I Killed My Best Garden Tractor [To Build My Dream John Deere 318] Part 3

Today we officially say goodbye to Brutus so that the new Dream Garden tractor can be born.

[@BigFarles]

Awesome video. Keep up the daily work. If you’re down here reading comment make sure to like and subscribe.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Marcus! I appreciate all the support!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Neil, I used to play Taps for military funerals when I was in High School. (During the Viet Nam war the military couldn’t spare buglers for veterans… only for soldiers that died in active duty status. So, the ROTC performed that duty.). I must have done it 50-60 times. If my embouchure wasn’t shot… I’d do the honor of tooting out one for Bill! I didn’t realize how many improvements there were on the 318… wise choice to use it as your base model! If you lived here in the Ozarks there would be no question what to do with that old chassis. You have a choice of setting it next to the driveway entrance with a spray painted “Take Me I’m Free” sign… and, putting it between the two tractor tire planters in the front yard… where it becomes the envy of the neighborhood as the rich neighbors Yard Ornament! You made good progress with your One a Day plan. It won’t be long before you’ll be popping wheelies and drifting donuts all over that smooth driveway! Keep chipping away bud… it’s getting there!

[@digdrivediy]

Missed this comment somehow! I can't believe you played taps at all those funerals. What an honor you provided for them. That is one of the most moving moments of a military service. I was pretty sad about Brutus when I had him torn down but now, with the passage of time I'm more excited about his reincarnation. Let's hope it's sooner than later now!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@digdrivediy Yes, it was one thing from my youth that I am still proud of… PS… sending you a package tomorrow.

[@Farm_fab]

That metric fitting for the robin engine might be available from a hydraulic repair shop. The one local to me also does repair of power steering lines. I'll be finishing up a tractor that I started some time ago, and it has power steering on it, but not hoses. Those I'll have done at the hydraulic shop. I'm using an older Cub Cadet hydrostatic transaxle, and there's no provision for the hydraulic steering, so I'll add a pump behind the transaxle. It's powered by a Honda 13hp tractor engine, so it's a Frankentractor. I look forward to getting it finished up soon.

[@vivianlawrence778]

Hi, I saved your "This will be better than sand on the beach" video awhile ago and finally found time to watch it this week. Half way through I decided that my husband would probably like to see it, so I stopped it and we watched later that night. Well, once I knew you were "into" tractors, I figured I'd found my husband's dream channel. This man loves me and is a very wonderful husband, but he A-D-O-R-E-S tractors. 🤣 Needless to say, we've been watching a lot of your vids lately 😆 We're really enjoying your laid-back, funny and knowledgeable content. We've backed-up to catch the beginning pond vids and are looking forward to seeing how it turns out. New subscibers from Carson City, Nevada 😇

[@dougbunn5018]

I’m getting inspiration and ideas for a project coming up for me. I am going to renovate a 1923 model T. My dad bought it in 1956 and was killed in an unrelated traffic incident in 1967. I don’t know if he ever heard it run. Anyway it is time to bring it back to life. Thank you for pointing me in the direction of doing something every day.

[@johnpyle8027]

Looking great! On the drain plug if you can find a 90 degree with the right thread and put a clear hose on it you can drain the oil wherever you want to. My Gravely ZTR came like that. I just put a 1-gallon ice cream container under it, crack it and the filter and go do something for a while. NEVER get oil on anything. I don't know if you're interested but you can get Category 1 3-point hitches aftermarket on E Bay. I put some lower arms on my 430 when I finished it because all I could find was a Category 1 tiller. I think I had to get a longer top link. You are going way faster than I did! Mine was a winter project and I am retired so I had no excuse! Looking great!

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it John!

[@tonynieuwlandt5407]

Huge cliffhangers, 😂, maybe I’ll get a sneak peek at it, I’ve been using the same “Roger” plan out in my shop also, productivity has improved

[@digdrivediy]

Works pretty good. A little can go a long way if we can just stay engaged on our projects!

[@OldFart2023]

Brutus is "gone", Bill has been 'reborn' so now (maybe) you have "Brutustein?!"

[@thedelcodave]

Its like Sunday morning on a Monday night. I am glad to see you keeping up with the plan of working on the tractor a little each day. By spring the machine will be ready for work.

[@digdrivediy]

That's the plan! Thanks Dave!

[@philipgrubbs9757]

Recently found your channel because of this series. I have always loved little garden tractors, specifically the Sears suburbans, and did not realize the John Deere’s where indeed just that. Complete with hydraulics and a 3pt hitch and power steering, those are really cool. I love the clip of the Alamo at the end. San Antonio is my hometown and I still live here. Hope you enjoyed seeing all the sights!

[@gamingamericanguy6242]

I love this style of tractor and would love to restore one one day. I restore and revive garden tractors as a hobby. I wish you good luck and I hope you have a great success.

[@skip7243]

I used that everyday approach when I restored my 70 Satellite. I committed to accomplish something every day, except Sunday, no matter how small a task, even if just polishing a dash knob, LOL. I stuck to it pretty well for nearly 4 years. Sure I missed some days but overall it kept me from losing interest or "burning out". Doing the same thing at present with a couple of tractor re-do's. Too old for cars now. I enjoy your presentations & understand completely why you are making the change.

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Skip!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Fantastic video series. I am going to be bummed out with the finale though I think. I really like the John Deere colors.

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! I'm probably going to disappoint quite a few folks! I love JD green myself and I'll still have a few green ones left. But this is something that I've wanted to always try. Hopefully I don't regret it myself!

[@frontball2754]

Just tuned into your channel again. Why not try tinkering with the old tractor and make a mini pulling tractor? I did it in university, and apparently there's mini tractor drag pulls all over. Just look for Garden Tractor Pulling. Could be a fun thing for your channel, and I'm sure they'd be more than excited to have you there! We made 3 engine drag pulling tractors that could pull about 5000lbs more than any ATV on the market could, and we only used three 16hp engines to do it!

[@Andyrob323]

Garden tractors are just plain cool. Thanks for sharing this with us, recently I’ve been trying the “engage daily no matter what you do” with my own project and it has really taken off and might actually be seeing the finish line in the distance.

[@WormHoleFarming]

Check with Captain Kleeman; he might take that old motor and frame off your hands. He's doing a thing with fixing, selling, using the money to buy, fix, and sell again.

[@donmedford2563]

Thanks for explaining why you decided to switch engines.

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Exciting progress! I'm doing the same with a 318 currently. If it was me, I'd set Brutus aside and wait until you need parts. That time will come! Sometimes the only way to get something fixed quick is to have most of a parts machine on hand when something obscure breaks.

[@1966roadking]

Great video, I didn't realize you were the guy who did the blade, bucket, blower, video with your dad and brother. Awesome videos!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@joebacarella2829]

I have a riding mower, no tractor, but love the John Deere green, my mower is orange ish, and I was gonna paint it John Deere green with some yellow accents, in the off season, can`t wait for the paint part of your video.

[@happyrocklawncareandsnowre2141]

I purchased a 332 john deere garden tractor last spring and have been slowly working on it, getting a few issues fixed on it. Had a fuel problem with it, but I took it to a local diesel shop as its diesel, and i have no clue about them. It's mainly going to be tilling as it came with a 30 series hydraulic tiller. But it also has a 50" deck with it. Sadly, there is no 3 point hitch but hope to find one.

[@jameslynch3562]

A suggestion for it's name could be Brutill. A combo of both names, and sounding somewhat similar to Brutal. Just an idea. Sorry if you've heard it 800 times already. I didn't have time to look. Cheers.

[@casycasy5199]

thanks for explaining the difference between the two.

[@1ltlbrnc]

Look at a Fumoto brand/type drain plug. They sell them for a bunch of vehicles and might have one to match your drain plug threads. They have a valve built in and some have a nipple you could put a small hose on to get it to drain right where you need it. Makes oil changes so much easier! This is a great series for motivation. Especially for those of us with too many projects/distractions!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! I'm gonna look into that Fumoto valve for sure.

[@Firegod1234]

Came here to say exactly that. Fumoto with the nipple will allow you to stick a hose on and run it right to a collection container. They make little locks for them too if you're worried about them opening but that's pretty uncommon

[@trekzilladmc]

I was just thinking that when he talked about oil getting all over. The I scrolled down and found someone besides me was thinking the same thing.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Thanks… I am gonna look into one for my Kubota BX23s!

[@chrisa2061]

Came here to say this!

[@bobpurs]

318 is a nicer tractor so I sure understand why your are doing the swap. Great progress Neil and I glad your painting it. 👍✊

[@curtwhite876]

It's interesting that day 23 was the first day of 2023... even more interesting, perhaps, is fact that the last day of 2023 will be 123, 123 (12-31-23). Great video. You will know absolutely everything about this machine, inside and out Awesome.

[@smallengineshop112]

I want to try to do something like this with my JD 212. Thanks for the inspiration Neil!

[@JB-ro3sz]

while you have the fuel tank out you might want to check the flexible hose on the reserve fuel line inside the fuel tank, it is common for those to rot off in the tank causing reserve not to work.

[@digdrivediy]

That's a great reminder. I happened to replace that line on this tank when I went through the tractor a few years ago but it might be worth a look at it again or at least let others know about that line. Thanks.

[@snoozieq4584]

I was wondering, do you have a mower deck for any of your JD Tractors? I can't remember, but that doesn't mean you don't. Wow, that oil is so dark. Just a little over due, huh? Oh well, at least it's getting done now. I didn't see you label the oil filter with the date of this oil change, unless you are going to do that after you complete this project. Just don't forget. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Way to bring in the new year, falling on your butt! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hope the only thing that was hurt was your pride. I'm glad you left that in! Thank you! Bill isn't dead. He's being rejuvenated, like when some people get plastic surgery. The Alamo is an awesome historical sight. I'm glad y'all enjoyed yourselves. Thank you for another great video, Neil. I know my color or colors weren't chosen since I said to mix a few together and run with it. So I'm going to amend my color choice to "Who knows". Then again blue would look good on him. So would yellow. See you in the next one! ~Susan

[@digdrivediy]

I do have some mower decks just don't mow with them too often. Thanks for the great comments Susan. I got behind on this one! 😋

[@snoozieq4584]

@@digdrivediy Come to think about it, I forgot I wrote this post until I received the email notification for your reply 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sameaston1301]

Have you ever heard the song lyrics "Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now"??? Just a thought... Can't wait till you start putting him back together!!! Thus has been an awesome series so far, keep up the great work Neil 👍

[@ryanshadders750]

The John Deere 318 garden tractor is without doubt the greatest ever made. I refuse to get rid but mine even though I now have a gravely zero turn. The one I have has the Onan p218g motor in it. I grew up mowing the lawn with this very tractor and I love that you talk about these on your channel.

[@digdrivediy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@ramanbudiukin8972]

great video! love the content. I myself have a garden tractor, but never had time to work on it, now your videos inspired me so much, I already ordered some parts :)

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Us old guys don’t fall out of creeper seats very gracefully 😂

[@digdrivediy]

Not at all! 😂

[@iowafox2206]

I love the progress! I am doing the same thing you are doing with my Case 222. Tonight I actually got the brand new pump mount bracket on the predator hemi 420 engine I'm swapping in. I'm trying to do the one thing a day and it's hard. I definitely love your channel!

[@hollandduck79]

hello from the Netherlands Koch Family . thanks for the video Neil . Sincerely Hollandduck

[@gardentractorgarage]

Really loving this series you got going. It’s really entertaining to watch!

[@malachiwarren9354]

So cool I kind of gave up on working on my own tractor but watching u do this gave me new ideas thanks

[@slagmaker6780]

great work! I have been doing a few small steps in projects that have the same stuck factor to break!

[@davehedgehog4391]

Really enjoying this series Neil. Wishing I had enough garden to justify buying one of these tractors! Greetings from Scotland!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Dave. Appreciate you watching.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You’re a great teacher and storyteller, Neil. This is a fun project.

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Chad.

[@landencaleb]

Neil you should look into doing a 420/430 rear axle/diff swap as well as h3 conversion!! I did this on my 332 last winter and it was a game changer having 2 speed axle and diff lock! It's also nice having 3 hydraulic levers for using the 4 way blade with a implement on the 3pt also! The swap was really simple in the grand scheme of things! Love watching your videos!

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Those are all excellent suggestions. I did the 420 rear swap on a 330 a couple years ago and it's by far the best mod I've done to a tractor to date. You can also fit 26x12-12 tires in the rear.

[@shanesherwood343]

Great Video looking forward to the big paint color and name reveal as sad as it makes me to say this I thing retiring Brutus to that big scarp yard in the sky is what I would do at this point

[@digdrivediy]

I think you're right unfortunately.

[@itigg]

Been a fun project to watch. I’ve thought about trying to find a 318 to completely rebuild as an electric garden tractor. More as a fun project than anything but to many other irons in the fire at this time. Might be something you could us the old frame for.

[@edsecorr7812]

Great job keep up the great work love your videos thank you

[@TheHobbyShop1]

Yellow and black to go with your old dump truck? Whatever color it ends up, I’m sure it will be cool looking. 👍🏼

[@nashlindner3146]

Hey Neil, May I suggest using the frame and rear axle to build a small dump trailer that could be pulled behind your 318?

[@dominojachas5185]

I watched your video about splitter. I decided to check what else is on your chanel. Materials from 9 years I watched in 2 days😁Great content👍About colors I think green JD is always good but black and yellow is good to👍Greetings from Poland🇵🇱

[@digdrivediy]

Wow! That's awesome Domino. Thanks for giving my channel a chance. I really appreciate you watching!

[@jamesmosteller724]

Great progress! I respect the practice of doing something everyday on the project because that will sure keep it in your mind. And as the phrase goes - how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

[@owensmith3917]

Neil, I have been watching for about the channel going on 2 years now and personally have become very fond of god ‘ol Brutus. I think you should rebuild the engine out of bill and put it in the Brutus carcass. Maybe it won’t serve you much purpose but it’s a good memory to have. Or hey, maybe you could give it away haha! Also, you should take on a 140 restoration project in the future. Maybe your dads or Vernie’s? Anyways I appreciate you always coming out with a new video and not leaving us in the dark. Hope the new year is treating you and your family well. Looking forward to the next video!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Owen!

[@FloridaDeere]

Cool video Neil. Working on these tractors are never easy and quick, I can certainly attest to that. Looks like the next video will be a big step forward though.

[@jessewhitlaw4898]

A yellow and black scheme to match the backhoe would look great!

[@derekschlenvogt]

Nice Enticer! We got a 250 and 300! I even work at the local Yamaha dealer lol 😂

[@digdrivediy]

Weve had 300s and 340s also. They're just neat & reliable little sleds aren't they.

[@SingleBottomBoys]

Loving the progress!

[@RustyCantRead]

I wish I could give you an offer of some sort for that frame, but by the time it was shipped to east coast I bet it wouldn't be worth your trouble. I'm building a basic tractor for my small farm from things I've restored over the winter, like my engine, but finding the core frame/drivetrain has really been difficult. I might end up picking up an old mower to work with and trying again next winter. Anyways thanks for the video and inspiration for my own tractor

[@digdrivediy]

Best of luck Rusty. Around here it is easy to pick up a complete running tractor for around $1000. Too bad you weren't a little closer. Take care and good luck.

[@Crazy.Runner]

Hello Neil, nice video! This project is getting closer and closer to the end, I'm very curious about the colors chosen for the new tractor, anyway I'm sure it will look very cool. Related to the remains of the other tractor, you could reassemble that one too, you don't know when you will need the second tractor for the blade grader or for anothe job, and with that I challenge you, to paint that one yellow too, thanks for the quality content provided! I wish you an easy week!

[@unclealansyard5176]

The project is coming along great! I've been enjoying watching you. You're like the Norm Abram from the Yankee workshop. Only for tractors lol. Keep up the great work.

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it!

[@BryanPAllen]

@uncle Alan’s yard I loved watching Norm on this old house and then even more on the New Yankee Workshop. Good times.

[@rayarnett2249]

Had a crazy idea for Brutus. You could assemble the body back together so it looks like he did get some stickers of your U TUBE channel for the side panels. Mount him on a pole, raise him up as a tribute to your channel and Brutus. I've seen it before. If anyone could do it u could. Just an idea.

[@digdrivediy]

I like the idea of hanging a Deere on the wall or up on a post somewhere. Not sure how my wife would feel about it though :). Someone local here has an old 110 up on a windmill. I like you're way of thinking though Ray!

[@ponypwr]

Nice to see progress! A yellow industrial heavy duty version would be cool!

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yeah!

[@kennolte5801]

I'll be really interested to see how it comes out for you. The 420 is my dream tractor. I've got two and when I am back home again from my work assignment, I want to start and add a few things I've seen over the years. JD built some first class tractors back then. I really want to see what you add to your tractor. Great video.

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Ken. The 420s are great too.

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

You’ve for sure made a wise decision that I’m sure you’ve been dreaming about for along time. That is to go through with the 318 project from Brutus engine. Still think Frank is a great name. As in frank- enstein thanks for another great video update.

[@dwjr5129]

What I learned working on, and operating Ditch Witch’s is more hydraulic capacity is always a good thing.

[@jdhogyellowhelmetproductio358]

Great stuff

[@coltonbrewer834]

Gunna be awesome machine 318s will always have a special place for me

[@deerejohn1681]

I raced JD sleds, and they were a hell of a lot better than you might think. Polaris found that out in 76 during the I500.

[@claudethomas8084]

When I rebuilt mine I painted it all original but that's me 😁. Keep up the great work

[@digdrivediy]

I totally get that! Can't go wrong with JD green.

[@Organized-_-Chaos]

Can you bend up some break line or brass line and use a flare nut to hold it in and route the oil drain anywhere you want

[@rayarnett2249]

Great video, very interesting.

[@ronaldayers6661]

Neil!! 😄 Just FYI I recently put those same front rims and tires on my 318 and I found myself having to do custom work to the bearings (making them thinner) so the snap ring would go on the shaft due to the wheel hole being wider/deeper than stock. ALSO you will have to grind down all the excess metal from the casting for the front axle including the big bulges that protrude on the backs of the spindle housings. You will not be able to turn if you don't due to the inside of the wider wheels hitting the backs of the spindle on that specific spot. AND then you still may need to take 1/4 inch off the inside lip of the wheel with an angle grinder... it's a lot but gosh it looks good. I hope you stick with those front wheels..😉

[@digdrivediy]

Oh boy! Didn't know there was that much to it. I'd better get to addressing that before I paint it. Thanks for the tip!

[@ronaldayers6661]

Hey brother! Just watched the new video! I still saw the bulges on the axle. I hope that you still stick with the bigger wheels. Maybe you got a different set than me and you don't need to? That's cool too!

[@dustinhenry6142]

It’s coming along really well before long it will be ready for the spring driveway repairs that will be here before we know it

[@blackdogexcavator21]

My buddy who is really into the JD tractor scene repainted one of his tractors by just reversing the normal JD paint scheme. Green where it's normally yellow and vice versa. It was odd, but it was cool.

[@digdrivediy]

That sounds kinda cool. I've never really seen that before I don't think. I'm loving all the ideas and suggestions in the comment section!

[@jimoconnor6850]

Hope the paint scheme is Farmall Red...! That would make for a great tractor, that alone might double the output! HAHA

[@midwestmanlife]

That's a cool looking 318

[@koryleague8833]

Great video. Very cool project,, thanks for explaining the difference between the two. Also did you ever announce how long a tote of wood lasts

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Kory. I put the answer for that particular tote. I think in the top pinned comment on that video. I can't remember how long it was off the top of my head now!

[@mconnorsc]

I’m still voting for the name Frank as in Frankenstein. I’m betting the paint will be the Ford blue and white scheme

[@robertsmarr9592]

I kind of like the idea of restoring it to like-new condition you'll have less problems out of it

[@eriklarson2183]

Pulling that hour meter out was definitely the death of Bill... RIP old friend....

[@digdrivediy]

Truth be told, Bill was pieced together too from two other tractors. Tough to know what's what anyone honestly.

[@matthewpage9617]

Where that filter is you can use a flexible funnel or a piece of flexible rubber that's not to thick. I wouldn't junk the old garden tractor.

[@davehedgehog4391]

Could you do your oil changes with a vacuum pump? All depends on the engine if the wand/tube can reach the bottom of the sump.

[@digdrivediy]

That's an idea I suppose!

[@amandabruckhart300]

You should plow more snow with a 318

[@homesteadspirit9209]

I've mentioned before that I'm a Ford man. I have a collection of Ford LGT 165s and two of them have three points. I paid 800 for the first one I had and two months later 400 for the three point hitch lol

[@davidfisher69]

All black would be cool with chrome stripes 😎

[@BlownL67]

I think Wes has some room in the shop for a project down the road..

[@hunter7476]

Save the carcass you have a good usable hydraulic valve transmission, driveshaft steering wheel wiring front axels etc

[@SethHubble]

You need a WHEEL HORSE Neil! I’m in central IN! Love your channel

[@digdrivediy]

My father in law has a few to work on!

[@Rich_Ice]

Great video. Odd question. What type of stone is in your driveway? It looks great and I am enlarging my drive this spring.

[@digdrivediy]

They are Indiana #11's. There's a video on it called "Driveway Fit For A Queen".

[@newenglander4513]

Hey Neil, Could you use the old hubs and wheels for an off-road style go-cart for the Girls if they are interested? It would be a build from scratch, so it would take a fair bit of your time up though. Just a thought.

[@BryanPAllen]

Great idea. Go cart tractors are a thing now, search for them on KZbin. That would be another cool idea for Brutus/another project!

[@kimber1958]

NICE

[@ericschmelzer6243]

M14 x 1.50 is metric bolt thread. You'll never be able to do what you want to do as the fittings do not exist. Drill and tap for 3/8" NPT (National Pipe Thread) then use a 3/8" street elbow, a 3" pipe nipple, a 3/8" regular elbow and a 3/8" pipe plug.

[@HireFarms]

Bill's time of death, "1600 hours".

[@zachdobbs7810]

Find a young kid who might want to restore it or make it his first tractor project. Would make a great story and you'd be a great mentor to help them along the way.

[@timothymiller3565]

Since your rebuilding bill you should name the fresh build "billy the kid" the new bill

[@adampittman1624]

Name idea Biltus lol it’s bill n Brutus but u also built it lol either way keep up the daily commitment In in process of pulling the motor in my drag car

[@joecottrell9993]

Look for a fumoto drain valve if you can’t find another relocation kit. They should have an m14 and you can have a drain hose off it.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Joe. I'll look that up.

[@manganvbg90]

Obvious solution to the stripped tractor is to LS swap it and make it the fastest tractor in the midwest 😅

[@Johnmadma]

I got a cool idea for what you can do with that chassis get it longer put a v8 engine big tires on the back and small tires on the front and just ride it for fun or do tractor pulling

[@rayarnett2249]

Would it be yellow/black like one of the transformers? The same colors as your old dump truck.

[@chysonhayes6733]

keep brutus and turn it into a little run around rig for light yard work

[@zachdobbs7810]

Do a Brutus giveaway challenge drawing thingy

[@jonathanrighetti5897]

make log hauler with a boom and tow it behind the other tractor

[@JimFinlayson]

Missed your Sunday morning release. I hope this goes well for you.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jim