Which Riding Mower?

[kae006]

Planning to buy a new riding mower and am torn between these two JD units. The one I'm replacing is an older Deere with a 12.5HP Kohler and 38" deck and it was plenty wide enough for our yard so I initially planned to get the 22HP v-twin with 42" deck but the 48" 24HP is advertised as an extended life series engine and I'm wondering if it's worth the extra $400 for durability or if that's just a gimmick. The "30 second oil change" system they use on the 100 series John Deere's is why I'm leaning towards them over Cub Cadet, etc.

I want to be able to use it to move a small trailer and our boat around to the back yard which is the main reason I'm looking at these over a zero turn.

22HP:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/John-Deere-S120-42-in-22-HP-V-Twin-Gas-Hydrostatic-Lawn-Tractor-BG21272/314278217#overlay

24HP:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/John-Deere-S160-48-in-24-HP-V-Twin-ELS-Gas-Hydrostatic-Lawn-Tractor-BG21211/314278311

[locolobo]

More HP should pull better but not sure if 2 hp will make much difference.

[bboswell]

If it’s sold at HD or Lowe’s I’m not interested!

It may have green paint but it is not a true JD, the big box stores dictate a price point and the manufacture has to cheapen up a model enough that it hits that price point.