John Deere S160 Reviews and Specs

John Deere had an eventful year in 2021. This year, the company improved its zero-turn mowers by introducing the Z500 Series and the Z365R model. Along with these advanced lawn mowers, John Deere also provided a great deal for homeowners by offering a home line of products, including the S100 series.

This series has everything a home gardener could want. The new developments throughout the entire series are worth discussing. And we’ve covered the John Deere S160 model in this article.

The S160 is an all-in-one model with great features like increased horsepower, ergonomic design, EdgeTM cutting technologies, improved functionality, and an affordable price tag.

This riding lawn tractor is designed to make the yard and landscaping tasks simple for you. So, without any delay, let us start our article to look at the features that make the S160 a hit among its users.

Table of Contents

John Deere S160 Specs

The John Deere S160 riding tractor has been designed by keeping in mind the need of modern-day home gardeners. As a result, this model comes with some great specs that make mowing an enjoyable task.

In this section, we have presented the key specifications of the S160 to assist you in understanding what it is made up with.

Go through the table to form a basic understanding of this specific model.

Model	John Deere S160
Family name	2021- present
Type	Lawn Tractor
Manufacturer	John Deere
Manufacturing location	Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
Original price	$2, 699 (2021 )
General Specifications
Engine Power (Gross)	24 hp
Type	Lawn and garden tractor
Power take-off (PTO)	Electric PTO
Height	45.3 in.
Length (overall)	74.9 in.
Width (with the mower)	60.8 in.
Weight	481 lb (without fuel)
Wheel Base	48.9 in.
Front Axle	Cast iron
Cabin type	Open operator station
Tires
Lawn/turf front:	15 x 6 - 6
Lawn/turf rear:	20 x 10 - 8
Engine Specifications
Engine Manufacturer/ model	44U877 (M44)
Engine Type	Air-cooled vertical-shaft, overhead-valve, full-pressure lube, oil filter
Cylinders	V-twin- extended life series (ELS)
No. of cylinders	2
Governor	Mechanical
Displacement	724 cc
Starter	Electric
Cooling System	Air
Air Cleaner	Cartridge with prefilter
Oil change	John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
Bore and stroke
Fuel tank capacity	2.4 U.S. gal. 9.1 L
Fuel type	Gasoline
Fuel delivery	Pulse pump and carburetor
Tank location	Rear
Fuel fill opening	Center, 1.75 in. 4.45 cm
Electrical System
Battery	12 V 300 CCA
Charging system	Regulated
Charging amps	14 amp
Engine starter	Bendix type
Hour meter	Yes
Backup light	No
Rear works lights	No
12-V outlet	No
Headlights	Two standard, incandescent
Tail Lights or reflector	Reflectors
Transmission
Type/ model	Hydrostatic Transmission w/side-by-side pedals
Control	Side-by-side pedals
Cruise control	Standard
Brakes	Internal wet disk
Oil filter	Yes, not serviceable
Oil cooler	Fins and fan on transaxle
Steering type	Sector and pinion with single drag link and tie rod
Differential locks	No
Forward speed	0-5.5 mph 0-8.9 km/h
Reverse speed	0-3.2 mph 0-5.2 km/h
Chassis
Type	2WD
Frame	Full-length welded steel
Fender deck material	Stamped steel
Hood material	Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent
Equipment mounting	CargO Mount™ system
Cupholder	Yes
Storage	Storage tray with cover
Floor mats	Yes, with dirt removing channels
Fender handles/grips	Hand Grips
Deck
Type	Side discharge
Cutting width	48 inches; Edge™ mower deck
Construction	Stamped steel deck shell
Material	Steel; 12 gauge
Wash port	Yes
Drive system	Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch
Adjustment	One bolt
Wheels	Four
Mower wheel adjustment	One bolt
Mower level adjustment	Easy-level deck
Steering
Four-wheel steer	Not available
Steering wheel	Deluxe, diameter - 14 in. 35.6 cm
Turning radius	18 in.
Uncut circle radius	20 in.
Seat
Type	One piece with lumbar adjustment
Seat back height	15 in. 38 cm
Fore-aft adjustment	While seated 5.5 in. 14 cm
Armrests	No
Seat suspension	Tilt, two coil spring
Lift
Type	Spring-assisted hand-grip lever
Mower cut height	13 positions, 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm
Hydraulic outlets	No
Cut height increment	0.25 in.
Preset cut heights	No
Attachability
Type	Slide under tractor
Front draft arms	One spring clip
Rear draft arms	Two spring clips
Mower wheels rotate	No
Drive system	Single belt
Equipment (Optional)
Rear bagger	2-bag, 6.5 bu
Blade	Front-mount 46" Mid-mount 48”
Snowblower	Front-mount 44"; two-stage
Mulching system	Mulch cover
Sprayer	Tow-behind only, 15 U.S. gal. Mounted, 15 U.S. gal. Tow-behind only, 25 U.S. gal. 94.6 L
Spreader	Tow-behind only 125-175 lb 57.7-80 kg
Weather protection	Weather enclosure
Front bumper	Included
Sun canopy	Yes
Bucket holder	Yes, single bucket
Grass striping	Lawn striping kit
Tow-behind tools	16
Safety
ANSI standard	Yes
OPEI standard	Yes
Backup protection	Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
Safety video	Yes
Warranty
US Warranty	2 year/120-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty

Detailed Features of John Deere S160

This is a broad section where we will discuss the S160’s features in greater depth. The following subheadings will give you a thorough introduction to this model. We are sure that the information provided below will help you in getting a better understanding of the S160 and allow you to make an informed decision.

We’ll start with the S160’s general/physical specifications and work our way to the model’s attachment options. Hence, please keep reading to learn more about some of its most important features.

1. General/ Physical Specs

Designed for first-time home gardeners, the John Deere S160 is highly pleasing to the eyes. Its yellow-green body color will match the greenery of your lawn and will stand for the trademark of the tractor manufacturing brand- John Deere.

It is said that the first impression is the last impression, and this tractor stands true to this proverb. Just by one look, you will fall in love with this machine. Its compact body, great color coding, smooth finishing, and open operator’s cabin are some of its physical features that do the talking for the S160.

As a part of the S100 series, this machine shares several features common with its cousin models, including the S140 and S120. However, certain physical features are updated in this model. To start with, the S160 produces an overall power of 24hp, which is an improved version of the S120 and S140- both offer a power of 22hp.

Now let’s look at the tractor’s dimension. The S160 has the dimension of 74.9″ x 60.8″ x 45.3″ (l x b x h). You should have a clear knowledge of the dimension of the tractor you are buying to match it with the size of your lawn. In this regard, the S160 is a pretty compact model that is great for mowing large-sized home lawns (above 3 acres). Moreover, the horsepower of this model is ideally complemented by its 48″ mower deck.

When we talk about the weight, the S160 model weighs around 481 lb, more than the S120 (444lb) and S140 (468lb). Here, we must mention that although this riding mower is on the weightier side, you must not be concerned about its maneuverability. This weight perfectly complements the mower’s advanced features and deck size.

Furthermore, the open operator’s system and the cast-iron front axel are two added features that add to the durability and beauty of the model.

2. Engine

After going ga-ga over the physical specs of the S160, let us shed some light on the robustness of its engine.

At the end of the day, we all realize that what matters is how well a lawnmower performs its mowing duties. Hence, depending on the lawn size and your mowing needs, choosing the ideal engine power is necessary.

In the case of the S160, the brand has packed it with the 44U877 (M44) engine that can produce 24 hp. So you can surely go for this model if you have a bumpy lawn or a hillside lawn. The engine is strong enough to keep up with the rough terrain without going crazy. That said, one feature that makes the S160 stand apart from other S100 series models is its ELS features that ensure the engine performs efficiently over an extended period and gets a longer life.

Furthermore, the S160 has a 2.4 US gallon tank, ideal for use on a small to medium-sized lawn. However, if your lawn is larger than 3 acres, this tank capacity may be a deterrent. The displacement of this model is 724 cc, which is the same as the S120 and S140. A large displacement suggests that the engine can produce more energy. However, because more fuel is expended with each turning, you may need to refuel your tank if you have a long lawn task.

This model’s 30-second oil change system makes it simple to change the oil. It’s as simple as mangling on a new oil-filled filter to change the oil. Also, the engine’s oil does not need to be drained.

The V-twin cylinder, gasoline fuel, and electric start are just a few of the other John Deere brand’s signature features in the S160.

3. Electric Start

The electric start feature is unmistakable when it comes to John Deere riding lawn tractors.

The S160 has an electric start option, making it simple for users to start the tractor even in harsh winter conditions. There’s also a 12 V battery and a 14 amp Bendix-type engine starter. This variant also includes two standard incandescent headlights, an hour meter, and reflectors.

4. Transmission & Chassis

The Tuff Torq TL200 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission is conventional on the S160. Mowing, cutting, and snow blowing become easier with this transmission type. A foot pedal control system with side-by-side pedals is also included. The S160 has a maximum forward speed of 8.8 km/h and a maximum reverse speed of 5.1 km/h.

The internal wet disc makes it easier to stop the tractor in wet conditions without hiccups. In addition, the turning radius of 18 inches allows users to move the mower even in the narrowest nooks of the yard.

Furthermore, the S160 model has a solid one-piece frame made of 12-gauge fully welded steel for additional durability and longevity. Also, the front axle is made of cast iron and will not deform under pressure. Besides that, the molded-in color material reduces noise, does not rust or dent, and maintains the mower’s body hue for an extended period.

5. Attachments

Attachments are an essential component of any riding lawnmower. Nowadays, users mow-a-day look for riding lawn mowers that can be used for more than just mowing. And in this context, the S160 comes out on top because it includes the CargO MountTM system, making it simple to install the rear bagger, sun canopy, and other accessories.

In terms of optional equipment, users can attach a John Deere snowblower or front blade to make snow removal easier. Weather protection and tire-chain attachments can also be latched with the S160 model.

Some of the other optional equipment to latch with this model include the following:

The front-mounted 46″ blade
The tow-behind sprayer
Bagger
Mulcher
Grass stripper
Front bumper
Weather protection, etc.

6. Safety

When purchasing a riding lawnmower, safety should not be overlooked. John Deere recognizes the significance of aligning its machines with standard safety rules. As a result, the S160 includes all of the necessary safety features.

To be more specific, the S160 meets ANSI and OPEI safety standards, and it comes with a safety video. Furthermore, the ‘Reverse Implement Option (RIO)’ enables the rider to drive the tractor in reverse. Operating the mower in reverse, on the other hand, is not recommended unless the rider needs to reposition the machine while the mower is still engaged. Also, while starting the mower in RIO mode, perform the following steps:

Bring the mower to a halt.
Check behind the mower to make sure there aren’t any bystanders.
While operating the machine in reverse mode, press and hold the RIO switch.
When the machine begins to move backward, release the RIO switch and readjust it.
Maintain the mower’s mode of operation.
Return to forwarding motion

Now let us focus on the open operating system, which is a great feature to offer easy hopping on the machine but could be dangerous in the case of any turnover. Also, an open operating system is not a great thing to cover the rider from bad weather conditions. In other words, it might become tough to operate the lawnmower in windy conditions.

7. Serviceability

Nobody wants to end up with a lawnmower that is difficult to service. The S160, on the other hand, has an easy-open hood that makes serviceability simple and convenient. The one-piece hood unlocks easily, enabling you to evaluate and service the engine easily. Additionally, a service interval sticker is added inside the tractor hood for ease of service.

John Deere S160 Pros and Cons

The John Deere S160 is a great product. However, it is not devoid of any disadvantages. In this section, therefore, we will be summarizing the factors we liked about the John Deere S160 riding lawnmower and the points that might make it a NO for a few people.

So, go through this section to make your informed choice.

Pros:

Improved power- 24hp
The Edge™ cutting system
It comes with several equipment options
Great attachability
Good serviceability
Complies ANSI and OPEI safety requirements
V-twin cylinder
High displacement
Ideal for over 3 acres of land size
Extended life series (ELS) engine
Features the Star Lock blade design
18 inches turning radius
Welded steel frame
Multitasker

Cons:

Open operating system
No protection from elements and accidents
Small fuel tank capacity as compared to the improved engine power
It comes with only-2 years of USA warranty

Summary

This brings us to the conclusion of this post. The John Deere S160 riding lawn tractor is excellent for beginner home gardeners. In addition, this lawnmower is ideal if you have a medium to large lawn or yard. The S160 will not disappoint you with its improved engine power and amazing features. Also, if you’re new to mowing, this riding lawn mower could be your dependable garden companion for years to come.

We expect you enjoyed this article and found all of the information you needed to make an informed purchase decision on the John Deere S160 riding lawnmower. So, with this note, we bid you farewell until we return with another article about another John Deere riding lawnmower.

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