S240 LAWN TRACTOR 48 IN

18.5-hp (13.8-kW) engine

Engine oil and fuel filters

The S240 Tractor comes with a premium engine, the same as used in some Select Series™ X300 models:

• 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 18.5-hp (13.8-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 has gauge to show fuel level from the operator's seat

Fuel tank gauge

Convenient fuel-filler opening

The fuel tank gauge shows how much fuel is in the tank, and can be seen without leaving the operator's seat:

• Easy to check the fuel level
• Convenient location

Fuel tank:

• 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.
  • The tractor has a California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine for reduced air pollution.

S240 with Accel Deep Mower

Left front corner of mower deck

The 48-in. (122-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:

• 4.83-in. (12.3-cm) depth throughout the entire deck shell allows for optimum mowing, mulching, and bagging performance.
  • Optional MulchControl™ attachment 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 is suspended from the vehicle for a smooth and level cut.
  • Adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level, help reduce scalping.

Excellent cut quality

Top view of mower deck

Underside of mower deck

NOTE: Optional front center rollers shown in above mower deck photos.

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 re-cutting 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 the 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 re-cutting, and an even distribution of clippings.

Productivity - getting the job done fast

Left side of Accel Deep mower deck

Right side of Accel Deep mower deck

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 re-cutting 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

MulchControl option

The MulchControl attachment for the 48A Mower Deck 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:

• A beautiful looking lawn
• Grass clippings not blown onto the operator, driveways, or flower beds
• Less fertilizer use
• Elimination of the effort needed to dispose of clippings

Cleanliness - for the mower and the operator

Right front view of mower deck

Left front view of mower deck

The flat-top shape of the deck stamping is optimal for keeping the deck 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 build-up of material to interfere with the flow of air and clippings
  • Less need to clean and remove build-up 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 drifts onto the operator and mower deck
  • Even for material discharged out of the chute, less re-cutting results in larger pieces that are less likely to end up on the operator
  • Mulching prevents the discharge of material completely, and the MulchControl attachment 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.

• A hose connector is included with the mower deck.

Superior durability is designed in

Spindle pocket with flip-up cover

Easy-to-adjust mower wheel and mower side reinforcement

The 48A 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.

Mower wheels are heavy duty:

• Provides greater strength and durability for longer, trouble-free life.
• Setting wheels to the correct height for the cutting height is quick and easy.

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

The mower deck features a 5/8-in. (16-mm) diameter solid-steel rod side bumper that 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

The 48-in. (122-cm) Mower Deck is designed for maximum versatility, providing the greatest ease in changing from one mower discharge mode to another:

• With the optional MulchControl attachment installed (along with the special mulching blades), changing from side-discharge to mulching or vice versa is done with the simple flip of a lever.
• The Power Flow rear bagger can be used with the MulchControl attachment and blades installed - by simply placing the MulchControl lever in the side-discharge position.

Front roller option

Optional front rollers are available for the 48A Mower Deck to reduce the chance of scalping when mowing over berms and other uneven areas. Parts required are:

• Two M113955 rollers
• One M158262 screw
• One M142955 locknut

How MulchControl works

MulchControl baffle open

MulchControl baffle closed

NOTE: Optional front center rollers shown in above mower deck photos.

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

• The MulchControl attachment includes baffles to control the flow of material under the deck.
  • The MulchControl baffle, or divider, between the left and middle spindles is about half way down. The height is designed to balance the mulching and side-discharge modes.
  • When the MulchControl baffle is open, the divider between the left and middle spindles passes a portion of the material to the discharge opening, along with the material from the middle and right spindle areas.
  • When the MulchControl baffle is closed, the material stays within the deck and gets chopped into mulch and deposited in the turf.

MulchControl baffle closed

MulchControl handle

• The MulchControl handle is located on top of the mower deck and used to open and close the discharge baffle.
  • The operator is required to get off of the machine in order to engage or disengage mulch mode.
• Changing from mulching to side discharge or vice versa takes only a few seconds.

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 be able to close the chute to control clippings
• For operators who always mulch a main lawn, but often side discharge secondary lawns
• For operators who bag clippings, but want to go farther before emptying bags

MulchControl puts the operator in control of the clippings. Now the operator can have all the benefits of mulching with the ability to easily change to side discharge or bagging when needed.

While in the side-discharge mode, MulchControl will still mulch 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 clean-up is desired

6.5-bu (229-L) Power Flow™ rear bagger option

Optional rear bagger

Power Flow blower

An optional 6.5-bu (229-L) rear bagger material collection system (MCS) is available. It provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves:

• The Power Flow blower and chute are easy to install. The Power Flow blower swings out for easy cleanout and cleanup.
• The hopper design provides modern styling, great bagging performance, cleaner operation, and easy-to-empty bags:
• 6.5-bu (229-L) capacity
• Easy-to-attach Power Flow blower
• Easy-to-attach chute

An exclusive 3-year or 200-hour (whichever comes first), single-source, bumper-to-bumper warranty* is standard for all John Deere S200 Series Tractors.

• The warranty is hassle free, with one company handling all of the paperwork.
• Premium features of S200 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. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

Two-pedal foot control and cruise lever

Hydro/automatic foot control in use

A Kanzaki® Tuff Torq® hydro/automatic 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:

• The 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.

Hydro/automatic-transmission

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

• The S240 Tractor has a Tuff Torq K46DP transaxle with an internal wet-disk brake for reliability and long life:
  • Rated for 30 percent more torque than the transaxle used in many lawn tractors
  • Uses Hy-Gard™ fluid like Select Series™ X300 Tractors

Standard cruise control

Cruise control lever

Easy-to-use cruise control option maintains the tractor's speed for mowing larger areas.

• To engage, lift up on the cruise lever and hold it until foot is removed from the forward pedal.
• To disengage, lightly press and then release the forward pedal.
• For emergency stops, cruise can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or pushing down on the cruise control lever.

Kanzaki and Tuff Torq are trademarks of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Manufacturing Company.

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.

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

S240 Tractor

Solid, one-piece frame and cast-iron front axle

Enhanced styling for the S240 Tractor includes a unique hood top:

• Close-out panels at the lower back of the hood are included for better looks and reduced engine sound level.
• Top louvers improve engine cooling.

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 fender deck is bolted to the frame.
• Two-bar front bumper is included as standard equipment to add style and protection.

S240 Tractor

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 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 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 wheels turn on ball bearings for increased reliability and life over other lawn tractors that have bushing for the front wheels.

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

Rear CargO Mount points

Front CargO Mount points

Rear bagger is mounted with the rear 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

S240 with Accel Deep Mower

Comfortable operator station, left side

Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration rubber footpads are provided for operator comfort and safety:

• Channels in the footrest design steer debris off to the side to keep the foot platform cleaner.
• Wider footrest makes it easier to step over the mower deck while entering or exiting the seat.

Comfortable seat

Open-back seat

Easy-to-adjust seat

The operator seat can be easily adjusted forward or rearward while in the seat, with seat travel of 5.5 in. (140 mm) and 10 different positions:

• The open-back seat design keeps the operators back cooler.
• 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 and service-interval decal

Storage compartment with cover

Convenient service-interval decal

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

A decal located inside the hood gives quick access to basic service information.

Controls and instruments

Conveniently located controls

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

• Large, 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.
• 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 - 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.

Mower drive is actuated with an easy-to-use electric PTO switch:

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

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.

Cruise control

Cruise control lever

Cruise control lever and two-pedal foot control

Cruise control is standard equipment:

• To engage, lift up on the cruise lever and hold until the foot is removed from the forward pedal.
• For emergency stop, the cruise control can be released by pushing on the brake pedal or the forward pedal.

Parking brake control

Parking brake control

Brake pedal and parking brake control

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

Fender flare with handgrip

The spring-assisted, low-effort lift lever simplifies setting and adjusting the mower cut height:

• Increments of 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) allow for fine-tuning the cut height.

Full-size fender flares include handgrips and reflectors for added safety.

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.
  • 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.

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.

The S240 Tractor is covered by a 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty*:

• Premium features of the S240 allow for this longer warranty period, with more coverage than other tractors of comparable size.

*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.

Hood will not dent or rust and includes quality headlights for good visibility

One-piece hood opens for service access

Quality headlights for good visibility

The hood is made of molded-in color material:

• Reduces sound
• Will not rust or dent
• Openings on the side of the hood let in plenty of cooling air while keeping the sound level low.
• Two headlights provide good lighting for nighttime operation.

MowerPlus app screen

MowerPlus app maintenance screen

Keep a John Deere riding lawn mower 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, S240, 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 hour meter connector also available (sold separately)

MowerPlus hour meter connector packaging

The John Deere MowerPlus hour meter connector wirelessly links a 100 Series or S240 Lawn Tractor to the MowerPlus app on a mobile device. The hour meter connector transmits engine usage to the app, making it easy to track maintenance intervals:

• iOS version 10 or higher is compatible with the hour meter connector.
• Android versions are not compatible with the hour meter connector at this time.

iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.