The AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S is the high-clearance version of the Sherpa platform, built for ground that standard ride-ons struggle with. Its larger XL tyres give extra lift and a wider footprint, helping the machine stay composed over ruts, hidden obstacles and rough terrain while keeping the operator in control.
Powered by a 724 cc Briggs & Stratton V-twin, the 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S has the torque and traction needed for long grass and mixed ground conditions. The 90 cm closed deck mulches tall growth cleanly, and the hydrostatic lever makes speed and direction changes simple. If your sites are uneven, worn or unpredictable, this version of the Sherpa is built to take that daily workload.
What the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S Is Built For
The AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S is designed for operators who deal with rough, uneven ground where a standard mower bottoms out or loses stability. The extra ground clearance from the XL tyres gives it a clear advantage on ruts, roots and disturbed surfaces, and the permanent 4WD keeps the machine moving steadily on greasy banks and mixed terrain. It’s a sit-on brushcutter for sites where the ground changes constantly and the risk of deck strikes is high.
The 90 cm closed deck uses the AS cross-blade system to chop long grass and seasonal scrub into manageable mulch. There’s no collecting, no fussing with clippings and no need to keep stopping for blockages. The deck’s upward movement helps protect the blades during impacts, making the XL better suited to land that hasn’t been maintained regularly or hides obstacles beneath the growth.
Who This Machine Suits
- Contractors working mixed rural and semi-industrial sites with unpredictable terrain.
- Landowners with rough paddocks, uneven pasture or ground that shifts with weather and livestock.
- Teams responsible for roadside banks, access tracks and ground that’s too harsh for standard ride-ons.
- Operators who regularly strike hidden objects and want more clearance and protection.
- Users who prefer the known support and feel of a Briggs & Stratton V-twin.
Real Strengths in Day-to-Day Use
- Extra clearance: clears ruts, tussocks and mounds that slow the standard Sherpa.
- Permanent 4WD: controlled traction on slopes and patchy ground.
- Cross-blade mulching: handles tall grass and rough growth without bogging down.
- Higher stubble height: suitable for wild meadows and less uniform ground conditions.
- Hydrostatic lever: simple speed and direction control with minimal hand movement.
- Reduced operator shock: larger tyres take the sting out of uneven surfaces.
- Cooling built for long shifts: separate circuits keep the engine and hydrostat steady during heavy use.
Where the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S Fits in the Range
The XL sits directly above the standard 940 in terms of terrain capability. Both share the same deck and power unit, but the XL’s wider stance and raised ride height make it the stronger choice on harsh, uneven land. If you work under solar panels or tight clearance areas, the standard Sherpa remains easier to manoeuvre. If your land is a mix of ruts, animal damage, roots and soft ground, the XL is the safer option day to day.
Compared with the 915 and 920 2WD models, the XL is slower on wide, open fields but outclasses them on banks and rough areas where traction and stability become the limiting factor. Against the 1040 Yak, the XL gives a cleaner grass finish but won’t handle the woody material that a flail is built for. It’s the middle ground for users who don’t need a flail but want a more forgiving ride on challenging terrain.
Operational Realities Worth Knowing
- The cut starts at 80 mm, which suits rough grass but won’t satisfy buyers who want low stubble.
- The extra width improves stability, but gateways and tight spaces need checking.
- It’s a mulcher only; anyone expecting a collected finish should look elsewhere.
- Although the clearance helps with hidden obstacles, sensible driving on slopes is still essential.
- The machine is built for rugged work, but it’s still not a substitute for a flail in heavy scrub.
Useful Accessories
- Trailer and hitch: adds practical utility for moving tools and material.
- Snow blade: gives extra use in winter and keeps the machine earning year-round.
- Mulch kit: improves particle size on shorter, lighter growth.
- Weather cab: helps operators in exposed, open landscapes.
Technical Specifications
| Cutting Width | 90 cm |
|---|---|
| Engine Manufacturer | Briggs & Stratton |
| Engine Type | Professional Series 8, V-twin 4-stroke |
| Displacement | 724 cm³ |
| Maximum Power | 20.1 kW / 27.0 hp |
| Rated Power | 16.5 kW / 22.4 hp |
| Nominal Speed | 3300 rpm |
| Traction Drive | Permanent 4WD |
| Hydrostatic Drive | Variable, lever-controlled |
| Maximum Speed | 6.7 km/h |
| Limited Slip Differential | Yes – switchable |
| Parking Brake | Automatic (integrated with drive lever) |
| Blade System | Cross-blade with bearing-supported blades |
| Deck Type | Closed, “surfing” deck with obstacle protection |
| Cutting Height Range | 80 – 135 mm (5 positions) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat Suspension | Standard suspension seat |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 191 × 106 × 156 cm |
| Weight | 298 kg |
The AS 940 Sherpa 4WD XL B&S is the smart choice for operators who spend their time in rough, unpredictable ground. It offers the power and mulching ability of the standard Sherpa, with the added stability and clearance needed for tougher sites.

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