The John Deere S240 is a premium mid-range lawn tractor designed for homeowners seeking powerful performance, durability, and comfort for maintaining medium-sized lawns.
It combines a robust engine, advanced cutting technology, and user-friendly features, making it a standout in the 200 Series lineup.
Bellows, we’ll introduce the machine in detail, so you can get to know it better from all angles.
John Deere S240 Specifications
The John Deere S240 lawn tractor offers a powerful 21.5 HP V-twin engine, heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission, and a choice of 42- or 48-inch Accel Deep™ mower decks designed for superior cut quality and versatility.
Its comfortable seating, easy-to-use controls, and durable construction make it ideal for homeowners with medium-sized lawns who want a reliable, efficient, and comfortable mowing experience.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the John Deere S240 is a 21.5-horsepower (16 kW) Kawasaki FR651V V-twin engine with a 44.3 cubic inch (726 cc) displacement.
This overhead valve engine features cast-iron cylinder liners, full-pressure lubrication with an oil filter, and electronic ignition for reliable, fast starts.
Its V-twin design delivers greater torque, reduced vibration, and improved sound quality, making it well-suited for tough mulching, mowing, and bagging tasks.
The engine controls include separate levers for engine speed and choke, with the choke lever spring-loaded to prevent accidental operation.
The engine hood opens wide for easy access to service points, and large integrated cleanout ports allow for quick debris removal from the engine cooling fins.
The fuel system uses a pulse pump and carburetor, with a 2.4-gallon (9.1 L) fuel tank conveniently filled from under the seat. An easy-to-read fuel gauge is mounted on the dash for quick monitoring.
Transmission and Drive
The John Deere S240 is equipped with a heavy-duty K46 hydrostatic transaxle that provides smooth, variable speed control through side-by-side foot pedals—one for forward and one for reverse.
This Twin Touch system allows effortless speed and direction changes without clutching or shifting.
The transmission includes an oil cooler with fins and a fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Rear tires measure 20×10-8 and feature premium Turf Trac design, which reduces lawn scuffing and improves traction and steering ease.
Cruise control is standard, enhancing operator comfort during extended mowing sessions.
Cutting Deck
The John Deere S240 offers two mower deck options: a 42-inch or a 48-inch Accel Deep™ stamped steel deck made from 9- to 10-gauge steel for strength and durability.
The decks are designed with a deep-draw and flat top to optimize airflow, clipping dispersal, and cut quality at faster ground speeds.
The 48-inch deck is compatible with John Deere’s optional MulchControl™ kit, which allows the operator to easily switch between mulching and side discharge modes.
The mower deck height is adjustable in 13 positions from 1 to 4 inches in 0.25-inch increments via a spring-assisted hand-grip lever.
The deck also features a wash port for easy cleaning, electric PTO clutch for blade engagement, and four mower wheels with single-bolt adjustment for leveling.
Comfort and Convenience
Operator comfort is enhanced by a 15-inch high-back open seat with tilt suspension on rubber isolators, providing a smooth ride over uneven terrain.
The seat can be adjusted fore and aft by 5.5 inches while seated. Controls are ergonomically placed for ease of use, including the fuel fill located under the seat to prevent spills.
The tractor includes two standard incandescent headlights for low-light operation, a 12-volt electrical system with a 300 CCA battery, and an hour meter for maintenance tracking.
The solid one-piece frame is constructed from 12-gauge steel for durability.
Warranty and Build
The John Deere S240 is assembled in Tennessee and backed by a 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its build quality and reliability.
The frame and components are designed to withstand rigorous use, with the transaxle and engine built for longevity and minimal maintenance.
The oil change system includes a no-tool oil drain with a replaceable filter, simplifying routine upkeep.
John Deere S240 Key Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kawasaki FR651V V-twin, 21.5 HP (16 kW) |
| Displacement | 44.3 cu in. (726 cc) |
| Transmission | K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic, 2WD |
| Transmission Control | Side-by-side foot pedals |
| Mower Deck Options | 42-in. or 48-in. Accel Deep™ steel deck |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 13 positions, 1 to 4 in. (0.25 in. increments) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.4 gallons (9.1 liters) |
| Seat | 15-in. high-back, tilt suspension |
| Tires | Turf Trac, 20×10-8 rear |
| Warranty | 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper |
This combination of technical features and thoughtful design makes the John Deere S240 a top contender for residential lawn care needs.
Key reasons that make S240 stand out and are worth considering:
The John Deere S240 lawn tractor is widely regarded as a strong mid-level choice for homeowners with lawns up to about two acres, offering a balance of power, comfort, and cutting efficiency that fits between entry-level and premium models.
1. Powerful and Reliable Engine
The John Deere S240 is equipped with a 21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine, praised for its robust performance and reliability.
This engine handles hilly terrain and thick grass well, making it suitable for varied lawn conditions. Compared to some competitors, the Kawasaki engine is a highlight, providing smooth power delivery and longevity.
2. Efficient Cutting Deck Options
It comes standard with a 42-inch Accel Deep™ deck, known for excellent airflow and superior cut quality.
There is also an option to upgrade to a 48-inch deck, which offers a wider cutting path and is compatible with the MulchControl™ kit for versatile grass management.
This flexibility is a big plus for users wanting to tailor the mower to their lawn size and maintenance preferences.
3. Comfort and Usability
The John Deere S240 features a comfortable 15-inch high-back seat with rubber suspension for a smoother ride, which is a step up from lower-end models.
Controls are user-friendly, with a hydrostatic transmission operated by two foot pedals (one for forward, one for reverse), cruise control for steady mowing speeds, and an electronic PTO engagement switch.
These ergonomic features make mowing less tiring and more precise.
4. Durability and Warranty
Built with a heavy-duty K46 hydrostatic transmission and assembled in Tennessee, the S240 offers solid build quality.
It comes with a 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty, which reflects Deere’s confidence in this model’s durability and offers peace of mind.
5. Practical Design Elements
The integrated front bumper protects the tractor from minor collisions, and the design includes convenient features like an easy-to-read fuel gauge and an accessible deck lift lever.
The deck can be easily cleaned by lifting it without tools, simplifying maintenance.
6. Considerations
While the John Deere S240 is excellent for medium-sized lawns and offers many upgrades over entry-level models, it lacks some premium features found in the X300 series, such as power steering or electric deck lift.
Some users mention the desire for larger tires or additional weight for better traction on slopes. Also, the gas tank placement near the engine might be a minor inconvenience for some.
7. User Feedback
Owners generally rate the John Deere S240 highly for its cutting performance, ride comfort, and reliability.
The mulch kit and deck design receive particular praise for leaving a clean lawn without leftover clippings.
It’s a great fit for users who want a dependable mower without paying for top-tier extras they might not need.
Summary
The John Deere S240 is an excellent choice if you want a powerful, comfortable, and efficient lawn tractor that bridges the gap between basic and premium models—ideal for homeowners with lawns up to two acres, including those with some hilly terrain.
Its combination of Kawasaki power, quality cutting decks, and user-friendly features make it a standout in its class.
With premium features typically found in higher-end models, the John Deere S240 strikes a strong balance between performance and value.
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