John Deere STX38
Power
12 hp
Production
1989-1997
Transmission
Peerless 920
Weight
433 lbs [196 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere STX38 Lawn Tractor
The John Deere STX38 is a lawn tractor produced between 1989 and 1997 in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA. Designed for residential lawn maintenance, it belongs to the STX series and was available in two primary configurations, commonly distinguished as the "yellow-deck" and "black-deck" versions.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 12 hp (9.3 kW) air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine with a displacement of 398 cc (24.3 ci). It utilizes a paper and foam air cleaner system and requires a Champion RC12YC spark plug with a gap of 0.040 inches (1.016 mm). Oil maintenance is recommended every 50 hours, with a total capacity of 2 quarts (1.9 liters).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The STX38 features a two-wheel drive system paired with a Peerless 920 belt-driven gear transmission. It offers 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The unit is sealed, and the manufacturer does not recommend owner-servicing of the transmission oil.
Controls and Operator Station
The operator station is of an open design, featuring a foam-padded seat for comfort. Steering is managed via a manual sector-and-pinion system, while braking is handled by integral mechanical disc brakes. An electric rear PTO allows for the engagement of attachments.
Dimensions and Tires
The tractor has a wheelbase of 44.69 inches (113 cm), a total length of 60 inches (152 cm), and a width of 52 inches (132 cm). It weighs approximately 433 lbs (196 kg). It is equipped with lawn and turf tires, measuring 13x6.5-6 at the front and 18x8.5-8 at the rear.
Conclusion
The John Deere STX38 is a compact lawn tractor suitable for residential mowing tasks. Its straightforward mechanical design and 38-inch deck configuration make it a practical choice for small to medium-sized property maintenance, provided standard maintenance intervals are observed.
Videos
Production Information of John Deere, STX38
- Two basic versions of the STX38 were the original "yellow-deck" from 1989 to 1993, and the later "black-deck" from 1994 to 1997. The STX38 yellow-deck model was available with more features than the later black-deck version. A kit (AM107293) was optional to add headlights.
- Original price was $2,350 in 1993
- Lawn tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, STX38
| Wheelbase | 44.69 inches [113 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 433 lbs [196 kg] |
| Height | 38.6 inches [98 cm] |
| Length | 60 inches [152 cm] |
| Width | 52 inches [132 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 13x6.5-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 18x8.5-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, STX38
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 398 cc [24.3 ci] |
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Air cleaner | Paper and foam |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.425x2.638 inches [87 x 67 mm] |
| Oil change | 50 h |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.040 inches [1.016 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion RC12YC |
| Idle RPM | 1350-3350 |
| Compression | 8.9:1 |
| Power | 12.5 hp [9.3 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, STX38
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Peerless 920 |
|---|---|
| Oil change | Sealed unit, owner service is not recommended |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, STX38
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with foam-padded seat.
- Integral mechanical disc brakes
| Steering | Manual sector-and-pinion |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, STX38
| Rear PTO | Electric |
|---|
Electrical System of John Deere, STX38
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 200 |
| Charging system | Flywheel alternator |
| Charging amps | 15 |
Where it sits
With 12 HP, the John Deere STX38 sits just above STX30 (9 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 56th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere STX38 have?
The John Deere STX38 delivers 12 HP.
What years was the John Deere STX38 produced?
The John Deere STX38 was produced in 1989-1997.
What transmission does the John Deere STX38 use?
The John Deere STX38 uses a Peerless 920 transmission.
How much does the John Deere STX38 weigh?
The John Deere STX38 weighs 433 lbs [196 kg].
Is the John Deere STX38 4WD?
The John Deere STX38 is available in 2WD.