S240 Lawn Tractor with 42-inch Deck
Key Features
- 21.5 HP* V-Twin Engine
- 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep™ Deck, compatible with optional MulchControl™ kit
- Comfortable 15-in (38-cm) open back seat
- Side-by-side forward and reverse pedals
- K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission
- Easy read fuel gauge
- 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty
Additional Links
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Mode(s) of operation | Mower blade |
Side discharging mode only | Side-discharge blade (shipped with mower) |
Bagging mode only | Bagging blade (shipped with rear bagger) |
Mulching mode only | Mulching blade (shipped with MulchControl) |
Side discharge and mulching | Mulching blade (shipped with MulchControl) |
Side discharge and bagging | Bagging blade (shipped with rear bagger) |
Side discharge, mulching, and bagging | Mulching blade (shipped with MulchControl) |
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 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.
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.
Attachment | Description | Applications |
BUC11053 | 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep MulchControl | S220 and model 2021 and newer S240 Lawn Tractors |
BUC10705 | 48-in. (122-cm) Accel Deep MulchControl | S240 Lawn Tractor, model year 2016 and newer X300 and X500 Series Tractors, Z300 and Z500 Series ZTrak™ Mowers |
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
The front bumper provides additional front-end protection and attractive, bold style.
CargO Mount™ system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy
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.
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
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.
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
Beverage holder and storage compartment, with cover, are located on the right-side fender, conveniently located and easy to use.
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.
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
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 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
The parking brake control is conveniently located for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.
Mower deck height adjustment
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)
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 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.
- 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.
- Repeat procedure to position the machine again.
Fuel tank gauge shows fuel level from the operator’s seat
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
Key Specs
Engine power | 21.5 hp 16.0 kW |
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Oil change | No-tools oil drain with replaceable filter |
Engine manufacturer/model | FR651V |
Transaxle type | K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic, two-wheel drive |
Transaxle control | Side-by-side pedals |
Rear tires | 20×10-8 |
Lift system type | Spring-assisted hand-grip lever |
Cutting width | Accel Deep™ mower deck, 42 in. 107 in. |
U.S. warranty | 3-year/200-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.) |
Engine
Power | 21.5 hp 16.0 kW |
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Displacement | 44.3 cu in. 726 cc |
Manufacturer/model | FR651V |
Type | Overhead valve, full-pressure lube, oil filter |
Cylinders | V-twin, cast-iron liners |
Governor | Mechanical |
Choke/speed control | Separate levers, automatic choke return |
Cooling method | Air |
Air cleaner | Dry, replaceable |
Oil change | No-tools oil drain with replaceable filter |
Fuel system
Type | Gasoline |
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Fuel delivery | Pulse pump and carburetor |
Fuel gauge | Easy-read on dash |
Fuel tank location | Rear |
Fuel fill opening | Center, 1.75 in. 4.45 cm |
Fuel tank capacity | 2.4 U.S. gal. 9.1 L |
Electrical system
Battery | 12 V 300 CCA |
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Charging system | Flywheel alternator, regulated, 14 amp |
Engine starter | Bendix type |
Hour meter | Yes |
Headlights | Two standard, incandescent |
Taillights or reflector | Reflectors |
Backup lights | No |
Rear work lights | No |
12-V outlet | No |
Transaxle
Type | K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic, two-wheel drive |
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Control | Side-by-side pedals |
Cruise control | Standard |
Oil cooler | Fins and fan on transaxle |
Oil filter | Internal, not replaceable |
Differential lock | No |
Forward speed | 0-5.5 mph 0-8.9 km/h |
Reverse speed | 0-3.2 mph 0-5.2 km/h |
Brakes | Internal wet disk |
Chassis
Frame | Full-length welded steel |
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Primer/paint | E-coat/powder |
Weight bracket | Optional rear |
Receiver hitch | No |
Front axle | Cast iron front axle, front wheel sealed ball bearings |
Spindle bushings | No |
Front tires | 15×6-6 |
Rear tires | 20×10-8 |
Hood material | Molded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent |
Fender deck material | Stamped steel |
Floor mats | Yes, with debris removing channels |
Storage | Storage tray with cover |
Service interval decal | Yes |
Fender handles/grips | Handgrips |
Cup holder | Yes |
Equipment mounting | CargO Mount™ system |
Maximum towing capacity | 500 lb 227 kg |
Steering
Type | Sector and pinion with single drag link and tie rod |
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Four-wheel steer | Not available on this model |
Steering wheel | Deluxe, diameter – 14 in. 35.6 cm 30.5 cm |
Tilt steering wheel | No |
Turning radius | 18 in. 45.7 cm |
Uncut circle radius | With 42A: 24 in. 61 cm |
Seat
Type | Open-back design with grasp |
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Seat back height | 15 in. 38.1 cm |
Armrests | No |
Fore-aft adjustment | While seated, 5.5 in. 14 cm |
Seat suspension | Tilt, two rubber isolators |
Lift system
Type | Spring-assisted hand-grip lever |
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Hydraulic outlets | No |
Mower cut height | 13 positions, 1-4 in. 2.5-10.2 cm |
Cut height increments | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm |
Preset cut height | No |
Mower deck
Type | Side discharge |
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Cutting width | Accel Deep mower deck, 42 in. 107 cm |
Construction | Stamped steel deck shell |
Mower deck material | Steel, 13 gauge 0.090 in. 2.3 mm |
Mower wash port | Yes, with hose end |
Mower drive system | Manual power take-off (PTO) clutch |
Mower wheels | Two |
Mower wheel adjustment | One bolt |
Mower level adjustment | Easy-level deck |
Mower attachability
Type | Slide under tractor |
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Front draft arms | One spring clip |
Rear draft arms | Two spring clips |
Mower wheels rotate | No |
Drive system | Single V-belt |
Safety
Meets ANSI standard | Yes |
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Meets OPEI standard | Yes |
Backup protection | Reverse Implement Option (RIO) |
Safety video | Yes |
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 |
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Warranty | 3-year/200-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.) |
Optional equipment
Rear bagger | 2-bag, 6.5 bu 229 L |
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Mulching system | Yes, MulchControl™ |
Front blade | 46 in. 116.8 cm |
Snow blower | Two-stage, 44 in. 111.8 cm |
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 |
Spreader | Tow-behind only, 125 lb 57.7 kg Tow-behind only, 175 lb 79.4 kg |
Front bumper | Included |
Weather protection | Weather enclosure |
Sun canopy | Sun canopy |
Bucket holder | Yes, single bucket |
Grass striping | Lawn striping kit |
Tow-behind tools | 16 |
Dimensions
Height | 45 in. 1143 mm |
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Overall length | 75.1 in. 1908 mm |
Wheelbase | 48.9 in. 1242 mm |
Width with mower | 50 in. 1270 mm |
Width with mower (deflector raised for storage) |
49 in. 1244 mm |
Width without mower | 39.4 in. 1000 mm |
Weight | 486 lb 220 kg |
Additional information
Manufacturing location | Greeneville, Tennessee, USA |
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Date collected | 3-Oct-22 |
4.9% APR fixed rate for 60 months1
on New John Deere 200 Series Lawn Tractors
- 4.9% APR fixed rate for 60 months1 OR
- 1.9% APR fixed rate for 24 months2 OR
- No Interest if Paid in Full within 9 Months3
- Offers available 01 February 2023 through 01 May 2023
1Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 February 2023 through 01 May 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. 4.9% APR is for 60 months only, regular Revolving Plan rates will apply after that. The regular Revolving Plan rate, which varies over time, is currently 22.50% APR (as of 03 January 2023). Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars.
2Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 February 2023 through 01 May 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. 1.9% APR is for 24 months only, regular Revolving Plan rates will apply after that. The regular Revolving Plan rate, which varies over time, is currently 22.50% APR (as of 03 January 2023). Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars.
3Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 February 2023 through 01 May 2023. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at 17.90% APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within 9 months or if your account is otherwise in default. Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars.