The John Deere E130 or S13: Which Is Better?

Unless you know precisely what to look for, deciding which lawn tractor is best for you can be a bit of a challenge. The market for riding mowers is stocked with a wide variety of models, each of which serves a unique purpose. This is why it’s crucial to identify your specific needs, since doing so will make the choosing process much less complicated and more fruitful for you.

Lawn tractors made by John Deere have a stellar reputation for longevity and precision trimming. Now that you have the JD E130 and S130 to compare, though, it’s time to make a decision: which model is better for your needs?

Compared to the E130, the John Deere S130 will provide superior service in a number of areas. There isn’t a huge gap between the two lawn tractors, but the S series is an improved version compared to the E, so it does offer more useful features that will contribute favorably to your mowing experience, and this article will explain them all to you.

This in-depth comparison of the E130 and S130 John Deere models will help you choose the right one for your needs and ensure that you get the best possible value out of your investment for as long as possible. I’ll go over the good and bad points of each option to help you make a more informed choice.

S130 and E130: Four Key Variations

The E and the S130 are practically identical in design and operation. Whatever the case may be, you can benefit from some of the distinctions between them.

The Seating in the S130 Is Significantly Superior.

For lawn tractors, comfort is especially important if the terrain is uneven. If you’re looking for a saddle that looks like a large “L” from every angle, go no further than the E130. Not only do they not provide any back support or air circulation, but they also seem like something out of a medieval torture chamber, therefore I would never choose one of them as a riding saddle. If you’re on the bulkier side, they may also be too small.

But the S130’s two-piece seat, which features a backless design, is somewhat taller and more comfortable since it provides additional back support. They’re an improvement over the E130, but they still aren’t the best option because the suspension isn’t very good. If riding comfort is your first priority, though, the S130 is clearly the superior model.

If you plan on spending more than three or four hours per week on your E or S130 lawn tractor, a suspension seat is highly recommended. Because there are so many options out there, you can find one that suits your needs better than the lawn tractors’ suspension system, even if it’s not very good. Given that you’ll need a suspension seat for the foreseeable future, I wrote a lengthy essay comparing some of the best options available.

The S130’s PTO (Power Take-Off) Switch Is More Stylish.

When comparing the two lawn tractors, you may notice some subtle differences in the placement of the PTO switch, which is responsible for engaging and disengaging the cutting deck blades. To operate the blades, simply grasp the horizontally mounted PTO lever on the E130 and pull to activate or disengage the motor. The S130 model, on the other hand, has a huge pop-up bottom that you can pull and push to achieve the same result.

Although this may seem like a trivial change, it actually makes stopping the S130 much simpler to control. The S130 will now provide you with improved ease and assurance during your mowing projects if you opt for this modification.

Transmissions Are More Robust In The S130.

The E130 is equipped with a Tuff Torq TL200 belt-driven tranny unit, which is typically used in entry-level or budget residential lawn tractors. They do okay in moderately difficult conditions, but they aren’t ideal for everyday use.

The Kanzaki Tuff Torq double-wheel drive on the S130 model provides stronger resistance to challenging mowing operations than the E130. The John Deere S130 model has a stronger transmission and is better suited for sloping or mountainous lawns, although neither is ideal for regular usage.

Cost-effectiveness is an advantage of the E130 over the S130.

For those on a tighter budget, the E130 is a better option than the more expensive S130 (which can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $2,500, depending on the dealer). When you consider that lawn tractors are versatile devices that can be utilized throughout the year, you’ll see that the prices are fairly reasonable given the value of the riding mowers.

6 Commonalities and Shared Features Between the E130 and S130

Power Sources And Engines

Both versions are powered by 22-horsepower V-twin engines, making them ideal for light-duty tasks like mowing the lawn or moving light landscaping materials. Avoid putting either model through its paces on a commercial basis; it’s bad for the lawn tractor’s engine and transmission and will shorten its lifespan. Each model does an excellent job on 2 12 acres three times a week or 5 acres twice a week (without include small tasks like dragging light carts or simple transport), making them appropriate yardsticks.

Tire Diameters

Both the E130 and the S130 have identical front and rear tire sizes. Both the front and rear tires, measuring in at 20 by 6 by 6, and the spare, measuring in at 20 by 10 by 8, would contribute to the vehicle’s excellent traction and stability. Adjusting the tire pressure can help you have a more personalized driving experience. Depending on the layout of your yard, this may help reduce skid marks and promote more stable footing.

Quantitative Evaluation of Velocity

The maximum forward speed of the E130 and S130 is 5.5 mph, and the maximum reverse speed is 4 mph. The slower speed has a beneficial influence on the cutting quality since the lawn tractor has more time to ruminate on the grass in one area before moving on. You can get the same kind of cut from the E130 or the S130, and some high-end riding mowers even have a “tow mode” speed option.

Deck Construction and the Precision of the Cut

Standard on both the E130 and S130 is a 42-inch cutting deck made from 13-gauge steel and outfitted with two anti-scalp wheels from The Edge. Even though the deck isn’t particularly flashy, the cutting quality is top-notch. This is because the machines are set to the optimal speed, ensuring that every area of grass is given a thorough cutting without any stragglers or uneven sections.

The Capacity of the Gas Tank

Both the E130 and the S130 have fuel capacity of 9.1 liters. When the tank is full, you can cut an area of up to three acres. The number may not make you pump your fist in the air, but it’s reasonable when you take into account that each lawn tractor is designed for cutting grass on residential property.

Insurance

To help you get the most out of either model, the manufacturer provides a two-year, twenty-four-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty on parts and labor.

FAQs

Are There Different Deck Sizes Available for the E130 and S130?

Each boat has a 42-inch main deck. They only come with a 42″ deck and you can’t buy or combine them with any other deck size. You could perhaps succeed, but doing so would severely limit the machine’s stability, severely diminishing its capacity to traverse sloped terrain and potentially damaging the transmission system.

How Long Do You Expect The E130 And S130 To Last?

Even entry-level residential models of John Deere tractors are very long-lasting, with a seven- to nine-year lifespan under normal use and maintenance conditions. As an example, if you want to extend the life of your lawnmower, you should only use it for cutting grass.

The E130 and S130: Capable of Hauling Trailers?

Everything within the appropriate capacity range can be towed or pushed with either model. These lawn tractors may pull a variety of implements, including aerators, trolleys, and rollers. In addition, you can use them as effective snow plows!

To get the most use out of your lawn tractor throughout the winter, you should familiarize yourself with the process of snow plowing with your riding mower.

How much weight can the E130 and S130 tow?

John Deere recommends that you don’t overload your E130 or S130 with any more than 400 pounds of pulling weight. To ensure that your lawn tractor lasts as long as you need it to, it’s crucial that you stick to this number.

Parting Remarks

The John Deere S130 is more efficient than the E130, albeit at a higher price. Both versions are sturdy and provide almost the same benefits, but the S130 has a tougher gearbox and a more comfortable seat, so it’s the one I’d choose if your yard has hills and bumps.

If you are on a tighter budget, though, you may purchase a fine mowing machine without breaking the bank by purchasing an E130. In the end, it doesn’t matter which model you pick; either lawn tractor would be a great investment. All the best!