Tough Choices On My Dream 318 Garden Tractor Build - Part 4

On my dream John Deere garden tractor build I had to figure out how I could still work on the project every day, even when I was in San Antonio, Texas. I also decided on which parts I should use and the biggest decision was to determine what color I'm going to paint this tractor. Come along as I continue my restoration on an old John Deere 318 garden tractor.

[@WatchWesWork]

I'll make a generous donation to the tractor fund if you do the rest of the videos wearing that hat!

[@digdrivediy]

That's odd cause my wife said she'd pay me to never wear that hat again! What are you people trying to say??? :)

[@WatchWesWork]

@@digdrivediy Sounds like you've got a gold mine there!

[@911greatscott]

That little smile you had when you were talking about the color reminded me of my boys when they are really excited about something. This was a fun video. We're all excited to see it come together. I would give you my input on the color but it's not my tractor. Hopefully that's only a solicitation for comments and you're not going to sway on what you actually want!

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

I bet the color will be awesome on it

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Hank!

[@TT-qo9dv]

San Antonio is a cool place. When I lived in Texas in the late 90s we made the trip serval times. The world’s fair was held there years ago. Thanks for the video 👍

[@ChrisCipares]

318 Industrial model. I like it! I think this is going to be a neat build.

[@pim3fifty]

This is my favorite series on KZbin right now. The construction yellow is a GREAT idea. Wish those deere's were easier to come by here in Denmark. Well, gotta make do with My wheel horse. Cant waith for the result. Much love

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot! Great to hear from you!

[@aaronburford5701]

The BEST content, the best story teller, the best shop/yard, the best editing. THE BEST CHANNEL! love it!

[@participationtrophyhusband9351]

So glad you went with blasting... so much less of your time spent on sanding! Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@attaat]

Another awesome video. Can't wait for the assembly to begin.

[@05xlt]

I would fall on the side of the green purest for sure, but I also completely understand what it’s like to want something as a child and be fortunate enough to make that happen as an adult. That’s a kind of satisfaction that can’t be matched! Can’t wait to see this unfold!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ryan!

[@chadlake5527]

Hopefully you add a little bit of the John Deere construction gray to the color of the tractor. really enjoy all your videos and none of them are boring at all Thank you for all the videos. I’ve learned a lot of different things from you.

[@rons217garage3]

CONSTRUTION YELLOW? All you need now is an orange vest and a shovel to lean on as your out by the road! TEASING I think it will look GREAT!!

[@matthartlage889]

Can’t wait to see the JD yellow. Gotta love the old school colors!!

[@vlookup_tim]

That work table in the workshop is nice. And the little construction toys.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! 😁

[@sameaston1301]

Love, love, love your videos. They're like episodes in a miniseries. You're telling a story and taking us through what it actually takes to accomplish this renovation. It would be easy to leave out the slow, challenging parts but videos like this are what will make the payoff so huge when he's done. Thank you for sharing it all!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate that Sam. I'm afraid they're boring when like this so it is good to hear your comment.

[@Aerospace_EdC]

Agreed, your videos are not boring Neil.

[@ArmoredXJ]

No boring at all. They are real, relatable, heart warming, and hearty

[@projectswithjw]

I like that this style of video shows that some projects take a long time. I've been rebuilding a classic motorcycle for a couple years just throwing a new part at it when i get time. Right now it costs more parts than just buying something new that's ridable. I'd bet that your build is getting close to the cost of a new machine too.

[@RustyCarnahan]

JD Industrial Yellow looks really good on a garden tractor. There was a 110 or 140 at the 2018 Two Cylinder Expo in Wooster Ohio that looked REALLY sharp!

[@Aerospace_EdC]

I like your choice of the JD construction yellow but you have to add a little splash of the green somewhere 😛

[@JB-ro3sz]

I think the industrial yellow will look pretty cool, like the worksite gator, and it will be different and unique. and the black seat won't look out of place.

[@andrewciresi9000]

We just pulled a bad engine out of a 116 and a donor engine from another lawn tractor. Your series has been an inspiration to just start

[@cheryljansen4633]

I have to tell you, you have inspired me. I'm making a 34" diameter doily. and I'm taking your approach 1 round a day every day!

[@digdrivediy]

That's great to hear!

[@ritterjon]

I’m very excited that you’re going with construction yellow. 🚧 That will look great and can’t wait to see the finished project. *Keep on tractoring!* 😁👍

[@digdrivediy]

I'm glad to see some folks are excited about the yellow! I'm anxious to see what it'll look like too! Thanks!

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Hi just found your videos. I worked for John Deere, few years out of college and newly married. I worked there a year but the things I learned helped me for the rest of my life. I work have in the oilfield for 30 years. I have found most equipment in the oilfield uses parts and or components from agricultural. I never finish college but John Deere was my education, we worked on everything in our shop. We fixed haul rigs, cat bulldozers, case excavators, bobcats, and of course tractors. We painted equipment also, when paint we didn’t thin the paint with chemicals. We thinned out the paint with heat. Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome

[@percyfreeman6948]

There is nothing wrong with John deere construction yellow. That is respectable and a interesting choice. Can t wait to see how it turns out.

[@malachiwarren9354]

I think the yellow will look good 👍

[@paulciampa]

It's your tractor enjoy it the way you see fit....don't worry about You Tube experts.....have fun every day

[@richardclifton4120]

When you drive your Tractor to the Coffee Shop using that Construction Yellow it will be really easy to spot in comparison to the other plain old John Deere Green tractors parked alongside. 👍

[@digdrivediy]

No doubt! It's usually all Bobcats anyways!

[@snoozieq4584]

Great color choice, Neil. I think I was advocating for Case yellow? Oh well, JD Construction yellow will work just fine. I'm glad you and yours had such a great time in Texas. I'm happy that you continued to peck at the list while on vacation too. The Ft Wayne show looked like it was a lot of fun. The girls must have really enjoyed the snowmobiles. They are great fun, until you try to stand up after riding for a few hours... Please take care of yourself. Thank you for another great video. Can't wait to hear the name you chose for the 318. See you in the next one! 🥰🥰🤗🤗😘😘

[@digdrivediy]

I appreciate it very much Susan. We had a great time in Texas for sure.

[@gamingamericanguy6242]

I love the color choice. I brings me back to when I was a kid watching my dad driving his John Deere skid steer. Thanks for all the effort into these videos and I hope for the best.

[@digdrivediy]

You bet

[@jacobbuckley8232]

I think that construction yellows gonna look good.

[@digdrivediy]

I sure hope so!

[@privatepilot4064]

San Antone is one of my favorite US cities.

[@redmondjp]

On the Fumoto valve, I wouldn't hesitate to stack gaskets - I would use aluminum oil pan drain plug sealing rings as used by several different automakers (Volvo for example, at least in the 1990s) - I suspect you only would need maybe two for this job, and you could also lightly coat them with Permatex #2 or something similar just for insurance. Maybe even red locktite on all of the surfaces and on the threads to keep it from vibrating loose (after degreasing of course). One other thing about those Fumoto valves - they don't flow cold oil very well - you have to have the oil warmed up, which is typical anyways. I'm loving this project so far, I've got a GT235 and a F510 myself just for mowing duties.

[@darrenblattner2508]

It's your tractor you can paint it any color you want. Many construction model tractors were yellow. Manufacturers in days gone by painted their tractors as per municipal requests. Also one of the nicest tractors painted "off color" was a Purple Oliver, one only for a plow ad. Look that one up. Keep smilin

[@Thecowboy1950]

Construction yellow sounds like a great idea

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@garrettsilveradoz71]

It’ll look good i think especially with black frame and accents I’m thinking. Cool idea.

[@ethanhartman3831]

I've never been a big fan of the john deere but the more I watch your chancel the more I start to realize that the deere are easy to work

[@victormiranda9163]

If I ever have to repaint... I'll go metalflake deep blue with black pinstripes if you want a subtle effect, use the slightly more orange (in the last tracked tractor photo) as your pinstripes. ...

[@mattorman5640]

So glad you went with the construction yellow! Can’t wait for the next video

[@jerrydaniel1530]

just a little help from oklahoma. Have u r sandblaster put 1 coat of epoxy primer on your parts . Gives u time to get paint booth ready to paint. Don't forget the resperator.

[@dougbunn5018]

Your choice of construction yellow is your choice. Not anyone else. Go for it. It is paint and construction yellow could one day become a good base for another color. When I start renovating my 1923 Model T Ford I plan to practice the well known Neil Koch technique, do something every day.

[@terrypomatto907]

The color doesn't make the tractor run different, it is what pleases you, it should please all of the fans who drop in to view your videos. I really enjoy your videos and the projects that you film. Keep the excellent job and I look forward to keeping on my playlist. You have a beautiful family and I pray for good health and quality family life 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Amen!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Terry!

[@matthewpage9617]

I knew it lol going back to his Cub Cadet days of yellow and white garden tractors.

[@digdrivediy]

Ha!

[@ryanclawson9275]

I like they idea of the construction yellow on the 318. It matches with some of the older “industrial” tractors that I used to see around but it’s been a minute since I’ve seen any of those around.

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah, I haven't seen anything done like that recently either.

[@jasonmaxfield6y312]

Really digging the restoration of old bill. Thanks for the great content. Part of my Sunday morning coffee. 👍

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jason!

[@russorpcom]

Good color, I appreciate your videos and they are great to watch on a Sunday morning.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for that Richard!

[@terryrogers1025]

Like the construction yellow choice for paint. It’s all the little things in a project that eat the clock up and it really comes to the forefront when you are approaching a project like you are doing, a little bit everyday, I will bet that when it comes to the rebuild of the tractor, the time you invested in getting the little details completed will result in a very quick and efficient assembly process and will pay out significantly in time savings in the end. Thanks for the ride along sir.

[@digdrivediy]

Boy I hope so! Thanks Terry!

[@kaidinbz9503]

Good work Neil! It’s going to look amazing! I think this spring you should put the sweepster on the 322 and try it again with the stones in your yard!

[@kevinallen8072]

Neil, great video, enjoyed it. I'll be watching your progress. God Bless

[@ArmoredXJ]

I love how even you shook your head with a chuckle about the “new hat merch “ lol! I can’t wait to see the construction yellow!!! I was thinking the same, though I don’t remember if I “voted” 🤷but I thought it would be true to JD but just unique. I have dirt work at heart because most of my career has been in site work and around A LOT of JD Yellow! Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@freshcrazydope]

I saw a picture of a construction yellow 318 on PF Engineering’s website and I gotta say, it looks sharp!

[@dustinhenry6142]

I really like the idea of construction yellow one Deere did that with the gator for a short time too it’s about time for the garden tractor side too! Great thinking!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Dustin!

[@anthonyarnold906]

Another Indiana guy here. I have a few JD bit mostly wheelhorse garden tractors and the amount of time researching and ordering is staggering. Love your videos man

[@digdrivediy]

It is surprising!

[@michaelwright6742]

Love the color choice!

[@ralphjelomono9068]

Projects like this are like eating the elephant...one bite at a time. It will eventually get done. Construction yellow will make a very cool and unique machine. Look forward to seeing it.

[@utubota5522]

Neil, great video, thanks. I think the JD construction yellow is a great choice: a taste of the old, and a taste of the rugged.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@edsecorr7812]

Great job you have done a lot keep up the great work love your videos thank you yes if you want that yellow its your tractor

[@paulmiller4549]

I like the idea of construction yellow. There's one thing about paint if you don't like it you can repaint it another color.

[@heathmiller8462]

Your video production is awesome. Great content! It’s your tractor so it’s your choice - I’d personally go with green. 😂 And I’d stick with the cap and stay away from the cowboy hat. Looking forward to content about your lawn and your process with spring lawn preparation and care. Sure you just gotta love everybody’s two cents offered in the comments.

[@digdrivediy]

Oh I love the opinions in the comments. My wife's opinion on the hat is the same as yours! I hadn't thought about a video on the lawn this year but that might be a good idea. Thanks as always Heath.

[@dennisryan7487]

Great Color! Run with it !....I mean paint it , but with no Runs ....LOL...53 Degrees in Highland...

[@lisaharvey4373]

Neil the selection is right on 100%

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Another great update video, Neil. Great job on keeping your commitment of working on this project every day. I've never actually played poker in a big group like that - looked fun!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Chad! Yeah the poker tournament is a good time with a large group...unless you go out early! :)

[@NotmeGK123]

Cool I like the color

[@brn359shot]

In the grand scheme of things, since you’re upgrading the engine and have chosen a unique color choice I think it would only be fitting to name it “Wild Bill”

[@bradydame4812]

Keep up the good work man!

[@leefrederickson5526]

It will be fun to see ot when your done. I did a JD 300 garden tractor in yellow like 8 years ago. It is well worth going to your local vinyl sign shop and have the hood decals done in black and silver. I had my sign shop print it out as 300I for industrial.

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome. Yeah I plan to do different decals.

[@jackel440]

Another great inspirational video. Sad to say these lousy indiana winter days have beat me over. I knew deep down the construction yellow was going to happen. I'm like you in your thinking. I'm trying to find an old case ck backhoe for myself . I can use it and it's been my dream since I was a kid as well. Keep the entertainment coming.

[@digdrivediy]

The winters can sure be a drag.

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

I'm excited to see the (Construction) yellow. I've never seen a yellow John Deere. See ya neighbor.

[@Trent711]

That’s actually a really good choice

[@Trent711]

It might not be quite as cool as the 318. But I have a Massey Ferguson 1655 I am restoring which is a lot rougher than your 318. It came with a 16hp onan. It now has a 20hp onan and I did get it running but had to tear apart the transaxle so I decided to restore it since it is very rusty. It has a 3pt hitch, but does not have any auxiliary hydrolics. All in all it is very similar to the 318 and even has the same size tires

[@michaelweddell3730]

Definitely an interesting choice! Can’t wait to see it. Enjoy the videos.

[@not2fast4u2c]

Nice tractor project I have a 1968 JD 112 That I put a newer greyhound 11 hp on Built my own snow blade with a winch

[@MidwestToolReview]

Forgot to mention, but I finished up my 316 a couple of weeks ago; turned out decent. Working on the 320 now. Drive it yesterday, then died in the drive…really need to get the fuel tank cleaned and new lines installed. Will be power washing the tins and panels today hopefully, then the frame and engine later in the week as it warms up.

[@digdrivediy]

I need to check that out. You're way ahead of me!!!

[@joshhill1150]

Like the color choice, always loved the John Deere excavators from the 80's and 90's since I was given a calendar when I was a kid.

[@davidfisher69]

If you think that you are crazy, then we all are for watching you 😉, keep up the good work 👍. Love the color

[@ThomasZawatski]

love the progress so far did something similar with my wheel horse c-81 for a show rig

[@Farm_fab]

A good source for general parts for tractors and related is Surplus Center in Lincoln, Ne. Their prices are usually very good, and they tell you how many they have in stock. They have a lot of hydraulic parts, motors, pumps, engines, bearings and the like.

[@Lilfarmrboy]

Neil, awesome color choice! Glad I recommend the Fumoto valve along with a few others as well lol. Hopefully you can find a way to make it work because I really do think that would solve the oil change issue along with making the oil change process so much simpler.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for the tip!

[@PhilipYoder]

Hey Neil, great job! I love keeping up to date with you and the family. Yellow is a good choice. But I am a little hurt that you didn't go to your tire guy for rims and tubes! Keep up the good work!!

[@digdrivediy]

Dang it! I didn't know you could get rims! I need to get with you on tires for my 755. Thanks for checking it out Philip!

[@allaboutperspective650]

I really admire how you looked through all the comments for a new name, You deserve way more subscribers than you have. I knew it would be the construction color, it's not my favorite but very fitting and deserved.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@stevehennessy3588]

I love the grind - I'm going to apply the concept once I start work on the '69 Beetle. Love the progress (not crazy about the color, but you do you) on the tractor and I'm looking forward to the next video.

[@FloridaDeere]

Yes, you're crazy, but I still love you and will continue to watch the series, sorry I'm behind on these videos. I'm a purist, so a not green JD is weird to me, BUT at least you kept it JD in another way. On to the next video. That is the one benefit to falling behind, I can immediately watch the next one😉.

[@featheredcoyote5477]

I'm very partial to this channel. Neil, thank you for the countless hour's of time and effort you put into your video's. Your content and how particular you are is admirable by many. The one thing that stood out in this video was how you mentioned your personal goal was to do just one thing per day on the tractor, and how you hold yourself accountable. It's that comment that makes guy's like myself do better and not let ourselves down by laziness and excuses. That's a level of self respect we should all strive for, and you prove it within every video. Appreciate ya Neil!

[@digdrivediy]

I really appreciate that .

[@kennolte5801]

Being one of those guys that are into yellow construction equipment also, I applaud your choice in color. As you said, it's not a restoration but a refresh and build of a dream tractor. I doubt you will lose anyone over that one aspect of your build. This is a great series of videos you're putting out. Garden tractors are an overworked and underappreciated piece of equipment. I'm excited, interested and really anticipating the finished product. Thanks for sharing the ride with us.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ken.

[@MidwestToolReview]

I like the idea of John Deere yellow, so let’s do it. As for parts, have you ever heard of “Almost Heaven” tractor salvage in Bluffton? Excellent place to find parts. I think he has a 318 and a 400 there which are in near perfect condition, minus the engines. Went up there last weekend. Sorry I missed you at the Ag show at the Coliseum; I didn’t know it was taking place, so maybe next time I’ll drive up. Glad you’re keeping the progress going; looking forward to the outcome.

[@digdrivediy]

No, I hadn't heard of that place. Sounds like a cool place to roam around. We're gonna run into each other one of these days!

[@MidwestToolReview]

@@digdrivediy they have over 3k tractors from every genre. Prices are very fair and you can find anything from yard tractors to zero-turn mowers and implements

[@themaniacmower]

I’ve wanted a construction yellow 317 for a while and just might do it now just so your not the only one.

[@scottbohn929]

I’ve seen someone else paint one with industrial yellow and it looked pretty cool.

[@corodeanucosmin2910]

Hy. Trist is one example of yelow painted garden traktor. Was 4 sale în germany. I love what you do

[@patrickmcconkey]

Color seems fitting

[@ford351windsor1]

I think the construction or industrial yellow will be a great look. I can’t wait to see how it looks, I’ve been contemplating doing my 420 up the same way so I’m just a tad biased. 😂 loving following along with your one day at a time approach to getting your projects done, has helped motivate me to get mine back into shape as well.

[@digdrivediy]

I like reading these kinda comments! Glad you're getting it done.

[@jeremyhellard9271]

Love the color

[@rickeyman2215]

You're not losing me, but I had money on you selecting my favorite LSU - Purple and Gold colors! I do like the JD Yella!

[@nhdetailpro]

Personally I would have gone with good old John Deere green with yellow but I’m sure it will look cool

[@casycasy5199]

i think the color will be very cool.cant wait to see it

[@alancoleman4370]

If some Texan accuses you of bring "all hat and no cattle," just tell them you run a large herd of deere.

[@FeralPreacher]

As for the color, there is only one person who has to like it and that is YOU. YOUR choice is the perfect color for the dream tractor. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnpyle8027]

When I rebuilt my 430 it took a year and I did about the same as you. The only thing I swapped out was the seat and it was still Deere. It was from a Gator with armrests. I'm a pretty good size guy and I always felt like I was tipping over backwards, it wasn't a width problem lol. I watched A video of Pennsylvania plow days and a guy had several tractors. One was a Darth Vader one, all black that was very slick and the other was white and he said it was for the airlines? I can't wait to see yours!

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it John.

[@ronschwope5490]

I love it that you take time for family and is a priority not a problem. Love it all. Keep ‘em coming

[@caseywinn199]

I knew it would be industrial yellow,that will be awesome. Then paint the box scraper that color she'll look like a scraper....lol.

[@digdrivediy]

My thoughts exactly!

[@matthewpage9617]

Put a set of Firestone 23 Degree field and road rear tires and 3 ribs on the front or floater

[@davidoliver2826]

I’m digging the construction yellow and black! Love your honesty! Thank you for taking us all along on the journey! Until next time!

[@mitchellransom7418]

i love the color choice and the videos keep em coming. and have a blessed 1