lawn mowers for homeowners and landscapers. The S120 lawn tractor from John Deere is a great option for larger lawns and yards, with a powerful 22 horsepower V-Twin engine and a 48-inch cutting deck. The additional features of a cruise control, electric blade engagement and an integrated utility/tool holder make this tractor a great choice for serious lawn care. The Cub Cadet XT1 has an 18 horsepower professional-grade Kohler engine and an ergonomic designed steering wheel for improved comfort and better control. It also has a pedal-operated automatic drive transmission and integrated chassis and engine guard. With a 42-inch cutting deck and optional mulch kit, it is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.
John Deere S120 Vs Cub Cadet Xt1 Specs
John Deere S120
– Engine: Briggs & Stratton 18.5 HP
– Fuel Capacity: 2.5 Gallons
– Deck Size: 42 Inches
– Ground Speed: 7 MPH
– Cutting Height: 1” to 4”
Cub Cadet XT1
– Engine: Kohler Courage 22 HP
– Fuel Capacity: 3.5 Gallons
– Deck Size: 42 Inches
– Ground Speed: 6 MPH
– Cutting Height: 1” to 4.5”
Conclusion: Both the John Deere S120 and the Cub Cadet XT1 offer a 42-inch cutting deck and a cutting height range of 1” to 4” or 4.5” respectively. However, the John Deere S120 comes with an 18.5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, while the Cub Cadet XT1 is powered by a 22-horsepower Kohler Courage engine. The John Deere S120 has a fuel capacity of 2.5 gallons, while the Cub Cadet XT1 has a higher fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons. Finally, the Xt1 has a slightly slower ground speed of 6 MPH, while the S120 has a ground speed of 7 mph.
John Deere S120 Vs Cub Cadet Xt1 Features
John Deere S120 Features
– 22 HP V-Twin engine with powerful performance
– Deep mower deck spindles create a perfect cut
– Includes hour meter to track maintenance intervals
– Cast-iron front axle provides long-lasting performance
– Comfortable 18-inch high-back seat
– Requires little maintenance
Cub Cadet Xt1 Features
– 20 HP Kohler engine with maximum power output
– A42 cutting deck provides precise cutting results
– Includes an hour meter for maintenance tracking
– Hydrostatic transmission for smooth, effective speed control
– 13-inch high-back seat offers comfort and support
– Auto-choke eliminates manual starting
Conclusion: The John Deere S120 and the Cub Cadet Xt1 both have a variety of features that make them great choices for lawn maintenance. The S120 has a 22 HP V-Twin engine with powerful performance and a deep mower deck spindles for a perfect cut. The Xt1 has a 20 HP Kohler engine and an A42 cutting deck for precise results. Both are equipped with hour meters for maintenance tracking and cast-iron axles for long-lasting performance. The Xt1 has a hydrostatic transmission for speed control and the S120 has a comfortable 18-inch high-back seat. Ultimately, the choice of which one to buy will depend on personal preference and the specific lawn needs.
John Deere S120 Vs Cub Cadet Xt1 Maintenance
John Deere S120: The John Deere S120 requires regular attention, with the primary focus being on engine oil and air filters. Depending on your engine type, regular oil changes should occur at least once a year. The air filter should be cleaned and checked regularly, as well. Additionally, many other maintenance tasks may need to be addressed such as cleaning the spark plug, checking and adjusting the mower deck, and inspecting the engine’s general condition. Cub Cadet Xt1: The Cub Cadet Xt1 requires regular maintenance as well. This includes checking the air filter, as well as oil changes. The belt should be adjusted, checked and replaced as necessary, and the blade should be sharpened and cleaned periodically. Additionally, some general inspections should take place to make sure all parts of the tractor are in good working order. Conclusion: Both the John Deer S120 and the Cub Cadet XT1 require regular maintenance and upkeep. While the John Deere S120 has a larger focus on engine oil and air filters, the Cub Cadet Xt1 requires adjusting the belt as well as sharpening and cleaning the blade, in addition to general inspections of other parts of the tractor. Overall, users of either machine must provide regular care in order to keep the machines in their best condition.
John Deere S120 Vs Cub Cadet Xt1 Performance
John Deere S120:
• 42 inch deck
• 19 HP V-Twin Engine
• Foot-operated hydrostatic transmission
• 4-in-1 convertible deck
• Delayed engagement clutch
• Standard cruise control
• 17-in. mid-back seat
Cub Cadet Xt1:
• 42 inch deck
• 23 HP Kohler Courage Engine
• Auto-Drive Hand Operated Hydrostatic transmission
• 5-in-1 convertible deck
• Soft-touch steering
• Ergonomic steering wheel
• 15-in. mid-back seat
The John Deere S120 and the Cub Cadet Xt1 both offer 42-inch mowing decks, but the Cub Cadet has a larger 23 HP Kohler Courage Engine compared to the 19 HP V-Twin Engine found in the John Deere S120. The John Deere S120 offers 4-in-1 mowing deck and a foot-operated hydrostatic transmission, while the Cub Cadet Xt1’s 5-in-1 convertible deck and Auto-Drive Hand Operated Hydrostatic transmission provide added convenience and precision. The John Deere S120 has a standard cruise control feature, while the Cub Cadet Xt1’s Soft-Touch Steering and Ergonomic Steering Wheel provide comfortable operation. When it comes to seating, the John Deere S120’s 17-inch mid-back seat is larger than the 15-inch seat of the Cub Cadet Xt1.
In conclusion, the John Deere S120 and Cub Cadet Xt1 are both well-equipped mowing tractors. While they both offer ease of operation, the Cub Cadet Xt1 provides a more powerful engine, along with upgraded transmission and steering systems, providing greater mowing precision. The John Deere S120, however, offers a larger seat and a standard cruise control feature. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences, performance needs, and budget.
What are They Best For
John Deere S120: The John Deere S120 is a great choice for small to medium sized yards. It is a powerful machine that is agile enough to maneuver around tight corners and is great for mowing on uneven terrain. With its 19 horsepower engine, it is also capable of pulling attachments when additional tasks need to be done.
Cub Cadet XT1: The Cub Cadet XT1 is an excellent choice for larger yards and more demanding tasks. It is powered by a 24 horsepower engine and features an Extra-Tight turning radius, allowing it to maneuver around tight corners with ease.The Cub Cadet XT1 is also capable of handling a variety of attachments for more powerful working capabilities.
The John Deere S120 and the Cub Cadet XT1 mowers both offer powerful cutting options and a range of other features. The John Deere is designed with a heavy-duty frame and durable components, making it ideal for larger lawns. It has a powerful 24 HP V-Twin engine and 22-inch turning radius, allowing for quick and precise cuts. The XT1, on the other hand, features a strong 20 HP engine and a 42-inch cutting width, giving you more room for cutting. Additionally, the XT1 has an ergonomic steering wheel for more comfortable steering and an adjustable lap bar for superior height adjustment. Overall, the John Deere S120 is best suited for commercial or industrial use, while the Cub Cadet XT1 is better suited for smaller residential lawns. Both mowers offer excellent cutting performance and reliable engines, so it ultimately comes down to what you need and how much you are willing to spend.