Husqvarna lawn tractor weight. Do Riding Mowers Have A Weight Limit? What You Need To Know

Do Riding Mowers Have A Weight Limit? [What You Need To Know]

Riding mowers are arguably the most efficient mowers out there. You simply hop on the mower and treat it like a tractor. Because of their cutting efficiency, they’re the prime choice of most people who have a yard.

However, riding mowers aren’t towing cars and, thus, they can’t carry infinite weight. Have you ever asked yourself, “what the weight limit is?”

Do Riding Mowers Have A Weight Limit?

The short answer is yes; riding mowers do have a weight limit. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be too heavy for one. As a guideline, many manufacturers recommend weights between 110 pounds and 310 pounds. But, of course, the weight limit will differ from one make and model to the other, and it will vary based on the mower’s build.

It’s advisable to stick to the recommended weight range when using these riding mowers. Yet, there might be times when a person who’s heavier than the mower needs to get the job done.

Additionally, there are times when you’re actually below the weight limit. We’re going to discuss that too.

What Happens If I Exceed the Weight Limit?

Technically, you can’t be so heavy that your lawnmower wouldn’t work. The reason why weight limits exist is to guarantee that the mower works as intended.

Going over the weight limit won’t instantly damage your mower. The wheels won’t come off or anything crazy. However, you should expect a few problems in the long run.

You normally wouldn’t have these problems if you don’t exceed the weight limit. Below are some of the issues you’ll face if the mower is forced to carry too much weight.

#1 Extra Fuel Consumption

Riding mowers are essentially engines that need fuel to operate. So when there’s an extra load on the machine, there’s more need for petrol.

Usually, that wouldn’t seem like a big deal. Money consumption, however, could be annoying in the long run, especially when the price of gas is so high.

#2 Slower Cutting

The mower would need more power to move and steer with the extra weight. That eventually leads to less engine power delivered to the cutting blades.

Slower blades are less efficient in cutting. The efficiency won’t drop down to a level that annoys you, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

#3 Maintenance

The extra load on the mower shortens the lifetime of its mobile components. As a result, you should expect shorter intervals in changing your oils and mowing belts.

Also, if your manual says that your mower should be checked every year, you’ll have to check it every six months instead.

#4 Louder Noises

Riding mowers are notorious for their loudness, which could cause hearing damage. In addition, if you apply more weight, you apply more pressure on the machine.

The mower tries to compensate for that extra weight by working harder. That causes the engine to rev higher than usual.

Precautions to Take If You Are Over the Weight Limit

There are some scenarios you need to get the job done. If you’re over the weight limit and that’s the case, please follow these guidelines whenever possible:

#1 Get a Heavy Duty Mower

We’ve previously mentioned that mowers have a maximum capacity of around 310 pounds.

You could always check the maximum weight capacity of the mower before buying it to see if you’re exceeding the limit. That would save you the hassle of getting a mower that can’t carry you.

Additionally, you might want to consider lawn tractors as they have a higher weight limit than your conventional riding mower.

#2 Drive Slowly

There’s no need to rush the procedure if there’s an extra load on the mower. Instead, take your time and steer slowly and carefully.

The extra weight could quickly shift the center of balance if you steer suddenly. This could lead to falling off the mower, or even worse, the mower tipping over you.

#3 Check the Mower

When the mower carries more weight than it’s supposed to, you should regularly check it for any problems.

Inspect the mower belt, the pulleys, and the bearings. Ensure that none of them is stuck in place and that they’re functioning correctly.

Don’t forget the attachments, washers, and bolts as well. The extra weight could loosen them over time. So make sure that all of them are secure in place.

#4 Avoid Going Uphill

When the mower is already working more than it should, it would be wise to prevent it from going uphill.

This isn’t a problem for most households, but it’s essential for landscapers who mow large areas with slopes.

#5 Don’t Mow for Too Long

If the area to cover is too much, it would be better to let the mower rest in between. You could mow the front of the yard and then let the mower rest for 30 minutes before starting the back.

The overwork mixed with prolonged mowing times could lead to engine malfunctions.

Factors Increasing the Weight Problem

The increased weight could pose more risk based on the following factors:

#1 The Type of Soil

Driving on different terrains dramatically affects how much effort the machine needs to exert. Driving on mud or sand, for example, is more energy-consuming for motorized vehicles.

We’re not saying you’ll have mud or sand on your green lawn. However, if your soil is full of water because of sprinklers or rain, it’s best to postpone mowing it until the soil is dry.

Wet grass is already challenging to cut on its own, so adding extra weight to this already existing problem is bad news.

#2 The Inclination of the Ground

Walking upwards is always more difficult than walking on a flat plane. Well, the same applies to your mower.

If the area to be mowed has many hills and slopes, consider not getting on the mower if you exceed the weight limit. Instead, use a push mower to cut the grass.

Most mowers aren’t even designed to mow slopes that are steeper than 15 degrees. There are dedicated mowers for slopes and hills, but they’re more expensive than average mowers.

#3 The Wind

While strong winds don’t often cause issues with riding mowers, they could push you sideways if you’re not careful.

If you are above your mower’s highest weight capacity, we recommend that you don’t use it in strong winds.

Can I Be Too Light for My Mower?

The answer to that is yes. Riding mowers have built-in weight sensors. If your weight is below that minimum limit, the machine won’t work.

That’s an intended safety feature by the manufacturers to prevent children from using the mowers.

Conclusion

Riding lawn mowers come with weight restrictions, but you could occasionally put a heavier person on the mower without serious problems.

This might complicate the cutting process by making it slower and more prone to falling, but it won’t cause serious damage to the mower on the spot.

The increased fuel consumption and maintenance requirements are also things to keep in mind if you intend to use a mower that you’re too heavy for. Don’t furtherly complicate the process by mowing wet soil or sloped surfaces.

It’s also worth noting that one can be too light for a lawnmower. Mowers have weight sensors onboard that sense if the rider is too light. If so, the mower won’t work.

Weight sensors are implemented as a safety feature to prevent children from using mowers.

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How Much Can a Lawn Mower Tow?

Towing capacity can be difficult to calculate if you’re looking to be exact. Not only are there a number of factors like your engine specs, transmission specs, and trailer specs, but also the terrain you’re towing on. Cub Cadet’s support team summed it up pretty well:

This is a more complicated issue than it might appear, because “towing capacity” is more of a sales specification than a technical specification. If you picture yourself pushing a 300 lb. wheelbarrow full of dirt, you may think that your “pushing capacity” was at least 300 lbs, but I doubt you would be able to push 300 pounds if it were on a flat sled with no wheels on rough ground. That is a simple analogy explaining why we don’t use towing capacity as a technical specification. Cub Cadet Support Team

That being said, let’s dive into some of the towing capacity determining factors to give you a better idea of what your mower can pull in your specific application.

Manufacturers Recommendation

The first thing I recommend doing is opening up your owner’s manual and flipping to the page that talks about towing. The owner’s manual for your machine should generally be the first place you check as it will be advice specifically tailored to your machines make and model. Each tractor and trailer are different. For example, some mowers will recommend not towing anything at all with them. Other more heavy-duty or commercial options will tow just about anything you throw at them. That being said, let’s look into some of the more general factors that relate to all mower setups.

Terrain

• Hills/Inclines – Towing up a hill will effectively increase the load on your tractor and ultimately lead to it being able to tow less than the max you would be able to on level ground. Try to avoid inclines with a slope greater than 10% all together to help avoid damaging your mower. Most owner manuals should contain a slope guide that can be referred to for your specific model of tractor.
• Downhill/Declines – Towing downhill will effectively lessen the pulling required for the load, yes, but it can get dangerous if you don’t have the appropriate braking power and give yourself enough distance to come to a complete stop when needed. Always take extra levels of caution when towing downhill.
• Wet/muddy – The ground being wet and muddy while towing can cause you to lose traction while towing. Towing through mud (and the resistance on your wheels that comes with it) can effectively decreasing your towing capacity as well.
• Rugged/Uneven – Towing on rugged and uneven terrain will mostly have an impact on the quality and smoothness of the ride. But at the same time, your tractor having to pull the load over and through obstacles on uneven terrain can lead to stress on your mower and result in you ultimately being able to tow less.

Horsepower or Torque?

There is definitely a debate for what is more important when towing – horsepower or torque? At the end of the day, both are important when towing with a lawn mower (and trucks!) but they both have separate purposes.

In this case, torque is more important. When searching for riding lawn mowers to use for towing applications, make sure to go for one with a higher torque rating when possible.

Drivetrain

Transmissions play a large role when it comes to pulling with a tractor. You will want to make sure when towing larger loads (350 lbs) you will not want to depress the forward travel pedal no more than halfway to avoid transmission damage. Always run a tractor at full throttle when PTO is engaged and you are towing loads.

Braking Ability

Classic farmer logic is “if you can get it moving, you’re fine”. While I appreciate the commitment to getting the job done, that’s only half of what the saying should be. Making sure you can brake and come to a complete stop when necessary (ESPECIALLY when towing downhill) is extremely important.

Residential lawn and garden tractors most commonly have a transaxle disc-brake stem designed for only the weight of the tractor on slight grades. Add in a heavy load and a downward slope, you could be in trouble. Make sure your brakes are up to par and test accordingly before giving them a heavy workload.

Towing Safety

Safety should always be the top priority when operating equipment and towing with your lawn mower is no different. Here are 10 of the most important aspects to look out for to make sure you are towing with a tractor safely.

• Stopping – Yes, we just covered braking ability, but it’s so important I’m kicking this list off with it. Your stopping distance will be increased with the weight of and speed of what you’re towing. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to stop.
• Neutral – Be very cautious not to put your tractor in neutral when on a decline. And try to not coast at all when towing.
• Turning Sharply – Turning can be very different when towing a heavy load. Make sure you keep your head on a swivel and are paying attention when turning on adverse terrain.
• Do not allow children (or other people) on or in your equipment when operating.
• Hitches and accessories – Make sure you are only using hitches that are approved for use with your specific tractor. It is not recommended you attach towing equipment anywhere except for the approved hitching point.
• Manufacturers Recommendations – Always make sure to read your owners manual and follow any specific manufacturers safety recommendations for your specific machine.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you should always be referring to your machine’s owners manual for specific recommendations when it comes to towing. Each lawn mower can be different and unique in their own ways. Nobody knows them better than the people who built them.

I’m Jeremy and I’m the golden retriever raising, craft beer drinking, guy in the neighborhood who spends too much time on his lawn. Fueled by my passion for understanding the nuances of lawn care, I am eager to both build onto my experience maintaining lawns over the years and testing new things while on the hunt for the perfect lawn!

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Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: A Mower With Power and Maneuverability

This Husqvarna YTH24V54 review gives you complete details on the specifications, features, benefits, and overall performance of this gas-powered, ride-on Husqvarna 54-inch mower.

We’ll cover the pros and cons of this machine, talk about the type of work it can perform, and who can most benefit from its features. So, on the one hand, we’ll look at buyer’s feedback about their positive and negative experiences using this ride-on lawnmower.

On the other hand, we’ll use expert mechanical knowledge to look at the overall design and of this lawnmower and let you know you can expect it to perform in different situations.

• Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Main Features

• Husqvarna yth24v54 Review
• Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: General Characteristics

• 1. Engine
• 2. Transmission
• 3. Cutting Deck
• 4. Ergonomic Features
• 5. Optional Attachments
• Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Buyer Feedback

• Is the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower considered noisy?
• What is the top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?
• What is the average life of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Main Features

Buying a Husqvarna riding mower is a significant investment. This review gives you the specs, features, and capabilities of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 to help you decide if this is the right lawn tractor for you.

Here’s a quick overview of the main features of this Husqvarna model:

Husqvarna yth24v54 Review

Here are the top pros and cons of the Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower:

Top Benefits of the Husqvarna YTH24V54

• Small turn-radius of 16 inches,
• Foot-operated forward, reverse, and speed control,
• Clean-cutting, air-induction mowing deck design.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: General Characteristics

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 is a rugged and easy-to-use ride on mower powered by a 24 HP, four-stroke Briggs and Stratton gasoline engine. This Husqvarna model has tons of power for climbing hilly terrain and chopping tall grass in large areas up to 2 acres in size.

This mower is designed and built to handle large jobs, but it also has the maneuverability to navigate in tight spaces and make the frequent, sharp turns required when mowing a smaller sized area.

This ride-on lawn tractor is easy to operate and suitable for people without prior experience using a lawn tractor for mowing lawns. The easy-start ignition system and foot-operated transmission control let the operator keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes watching ahead while cutting.

The small turn radius of only 16-inches lets you easily navigate around objects such as trees and plants, lawn furniture, sheds, and walkways to get the clean and tidy cut you want when mowing a lawn area.

Details of the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

Engine

The 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine start up quickly without the hassle of using a choke. The no-choke feature can be an excellent plus for buyers with less experience using a gas-powered lawnmower.

The keyed ignition start is all you need to fire up the engine on this mower. Once the engine is running, the operation is smooth and even. To turn off the machine, you turn the key to the ‘off’ position, and the engine shuts down. A hand-operated parking brake leaver keeps the lawnmower from rolling when parked.

Gas-powered engines like the one used in this Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower need the same type of oil used in cars and trucks to operate.

In summer months and warm weather, HD-30 engine oil allows the lawnmower to start up more easily and run more efficiently. In colder weather, a 5W-30 weight oil can improve performance slightly.

Engine Maintenance: Oil

One thing to keep in mind when buying a gas mower like this Husqvarna lawn tractor is gas and oil storage along with storage of the tractor. Gas and oil must be stored in a weather-proof, outdoor shed, garage, or outbuilding.

Gas-powered mowers need a small amount of regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter, checking and replenishing the engine oil, keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure, and lubricating grease fittings in the steering system and other moving parts.

Oil levels in the engine need to be regularly checked and topped off as needed. The manufacturer recommends changing the engine oil after every 50 hours of use or at least once per year and replacing the oil filter every 100 hours.

To change the oil, you open a small drain plug at the bottom of the engine and use the provided plastic tube to drain the old oil into a catchment container. When the oil finishes draining, you close the valve and add new oil through the oil refill plug under the oil dipstick at the top of the engine.

Engine Maintenance: Air Filter

Another important, regular maintenance required on this engine is cleaning and replacing the air filter. The air filter is located under a cover at the front of the engine. Cleaning and replacing it does not require any tools. However, it should be done after ever few hours of use, especially in dusty operating conditions.

The engine’s gas tank is under the hood in the front of the machine and next to the engine. It uses regular unleaded gasoline for operation. Adding a fuel stabilizer product or draining the gas tank during long-term storage helps protect the engine from corrosion.

Transmission

This Husqvarna riding mower is equipped with a K46, V-Twin hydrostatic transmission, which operates without a clutch. This type of transmission means you don’t need to stop when you change speeds or move from forward to reverse. Plus, you don’t need to operate a hand lever to move from one transmission speed to another.

The foot-operated transmission shift gives you control over forward and reverse operation and speed without needing to take your hands off the steering wheel.

The maximum forward speed on this Husqvarna lawnmower is 5.5 mph, a safe and efficient speed for mowing on flat, even ground, or driving the machine from one area to another. The maximum reverse speed is 2.5 mph, and for most maneuvering in reverse, you need far less speed than that.

The hydrostatic transmission uses a hydraulic pump and motor to control a foot pedal for changing speed and direction. The fluid system is closed and does not need monitoring under most circumstances. However, it’s essential to check the ower’s manual for maintenance schedules, oil recommendations, and system capacities for properly maintaining this or any other ride-on lawnmower.

Cutting Deck

The main difference between this model and the YTH24V54 Husqvarna lawn tractor is the larger deck size on this model. Like other Husqvarna models, both models use the Briggs Stratton 24 HP engine and rugged Tex-style body framework.

The cutting deck is built from rugged, stamped steel. Under the deck, you find a triple-blade cutting system with a total cutting width of 54-inches. The broad cutting area considerably reduces the number of passes you need to make to mow any sized area. The wide cutting deck is a significant advantage if you’re mowing a large field.

The mower blades are easy to engage while the machine is moving or when stationary. The cutting blades are activated with the assistance of an electrical switch. All you do to activate the cutting blades is pull on a large button on the dash panel, and the blades start rotating.

Turning off the cutting blades is equally straightforward and involves pushing the same switch back to the original position. The mandrels have a grease fitting to assist with lubrication and keeping the blades working correctly.

With the washout port equipped on the deck, cleanup with this lawnmower is a breeze. Using the included nozzle adapter, attach a garden hose to the washout port after every use and the running water will clean the cutting deck for you.

Warning: Low-quality Included Blades

Some buyers found the original blades on this lawnmower to be low-quality and sit too high inside the cutting deck, increasing the cut’s height and allowing for the buildup of debris above the blades.

Replacing the blades with higher-quality blades that sit lower solved the problem for one customer. Blade replacement is straightforward and only requires a couple of wrenches and minimal mechanical experience.

The mowing deck on this Husqvarna riding mower uses air induction technology to lift grass into a vertical position just before the blades cut it. This feature keeps the cut more even and uniformly discharges cut material from the machine’s side.

The anti-scalp wheels located at each corner of the cutting deck assure that the blades stay up off the ground so they don’t kick up dust and leave bald spots when cutting on uneven terrain. Lifting and lowering the cutting deck is power-assisted, allowing the operator to FOCUS on control of the machine while changing the height of the cutting blades.

Ergonomic Features

You can adjust the seat height to accommodate larger and smaller operators. The back of the seat is a comfortable 15-inches high, giving you lots of back support.

The operator seating area is accessible from either side of the machine in the step-through design. The generous floor space and adjustable seat make this mower suitable for larger and smaller people to operate.

Optional Attachments

This Husqvarna 54-inch mower can be used with a snow blower attachment, part number 587293701. The mower also has an attachment for a mulch kit that can spread lawn fertilizer and a hitch for towing a trailer.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Buyer Feedback

This Husqvarna lawn mower model has received positive reviews from many customers. A few buyers have reported problems with blades, belts, and bearings failing after limited use.

Some customers noted that this mower has trouble negotiating the steepest terrain and pulling heavy loads in a trailer without overheating the transmission. They suggest it is best suited for lighter-duty service and mowing conditions on more even ground.

A few buyers reported they had to pay an additional fee to have the machine fully assembled before delivery. Other buyers posted they were able to perform all assembly themselves with minimal effort.

Overview of the Husqvarna 54 Inch Riding Mower

The Husqvarna yth24v54 is a lawnmower with plenty of power and maneuverability for mowing large and small lawns in residential settings, but it’s not a lawnmower suitable for commercial mowing applications.

The easy-start ignition, simple transmission control features, and ergonomic seating and access make this machine suitable for buyers with limited experience using a gas-powered, ride-on lawnmower.

So, if you are looking for a gas ride-on mower that is easy to use, compact to store, and requires minimal maintenance, you might want to take this lawnmower for a test drive.

FAQ

Is the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower considered noisy?

No, the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is not considered noisy compared to other mowers.

What is the top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 5-6 mph.

What is the average life of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The average life of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Conclusions About the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

This Husqvarna model is an excellent mower for people with limited experience using a ride-on mower. If you need the power of a gas-driven machine along with easy maneuverability, this is the right choice.

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 model requires a minimal amount of regular maintenance of oil levels, chassis lubrication, tire-pressure checks, and air filter cleaning. However, these routine tasks require few tools and minimal effort for most buyers.

Anyone who needs an easy-to-use, ride-on, gas mower for regular-duty residential mowing could benefit from owning one of these machines.

I tested John Deere’s premium 100-series lawn tractor for two weeks during spring cleanup season. Here’s what I discovered.

By Mark Wolfe | Published Apr 21, 2022 9:10 AM

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For anyone maintaining a half-acre or larger property, a lawn tractor makes life easier. A really good lawn tractor offers a combination of power, maneuverability, reliability, and operator comfort for a wide range of chores. than simply a ride-on mower, a lawn tractor might be used to collect leaves and grass clippings, tow a dump cart or lawn aerator, push a snow blower or snow plow, or assist in many other chores. The John Deere S130 has established a solid track record as a premium lawn tractor for midsize properties.

John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor: At a Glance

Rating: 8.5/10

PROS

• Excellent power and size for 0.5 to 2 acres
• Tight turning radius
• Smooth, comfortable ride
• High vantage point
• Easy maintenance
• Compatible with many handy attachments
• Manufactured in Greeneville, Tennessee

CONS

• Higher price than the similarly equipped competition
• Limited capability on hilly terrain

Get the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor at:

What Is the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor?

Built in Greeneville, Tennessee, the S130 marks the point of separation between entry-level and premium John Deere 100-series lawn tractors. It uses the same 42-inch Edge mower deck as the S100 and S120 models but boasts numerous performance and convenience upgrades found on the S140 and higher models, such as:

• 724-cc, 22-HP Briggs Stratton 44 V-twin gas engine
• TLT 200 hydrostatic transaxle
• Single-lever throttle with spring return choke
• Electric blade engagement
• Dash-mounted fuel gauge
• 20 x 10.0-8 rear tires
• John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system

The powerful engine with a full-pressure lubrication system, 12-gauge solid steel frame, solid cast-iron front axle, and many other quality construction details indicates that this machine is built for decades of dependable service. John Deere S130 attachments include both branded and universal implements, like baggers, snow blowers, dump carts, and many others (sold separately) that expand its capabilities well beyond summertime and mowing.

How Comfortable Is this John Deere Lawn Tractor?

Immediately after accepting delivery, I couldn’t resist taking the S130 for a quick drive around the yard at dusk. A few details stood out immediately. First, sitting on the mower provides a high vantage point. At 32 inches above ground level, the seat base was 3 inches higher than my old lawn tractor. And the seat itself is made in two sections, the bottom and the backrest with a small space between rather than a one-piece molded seat. The configuration allowed for good ventilation, and I found it to be quite comfortable.

Regarding the controls and startup, the S130 has a convenient layout. The easy-to-read fuel gauge, parking brake, single-lever spring-assisted choke and throttle, electric push-switches for blade engagement and mowing in reverse, and the ignition are all located in the dashboard cluster around the steering wheel. The ergonomic spring-assisted deck lift lever is located on the mower frame to the right side of the seat. On the floorboard, side-by-side forward and reverse pedals are located on the right and the brake pedal on the left. The fuel tank fill cap is located beneath the seat where it is very easy to access, rather than being tucked under the hood as in many other lawn tractors.

A few more features stood out as I drove around the yard. The hydrostatic transmission operates quietly, with almost none of the typical whining noise. The large 20×10 tires, both taller and wider than those on other lawn tractors, provided excellent cushion to smooth out the bumps. Also, where other lawn tractors skid their front wheels around the tightest turns, the S130’s front wheels tracked extremely well to deliver tight, articulate turns. Finally, the headlights were super bright and effective working in near-dark conditions.

How Powerful Is the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor?

Most 42-inch riding mowers are built with engines rated between 17 and 20 horsepower, so the S130’s 22 horsepower exceeds expectations. Testing coincided with my yearly extra-low mow to remove the excess brown foliage on my warm-season grass as the new growth started pushing out. The extra horsepower prevented the blades from bogging down, allowing the mower to proceed at a normal pace.

Also during the test period, I was working on a project that required hauling a dozen 60-pound bags of concrete to the back corner of the yard, for a total weight of 720 pounds. The maximum tongue weight for this lawn tractor is 443 pounds, and my route included a few upward slopes. I attached my garden trailer via the S130’s drop pin hitch and loaded a 360-pound load, stacking the bags just forward of the trailer axle where they would transfer downward pressure onto the rear wheels of the mower. The result was mixed.

Although there were no symptoms that the weight was too much for the engine, the tires lost traction in a couple of the steep spots so that I had to push the weight farther forward to complete the run. It is worth noting that the manufacturer instructs owners not to mow on slopes greater than 13 degrees (about 4.5 feet in elevation change in 20 linear feet) to avoid accidents and injuries. The wider than average tires increase surface contact but reduce pounds per square inch, which is a great formula for protecting grass but not the best for grip. For snow removal, I would recommend purchasing rear weights and tire chains for best performance.

Is the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor Worth the Money?

At an MSRP of 2,399, the John Deere S130 is priced as much as 500 higher than other 42-inch ride-on mowers from top brands at nationwide retailers. However, a long list of features on the S130, like the hydrostatic transaxle, 22-horsepower V-twin engine, heavy-duty steel frame, large rear tires, electric blade engagement system, and more place it in lonely territory at the top of the list. This lawn tractor is built for decades of dependable hard work, year round. Compared to competitors’ products, it appears to be fairly priced for premium equipment.

Is the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor Right for You?

If the lowest price is your number one concern or if your property is much less than a half-acre, then the John Deere S130 may not be the best fit. It may not be the right choice for properties larger than 2 or 3 acres, or where steep hills present a challenge. But for shoppers with 0.5 to 2 acres who are looking for power, durability, versatility, comfort, and overall performance at a fair price, this lawn tractor should be a top contender.

Two of John Deere’s closest competitors in this category are the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 (2,399), and the Husqvarna YTH22V46 (2,299). While the Husqvarna beats the S130 price by 100, John Deere covers the 100 difference with added comfort and performance. Both Husqvarna and Cub Cadet boast similar 22-horsepower engines and larger 46-inch decks, but the S130 has a higher vantage point, tighter turning, and larger rear tires for a smoother ride. Additionally, John Deere’s 30-second oil change system is a game changer for routine maintenance. From my experience with the S130, I am convinced that it would be a great choice.

Where to Buy the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor

Get the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor at:

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