The John Deere E130 is ideal for homeowners seeking a reliable, easy-to-maintain lawn tractor with good power and comfort for medium-sized lawns.

It was manufactured in Greeneville, Tennessee, USA, and originally priced around $1,999.

John Deere E130 Lawn Tractor Overview

Engine

Type: Briggs & Stratton 44N677, V-Twin, air-cooled, gasoline

Displacement: 724 cc (44.18 cu in)

Power (Gross): 22 horsepower (16.4 kW)

Bore/Stroke: 3.12 x 2.89 inches (79 x 73 mm)

Starter:  Electric, 12 volts

Oil Capacity:  2.8 quarts (2.6 L)

Special Feature: John Deere E130 Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System for quick, mess-free maintenance.

Specifications

Feature Details
Transmission Hydrostatic, side-by-side pedal controls
Drive 2WD
Brakes Wet disc
Steering Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.4 gallons (9.1 L)
Mower Deck 42-inch Edge™ (2-blade)
Deck Height Range 1 to 4 inches (16 positions)
PTO Independent, manual engagement
Seat 15-inch high-back, adjustable
Warranty 2 years or 120 hours (bumper-to-bumper)

John Deere E130 Weight & Dimensions

Shipping Weight: 438 lbs (198 kg)

Wheelbase: 48.9 inches (124 cm)

Length: 73.3 inches (186 cm)

Height:  44.5 inches (113 cm)

Front Tires: 15×6-6

Rear Tires: 20×10-8.

John Deere E130 Price

Original MSRP (2018):  $1,999

Used Market Range (2024-2025): $1,495 – $2,114 depending on condition and location.

John Deere E130 Manual

Operator’s Manual:

Comprehensive guides are available for maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation.

Manuals can be found on official John Deere support sites and include step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and safety information.

Service Manual: Covers E100–E180 series, including the John Deere E130, with technical details for repairs and servicing.

Notable Features

Easy Change™ Oil System: Change oil and filter in 30 seconds, no tools required.

Comfort: Redesigned operator station, cruise control, cup holder, and storage compartment.

Attachments: Compatible with 42″ bagger, mulch kit, front blade, and snow blower.

Build: Assembled in Greeneville, Tennessee, USA.

Additional Resources

Operator’s and service manuals are available online for download or viewing through John Deere’s official website and authorized dealers.

For parts, maintenance, and troubleshooting, refer to the official manuals and support guides for the John Deere E130 model.

The John Deere E130 is a reliable, user-friendly lawn tractor designed for residential mowing and light-duty yard work, offering ease of maintenance and comfort for operators.

How does the E130 compare to newer models in the John Deere series?

The John Deere E130 is an entry-level lawn tractor from the 100 Series, designed primarily for residential mowing with a focus on ease of use and maintenance.

When compared to newer models in the John Deere lineup, particularly those in the S Series or higher-end models, several differences and improvements stand out:

Feature/Aspect John Deere E130 Newer John Deere Models (e.g., S240, X300 Series)
Engine 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-twin, air-cooled Often more powerful, some with electronic fuel injection, liquid-cooled options, and higher horsepower for heavier tasks
Oil Change System Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system Some newer models may lack this feature (e.g., E140) but often have improved maintenance features
Transmission Hydrostatic, pedal-controlled Similar hydrostatic transmissions, but newer models may offer smoother operation and additional drive options like 4WD
Mower Deck Size 42-inch, 2-blade Larger decks available (46-54 inches) with 3 blades for wider cutting paths
Steering & Maneuverability Manual steering, 2WD, standard turning radius Newer models may have power steering, 4-wheel steer, and tighter turning radius for better maneuverability
Operator Comfort Basic high-back seat, cup holder, cruise control Enhanced comfort features including digital dashboards, better seats, and more ergonomic controls
Fuel System Carbureted engine with choke Newer models often have electronic fuel injection, eliminating choke and simplifying starts
Price Range Originally around $1,999, used lower Newer models generally cost more but offer more features and durability
Additional Features Basic dash, manual PTO engagement Digital displays, warning lights, One-Touch mulch control, and advanced attachment options

In practical terms, the John Deere E130 remains a solid choice for homeowners with medium-sized lawns who want a reliable, straightforward tractor with easy maintenance.

However, newer John Deere models offer enhancements in power, comfort, technology, and versatility, making them more suited for larger properties or users seeking advanced features and convenience.

A detailed comparison video between the John Deere E130 and a similar newer model, the LA120, highlights that while the core mechanical components are similar, newer models have updated styling, improved deck adjusters, and some ergonomic refinements, though the John Deere E130’s fuel window and oil change system are often preferred by users.

In what ways have safety features evolved in recent John Deere series models?

John Deere has significantly evolved its safety features in recent tractor models, reflecting advances in technology, operator protection, and automation:

Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS) and Canopies:

Modern John Deere tractors feature advanced ROPS structures designed to absorb impact and protect operators during rollovers.

These systems have become more sophisticated, integrating weatherproof canopies that shield operators from sun, dust, debris, and falling objects, enhancing both safety and comfort.

Designs now balance protection with visibility and maneuverability by using optimized geometries and high-strength materials.

Operator Presence and Automatic Shut-Off:

Newer lawn tractors and machinery include automatic shut-off systems that stop the engine or blade operation if the operator leaves the seat, reducing injury risks.

This feature is standard on many modern models, improving safety during operation.

Advanced Driver Assistance and Automation:

John Deere has integrated features like SmartGrade™ for automated grading control, Slope Control to maintain safe operation on inclines, and EZGrade for smoother manual grading.

These technologies reduce operator fatigue and errors, enhancing safety during complex tasks.

Precision Technology and Visibility Enhancements:

The latest 7, 8, and 9 Series tractors include factory-installed GPS receivers and advanced displays that improve operational awareness.

Updates such as improved cab visibility, digital dashboards, and rear-window tinting help operators monitor machine status and surroundings more effectively, reducing accidents.

Autonomy and Semi-Autonomous Operation:

John Deere is pioneering autonomous and semi-autonomous tractors equipped with multiple cameras and intelligent systems that assist or replace manual control.

These systems enhance safety by reducing human error and exposure to hazardous tasks like pesticide application.

PTO Shields and Engagement Controls:

Modern tractors feature improved power take-off (PTO) shields and engagement mechanisms that prevent accidental contact with blades or attachments, minimizing injury risk.

Safety Alerts and Stop Use Notices:

John Deere actively monitors equipment safety and issues stop-use bulletins when necessary to prevent accidents, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing safety vigilance.

These innovations collectively represent a significant evolution from earlier models, prioritizing both operator safety and comfort without compromising functionality.

Summary

The John Deere E130 is a residential lawn tractor designed for efficient mowing with user-friendly features and reliable performance.

It is powered by a 22-horsepower V-twin Briggs & Stratton engine, providing smooth and strong power for mowing, mulching, and bagging tasks.

The John Deere E130 is a well-rounded, user-friendly lawn tractor with a powerful engine, convenient maintenance features, and comfortable operation, making it a popular choice for residential lawn care.