John Deere STX38 Black Deck vs John Deere SX85

Verdict: John Deere STX38 Black Deck vs John Deere SX85

The John Deere STX38 Black Deck and the John Deere SX85 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 13 hp. John Deere SX85 is the lighter machine (165 kg vs 196 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. John Deere SX85 is the newer design (1997 vs 1989). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.