John Deere S240 vs. X350 (Mower Comparison)

For routine home mowing at a lower purchase cost, the John Deere S240 is often the practical choice. The X350 is worth comparing when its operator controls, comfort, or equipment better fit frequent use. Both are residential lawn tractors, and the right choice depends on the exact model year, deck, lawn, and condition—not horsepower alone.

Start with the model year and your lawn

Future-proofing a mower means choosing equipment that still fits your yard and service needs in a few years. Before comparing price or features, identify each tractor’s model year, serial number, installed mower deck, and manual. Engine, warranty, fuel capacity, and included equipment can change by year and market.

Both the S240 and X350 are residential lawn tractors, not commercial mowers or machines for heavy towing. Their common configurations are useful starting points, but a model name alone does not confirm every specification. Check the tractor’s identification plate and ask a John Deere dealer to confirm the build and available parts.

The X350’s iTorque name refers to its engine-and-drive system. It is not a separate horsepower rating. Nor does the S240’s higher commonly listed horsepower alone prove that it will cut better. Deck condition, blade sharpness, grass, speed, and tractor setup all affect the result.

Which tractor fits your mowing job?

The S240 generally suits owners who want a capable residential tractor for routine mowing and place more weight on purchase cost. The X350 may suit someone who values its controls, operator platform, or fit for more frequent residential work enough to consider a higher purchase price. Compare actual year-specific equipment and warranty terms before deciding.

A 42-inch deck is narrower, so it can be easier to steer around trees, beds, gates, and other tight spots. A 48-inch deck can cover open areas in fewer passes, but it needs more clearance and may be awkward in a confined yard. Confirm that your narrowest gate or passage can accommodate the tractor and deck.

Neither deck size guarantees a faster job. Turns, obstacles, slopes, grass length, and the operator’s pace all affect mowing time. If both tractors have the same deck width, focus next on control feel, seat comfort, service history, and condition.

• Choose the S240 if routine home mowing and purchase cost lead your decision.
• Consider the X350 if its controls and operator setup suit your mowing routine and justify the price difference.
• Compare the actual machines if buying used; a well-kept tractor can be a better buy than a neglected one with a more appealing model name.

Compare terrain, comfort, and controls

A riding mower’s handling depends on its tires, steering, weight, drive, ground conditions, and operator input. Both models commonly have hydrostatic drive, which lets the operator vary travel speed without shifting through fixed gears. Their exact control layout and features should still be checked on the model year you are considering.

If possible, sit on both tractors and test the controls with the engine off, following the dealer’s instructions. Check whether the pedal or other controls feel natural, whether you can reach them without stretching, and whether the seat suits your body. For a used tractor, ask to see it start cold and operate its drive and steering.

A lawn tractor is not automatically suitable for every slope. A machine can lose traction or overturn, especially when turning or crossing a slope, mowing wet grass, or hitting a rut. Follow the exact slope limits and mowing direction in the operator’s manual. If control or traction feels uncertain, stop and reassess rather than relying on horsepower or experience.

Inspect, mow, and store safely

Safe operation begins before the blades turn. Read the tractor and deck manuals, inspect the guards and discharge deflector, and confirm that the brake and safety interlocks work. Keep children and bystanders away, wear eye and hearing protection and sturdy footwear, and never bypass an interlock or mow with a guard removed.

Before each mowing session, walk the area and remove rocks, wire, toys, branches, and other debris. Look for people, pets, holes, wet grass, and obstacles. Set the deck height for the grass and site, and engage the blades as the manual directs. Slow down for turns, rough ground, dense or wet grass, and obstacles. Direct clippings only where the deflector sends them safely.

After mowing, disengage the blades and stop on level ground. Set the brake, remove the key, and wait for moving parts to stop and hot parts to cool before inspecting or cleaning. Use the manual’s cleaning method; do not put hands near blades, even when the engine is off.

For seasonal storage, stabilize or drain fuel only as the engine maker directs. Do not keep untreated fuel longer than the manual recommends. Follow the schedule for oil and filter service, clean the tractor, and store it in a dry place as instructed. Before spring mowing, inspect the battery, wiring, belts, blades, tires, guards, and interlocks.

Maintain the tractor you actually own

A model comparison is only useful if you can maintain the specific tractor. Oil type and capacity, spark plug, filters, service intervals, blade-fastener torque, belt routing, and transmission instructions can depend on engine and model year. Use the tractor and engine manuals for these specifications; do not transfer values from another machine.

Both tractors use four-cycle engines with separate crankcase oil. They do not use a gasoline-and-two-cycle-oil premix. Use the fuel grade and ethanol limit listed in the engine manual. Adding two-cycle oil to the gasoline is not a substitute for servicing the crankcase.

Before blade work, remove the key and disable the ignition as directed in the manual. Check blades for cracks, bends, and excessive wear. Sharpen them evenly and balance them; replace damaged blades. A damaged blade should not be treated as a sharpening job.

For a used tractor, a dealer inspection can help reveal problems that a short ride may miss. Ask the technician to check:

• Cold starting and charging-system operation
• Hydrostatic response, steering, and brake function
• Blade engagement and safety interlocks
• Tire condition, deck level, belts, and blades
• Leaks and signs of neglected maintenance

A clean appearance is not proof of good service history. Request maintenance records, and compare the inspection results with the price and the cost of any needed repairs.

Practical buying scenarios

These examples show how to apply the comparison without treating a model name as a guarantee. They are decision scenarios, not claims about a particular owner or test result. In each case, confirm the tractor’s year, deck, condition, and manual before purchase.

Scenario 1: A compact yard with many obstacles. If both tractors are available with a 42-inch deck, that narrower deck may be easier to work around trees and beds. Compare how each feels in turns and whether the machine fits through gates. The model with the more suitable deck and controls may matter more than its horsepower figure.

Scenario 2: A larger, mostly open lawn. A 48-inch deck may cover ground with fewer passes than a 42-inch deck, assuming the space allows it. Measure tight passages first, then compare the tractors’ condition and comfort. Do not assume a wider deck is useful if it cannot reach the mowing area.

Scenario 3: A used tractor with unclear maintenance. Do not choose solely by the S240 or X350 badge. Confirm the serial number and year, check for records, and arrange an inspection. A check of the drive, charging system, deck, safety devices, and leaks can help you judge the risk before committing.

Conclusion: make the choice by fit and condition

For many homeowners, the S240 is the sensible starting point when the job is routine residential mowing and cost matters. The X350 is worth considering when its operator setup or year-specific equipment better suits your needs. Neither is the right choice for unsafe slopes or commercial-duty work.

Before buying, confirm the model year, deck width, manuals, warranty, and service history. Then compare the controls and inspect the tractor. Those checks are more useful than relying on horsepower or a feature name alone.

Frequently asked questions

The answers below focus on common buying and ownership questions. Specifications can vary by year and market, so use the operator’s manual and tractor identification details to confirm exact parts, service limits, and equipment before acting.

Is the X350 better than the S240?
Not for every owner. The S240 may be a better fit when price and routine mowing are priorities. The X350 may suit buyers who value its controls, platform, or other year-specific equipment. Compare the actual machines and their condition.

Which has more horsepower?
Common S240 specifications list a V-twin around 21.5 hp, while many X350 model years list an 18.5-hp Kawasaki V-twin. Confirm the year and engine on the tractor. Horsepower alone does not determine cut quality.

Do both models come with 42-inch and 48-inch decks?
Those are common deck options for both models, but availability can vary by model year and market. Check the installed deck and the tractor’s serial number rather than assuming a particular deck came with it.

Is the X350’s iTorque a horsepower rating?
No. iTorque describes the engine-and-drive system, not a separate horsepower figure. Use the engine specification for the tractor’s actual model year when comparing horsepower.

Do these tractors use two-cycle fuel mix?
No. Both use four-cycle engines with separate crankcase oil. Do not add two-cycle oil to the gasoline. Follow the engine manual for the correct fuel and oil.

Which deck is better for a small yard?
A 42-inch deck can be easier to maneuver around obstacles and through narrow spaces. Measure gates and passages, though; the deck width is only one part of the tractor’s total clearance.

Can I mow a steep slope with either tractor?
Only within the limits and direction stated in that tractor’s manual. Wet grass, turns, and ruts can increase rollover risk. Stop if traction or control is uncertain.

What should I check on a used S240 or X350?
Confirm the year and deck, request service records, and test cold starting, steering, braking, hydrostatic drive, blade engagement, and safety interlocks. Check tires, deck, belts, wiring, and leaks. A dealer inspection can identify issues that are hard to assess during a brief visit.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Harrison Croft. Visit our Meet the Team page.)