John Deere S240 Lawn Mower

[@tomn5880]

We have a S240. It does all the work that a 300 series does with the cost of a 100 series. Our lot measures 120 wide x 150 deep. We have a row of shade trees to the west of the house and the 240 does the serpentine around the trees just fine. We had a Husquvarna 18.5 single cylinder Briggs and Stanton and had nothing but problems with the valve retainers. This Kawasaki V twin is really smooth. Used to take 1 hour 15 minutes to mow the lawn now it takes 45 minutes. It's not how fast you mow, it's how well you mow fast.

[@tomn5880]

@Tristan Heckler We have the 42 inch. 150 x 150 city lot with trees and bushes. 1,315 sq. foot home with 28 x 28 attached garage.

[@tomn5880]

@Tristan Heckler Do you get snow?

[@tomn5880]

Yes we do. I have a Cub Cadet 8 hp 26 cut 2 stage walk behind snow blower that clears our 26' x 50' driveway in 10 minutes. For 1019 we've had over 48 inches of snow.

[@davidboyd7494]

Appreciate the info. Just bought the S240 today.

[@rickwascher4730]

Bought mine last spring. Love it.

[@josephpruett6388]

The S240 is one of the coolest lawn mowers around (mostly due to the hood scoop), but considering it’s their sport model, I wish they would’ve put a 25 horse engine like they do with the E180

[@JeffHolmes]

Just got mine 2 weeks ago I love it!

[@mrbubetube]

linky or your stinky

[@Stu650Zuk]

Much nicer with the Kawasaki engine for sure, and a good price for it too. My D140,,pretty much the same machine minus the engine..Well the Briggs started knocking badly this summer at only 560hrs. It was always maintained and not abused either and stored indoors. I have a real commercial zero turn..A Kubota Z725 which is awesome,,but very expensive. But I always had a need for the smaller JD at some customers places. I passed on the x300 yrs ago as the hydro isn't a commercial hydro..They are asking commercial pricing for homeowner quality machines. This new S model even though it still has the smaller tuff torq trans works just fine on level ground and never tow anything heavier than a lawn cart. This way I have a spare machine,,my old D140 with many useable parts for the new one. I borrowed a friends Husqvarna LGT 2654 to finish out the season with...Its okay and even comes with a better Kohler engine than the D series JD's do. Terrible frame flex however and poorer designed hydraulic controls..It doesn't stop the minute you put it in neutral position. The deck is poorly designed as well as it scalps everywhere. I adjusted it as best as I could for him on that Husky but its just in the way it was designed. It does however have better blade speed than any JD i have used. They all have their ups and downs but for the cheaper homeowner this new model JD will work fine for my small machine areas even though its not commercial rated..The engine should last much longer than 560hrs being a Kawasaki..sorry for the long post...been doing this for a long time..

[@cwmcclintock5757]

FWIW, depending upon where you live... Sept thru Nov is the time when Manufacturers bring out price-breaks to move certain inventory and your local Dealers can have inventory reasons, too. If you consider Big-Box store mechanicals aren't your fav, check the mower manufacturers' website, and local Dealer. Fire sales are rare, but ya can save a few bucks or get extras thrown in.

[@scottmcphailii7733]

Good call. Forgot to mention that this model is only available at the dealers.

[@loldude716]

I owned a Craftsman DYT 4000 and it ran for 16 years with little too no maintenance. I bought a new craftsman thinking it would be about the same but I was proven wrong within hours of the delivery. I just ordered my s240 this morning hoping it's as good as the dealer says

[@Kookamungawerewolf]

I bought one in 2015. I have 200+ hours on it. The Kawasaki engine is remarkably quiet. Have had some minor problems with PTO wiring circuit and mud dauber screwed up the ignition switch(leave key in or put tape over switch to prevent this). I wish it had more aggressive tires on the back. I bought a seat cover for it.

[@cwmcclintock5757]

Thank you for Giving Back. I too have the ubiquitous 20+ yr-old Craftsman which is in dire need of a well-earned retirement. The Reverse button bypass is a good idea, too. The Deere X3??'s have a plethora of redundant switches/buttons. I get the safety issues, but it is overdone for ease of use. This S240 might be a Goldilocks "just right".

[@tomn5880]

A word of caution: I have been researching oil filters for my JD s240. OEM oil filter only traps particles 35 microns and larger. Wix filters trap particles 21 microns and larger. Contaminates are like sandpaper on smooth bearing surfaces. The larger the contaminate suspended in the lubricant, the faster dirty oil can damage the engine. I use 100% synthetic engine oil because the oil does NOT hold particles in suspension.

[@DONALD1951]

Tom n What branch? Type? Thanks

[@tomn5880]

@@DONALD1951 What branch what???

[@markriffle537]

Thanks for the reverse disable tip!

[@isaachodges4001]

I have this exact one being delivered this morning and I can't wait!

[@donnieflame]

how is it so far? i have one being delivered tomorow at noon 2020 model s240

[@isaachodges4001]

@@donnieflame It's been great. No issues at all.

[@556suppressor]

Just bought a 2018 S240 with 48" deck for $1599. Has 50 hours. I need to get the blades up higher because it cuts the grass too low. Going to measure the deck lower lip and blade height over a concrete surface then compare to 4" on the height lever.

[@yogib37]

I have an S240 also, I have just over 6.5 hours on it. I love it.. it is a good machine. I personally keep all the switches in place. they are there for a reason. Just my preference.

[@jameshendrick8499]

Outstanding performance

[@pateric8874]

Can you give us a video of how you disabled the reverse button please. I hate it!!!

[@lancomedic]

Thanks for the mow in reverse hack.

[@akaitsmedre]

I just bought my S240 four days ago and was shocked the first time I tried to mow. One side of the deck adjustment was totally missing!! Wow, how's that for inspection before delivery. I am totally disappointed in JD and this makes me wonder what else is going to be wrong. I could have purchased many mowers for much less money.

[@pagodad2036]

akaitsmedre where did you buy yours from? Big box store? If so I’m not surprised.

[@akaitsmedre]

@@pagodad2036 - no I didn't buy from big box store and I was very surprised. There were also other issues. I will say JD and the dealer store I bought it from stood behind the product so I am thankful. I returned it and bought another brand mower

[@rds990]

@@pagodad2036 Can't buy an S240 at a big box store. Dealers only

[@JustTheGman]

Looking at this or the Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50 FAB, which has some better comfort spec and equally good reviews but I am told Deere is better for reliability and repair costs. Also, one extra year warranty. Both exactly same price. I am still unsure which way to go.

[@ciphercode2298]

I've a 2013 cub cadet ltx1040 and it's been an ok mower, but getting long in the tooth. I've never liked the manual pto and the deck moves around alot leaving an ok,but not great cut. I'm looking at getting a new mower and the cub cadet you mentioned and this s240 are within my budget. Which did you end up choosing and what are your thoughts now.

[@Kookamungawerewolf]

I have a 2014 S240 with 42” deck and really like it. I like the pedals on yours. Mine is heel-toe which is uncomfortable. Only problems I have had is I had to add an extra washer(from Deere) between the rear wheel hubs and axle sleeve. One washer provided too much clearance and when turning you could feel the wheels shift and it would make a loud clunk. This was after I had the mower about a month. 2nd problem was PTO switch became erratic causing starting difficulties. The switch overheated and melted part of the socket. I replaced switch(I think Cub Cadet uses same switch) and fixed that problem.lately the parking brake interlock switch has been giving problems so I will replace it. All in all the mower is a good mower and I have been pleased with mine. One more thing, if you don’t leave the key in the ignition switch, put a piece of tape over it to keep tiny mud dauber wasps from laying eggs in it and sealing it with mud. That also cost me to replace the ignition switch.

[@DONALD1951]

Anyone use the bagging system yet for the S240- 42” deck?

[@tomn5880]

Donald: the bagger ought to work just fine if you have the proper lift blades for it. I had a bagger for my former Husquvarna machine and it didn't bag for s*it. Had to go toooo sloooooooooow for it to work. Ended up taking the discharge chute off and let the discharge clipping be cast to the wind. My S240 deck has a mulch plate and does the grass just fine.

[@DONALD1951]

Tom n Where did you get the mulch plate. Is it just a blank cover? Thanks

[@tomn5880]

@@DONALD1951 From the John Deere dealer in town. Mine fits like a glove, really tight seal and I have the combo mulch 4 cutting edge blade. I also use my water port when I finish the lawn.

[@tomn5880]

BTW, I took the discharge chute and rock cover off the deck and installed the mulch cover. My neighbors have the convert a deck and my deck does just as sweet of a job as theirs does. Some faint wind rows occasionally but not often. I just slow down a little and the deck chomps it all up.

[@teamslaiyans3808]

Is there a bagging system for the 48” deck ?

[@eddayz7492]

After 3 years how has the S240 held up and any issues appear.

[@scottmcphailii7733]

Zero.

[@keymanduff]

Hi thanks for the video. I almost got taken off the seat with a bush that caught on to my arm thanks that I did NOT disconnect the stupid seat disconnect switch. It could have gone another way. Think about it.

[@DONALD1951]

Can’t you get an X series for the same price? And any opinion on the 48vs the 42” deck would be appreciated. I have a 42” now..it’s ok but I have an acre. Just afraid of more maintenance with 3 blades and the cut quality. Thanks.

[@scottmcphailii7733]

I don't think you can get the X series for the same price unless they are running some deal. For me cut isn't important I just want it done! Lol! The 48" does feel like it's a good deal quicker to compete the lawn. Just make sure you have the space for a bigger deck.

[@DONALD1951]

Scott McPhail II Thanks. I’ve decided on the S240. I don’t need the X series. I will just cut grass. No snow. The S240 felt very nice when I sat on it. The X was only $400 more on sale through today. Then the bagger was $200 more. Only thing I like better on the X series is the gas fill on the fender. Good luck with it.

[@southernfarmtech]

@@DONALD1951 Another plus of the X series is ball bearings in the front axle as opposed to the typical bushing sleeves with the less expensive models. I wound up with an X390 last year...I was shocked when I compared to a premium Husqvarna tractor that they did not have the ball bearings. But if you have a flat yard, and keep them greased, the bushings go for a long time, just not as heavy duty. The S240 is a nice compromise....just depends on your needs I guess!

[@jaysav9401]

@@southernfarmtech the S240 has front wheel ball bearings also, the 100 series all have bushing style sleeves on the front wheels.

[@fourbyfourer]

What a beautiful machine.

[@wolves_blade4788]

You still like this mower

[@scottmcphailii7733]

Yup. Does the job.

[@mrbubetube]

@@scottmcphailii7733 post another video! how does it handle hills?

[@teamslaiyans3808]

Thinking bout the S140 or S240 🤔🤔🤔

[@mrbubetube]

I'd definitely go with the S240, especially if you have some hills to mow

[@dannaylor8794]

My S240 is coming soon!

[@mrbubetube]

post a video! there aren't many S240 videos on youtube, we need more!

[@wvdiggingroots]

I unhooked seat cause I have all hill side yard few level but mostly hillside

[@rickferko406]

When I disengage the mower blades, it makes a ratchet grinding noise. Is that normal ? Mower is new and started doing this after the 2nd use. !

[@scottmcphailii7733]

Sorry Rick. Mine isn't doing that.

[@Sam.Singh101]

Thanks for the nice review Scott.. what did u pay for it?

[@scottmcphailii7733]

Almost $3k is what there're listed for (48" deck). Forgot to mention you can only get these at your local John Deere dealer. So they might give you a free hat with the purchase!

[@Sam.Singh101]

Scott McPhail II alright thanks for the info!

[@anthonymarino4260]

Thanks for sharing

[@dudedude8931]

For the price difference you’re way better off with the X330. Not that much more and you get a way sturdier machine. The kawi engine in this compared to the Briggs commercial in the x330 isn’t much of a difference other than more horse in the Briggs. Other than power it’s preference. Idk.. personally I don’t get the point of this machine. Paying almost X series price for a machine that’s got one foot in the big box stores quality. 🤷‍♂️

[@DrakeAlan31]

Does it have a famous plastic transmission? Kawasaki does no good, linked to plastic.

[@teamslaiyans3808]

Why’d you disable the reverse button ?

[@mrbubetube]

because it's a worthless pain in the ass

[@rds990]

I've got this one....TERRIFIC machine. I have 2 acres and it performs like a champ. Get the mulching blades tho....great for the lawn and no bunge.

[@ericdolby1622]

Sucks that these are $3800 now

[@abbabb8641]

MILKY SPORE will get rid of the brown spots.

[@ZulkSOD]

It's so ugly though compared to the 300

[@mdigi88]

Are you looking to cut grass or enter it into a beauty pageant?