Name: John Deere S100
Brand: John Deere
Rating: 7 (1 reviews)

October 22, 2021April 20, 2024

The Entry-Level John Deere Tractor That Homeowners Love

The John Deere E100 (now S100) lawn tractor is an iconic mower that is one of their best sellers. I have reviewed a different John Deere tractor and ultimately did not love the price. The price on this lawn tractor is much more affordable. Let’s review some of the features and get started on the below:

John Deere reputation
Lawn tractors 101
The John Deere S100 features
Price of a John Deere S100
The official review: John Deere S100

As an FYI: this mower is being replaced the S-series of mowers by John Deere. You can still buy them used, however.

The John Deere E100 riding mower replaced by S100

Let’s take an up-close look into the features of this mower. While not the most tricked out pony on the market, it certainly has what it takes to get the job done. Here we go!

Comfort

The John Deere S100 riding mower is a very standard lawn tractor. Nothing wild about it. Growing up, we had a similar lawn tractor in our garage that I would play on. It felt exactly the same as this riding mower. It has a seat with a totally standard seat back and a very normal steering wheel. If you are looking for cup holders, storage spots, or any other unique comfort features, you will not find them here.

Similarly, this mower has side-by-side foot pedals that help give the driver control of speed and forward/reverse with their feet. The seat also is able to be modified slightly to accommodate the size of the driver. The steering wheel is fixed and not adjustable, however.

Keep in mind, if you are mowing half of an acre to an acre of land with this mower, then you are not going to be out there for a very long time. Bells and whistles are not needed. This is a bare bones, stock level of mower – and that’s totally fine for most people. The need to turn mowers into the next Rolls Royce is not always functional.

User experience

As I mentioned previously, this is a very standard lawn tractor. This means the deck and blade engagement system is manual in most versions of this model. The John Deere S100 has the manual levers on both sides of the chair that have various functions.

While some of the more modern and more expensive riding mowers and zero-turn mowers have electronic or dial-operated systems, the S100 is old school. Fortunately, this means less moving parts or things that can break. For those of us that appreciate simplicity, this could actually be a great feature.

Power

This lawn mower boasts a 17.5 horsepower engine, pretty standard for a lawn tractor. I do like the 2.4 gallon gas tank which allows for basically any job to be completed that you would do with a lawn tractor.

The E100 offers the lowest amount of horsepower in the E series from John Deere. As you go up to E110 through E180, the horsepower increases modestly to accommodate a wider deck. The standard deck size on the E100 is a 42 inch cutting blade. The body basically stays the same on all of them, however.

A newer feature of this model is the increased battery power. This is feedback that John Deere received on their older models of the E100. Previously, the mower was difficult to start – the new, larger battery has fixed that issue and increased the reliability of a solid start.

Maintenance

One thing I do love about John Deere tractors are their relatively easy maintenance requirements. The Easy Change 30-second oil change system they created allows for a super quick oil change. Basically, there is an oil canister that you just pop on to replace the oil.

This is an amazing feature.

John Deere E100 oil change – pretty simple cannister changeout.

John Deere S100 price new and used

The John Deere S100 is a more affordable lawn tractor. For a new John Deere S100, you will pay about $1,500 for the machine. For a used John Deere S100, expect to pay around $1,000 or so depending on hours.

A machine with hundreds of hours will bring the price down quite a bit. As I mentioned previously, the low-cost and quick maintenance on these mowers is incredible. Additionally, John Deere mowers have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting.

What’s the difference between the E100 and S100 John Deere mowers?

From what I can tell on the surface, nothing. They have the same horsepower and look basically identical. I’m sure John Deere is rolling in his grave (if he is dead), but these look to be the same. If you are looking between the two, you could probably save a ton of money getting a lightly-used S100 versus chunking out $1,800 for a S100. Totally up to you, though!

The S100 series are available at Home Depot, so you can check the most recent prices here. The E100 are not currently being sold.

The official review: The John Deere S100 lawn tractor

Let’s check out how the John Deere S100 compares to the average lawn tractor.

Feature	John Deere E100	Comparable lawn tractor
Difficulty to use	Average, maybe slightly more difficult	Average
Durability	Above average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to easy oil change	Average maintenance
Value	Medium value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Not recommended	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended up to 2 acres	Highly recommended up to 2 acres

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

John Deere’s reputation

John Deere is a 180-year old company that has been making things like lawn tractors and large scale agricultural products. While John Deere has a big reputation in the agricultural world, they are also major players in the residential mowing world. They are also featured in the hit country song, “Big Green Tractor” and many other country songs.

In addition to their massive pieces of equipment, they also sell things like Gators. Gators are similar to golf carts but more industrial and can carry things around your property. Needless to say, things like lawn tractors are a walk in the park for them to manufacture.

They make some absolutely sick zero-turn mowers as well!

Lawn tractors: A crash course

Many people who consider a lawn tractor (the traditional riding mower) are considering which option is the best for their yard. Push mowers or even self-propelled push mowers are good for lawns up to about a half of an acre. Zero-turn mowers are great for properties with one or more acres. Lawn tractors fall right in the middle of those.

While lawn tractors can fit smaller yards, they aren’t always a necessary option for those that are mobile and able to push a mower. With larger yards, lawn tractors again can be used and can be great, but will take much longer than a zero-turn mower.

Despite being in a “middle ground” of lawn size categories, lawn tractors are still extremely popular. Many people have between a half and two acres of land, so rely on lawn tractors to get the job done. They are also pretty fun to drive around.

October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

I Tested Out Toro’s New TimeCutter ZTR with MyRIDE

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 is a zero-turn mower offered by Toro. The “SS” in the name refers to Smart Speed – a dynamic speed setting controlled by the handle levers. SmartSpeed allows for more maneuverability in making sure you get every last angle of your lawn.

More on that later, though. The TimeCutter is one of the best-selling residential zero-turn mowers on the market and also one of the most affordable.

The bottom line about the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower:

The TimeCutter is the Honda Accord of zero-turn mowers – affordable, reliable, nice
This mower is super easy to use and has some cool features – like the deck wash-out
It is available for a great price from Home Depot

Let’s check out why! Jump ahead to:

Toro and the Zero-Turn mower
Features of the TimeCutter SS4225
Criticisms of this mower
The cost and value analysis
The Official review of the Toro TimeCutter SS4225

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 Zero-turn mower features

The TimeCutter was aptly named because it boasts cutting your lawn mowing time by 50% when compared to a normal riding mower or lawn tractor. Yep, take back your Saturdays and spend more time watching football (or shopping with your wife). Let’s look at some of the features that make this thing special.

The nice thick rear tires on the TimeCutter.

Power output

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 boasts a 22.5 HP V-twin Toro engine (I think that is where the 225 in the name comes from). From what I can tell, Toro used to offer a Kawasaki or Kohler engine, but has made the switch to in-house engines. The 22.5 hp engine is marketed as a “commercial” engine, which is actually accurate. This is a powerful engine that goes above and beyond what you see in normal residential mowers.

With forward speeds up to 7mph and reverse at 4pmh, you can save a ton of time on your weekends by moving quickly. This thing means business and has a 42 inch deck. For scale, most push mowers are anywhere between 18 and 24 inches. This means that each pass you make is basically double the width of a push mower and (depending on how fast you move), three to four times faster. The 50% speed reduction is super conservative in my opinion.

Maneuverability

Something lovely about the Toro TimeCutter SS is the “SS” or SmartSpeed. The SmartSpeed functionality allows you to slow down when making tight maneuvers so that you can make sharp, smooth cuts around garden beds.

Once you get used to using a zero-turn mower, you will understand how this works. You can simply pull back the levers slightly during tight squeezes and be precise with your cuts. Controlling the TimeCutter is super easy because this technology adjusts to your pace. This is a highly maneuverable mower, even for beginners.

Comfort is best in class

Again, a thing I love about Toro mowers is that they begin with the driver in mind. They truly think through the driver’s experience and craft their mowers to accommodate them. One of these features is simple – a cup holder. It is great to have nice cool water (beer) while mowing the lawn. Competitors have not figured out this simple amenity.

Another great feature is the high back seat. This is an 18 inch seat back, which I believe is the highest I have ever reviewed. Seat height and comfort are some of the most important elements to me because it makes a world of difference. I love being able to lean a little further back and rest my arms on the levers.

As mentioned previously, they have truly thought through everything and are appealing to experienced mowers that have requested these types of features.

Maintenance schedule

Maintenance on the Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 is pretty standard for a zero turn mower. The two most common things you will have to do will be the oil change and air filter replacement. The hydrostatic transmission is another feature that helps improve the longevity of zero-turn mowers.

The air filter is super accessible – just flip it open and replace it with ease. Likewise, the oil change just requires a quick empty and refill through the oil drain tube. Some other mowers I have seen, particularly standard riding mowers like the John Deere I reviewed, have easier to maintain features, but none of this is too cumbersome.

The Toro TimeCutter SS4225 comes with a three-year, unlimited hour warranty. This is also the first time I have seen an unlimited hour warranty – which means Toro is not messing around with their confidence in this mower.

Don’t like maintenance? Check out the electric version that comes with a bunch of big batteries that don’t require maintenance.

Potential downsides of this mower

While I love nearly everything about the Toro TimeCutter, I don’t love absolutely everything. One thing I dislike is the height adjustment for the deck. So many other decks have sophisticated systems where you simply twist a knob.

The Toro TimeCutter SS series has you cranking one of those metal levers to the desired blade height. Something that most people don’t mind, but an area where Toro has not yet innovated.

Sadly, this mower also does not have an hour meter or front lights – features that many other zero-turn mowers do have. An hour meter can be purchased separately, but you are on your own when it comes to lighting.

Cost and value

Okay – now that we have reviewed all of the features I love and paired them with some of the criticisms I have, let’s talk cost. For context, most zero-turn mowers of the same size range between $3,000-$4,500. Basically mini cars.

The Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 comes in just under $3,500 at Home Depot – making it a ridiculously good deal. I think this is a high-value mower for those with residential, mid-sized properties.

We compare this mower to a popular competitor, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 – check out our comparison post here or the John Deere Z315E comparison.

The official review

Feature	Toro TimeCutter SS4225	Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to use	Easiest	Average
Durability	More durable	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to hydrostatic transmission	More maintenance
Value	High value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Would not fit	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

Toro equipment reputation

Toro is a well known company that serves lawn equipment for homeowners. They are also one of the preferred products for golf courses, sports fields, and agriculture. They clearly know what they are doing.

I’ve reviewed other Toro equipment, like their recycler push mower. One thing that stood out to me in that review is their engineering. I truly believe they have quality equipment and there’s a few ways to tell. The first is how heavy and solid their equipment is. Their quality stands out to me as top tier.

Another thing I noticed when reviewing the recycler mower is the attention to details. The mower just grinds and grinds and grinds until it produces a fine consistency that feeds your lawn. Other mower manufacturers do not put considerations like this into their products. They even have a patent for the fine grass clippings that nourish your yard.

Zero-turn mowers

Zero-turn mowers have blown up. Everybody wants the most powerful zero turn mower now, even those with smaller lawns. They are cool as heck, save a ton of time, and are straight up fun to ride. Once you figure out how to use one, you get hooked.

Zero turn mowers like the Toro TimeCutter 4225 are powerful and fast. People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional riding mower or even electric lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor.

October 20, 2021April 20, 2024

The Cadillac of Zero-Turn Mowers: The Arien IKON series

The Ariens IKON XD 52 is a zero turn mower that is an absolute beast. Ariens IKON XD series has a range of different options they offer depending on your yard size and goal, but the 52 inch is one of the most popular.

If you have a larger yard and are wanting to cut your mowing time in half, then you have stumbled upon the right review. There are a lot of things people love about these mowers, so let’s jump right in.

Today we will cover:

A history of Ariens lawn mowers
What to look for in a zero-turn mower
Feature of the Ariens IKON XD 52
Where to buy
The official Ariens IKON XD 52 review

The Ariens IKON XD 52: Reviewing the features

Now that we have a good understanding of zero turn mowers and the American-made IKON series, let’s check out some of the features.

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 is sleek and powerful.

The steel frame of the Ariens IKON XD 52

When it comes to durability, the steel frame matters. There are some inexpensive zero turn mowers that I have reviewed and looking at some of the comments – the thing is cheap. I have heard about the frame SNAPPING. Yep, these mowers are heavy as all get out, carry a lot of power, and drive vibration through the steel frame. For those that skimp on the frame material, you may end up with a totaled mower.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has a tubular steel frame with thickness that will give you comfort. Looking up close at the thicker steel deck on the IKON then comparing it to a rival, you will notice a distinct difference. Other mowers will feel like simply sheet metal or recycled metal.

When I first stepped foot on this mower (and I am 6’ 7”), the first thing I noticed was how it didn’t rattle around or shake. It truly felt like stepping onto the bed of my truck – a solid, unmovable, heavy beast.

Comfort and rideability

As I just mentioned, I am a tall person. I have to slouch in just about every chair and get back problems pretty easily. This chair almost looks like one of those gaming chairs. Its got a nice plush seat-back with arm rests (which are an absolute must), with grooves that fit your body perfectly.

The higher handlebars allow for maximum leg room as well, not crunching your legs into a weird position or making you extend your arms out too much. The Ariens IKON is one of those mowers that you can just sort of chill, rest your arms, and have your arms comfortably grasped onto the handlebars.

The Ariens IKON XD 52 has comfortable armrests.

Power

If you have not been able to tell, I like this mower a lot. But owning a lawn mower is a lot more about a nice heavy steel deck and a comfortable chair. You need to get the job done as fast as possible. That’s why the Ariens IKON XD 52 comes with a big ole commercial-style deck. It truly offers a professional grade cut with 13 cutting positions that are adjustable in ¼ inch increments. That is pretty dang precise.

The Ikon XD 52 comes with either a Kohler or Kawasaki engine. The Kohler is a 7000 series engine with 725cc of displacement and 24 horses. These things can run up to 7 miles per hour and can go about half of that in reverse.

The Kawasaki is a FR691 engine with 726cc (an extra cc) of displacement. It has 23hp and otherwise offers the same speed.

Maneuverability and cutting experience

Something I love about this mower is the Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles. That’s a ten dollar phrase right there, but these things are so smooth. They offer a good bit of torque and make the mower simple to control. Hydrostatic transmissions respond quickly and require less maintenance than your standard automatic transmission. Like most zero-turn mowers, this thing moves easily and smoothly across my lawn.

Another consideration on this model is the easy to use and simplified control panel. I mentioned the dial-operated height adjuster earlier, but this needs to be said again. Remember the days when you had to jam and crank the gear on the side to the desired blade height? You would pull it out and it would just start falling, or go into the wrong setting. This is not my life anymore. Just spin the knob and the adjustment is made. One of my favorite features of this mower.

Cost and value

These bad boys run you about $4,500 but I promise you that they are worth it. This price tag is comparable with other mowers that are much lower quality. I am actually surprised to see it priced this low.

The Ariens Ikon XD 52 will make you feel like a badass. It is simply the top tier zero-turn mower in the game.

Where to buy Ariens Ikon XD52

Believe it or not, you can buy it on Amazon and have it shipped to your house for a pretty insane price.

Do not waste your time with other zero-turn mowers – you have found the best-in-class, American-made mower of your dreams.

Official review: The Ariens Ikon XD 52 zero-turn mower

Feature	Ariens IKON XD 52	Comparable residential ZT mower
Difficulty to use	Less difficult	Average
Durability	More durable	Average durability
Maintenance	Less maintenance due to hydrostatic transmission	More maintenance
Value	High value	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Would not fit	Would not fit
For lots <1 acre	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool	Probably overkill but is fun and looks cool
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

Ariens lawn mowers

Ariens is an American born and made company that has been creating gas-powered lawn tools for almost 100 years. With its home in Brillion, Wisconsin, they have always stayed true to American made products. With the durability (more to come) and comfort of these mowers, you can tell the American-made difference.

Ariens has a suite of zero-turn mowers as well as a smaller line of push mowers. They also sell things like snow blowers, power brushes and more.

Zero-turn mowers

People love zero turn mowers because they are generally faster than your traditional lawn tractor and provide much more agility. Zero turn mowers are especially popular for commercial lawn mowing companies as they provide much more speed and power, have larger gas capacity, and are more nimble than the traditional lawn tractor.

Zero turn mowers have continued to grow in popularity but are still intimidating to others. While lawn tractors have a steering wheel similar to any other automobile, zero-turn mowers have large handles that stick up and meet in the middle of the mower. To operate the mower, you push forward and use the individual horizontal handles to either push the mower to the right or to the left.

Ariens is the parent company of Gravely, who also makes great zero-turns.

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

Zero-turn mowers are all about comfort and size. If you are a commercial landscaper, you will likely want a mower with a large deck. The deck houses the blades and the wider the deck, the wider the blade.

For us residential mowers, we will want to take into account yard-size into our selection process. For those with less than one acre of land, I don’t often recommend zero-turn mowers. They take up too much space for smaller lots and are difficult to store. For those with more than one acre, zero-turn mowers are great. The larger the acreage, the wider the deck you will want.