Two popular options in their lineup are the John Deere S130 and the John Deere X350, both designed for homeowners but catering to slightly different requirements.
This post provides a detailed comparison of the S130 and X350, helping you decide which tractor is the best fit for your lawn care needs.
We’ll cover their specifications, features, performance, and suitability, culminating in a comprehensive comparison table.
John Deere S130 Vs X350
| Feature | John Deere S130 | John Deere X350 |
|---|---|---|
| Series | 100 Series | X300 Select Series |
| Engine | 22-hp Briggs & Stratton V-twin, 724 cc | 18.5-hp Kawasaki FS600V, 603 cc, iTorque™ |
| Mower Deck | 42-inch Edge™, 13-gauge steel | 42- or 48-inch Accel Deep™, 12/11-gauge steel |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq® TL200 hydrostatic | K46 hydrostatic, Twin Touch™ pedals |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.4 gallons (9.1 liters) | 3.3 gallons (12.5 liters) |
| Top Speed | 5.5 mph forward, 3.2 mph reverse | 5.5 mph forward, 4 mph reverse |
| Warranty | 2 years/120 hours | 4 years/300 hours |
| Price (42-inch deck) | ~$2,399 | ~$3,199 |
| Seat | 15-inch open-back | 15-inch high-back (18-inch optional) |
| PTO | Electric | Electric |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes (dash button) |
| MulchControl™ Kit | Optional (sold separately) | Optional (one-touch or deck version) |
| Weight | ~470 lbs | ~542 lbs (42-inch deck) |
| Best For | Small to medium lawns (up to 2 acres) | Medium to large lawns (0.5–3 acres) |
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Overview of the John Deere S130
The John Deere S130 is part of the 100 Series, designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized properties (up to 2 acres). It’s a premium model within the 100 Series, offering a balance of affordability, durability, and user-friendly features.
Built in Greeneville, Tennessee, the S130 is equipped with a 22-hp V-twin Briggs & Stratton engine and a 42-inch Edge™ Cutting System. It’s known for its ease of maintenance, thanks to the Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System, and its versatility for tasks like mowing, mulching, bagging, and snow removal.
Key features of the S130
- Hydrostatic transmission with side-by-side foot pedals for smooth operation.
- Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) for easy blade engagement.
- 15-inch open-back seat and a front bumper for added comfort and durability.
- Compatibility with the MowerPlus™ app for monitoring fuel, battery, and maintenance data.
- A 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty.
The S130 is ideal for first-time homeowners or those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly tractor for basic lawn care.
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Overview of the John Deere X350
The John Deere X350 belongs to the X300 Select Series, targeting homeowners with more demanding lawn care needs or those who want a step up in performance and versatility.
It’s designed for properties ranging from 0.5 to 3 acres and features an 18.5-hp Kawasaki FS600V engine with an iTorque™ Power System for enhanced torque and cooling. The X350 offers a choice of 42-inch or 48-inch Accel Deep™ mower decks, making it suitable for larger lawns or more complex tasks.
Key features of the X350
- K46 hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals for precise control.
- Optional MulchControl™ kit for seamless switching between mulching and side discharge.
- 4-year/300-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty for added peace of mind.
- A 12.5-liter fuel tank, larger than the S130’s, for extended operation.
- Enhanced steering with a low-effort sector and pinion system.
The X350 is built for homeowners with experience in lawn care who need a tractor that can handle a variety of attachments and tougher conditions.
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Detailed Comparison
To help you make an informed decision, let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison of the S130 and X350 across key categories.
1. Engine and Performance
The S130 is powered by a 22-hp Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine with a displacement of 724 cc, providing ample power for mowing, mulching, and bagging on properties up to 2 acres. Its V-twin design ensures smooth operation with low vibration and good fuel efficiency.
However, some users note that Briggs & Stratton engines may require more maintenance over time compared to other brands.
In contrast, the X350 features an 18.5-hp Kawasaki FS600V engine with a 603-cc displacement and iTorque™ Power System. While it has slightly less horsepower, the Kawasaki engine is renowned for its reliability, durability, and better performance under heavy loads.
The iTorque system enhances lugging ability and cooling, making the X350 better suited for prolonged or demanding tasks.
2. Transmission
Both models use a hydrostatic transmission for smooth speed and direction control. The S130 employs a Tuff Torq® TL200 transaxle, while the X350 uses a K46 hydrostatic integrated transaxle. The K46 is considered more robust, offering better performance for heavier tasks or uneven terrain.
Both tractors feature side-by-side foot pedals (Twin Touch™ on the X350), but the X350 includes cruise control via a dash button, which the S130 also offers but is less prominently featured.
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3. Mower Deck
The S130 comes with a 42-inch Edge™ Cutting System, constructed from 13-gauge steel, with electric PTO for easy blade engagement. It supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge, with cut heights adjustable from 1 to 4 inches in 1/4-inch increments. However, its mulching performance at higher cut heights (e.g., 3 inches) may require a second pass for optimal results.
The X350 offers a choice between a 42-inch or 48-inch Accel Deep™ mower deck, made of 12-gauge or 11-gauge steel, respectively, for greater durability. The Accel Deep deck provides superior cut quality and can be equipped with an optional MulchControl™ kit for effortless switching between mulching and side discharge. This makes the X350 more versatile for varied lawn conditions.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics
The S130 features a 15-inch open-back seat, a standard front bumper, and an easy-to-read fuel gauge. Its operator station is designed for simplicity, with intuitive controls and a straightforward hood design for easy access to service points. However, it lacks some of the premium comfort features found in higher series.
The X350 steps up with a 15-inch high-back seat (optional 18-inch), a more advanced instrument panel, and a covered toolbox for storage. Its steering system is designed for low effort, making it easier to maneuver around obstacles. The X350’s wider footrest with debris-removal channels enhances operator comfort during extended use.
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5. Attachments and Versatility
Both tractors support a range of attachments, such as baggers, snow blowers, front blades, and dump carts. The S130’s CargO Mount™ system allows for quick installation of attachments like rear baggers, which can be set up in under 5 minutes without tools. However, its compatibility is somewhat limited compared to the X350.
The X350’s design accommodates a broader selection of attachments, including the MulchControl™ kit and various carts, making it more versatile for year-round use. Its higher horsepower and stronger frame support heavier implements, ideal for tasks beyond mowing, such as snow removal or towing.
5. Warranty and Price
The S130 comes with a 2-year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty and retails for approximately $2,399 for the 42-inch deck model. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The X350 offers a 4-year/300-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty, reflecting its premium build, and is priced around $3,199 for the 42-inch deck (higher for the 48-inch). While more expensive, the extended warranty and enhanced features justify the cost for those needing a more robust machine.
6. Maintenance
The S130’s Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System simplifies maintenance by allowing oil and filter changes without draining the engine, reducing mess and time. However, this system may result in slightly higher oil change costs compared to traditional methods.
The X350 uses a conventional oil change process, which is straightforward but requires more effort. Its Kawasaki engine is noted for lower maintenance needs over time, potentially offsetting the initial cost difference.
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Which Tractor Should You Choose?
The John Deere S130 is an excellent choice for homeowners with smaller properties (up to 2 acres) who prioritize affordability and ease of use. Its powerful engine, user-friendly features like the Easy Change™ oil system, and compatibility with basic attachments make it ideal for standard lawn care tasks. However, it may struggle with steep slopes or heavy-duty tasks due to its lighter frame and less robust transmission.
The John Deere X350 is better suited for those with larger or more demanding lawns (0.5–3 acres) or those who need a tractor for year-round versatility. Its Kawasaki engine, stronger transmission, and optional 48-inch deck provide superior performance and durability.
The extended warranty and advanced features like the MulchControl™ kit make it a worthwhile investment for experienced users or those with varied lawn care needs.
Final words
Both the John Deere S130 and X350 are exceptional lawn tractors, but they cater to different needs. The S130 offers great value for smaller properties and basic tasks, while the X350 provides premium performance and versatility for larger or more complex lawns. Consider your property size, budget, and desired features when making your choice.
For a cost-effective, reliable option, the S130 is hard to beat. For durability, versatility, and a longer warranty, the X350 is the superior pick.
For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer or check out models at retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Happy mowing!
