What I Look for When Buying - John Deere 316/318/420

Here are some points of contention that I like too review before purchasing a machine.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Lots of good info Danny. One thing to keep in mind is each model year production started around August/September of the previous year, so the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the tractors made each year used parts from the previous year. My 318, being the 540th '87 model, has an '86 engine and '86 date tags under the hood, and my uncle's '89 which is the 82nd one made that year has all '88 parts on it and was delivered to its original owner in November of '88. Parts like the engine and trans usually sat in the warehouse for a while before being installed in tractors at the factory.

[@FloridaDeere]

Also good info👍

[@mikeswanger4962]

Great video,the older JD garden tractors are kinda my hobby. Great information!

[@paulg444]

he remembered allot of "bips and bops".. very informative!

[@limekiln]

Wow, you post some of the most informational videos on these machines! If the machine is an '83-86 (318), or '84-86 (316), it'll have the more rounded air cleaner. If it has the square air cleaner, and RH side service screen that's non removeable, it's an '87-early 88 (like mine, but I swapped my dash tower partially.). If it's got the P218, flip up seat, warning decal, and removeable screen for the hydro and "stop" sign on the dash, instead of the "N", used from 83/84-87, it's an 89-90. If it's got a P218, flip up seat, warning decal, removeable dash tower screen, the stop sign, plus silver axle nuts, it's a 91-92. Awesome video.

[@66Oliver]

Keystone Deere I think a video on small “yearly” changes is due. Yeah, I forgot to mention the air cleaner differences, and that actually crossed my mind while making it, but never came out. Lol.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Stop sign decal wasn't until 1990.

[@limekiln]

@@MichaelTJD60 I've seen a 1989 316 (verified the serial number via the parts catalog lol), with the stop sign on the dash a few months ago.

[@FloridaDeere]

Nice video, I just picked up my first 316 and this explains why, it, being an early model, doesn't have a hole in the tins for the filter, because there isn't one. I knew most of this, but you touched on a few items I wasn't aware of to check. I always like hearing others talk about these old tractors, always so much to learn. Thanks for the info.

[@Huntersprojects]

What’d you pay for her? I’m thinking about buying one and I found a project one for $400 bucks with a snowblower and deck one cylinder has lost compression but it’ll be a winter project

[@FloridaDeere]

@@Huntersprojects I got two around the same time, $300 and $500 if memory serves me well, I just started working on it again, have had it since Oct, 2021 sadly, just too many projects. I also had to swap engines as one had a cylinder that lost compression. May try to fix it, but in the meantime, I'll use the second engine as that tractor was junk, but used several parts from both to try and make a great one. They are down on the food chain for sure, no full pressure lube and no PS, but still decent tractors. I'd pay as low as you can get it, like $200-400 since you know it has low compression.

[@Huntersprojects]

@@FloridaDeere do you think 200s reasonable? I’m new to these tractors I’m more familiar with lawn tractors I’ll see what he takes it’s been are marketplace for like 3 weeks so hopefully he’ll be motivated to sell it still runs but poorly

[@FloridaDeere]

@@Huntersprojects I think if you got it for $200, that would be a great price. Either get it working, often times, it's a stuck valve and if not, find a donor engine if the tractor is overall good.

[@codyrooker4551]

Great video

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

Things have changed today the recommended horsepower for a Garden tractor is 20 to 25 horsepower

[@tractorboy31]

Im buying a 316 in a week and a half. Unfortunately it has been repowered. Had a tree break the hood. It has oil seepage and starts ruff but that could be from sitting. Still is an onan though. Drives nice. Front axle pivot needs attention. Mower needs welding and it has power flow bagger and has single stage blower also. For $600 it will get me started and its an 86 which is same age as me. Wish it had the original engine. It will go nice with 520 and b

[@kevinarnold213]

Nice work

[@michaelbenoit248]

So from what I’ve found at least w the 200 series tractors from 82-83 was where Deere switched from a stamped serial tag to one that’s just a decal. It’s kinda funny cuz I’ve got an 83 216, 83 210, a 82 212, & a 67 110. I think 85-86 Deere switched from a steel flywheel cover to a plastic one.

[@66Oliver]

Tis true. They did switch to the stickersZ

[@zacharycoslic1274]

Very informative video! Do you know if you would possibly do a video on the cub cadet super garden tractors specifically the 1872, 2072, 1572 etc vs the John Deere 400 series like the 420, 400, and 430?

[@66Oliver]

I wish. I don’t have any Cub Cadets to compare them with, I could try with just stats however...

[@zacharycoslic1274]

@@66Oliver ok if you would want me to I could get you some pictures of my 1872 it is in mint shape looks almost brand new. I have an original cub cadet brochure I could show you as well for it. If you have Facebook my account is Zachary coslic.

[@trentwheeler6161]

@@zacharycoslic1274 yep! The old Cubs are tough to beat! I love 318s etc, ended up with an 1863 Cub with a Kohler Ch18. Both companies made excellent equipment that can be easily compared to each other. They are work horses. I've spoke to you in a few of my cub cadet Facebook groups.

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

Na I'll stay with my Craftsman tractor it has a Kohler 7000 series 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin engine..dry weight 630 pounds not as heavy as your john deere but it's heavy enough..

[@ngzcaz]

Did I miss the comparison between the 318 and the 420 vs the 316 ?

[@66Oliver]

That’s another video. This one isn’t intended to explain that.

[@geneolsen7726]

I thought that all 318's had dual brake pedals and 2 hydraulic spools. I don't see that in this video.

[@66Oliver]

This tractor is a 316, so it’s the 318s economy version. It has one pedal for both brakes, H1, manual steering etc.

[@fishydubs1864]

Any info on a john deere 317

[@66Oliver]

I could make a video on that eventually.

[@change9572]

I have one for sale

[@HomesteadOC]

Is there a reason to want the 316, 318 over the 317?

[@66Oliver]

The Onan is a bit more reliable that the 317 Series I, and basically is just up to creature comforts, like power steering, ergonomics, drivetrain, etc.

[@HomesteadOC]

@@66Oliver i found a great deal on an 1981 317 for $400. Its missing the engine side covers and its a little dirty, but it has the mower deck and runs great. I read about the engine issues with the 317 Kohler, but if it made it this long it should be ok. I dont have any hills and im pretty good with checking the oil on all my engines. Is there any other reason I shouldnt take this 317 for $400?

[@66Oliver]

@@HomesteadOC I’d buy it.

[@HomesteadOC]

@@66Oliver alrighty, youve talked me into it, thanks!

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

You ever end up getting it? My 317 has an onan , they all came with the kohler originally. but half of them they put an improved kohler and other half onans so you’re engine’s probably good

[@change9572]

I have a 1976 john deer 316 for sale

[@thenewyorkdeere4606]

The John Deere 316 does not have power steering correct

[@66Oliver]

Yes. No model of 316 ever did.

[@williamriley2528]

"Cosmetical"...???

[@66Oliver]

I sometimes spout some nonsensical language…

[@mikesecondo2254]

If it's more than 5 years old.....run the other way!!

[@BullittKid08]

?

[@trentwheeler6161]

Now that makes zero sense.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Care to explain your reason?

[@devonblazek8715]

Any of these models are way over 5v years old

[@mikesecondo2254]

@@devonblazek8715 like I said RUN!!