Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- John Deere S160 Lawn Tractor — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- John Deere S170 Lawn Tractor — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 4 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- S160 Lawn Tractor has a Hydrostatic, 2-wheel drive transmission; S170 Lawn Tractor has a K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic, two-wheel drive transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- S160 Lawn Tractor has a Steel, 12 gauge0.105 in.2.7 mm deck; S170 Lawn Tractor has a Steel, 12 gauge 0.105 in. 2.7 mm deck.
- S160 Lawn Tractor has Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch drive; S170 Lawn Tractor has Single belt drive.
- S160 Lawn Tractor weighs 481 lbs (218 kg); S170 Lawn Tractor weighs 503 lbs (228.2 kg), a 22 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What S160 Lawn Tractor's weight means for a trailer ›
what isn’t comparable
Not comparable
- Fuel Type: not published for S170 Lawn Tractor.
- Deck Construction: not published for S170 Lawn Tractor.
- Discharge: not published for S170 Lawn Tractor.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | S160 Lawn Tractor John Deere · Riding (Lawn Tractor) |
S170 Lawn Tractor John Deere · Riding (Lawn Tractor) |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.2 ci (724 cc) | 44.2 ci (724 cc) |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | 24 hp |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Engine Model | 44U877 (M44) | 44U877 (M44) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4 in (102 mm) | 4 in (102 mm) |
| Deck Material | Steel, 12 gauge0.105 in.2.7 mm | Steel, 12 gauge 0.105 in. 2.7 mm |
| Deck Construction | Stamped steel deck shell | — |
| Deck Gauge | 12 | 12 |
| Discharge | Side discharge | — |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic, 2-wheel drive | K46 heavy-duty hydrostatic, two-wheel drive |
| Ground Speed | 5.5 mph | 5.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20x10-8 | — |
| Reverse Speed | 3.2 mph | 3.2 mph |
| Drive System | Electric power take-off (PTO) clutch | Single belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 481 lbs (218 kg) | 503 lbs (228.2 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.4 gal (9.1 L) | 2.4 gal (9.1 L) |
| Length | 74.9 in (1903 mm) | — |
| Width | 60.8 in (1544 mm) | — |
| Height | 45.3 in (1151 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | Full-length welded steel | — |
| Seat Type | Two-piece with open-back | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 2 yr | 2 yr |
| Bagger Capacity | 6.5 bu (229 L) | 6.5 bu (229 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
S160 Lawn Tractor: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — deere.com.
S170 Lawn Tractor: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — deere.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.