Compare/Sears SS-15 917.2538 vs Sears ST/16 917.25740

Sears SS-15 917.2538 vs Sears ST/16 917.25740

Verdict: Sears SS-15 917.2538 vs Sears ST/16 917.25740

The Sears SS-15 917.2538 and the Sears ST/16 917.25740 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Sears ST/16 917.25740 leads on rated power with 16 hp against 15 hp. Sears SS-15 917.2538 is the lighter machine (301 kg vs 303 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Sears ST/16 917.25740 is the newer design (1973 vs 1972). In short: choose the Sears ST/16 917.25740 for outright pulling power, or the Sears SS-15 917.2538 if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Sears

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Sears

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

15 hp

16 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Distributor

SearsReference

Manufacturer

RoperReference

Three gears, plus reverse, in two ranges.Reference

Three gears (1-3) plus reverse (R) with two ranges (low and high).Reference

Variants

917.2520

Suburban 15Reference

—

917.2538

SS-15Reference

—

Engine

Displacement

32.4 ciReference

27.66 ciReference

Bore/Stroke

90 x 83 mmReference

89 x 73 mmReference

Power

11.2 kWReference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Power (gross)

—

11.9 kWReference

Oil change

—

25 hReference

Sparkplug gap

—

0.762 mmReference

Intake valve clearance

—

0.127 mmReference

Exhaust valve clearance

—

0.254 mmReference

Transmission

Gears

6 forward and 2 reverseReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Type

belt-driven gearReference

Mid PTO

—

independentReference

Clutch

—

manualReference

Dimensions

Weight

301 kgReference

303 kgReference

Front tire

16x6.50-8Reference

16x5.50Reference

Rear tire

23x9.50-12Reference

23x9.50Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x6.50-8Reference

16x5.50Reference

Lawn/turf rear

23x9.50-12Reference

23x9.50Reference

Length

165 cmReference

167 cmReference

Width

97 cmReference

92 cmReference

Height (steering wheel)

100 cmReference

—

Shipping weight

301 kgReference

303 kgReference

Wheelbase

—

110 cmReference

Height

—

101 cmReference

Sears SS-15 attachments

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

Sears ST/16 attachments

ST/16 Serial Number Location

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.