Is The John Deere S100 Mower Worth The Price? Here's What We Know

A lawnmower is never a cheap investment. With push mowers often costing several hundred dollars or more and riding lawn mowers in the several thousands, how do you know if you're getting the most bang for your buck? Many say the John Deere S100 Mower is worth its $2,399 price tag, but it also comes with some drawback, such as a loud engine. Overall, though, consumers feel it's a good investment.

When you're clocking ways to find the value of a riding lawn mower, it's all about the features it offers, the brand's durability, and whether or not it's the best mower for your particular yard. First of all, before buying a riding lawn mower, always consider whether you even need one. A riding lawn mower is a good idea if your yard is bigger than a half an acre. Riding lawn mowers typically have larger cutting decks so you can mow faster. They are also easier to maneuver, and cause less strain on hands, wrists, and arms. 

Riding mowers can cost as much as $4,000 or more, so the John Deere S100 is a more reasonably priced option. That said, the John Deere S100 Mower typically runs slightly more expensive than other brands in the same category. Is it worth it? Let's dig into reasons why the John Deere S100 Mower might be worth the price, and what are some of the drawbacks to consider before you buy.

Versatility and reliability rank high for this mower

Most consumers rate the John Deere S100 above 4 stars and for good reason. If you want to maintain greener grass with a riding mower that makes it easy this model might be the one for you. The general consensus of the John Deere S100 mower is that it's worth the cost. It comes standard with a 17.5 horsepower single engine, which means it can tackle an acre without breaking a sweat. The hydrostatic transmission also ensures nimble steering and driving capabilities that can handle multiple starts and stops. It's got an 18-inch turning radius, so you can be sure to get around trees and raised gardens beds with relative ease.

The mower comes with a 4.5 gallon fuel tank that will power the machine for 5 to 8 hours of use. That makes it an efficient and eco-friendly choice among riding mowers. And it's not just fuel efficient. Its 42-inch cutting deck with a twin blade system means it can tackle more grass in less time. Plus, the John Deere S100 is built on a sturdy base, complete with cast iron axels and a 12-gauge steel deck.

It's also got the rider in mind with comfortable additions like a high-back seat that can be adjusted to 10 positions. The controls and dashboard are fairly straightforward, as well. It's also one of the smaller riding mowers, which means you can tuck it into a shed fairly easily when you're not mowing.

Drawbacks to the John Deere S100

Of course, not everyone is a superfan of the John Deere S100. Before you buy, be aware of some of the drawbacks consumers have reported. Some say it's not the best machine for rough, uneven patches, so this might not be the best mower to pick when choosing a riding lawn mower for hilly terrain. Also, the engine can be loud, which can be a problem where sensitive neighbors are an issue.

Others haven't been keen on the single-cylinder engine in the John Deere S100, preferring a twin-cylinder engine in some of the model's competitors. The John Deere S100 is marketed as being a good mower for up to an acre, so if you have a lawn larger than that, you might want to consider a different mower. It's also worth noting that this mower doesn't come with cruise control, which some owners prefer. Some consumers also reported concern about the plastic parts of the John Deere S100, worrying it didn't feel as robust as more expensive John Deere models.

Of course, the mower comes with a 2-year bumper-to-bumper or 120-hour warranty in case anything goes wrong. Since most customers give the John Deere S100 a high rating and recommend the mower, its drawbacks don't ultimately outweigh its benefits. Consumers preferred its versatility, gas efficiency, easy storage, and cutting deck. Also, the John Deere name means there's never a shortage of parts or places to get the machine serviced.

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