S160 Tractor with 48-in. (122-cm) Edge cutting system
48-in. (122-cm) Edge cutting system
The Edge cutting system has been trademarked to emphasize the advantages of the John Deere mower deck designs. They give superior mowing performance, convenience, and reliability:
The deep deck design lifts grass for a clean, even cut.
The smooth underside has no nooks and crannies, preventing grass buildup and evenly dispersing grass clippings.
The rolled outer edge of the deck provides extra strength and protection.
Dual-stage E-coat and powder paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.
Flexible discharge chute minimizes property and mower deck damage.
The 48-in. (122-cm) Edge Mower Deck is a three-spindle design with heavy-duty characteristics:
The 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.7-mm) steel deck provides years of dependable mowing.
Included three-in-one blades work well for side-discharge, mulching, or bagging.
The blade-to-spindle design provides a unique mounting system for the mower blade that gives extra safety and convenience.
Four mower deck wheels are standard equipment for a smooth mowing job in rolling terrain.
No tools are required to switch from mulching to side discharge to rear bagging.
A mulching cover is an optional attachment that can be installed without the use of tools.
High-performance mulching blades are available to enhance mulching performance.
Mower wash port
Mower wash port
Mower wash port with hose connector
A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy:
A hose connector is included with mower deck.
StarLock™ blade design
StarLock blade design
The StarLock blade design keeps the blade bolt at the correct torque for easy removal.
Optional blades for difficult mulching or bagging conditions are available.
Optional bagger
6.5-bu (229-L) hopper and chute on an S140
A cut-and-throw, 6.5-bu (229-L) bagger is sold separately and comes with bagging blades. Special bagging blades are not required but they can enhance performance.
The bagger kit provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves. It can be set up without tools in minutes and has easy-to-empty bags.
The solid one-piece frame is constructed of 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.66-mm) steel:
Full-length, robotically welded frame design has high-strength steel rails for added strength and long life.
One-piece, steel fender deck is bolted to the frame.
Cast-iron front axle will not bend
Front axle and wheel spindle
The front axle is constructed of solid cast iron that will not bend:
Automotive-like steering system with sector and pinion steering gears and single drag link with a tie rod provides a very strong, low-effort, and tight-turning system.
Three grease fittings, on both steering spindles and center pivot, allow for regular lubrication to help maintain easy steering and minimize wear.
Large, 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) diameter wheel spindles provide excellent durability.
Front bumper protects the tractor
Front bumper
Front bumper
The front bumper is included on the S130, S140, S160, S170, and S180. It is available as an optional attachment for the S100, S110, and S120.
Additional front-end protection
Attractive, bold style
CargO Mount™ system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy
Rear CargO Mount points
Front CargO Mount points at the top of the dashboard
Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points
Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points
The CargO Mount system is a combination of front- and rear-mounting points providing convenient and easy installation of the sun canopy, rear bagger, and other attachments.
A Kanzaki® Tuff Torq® hydrostatic transmission gives an infinite choice of speeds and makes changing the direction of travel easy. Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:
Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.
Hydrostatic transmission
Appropriate transmissions are used in each model, depending on rear tire size and tractor performance requirements, to ensure excellent performance and reliability:
This full-featured engine is engineered to deliver world-class endurance and power. A step above the competition, it is designed to be more dependable and longer lasting, saving time and money over the long run.
Built to exceed demanding needs by incorporating premium features and innovative designs:
Overhead valve (OHV) design for cooler operation and longer valve life
Contains an advanced debris management system that directs cooling air through the rotating screen to the air cleaner compartment, where large debris is pre-filtered through ejector slots
Keeps unfiltered air out of the engine through a large, dual-sealed, premium oval-shaped cartridge-style filter
Ensures maximum protection for extended engine life with the premium air cleaner, a pleated paper filter with a foam precleaner
Captures fine particles for maximum protection and extended maintenance
Provides maximum protection with full-pressure lubrication system
Pumps oil by a mechanical gerotor-style pump to all critical engine components
A premium bearing package for improved durability; includes a super-finished crank pin bearing with a 50 percent smoother surface to increase load capacity by 35 percent
Uses a premium DU Teflon®-coated bearing
Helps resist wear and increases durability through self-lubricating bronze bearing
Wear-resistant, chrome-plated valve stems for long-life valves
44 percent smoother for longer life
Cast-iron cylinder liners for longer life
Dependable float-feed type carburetor with integral fuel pump
High-capacity fuel filter for dependable operation
John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean
Maintenance-free electronic ignition for quick, dependable starts
Keep a John Deere lawn tractor running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the lawn tractor’s barcode to get custom information. The app helps determine the best time to mow, communicates expert pre-mow tips, offers maintenance reminders, and provides walk-through guides.
Look for the MowerPlus app on the iOS® or Android™ system app stores.
The app supports residential lawn equipment such as 100 Series, 200 Series, X300, X500, X700, Z200 through Z600, and many similarly sized older products. It does not presently support tractor models numbered 1000 and larger, such as 1025R.
NOTE: Some product image variation may exist.
MowerPlus connectors also available (sold separately)
MowerPlus hour meter connector
MowerPlus deluxe smart connector, with a phone
The John Deere MowerPlus connectors wirelessly link a lawn tractor to the MowerPlus app on a mobile device.
Deluxe smart connector
Hour meter connector
Compatible with lawn tractors
S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180 Model year 2021 and later S240 (SN 880,001- )
S100, S110, S140, S220
Communicates engine usage to track maintenance intervals
X
X
Communicates fuel level and battery health
X
Compatible with MowerPlus app for iOS® operating system
X
X
Compatible with MowerPlus app for Android™ operating system
X
iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
Operator station is designed for comfort (S160 shown)
Comfortable operator station, left side (S170 shown)
The operator station is designed for operator comfort and easy operation:
Controls are positioned where they are easy to reach and use to control the tractor.
The steering wheel is positioned and angled to give the operator plenty of room and steering comfort.
The seat is positioned to provide the most comfortable operator position.
Steering wheel and dash
Wide footrest with debris channels
Controls are easy to see and use:
A deluxe, 14-in. (35.6-cm) steering wheel provides greater operator comfort and control.
Ignition switch is on the dash for starting ease.
Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration rubber floor mats are provided for operator comfort:
The wide footrest makes it easy to step over the mower deck while entering or exiting the seat.
Debris removing channels help keep the footrest area clean and dry.
Comfortable lumbar seat
Comfortable lumbar seat
Lumbar seat adjustment knob
Easy-to-adjust seat
Operator comfort is enhanced with a 15-in. (38-cm) high-back, two-piece seat with an open back:
Especially helpful when operating the tractor for extended periods of time
Easily adjusted forward or rearward while in the seat
Seat travel of 5.5 in. (14 cm) and 10 different positions to adjust for operator height
Seat springs give a smoother ride
Seat tilted forward
Two long seat springs give plenty of seat travel to smooth out the ride, keeping the operator comfortable while operating the tractor.
The seat can be tilted forward for protection from the elements and to provide easy access to the fuel tank.
Beverage holder
Storage compartment with cover
A beverage holder and storage compartment, located on the right fender, are conveniently located and easy to use.
Handgrip and reflector on fender flare
Fender flares cover the tires more completely and add style to the tractor. Handgrips give extra comfort for the operator, especially when operating on hillsides. Reflectors make the tractor more visible.
Snow blower, weather enclosure, weights, and chains on a 100 Series Tractor
Front blade, weather enclosure, and chains on a 100 Series Tractor
An advantage of lawn tractors is their ability to use equipment for snow removal. Lawn tractor owners can add a John Deere snow blower or front blade to make quick work of moving snow whenever the need arises. Weather enclosure and tire-chain attachments add comfort and performance.
Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.
Cruise control (S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180)
Cruise control lever
Cruise control is available on the S120, S130, S160, S170, and the S180:
To engage, lift the cruise lever and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal.
The cruise control can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or the forward pedal.
Mower deck height adjustment
Mower deck height adjustment lever
A spring-assisted, ergonomically designed lift lever simplifies adjusting the mower cut height:
Increments of 1/4 in. (0.64 cm) allow fine-tuning the cut height.
Cut height is adjustable from 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10.2 cm).
The lift handle is shaped for easy use and is out of the way of entering or exiting operators.
Parking brake control
Brake/parking brake pedal
Parking brake lever
The parking brake control is conveniently located on the tractor pedestal for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.
Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch is easy and convenient
Electric PTO engagement switch
The heavy-duty electric PTO clutch is operated with a convenient dash-mounted switch.
Reverse implement option (RIO)
RIO switch
Using RIO
CAUTION: Children or bystanders may be injured by rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:
Carefully check the area around the machine.
Disengage the mower before backing up.
NOTE: Backing up while the mower is engaged is strongly discouraged. RIO should be used only when operating another attachment or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.
Stop forward travel.
Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.
Push and hold in the RIO switch while depressing the reverse pedal slightly.
NOTE: If the engine and mower or other attachment stops while repositioning the machine, return the attachment engagement lever/switch to the off position. Start the engine and engage mower or other attachment. Begin again with step 2.
Release the RIO switch and reposition the machine as the machine begins to move rearward.
Resume forward travel. The mower or other attachment should continue operating.
John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
The John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean. Changing the oil is as easy as twisting on a new oil-filled filter. Oil does not need to be drained from the engine.
The John Deere Easy Change filter is an additional engine oil reservoir. Changing the filter removes the captured contaminants and replaces about 0.8 qt (0.76 L) of engine oil.
The functionality does not stop with ease of use. The Easy Change oil system has several meaningful benefits over the traditional oil filter system of the 100 Series:
A synthetic filter material is used for more predictable filtering and longer life.
Filtering capacity is greater than with a standard oil filter.
More filter surface area
More oil flow capacity
The system has 40 percent more oil volume.
The oil and engine run cooler.
The oil filter valve closes whenever the engine stops, so filtered particles are captured and cannot drain back into the engine.
The risk of spilling during oil service is greatly reduced.
Waste oil (and new oil production) is reduced by over 1,000,000 lb (453,592.4 kg) per tractor production year.
This system is not a compromise to just make oil changes easier—these engines pass the same John Deere expectations and rigorous testing as always.
Partly due to these improvements, it is not necessary to remove and dispose of all the oil in the engine during service.
Everyone who uses the John Deere Easy Change system saves time and avoids the mess of a traditional oil change. In the past, many 100 Series Lawn Tractor owners rarely or never got around to changing their engine oil. With the 30-second oil change, even people who previously would not consider changing the oil themselves can easily do it. The Easy Change system is a no-mess, no-fuss solution the competition cannot match.
Installation instructions are in the Operator’s Manual and in the John Deere Easy Change service part box.
Please recycle. Many local government recycling programs, authorized retailers, auto-service centers, and auto-parts stores will puncture and recycle used oil filters and oil.
An exclusive 2-year or 120-hour single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty* is included for all John Deere 100 Series Tractors.
The warranty is hassle free, with John Deere handling the service and paperwork.
*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.
The one-piece hood opens easily to permit checking and servicing the engine:
Important service points are located within easy reach.
A service-interval decal is provided inside the tractor hood for convenience when servicing the tractor.
John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system
Seat tilted up for easy access to fuel-fill opening
The John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system makes changing the engine oil easy, quick, and clean. Changing the oil is as easy as removing the old oil-filled filter and twisting on a new oil-filled filter.
The seat tilts up and out of the way to make adding fuel easy.
Hood will not rust or dent and includes quality headlights
One-piece hood opens for service access
Quality headlights for good visibility
Molded-in color material reduces sound and will not rust or dent.
Same quality hood material as on larger John Deere tractors provides good resilience and UV resistance for an extended time.
Openings on the side let in plenty of cooling air while keeping the sound level low.
Two headlights provide good lighting for nighttime operation.
Buyer's notes
Notes
Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent Durable primer and powder paint finish Large, 14-in. (36-cm) steering wheel for more comfortable operation John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
Warranty
2 year/120 hour bumper-to-bumper* (*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)
Chassis
Primer/paint
E-coat/powder
Rear tires
20x10-8
Equipment mounting
CargO Mount™ system
Front axle
Cast-iron front axle, powdered-metal front wheel bushings
Receiver hitch
No
Cup holder
Yes
Fender deck material
Stamped steel
Front tires
15x6-6
Storage
Storage tray with cover
Hood material
Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent
Spindle bushings
No
Weight bracket
Optional rear
Floor mats
Yes, with debris removing channels
Service interval decal
Yes
Frame
Full-length welded steel
Fender handles/grips
Handgrips
Dimensions
Wheelbase
48.9 in. 124.2 cm
Overall length
74.9 in. 190 cm
Weight
Mower, no fuel, 481 lb 218 kg
Width with mower
60.8 in. 154 cm
Height
45.3 in. 115 cm
Width with mower (deflector raised for storage)
51.7 in. 131.3 cm
Electrical system
Headlights
Two standard, incandescent
Backup lights
No
Engine starter
Bendix type
Taillights or reflector
Reflectors
12-V outlet
No
Charging system
Regulated, 14 amp
Battery
12 V 300 CCA
Hourmeter
Yes
Rear work lights
No
Engine
Power
24 hp 17.9 kW
Manufacturer/model
44U877 (M44)
Oil change
John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil change system
Air cleaner
Cartridge with prefilter
Displacement
44.2 cu in. 724 cc
Cooling method
Air
Governor
Mechanical
Cylinders
V-twin - extended life series (ELS)
Type
Overhead valve, full-pressure lube, oil filter
Choke/speed control
Single lever with spring-return on choke
Fuel system
Fuel tank capacity
2.4 U.S. gal. 9.1 L
Fuel delivery
Pulse pump and carburetor
Fuel gauge
Easy-read on dash
Fuel tank location
Rear
Type
Gasoline
Fuel fill opening
Center, 1.75 in. 4.45 cm
Key Specs
Engine manufacturer/model
44U877 (M44)
Transaxle type
TLT200 hydrostatic, two-wheel drive
U.S. warranty
2 year/120 hour bumper-to-bumper* (*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)
Lift system type
Spring-assisted hand-grip lever
Rear tires
20x10-8
Oil change
John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system
Transaxle control
Side-by-side pedals
Cutting width
Edge™ mower deck, 48 in. 122 cm
Engine power
24 hp 17.9 kW
Lift system
Mower cut height
13 positions, 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm
Type
Spring-assisted hand-grip lever
Hydraulic outlets
No
Preset cut height
No
Cut height increments
0.25 in. 0.64 cm
Mower attachability
Rear draft arms
Two spring clips
Drive system
Single belt
Type
Slide under tractor
Front draft arms
One spring clip
Mower wheels rotate
No
Mower deck
Mower wheels
Four
Mower wheel adjustment
One bolt
Mower level adjustment
Easy-level deck
Type
Side discharge
Mower deck material
Steel, 12 gauge 0.105 in. 2.7 mm
Cutting width
Edge™ mower deck, 48 in. 122 cm
Mower wash port
Yes
Construction
Stamped steel deck shell
Mower drive system
Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch
Optional equipment
Spreader
Tow-behind only, 125-175 lb 57.7-80 kg
Sprayer
Tow-behind, 15 U.S. gal. 56.8 L Mounted, 15 U.S. gal. Tow-behind only, 25 U.S. gal. 94.6 L
Weather protection
Weather enclosure
Tow-behind tools
16
Front blade
46 in. 116.8 cm
Mulching system
Mulch cover
Bucket holder
Yes, single bucket
Front bumper
Included
Grass striping
Lawn striping kit
Snow blower
Two-stage, 44 in. 111.8 cm
Rear bagger
2-bag, 6.5 bu 229 L
Sun canopy
Sun canopy
Safety
Backup protection
Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
Meets ANSI standard
Yes
Meets OPEI standard
Yes
Safety video
Yes
Seat
Type
One piece with lumbar adjustment
Armrests
No
Seat back height
15 in. 38 cm
Seat suspension
Tilt, two coil springs
Fore-aft adjustment
While seated, 5.5 in. 14 cm
Steering
Steering wheel
Deluxe, diameter - 14 in. 35.6 cm
Turning radius
18 in. 45.7 cm
Uncut circle radius
20 in. 50.8 cm
Four-wheel steer
Not available on this model
Type
Sector and pinion with single drag link and tie rod
Tilt steering wheel
No
Transaxle
Oil filter
Yes, not serviceable
Oil cooler
Fins and fan on transaxle
Brakes
Internal wet disk
Forward speed
0-5.5 mph 0-8.9 km/h
Control
Side-by-side pedals
Reverse speed
0-3.2 mph 0-5.2 km/h
Differential lock
No
Cruise control
Standard
Type
Hydrostatic, 2-wheel drive
Additional information
Date collected
24-Jul-2020
Manufacturing location
Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
1.0
1 Review
1.0
1.0
3.0
Jan 18, 2021
Good Mowing, but First Round and Already Issues
1/5
We got this machine about two weeks ago and used it for the first time yesterday. Weird device. First, no way to adjust the seat which makes it absurd for both me being short and my boyfriend being tall. To start it, I have to slide to the edge of the seat, stretch way down and press the brake super hard. When it starts, it backfires/sparks. It does not mow backwards without you using a hand to hold down the button which means you cannot also use that hand to raise and lower the deck. Finally got through a few hours of mowing and the wheels just stopped turning. No idea why, not stuck and starts. Likely a return. Real pain in the butt so far. Definitely not in the JD class of our 3025 tractor.