S220 Lawn Tractor with 42-in. Deck

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 Hour Meter Connector

MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector, with a phone

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

BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector is for use with:

• Model year 2003 to 2020 100 Series Tractors, including all models with an E, D, LA, or L prefix
• Model year 2015 to 2020 S240 Tractors (serial number -880,000)
• S100, S110, S140, and S220 Tractors

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

All the MowerPlus connectors transmit engine hour information to the app, making it easy to track maintenance intervals. The MowerPlus Smart Connector and MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector also transmit the fuel level.

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. BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector requires iOS® version 10 or higher and is not compatible with Android™ operating systems.

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.

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.

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

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

Dash instruments and controls

Instruments and controls

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

• Large, 12-in. (30.5-cm) diameter steering wheel gives good comfort and control.

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) control lever

 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 the easy-to-see and easy-to-use yellow lever above the dashboard:

• Placement on the right side leaves a lot of room on the left, the entry side of the tractor, for the operator to get on and off the tractor
• Designed for low effort, easy use, and reliable performance

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.
• The operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform. A 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

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.

Fuel tank gauge shows fuel level from the operator’s seat

Easy-read fuel 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

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.

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

• Premium features of the 200 Series Tractors 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.

Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages

Example product identification number (PIN) label with QR code

John Deere riding lawn mowers are supported by owner information web pages that include links to:

• Safety and how-to videos
• Operator’s manuals
• Parts catalog
• Maintenance reminder sheets
• Attachments
• Warranty statements

To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a PIN label located near the fuel fill. Since each vehicle model has its own web page, the links are specific to the owner’s model. The QR code also includes the vehicle’s unique PIN which allows for additional customization of the owner information web page in the future.

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.

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 one company handling all of the paperwork.
• 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. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

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.

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.

22-hp (16.4-kW) engine

The 22-hp (16.4-kW) V-twin engine used in the S220 Tractor 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
• Large, 44.2-cu in. (724-cc) displacement
  • Plenty of torque helps to get the job done fast.
  • Large displacement engine increases the ability to get an even cut without mowing a second time.
  • Camshaft and carburetor designs create the optimum torque rise for rapid response to varying load conditions.
• Electronic ignition for fast starts
• Cast-iron sleeves for longer engine life
• Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
• Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for keeping the oil cleaner for a long engine life and extending the time between oil changes; full-pressure lubrication is also more effective when operating the tractor on an incline
• Excellent serviceability with easily replaced air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter and a convenient oil-drain hose to make draining the oil easy and clean

Cyclonic air filter

Air filter cover

Air filter with foam precleaner

Cyclonic air-management system removes larger particles of dirt before they reach the air filter for reduced filter maintenance and longer engine life:

• Cyclonic design ejects large dirt particles before they contact the filter.
• Large, high-quality dry-type paper element air filter thoroughly cleans engine intake air.
• The cover over the air filter is easily removed with two knobs for cleaning or replacement of the filter.

Serviceability

Engine oil check/fill tube and oil-drain hose

Oil drain hose

The engine oil check and fill tube are conveniently located for easy access. An oil drain hose makes draining oil easy and clean.

Engine oil filter

The replaceable oil filter and fuel filter are easy to access and change to minimize service time and cost.

Debris inspection port covers

Debris inspection port

Two debris inspection ports help ensure clean engine fins for optimum cooling. Bolts to open them are conveniently located under the air filter cover.

Flywheel alternator

A flywheel alternator provides plenty of capacity to quickly recharge the battery and power electrical equipment, such as lights or a sprayer:

• 14-amp charging capacity
• Regulated to keep the battery at full charge without risk of overcharging

Fuel tank

Convenient fuel filler opening

• The capacity is 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L).
• The fuel filler opening is conveniently located under the seat.
  • Filling the tank without spilling is easy.
  • A tethered fuel tank cap is more convenient.
  • The sealed fuel cap helps keep vapors inside the tank.

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.

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

Steering wheel and dash

Wide footrest with debris-removal channels

Controls are easy to see and use:

• Large, three-spoke steering wheel for greater operator comfort and control
• Ignition switch is on the dash for starting ease

Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration floor mats are provided for operator comfort:

• 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

Easily adjusted seat

Operator comfort is enhanced with a 15-in. (38.1-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

Beverage holder and storage compartment

Beverage holder and storage compartment, with cover, are located on the right-side fender, conveniently located and easy to use.