When it comes to reliable and cost-effective riding lawn tractors, the John Deere S110 vs Craftsman T110 are two of the most widely recommended models for homeowners managing small to mid-sized properties. Both are designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious users seeking simplicity, dependable performance, and straightforward maintenance.
However, despite their similar class and horsepower, these machines differ significantly in engine integration, transmission technology, deck functionality, frame durability, and ergonomic comfort. In this comprehensive comparison of the John Deere S110 vs Craftsman T110, we explore every critical detail so you can confidently choose the mower best suited for your lawn care needs.
Contents
Differences John Deere S110 vs Craftsman T110
Engine Power and Operational Efficiency
The John Deere S110 is powered by a 19 HP 540cc Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine, which offers a noticeable increase in torque and performance compared to the 17.5 HP 500cc engine in the Craftsman T110. This additional horsepower helps the S110 maintain better blade speed through tall or dense grass and provides smoother acceleration when climbing gentle inclines or towing lightweight accessories.
While both engines originate from Briggs & Stratton, John Deere calibrates its engine integration more precisely with the hydrostatic drivetrain, resulting in fewer RPM drops during quick speed changes and better fuel efficiency under variable load. Craftsman’s 17.5 HP motor is adequate for small lawns but struggles slightly under high grass or rough patches.
Winner: John Deere S110
With more power, refined calibration, and stronger torque delivery, the S110 offers smoother, more consistent mowing performance, especially under moderate stress.
Transmission and Speed Control Comparison
The Craftsman T110 features a 7-speed manual transmission, requiring users to select gear settings using a lever on the fender. While this design is simple and cost-effective, it demands frequent manual shifting and cannot change speeds on the fly without stopping, which impacts mowing fluidity.
The John Deere S110 uses a hydrostatic transmission controlled by foot pedals, enabling seamless forward and reverse movement. Operators can accelerate, decelerate, or reverse direction with foot control, leaving their hands free to steer. This design is especially advantageous in yards with tight corners, flower beds, or slopes.
Winner: John Deere S110
Its hydrostatic foot control system is clearly more user-friendly, offering fluid speed adjustments and enhanced maneuverability over the gear-driven T110.
Cutting Deck Construction and Performance
Both mowers feature a 42-inch stamped steel deck made from 13-gauge steel, ideal for lawns up to 1.5 acres. This deck width strikes a balance between efficient mowing coverage and maneuverability through gates and around landscaping.
However, the S110 offers a slightly wider cutting height range (1″ to 4″), while the T110 ranges from 1.25″ to 3.75″. Additionally, the S110 comes standard with deck wash ports, making cleaning the underside faster and more efficient. This helps prolong deck life by preventing buildup of clippings and moisture.
Winner: John Deere S110
Although deck size and material are equal, the S110’s wash port, broader height range, and smoother integration with the engine and transmission give it the edge in cutting performance and longevity.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime
The Craftsman T110 includes a 1.3-gallon fuel tank, which is serviceable for small to medium lawns but requires more frequent refueling during extended use. This limitation becomes more noticeable on properties larger than an acre.
The John Deere S110, on the other hand, boasts a 2.4-gallon fuel tank, allowing users to mow for longer without interruption. This is particularly valuable for homeowners who want to complete the entire yard in a single session.
Winner: John Deere S110
With nearly double the fuel capacity, the S110 is the better choice for larger yards and extended run times without fuel stops.
Operator Comfort and Seat Design
Comfort is crucial during prolonged mowing sessions. The Craftsman T110 is equipped with a mid-back seat, adequate for short sessions but lacking lumbar support or suspension enhancements.
In contrast, the John Deere S110 provides a high-back seat with lumbar contouring, offering superior back support and reducing fatigue on longer jobs. The seating position is more upright, with better visibility, wider legroom, and more accessible controls.
Winner: John Deere S110
The ergonomic seat design, comfort upgrades, and vibration-reduction elements make the S110 clearly superior for rider comfort.
Lighting and Visibility
The Craftsman T110 does not include factory-installed headlights, limiting its usability in low-light conditions such as early mornings or dusk.
The John Deere S110 comes with integrated LED headlights, providing better visibility in shaded areas and increasing safety if mowing extends into the evening hours.
Winner: John Deere S110
Factory-installed LED headlights increase visibility, safety, and all-day functionality, giving the S110 another practical advantage.
Build Quality and Durability
While both models are built from stamped steel components suitable for light-duty use, John Deere applies robotic welding and E-coating to its frame, enhancing rust resistance and structural integrity. The S110’s cast-iron front axle adds further resilience for bumpy terrain or towing tasks.
The Craftsman T110 features a basic steel frame without anti-corrosion coating and uses a standard steel front axle. It’s suitable for occasional residential mowing but will show wear more quickly under tough conditions.
Winner: John Deere S110
With stronger materials, better anti-rust protection, and superior axle design, the S110 is built for greater longevity and weather resilience.
Turning Radius and Maneuverability
Both machines offer a standard 18-inch turning radius, typical for riding mowers in this segment. While this allows for competent navigation around common yard features, the S110’s hydrostatic drive system offers more fluid control during turns, reducing the need for multiple-point adjustments.
Winner: John Deere S110
While turning radius is identical, the superior control afforded by the hydrostatic system makes the S110 easier to handle around obstacles.
Attachments and Upgradeability
The Craftsman T110 supports a basic set of accessories such as a mulch kit and rear bagger, but lacks widespread compatibility with front-mounted tools or extended utility implements.
The John Deere S110 supports a much broader range of attachments, including snow blades, baggers, carts, sprayers, and tow-behind aerators. With quick-change brackets and a well-developed accessories lineup, users can expand their mower’s utility beyond basic grass cutting.
Winner: John Deere S110
With greater upgrade potential and implement support, the S110 offers more value over time for homeowners seeking flexibility.
Quick Rundown Of John Deere S110
Quick Rundown Of Craftsman T110
Conclusion
Choose the Craftsman T110 if you want a budget-conscious mower for occasional use on a small, flat lawn. It’s a simple, no-frills option for users who don’t need premium comfort or advanced features and are comfortable managing a manual transmission.
Choose the John Deere S110 if you’re looking for a more capable, durable, and user-friendly riding mower. Its hydrostatic drive, stronger engine, larger fuel tank, more comfortable seat, and expandable feature set make it the clear winner for users seeking long-term reliability and greater mowing comfort.
Overall Winner: John Deere S110
With its superior powertrain, ergonomics, runtime, and build quality, the S110 is the more advanced and future-ready mower in this comparison, offering the best overall value for residential lawn care.