S240 LAWN TRACTOR 42 IN

21.5-hp (16-kW) engine

Engine oil and fuel filters

The S240 Tractor has a large 44.3-cu in. (726-cc) displacement engine with premium features that provide superior performance and reliability:

• Large cleanout ports, integrated into the engine shroud, are located over the cylinder heads to allow for easy inspection and removal of any debris that may have collected there.
• Premium engine oil and air filtering systems and cooling design provide increased reliability and engine life.

The 21.5-hp (16-kW) V-twin engine provides plenty of power and torque to handle tough mulching, mowing, and bagging conditions:

• V-twin cylinder design for greater torque, lower vibration, and improved sound quality
• Electronic ignition for fast starts
• Cast-iron cylinder liners for longer engine life
• Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
• Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for cleaner oil, prolonging engine life and extending the time between oil changes
  • Also more effective when operating the tractor on an incline
• In-line fuel filter for reliable operation

Engine speed lever and spring-loaded choke lever

Engine hood in open position

The engine speed lever and choke control lever are separate controls:

• The engine speed lever is easy to use - there is no need to worry about pushing too far and engaging the choke as on single throttle/choke lever systems.
• The choke lever is spring loaded so the operator cannot accidentally operate the tractor with the choke on.

 Engine hood opens wide for easy access to service points:

• It is easy to inspect and clean the engine area.
• Important service points are exposed.
• Cleanout ports designed into the engine shroud make cleaning the engine cooling fins easy.
• The high-quality engine used in the S240 does not require an 8-hour oil and filter change because improvements in the manufacturing process and quality of parts, components, and oils have eliminated the need for the short interval oil change requirement.

Fuel tank

Convenient fuel-filler opening

• Capacity is 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.08 L).
• Fuel-filler opening is conveniently located under the seat. 
  • Filling the tank without spilling is easy.
  • The tethered fuel tank cap is more convenient.
  • The sealed fuel cap helps keep vapors inside the tank.

S240 with Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

S220 with Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

The 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck is a stamped-steel, deep, flat-top design that delivers excellent cut quality, productivity, cleanliness, durability, and versatility. Optimal performance and dispersion of clippings is provided, even at faster mowing speeds or in tall grass:

• 4.97-in. (12.6-cm) depth throughout the entire deck shell for optimum mowing, mulching, and bagging performance
  • Optional MulchControl™ system provides superior mulching performance and versatility
• Stamped-steel design eliminates sharp edges and corners where material can build up and diminish mowing performance
• Mower deck suspended from the vehicle for a smooth and level cut
  • Adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level, help reduce scalping
• 0.25-in. (6.4-mm) cut-height increments allow the mower to be set at the desired cut height
• Compatible with efficient 6.5-bu (229-L) two-bag material collection system

Excellent cut quality

42A Mower Deck top (shown with optional MulchControl™)

42A Mower Deck underside (shown with optional MulchControl)

Deep mower-deck stamping gives excellent cut quality. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck without getting recut:

• Reducing the amount of recutting enables more power to be used to cut incoming grass, which greatly improves mower capacity.
  • Helps maintain excellent cut quality at faster mowing speeds
• Clean flow of material out of discharge area prevents cut material from interfering with cutting the incoming grass, making it possible for the blades to cut incoming material cleanly.
• Even in mulching mode, cut evenness is improved compared to other designs because the additional depth allows for continuous circulation, optimal recutting, and an even distribution of clippings.

Productivity - gets the job done fast

Deep mower-deck stamping gives high productivity, which gets the job done fast. It allows the cut and suspended material room to exit the deck quickly, reducing the amount of recutting so more power is available to process incoming grass:

• Greatly improves mowers capacity to maintain excellent mowing performance in difficult mowing conditions and at higher speeds

Large discharge opening is both high and wide to handle more material:

• Gives a smooth, even discharge of clippings at all mowing speeds
• Reduces the chance of plugging, especially important when operating in wet, thick, or dense grass and when bagging
• Cut-and-throw chute has a large, optimized inlet which aids in collecting material by using airflow from the large deck opening

Cleanliness - for the mower and the operator

Accel Deep 42A Mower Deck

The flat-top shape of the deck stamping is optimal for keeping itself and the operator clean:

• There are few places to catch and hold material on top and underneath the deck.
  • Top of deck stays cleaner, reducing time and effort needed for cleaning and service
  • Underside of deck is self-cleaning to maintain optimum performance without buildup of material to interfere with the flow of air and clippings
  • Less need to clean and remove buildup of material from underside deck
• The depth of the Accel Deep mower deck minimizes the amount of material that escapes from the front of the deck
  • Limited amount of material to drift onto the operator and mower deck
  • Even flow of material discharged out the chute, less recutting results in larger pieces that are less likely to end up on the operator
  • Mulching prevents the discharge of material completely and MulchControl makes mulching a practical solution for most mowing situations.

Cleaning a mower deck, both top and bottom, is one of the most frequent maintenance activities:

• The flat-top design reduces places for material to build up and makes material that does collect easy to remove.

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy.

• Hose connector is included with the mower deck.

Superior durability is designed in

Hinged spindle pocket cover on the 42A Mower Deck

Mower deck wheels are double captured for durability

The 42A Mower Deck has strong spindle pockets, to keep the blades aligned, even after years of tough service:

• Ribs in the deck shell add strength where it is needed.
• The 42A has a 16 percent heavier overall weight than the Edge™ Xtra 42-in. (107-cm) Mower Deck.

Mower wheels are double captured:

• Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life.
• Single-bolt adjustment makes setting wheels to the correct height for the cutting height quick and easy.

Low-tension belt-drive design reduces the side load on the engines lower bearing and mower deck bearings for longer life.

Rolled outer edge of the deck provides extra strength and protection.

Dual-stage E-coat and powder-paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.

Versatility - easy to change between side discharge, mulch, and bagging modes

Rear MulchControl baffle (A) must be removed for bagging

Rear MulchControl baffle removed allows for chute installation

The 42A Mower Deck is designed for maximum versatility, providing the greatest ease in changing from one mower discharge mode to another:

• With an optional MulchControl system installed (along with the special mulching blades), changing from side discharging to mulching or vice versa is done with the simple flip of a lever or push of an electric switch.
• The cut-and-throw rear bagger can be used with MulchControl by removing the rear MulchControl baffle (A) before installing the bagger chute. The baffle is held in place with two carriage bolts. To return to mulching, the chute needs to be removed and the baffle replaced.

6.5-bu (229-L) rear bagger

Optional rear bagger

An optional 6.5-bu (229-L) cut-and-throw rear bagger material collection system (MCS) is available and comes with bagging blades. Special blades are not required but they can be installed for enhanced performance.

The bagger 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.

Mower blades

Mower blades shipped with the rear bagger chute

High-lift bagging blades are included with the bagger chute. They provide optimum performance when bagging in difficult conditions, such as when the grass is moist, dense, or long:

• High-lift bagging blades also work well when side discharging material.

Mulching blades are included with the optional MulchControl system. They can be used for mulching, side discharging, and bagging in most conditions.

Mower blade use chart

S240 with 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep™ Mower Deck

48A MulchControl handle

The optional MulchControl system makes mulching more practical for many mowing situations because it not only does an excellent job of mulching, but it also allows the mower to be easily converted for times when it is more desirable to side discharge or collect the lawn material. Advantages of mulching grass clippings include:

• Creates a beautiful looking lawn
• Smaller grass clippings disappear into the lawn canopy
• Reduces fertilizer needs
• Grass clippings are not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• No need to dispose of bags of clippings

How MulchControl works

MulchControl baffle closed (shown on Z300 42A mower deck)

MulchControl baffle open (shown on Z300 42A mower deck)

MulchControl is an innovative, simple design that is easy to use and maintain:

• The MulchControl system includes an adjustable MulchControl baffle near the discharge chute and fixed baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
• The MulchControl handle is on top of the mower deck and is used to open and close the MulchControl baffle.
• When the MulchControl baffle is open, most of the material flows freely out the discharge deflector or into a material collection system.
• When the MulchControl baffle is closed, material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

MulchControl is well-suited to the following mowing situations:

• For operators who usually mulch, but side discharge when grass gets too long
• For operators who usually side discharge, but would like to close the chute to control clippings in some areas
• For operators who always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• For operators who collect clippings but want to go farther before emptying the material collection system

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings.

MulchControl limitations

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl still mulches about one third of the material. Therefore, the side-discharge mode is essentially a partial-mulch mode. This can be an advantage when side discharging or bagging, as it helps to reduce the amount of material being discharged. Other times this could work as a disadvantage:

• When cutting strong southern grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermuda
• When cutting in wet, high-growth conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest United States
• When optimum bagging and lawn cleanup is desired

When bagging with MulchControl on a 48A mower deck, the MulchControl baffle can be opened or closed with the Power Flow™ blower installed. The Power Flow blower runs without material when the baffle is closed.

Rear baffle (A) must be removed for bagging with MulchControl with 42A mower decks

When bagging with MulchControl on a 42A mower deck, the cut-and-throw rear bagger can be used with the MulchControl blades. However, the rear MulchControl baffle (A) needs to be removed to install the bagger chute. The baffle is held in place with two carriage bolts. To return to mulching, the chute needs to be removed and the baffle replaced.

MulchControl compatibility

Each MulchControl system is an optional field-installed attachment and includes everything needed for handle actuation: baffles, handle, and mulch blades.

An exclusive 3-year or 200-hour (whichever comes first), single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty* is standard for all John Deere 200 Series Tractors.

• The warranty is hassle free, with both the mower and the engine covered by a single warranty.
• If the mower is sold, the remaining warranty term is transferable to a new owner.
• Premium features of 200 Series Tractors allow for this longer warranty period, with more coverage than comparable tractors.

*Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. U.S. and Canada only. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

Two-pedal speed and direction controls

Forward speed control pedal in use

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:

• Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
• The operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• A large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Hydrostatic transmission

Appropriate transmissions are used in each tractor model, depending on rear tire size and tractor performance requirements, to ensure excellent performance and reliability:

• Tuff Torq TLT200 – S220
• Tuff Torq K46 – S240

Kanzaki and Tuff Torq are trademarks of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.

S140 Tractor with front blade, weights, and tire chains

S160 Tractor with snow blower, weather enclosure, weights, and tire chains

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.

Equipment available for snow removal includes:

• 44-in. (112-cm) Snow Blower
• 46-in. (117-cm) Front Blade
• Tire chains or TerraGrip traction belts
• Weather enclosure
• Weights

200 Series Tractor

Solid, one-piece frame

The solid one-piece frame is constructed of 12-gauge, 0.105-in. (2.7-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.

Turf Trac tire tread

The S240 comes with premium Turf Trac tires for superior traction and appearance: A more rounded profile reduces lawn scuffing and steering effort.

Cast-iron front axle does 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 and tie rod provides a very strong, low-effort, and tight-turning system.
• Grease fittings allow regular lubrication to help maintain easy steering and minimize wear.
• Large, 0.75-in. (19-mm) diameter wheel spindles provide excellent durability.

Front bumper protects the tractor

Front bumper

Front bumper

The front bumper provides additional front-end protection and attractive, bold style.

CargO Mount™ system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy

Rear CargO Mount points

Front CargO Mount points are 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 that provide convenient and easy installation of the rear bagger and other attachments.

Large, comfortable footrests

Comfortable operator station, right side

Comfortable operator station, left side

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.
• The wide footrest makes it easier to step over the mower deck while entering or exiting the seat.
• Debris-removing channels help keep the footrest area clean and dry.

Comfortable seat

Comfortable seat

Preferred seat adjustment lever

Operator comfort is enhanced with a 15-in. (38-cm) high-back, two-piece seat with an open back:

• The open-back seat design keeps the operator cooler
• 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
• The green plastic seat adjustment lever is easy to locate and use.
• Slide pads on the bottom of the seat allow the seat to slide more easily for convenient adjustment.

Rubber isolators under the seat give a smoother ride

The seat can be tilted forward for protection from the elements and to provide easy access to the fuel tank:

• Rubber isolators under the seat smooth out the ride for greater operator comfort.

Convenient storage

Cup holder and storage compartment with cover

The beverage holder and storage compartment, located on the right fender, add value and operator convenience.

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.

Conveniently located controls

Dash instruments and controls

Instruments and controls

Three-spoke steering wheel for greater operator comfort and control:

• Deluxe, 14-in. (35.6-cm) diameter steering wheel gives greater comfort and control compared to smaller diameter steering wheels used on many lawn tractors.

The contoured dash has clean, attractive styling:

• Controls are color coded and labeled for easy identification by the operator.
• Controls are logically placed and easy to reach.
• Easy-to-read fuel gauge is conveniently located on dash.
• The hour meter makes it easy to tell when oil changes and other maintenance should be performed.
• The ignition switch is on the dash for starting ease.
• Functional design of the controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.

Engine speed lever and spring-loaded choke lever

Power take-off (PTO) switch

The engine speed lever and choke control lever are separate controls:

• The engine speed lever is easy to use.
• The choke lever is spring loaded so the operator cannot accidentally operate the tractor with the choke on.

The mower deck is engaged with an easy-to-use electric PTO switch:

• The electric switch requires only a short movement.
• With an electric PTO clutch, the mower drive belt stays under tension at all times for improved reliability compared to manual PTO engagement systems.

Easy-read fuel gauge shows fuel level on the dashboard

Easy-read fuel gauge

Convenient fuel-filler opening

The easy-read fuel gauge shows how much fuel is in the tank and can be seen on the dashboard:

• Easy to check fuel level
• Convenient location
• Visible in cloudy or dusk conditions (is not backlit)
• Will not slosh from bumps
• The MowerPlus™ smartphone app can read and remember the fuel level (optional MowerPlus deluxe smart connector required)
• The hour meter is also visible on the fuel gauge display

Side-by-side transmission control pedals

Two-pedal speed/direction controls

Side-by-side foot pedals

Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:

• Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
• Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Cruise control

Cruise control lever

Cruise control is standard equipment:

• To engage, lift up on 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.

Parking brake control

Brake/parking brake pedal

Parking brake lever

The parking brake control is conveniently located for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.

Mower deck height adjustment and handgrip

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.

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.

1. Stop forward travel.
2. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.
3. Push and hold in the RIO switch while depressing the reverse pedal slightly.

NOTE: If the mower or other attachment stops while repositioning the machine, return the attachment engagement switch to the off position. Start engine and engage mower. Begin again with step 2. 

4. Release the RIO switch and reposition the machine as the machine begins to move rearward.
5. Resume forward travel. The mower or other attachment should continue operating.
6. Repeat procedure to position the machine again.

Example quick-response (QR) code label

John Deere riding lawn mowers are equipped with a QR code label that links to an owner support website. The label can be found on the rear fender, to the left of the seat.

Upper portion of owner support web page

Lower portion of owner support web page

The owner support website is formatted for smart phones and available without setting up an account and password. The QR code includes the mower’s serial number, enabling the owner support website to provide a maintenance schedule, service parts, attachments, how-to guide, videos, warranty information, and an operator’s manual for the specific mower.

The owner support website also allows users to purchase service parts, schedule dealer service, purchase extended warranties, and download the Equipment Mobile app. The Equipment Mobile app enables users to maintain a shared digital service record with their dealer.

Serviceability is convenient with an easy-open hood

One-piece hood is easy to open

Service interval decal located under hood

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.

Easy-to-service engine fuel and oil filters

Easy access to fuel-fill opening

The engine fuel and oil filters, the oil check/fill tube, and the oil drain tube are exposed for serviceability when the hood is opened.

The seat tilts up and out of the way to make adding fuel easy.

Hood will not dent or rust and includes quality headlights

One-piece hood with quality headlights

• Molded-in color material reduces sound and does 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.

MowerPlus home screen

MowerPlus maintenance screen

Overview

Keep a mower running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the mower’s barcode to get custom information about the mower.

Benefits

• Engine hours, fuel level, and battery health (as compatible)
• Mowing history with time, distance, area, and speed
• Current day and five-day weather forecast based on location
• Walk-through setup guides
• Expert mowing tips
• Useful attachments for future purchase
• Periodic maintenance reminders
• Safety instructions

To download the free MowerPlus app, visit the Apple® App Store® or Google Play™ store.

Additional details

MowerPlus connectors (sold separately)

MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector, with a phone

MowerPlus connectors are available to transmit vehicle information to the MowerPlus app.

BUC10929 MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector is for use with:

• All S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180 Tractors
• Model year 2021 and newer S240 Tractors (serial number 880,001-)
• Model year 2021 and newer Z515E, Z530M, Z530R, and Z545R (serial number 010,001-)

BUC10537 MowerPlus Smart Connector is for use with:

• Model year 2016 and newer Select Series X300 and X500 Tractors

MowerPlus connectors transmit the fuel level and engine hour information to the app, making it easy to keep track of fuel level and maintenance intervals.

MowerPlus connectors require the MowerPlus app on a mobile device to use. The John Deere MowerPlus app and operating system requirements can be found in the mobile device’s app store. The MowerPlus app is only available in the English language, and it is not available in all countries.

Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple, Inc. Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google LLC. iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc.