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

[@privatepilot4064]

San Antone is one of my favorite US cities.

[@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. ...

[@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.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

I think that construction yellows gonna look good.

[@digdrivediy]

I sure hope so!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@Hfoutdoorsyt]

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 👍

[@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!

[@Aerospace_EdC]

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

[@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

[@participationtrophyhusband9351]

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

[@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!!

[@aaronburford5701]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ChrisCipares]

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

[@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😉.

[@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!

[@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.

[@paulciampa]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@corodeanucosmin2910]

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

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@matthartlage889]

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

[@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!

[@attaat]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@jasonmaxfield6y312]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jason!

[@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!

[@vlookup_tim]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! 😁

[@freshcrazydope]

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

[@Sellarmusic]

The construction yellow is the color I hoped you'd go with. A small tractor painted like the big equipment would be so unique and different. Can't wait to see it!

[@matthewpage9617]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Ha!

[@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.

[@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

[@garrettsilveradoz71]

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

[@mattorman5640]

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

[@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 👍

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

yes... yes, you are absolutly crazy and I am loving it.

[@ronschwope5490]

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

[@Thecowboy1950]

Construction yellow sounds like a great idea

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@joshyoung]

Very excited to see the construction yellow I’ve also wanted to do the same! One of my favorite video series right now!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Josh!

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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”

[@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...

[@scottbohn929]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@lisaharvey4373]

Neil the selection is right on 100%

[@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!

[@kevinallen8072]

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

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Yessss, Construction YELLOW!! Make it your own.

[@digdrivediy]

😊 Thanks Doug!

[@michaelweddell3730]

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

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I can’t say why, but I’m emotionally invested in your garden tractor. The construction yellow is a cool idea since you’re not going green. maybe some other little flares or decals or something from construction equipment?

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! Thanks Brock. Yeah, I'm trying to figure out accents. Maybe a grey hood but I'm not sure yet.

[@nicknobbe564]

Very cool project Neil, it turned out great! I wonder if you could share the seat assembly PN that you went with. I have a JD 322 that I want to upgrade the seat on, and yours looks like a winner. Thanks bud, keep it up!

[@nicknobbe564]

Rather I should say the bracket the seat mounts to.

[@digdrivediy]

This is actually an original deluxe suspension seat base that was offered as an option back when these tractors were new. It was mounted on a tractor that I bought one time about a decade ago and I saved it before selling the tractor. I'm sure you could find the part number by looking it up that way, but I don't know if they are still available.

[@michaelwright6742]

Love the color choice!

[@aprilgeneric8027]

the oil drain valve, an hdpe plastic spacer washer will work or what about a rubber garden house gasket?. actually i think the plastic garden hose washers are hdpe, but i usually go to the hardware store with the part in hand to find the solution. !!!!! i have been looking for those older black hydro covers for years!!! deere said they weren't made any more. i especially want the older 140 series with the folded link chain!!! the LED upgrade is a MUST! omg 5 times the brightness, game changing snowblowing or plowing at night and extending your mowing time long enough to finish with only a 1/2 acre left after sunset! 4ply tires....solves the bead leak problem. just stay on top of the air pressure when the air gets freezing out, everything inside has contracted which means there isn't enough pressure to keep the bead sealed. and in the summer everything expands but i've never had to let air out. your hydro pressure release bar is missing the rubber cap that slips over the end of the bar and makes it slide up and down nice and easy (automotive or plumbing vacuum plugs). as far as the release valves, take them off and lube them up and work them back and forth until they spring back easily. also works on the hydro shift mechanism at the valve box for those unused levers like the 415-425-445-455 have on the steering column. this is what the deere dealer mechanics told me. good penetrating oil and then after you get them moving good throw in some lithium grease. i used permatex silver never seize on it instead just as an experiment and it works fine still after doing this 3 years ago. i took it apart and inspected it again when i changed the hydro fluid about a year after i fixed it. good choice on the color, like the orchard 955 farm tractors, with the black accents of this era and black seat

[@digdrivediy]

Great feedback. Appreciate all the great points in this comment.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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.

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Turning that 318 into an industrial model. It's yours make it what you want. Enjoying your progress

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Eric!

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

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

[@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!

[@bradydame4812]

Keep up the good work man!

[@ThomasZawatski]

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

[@patrickmcconkey]

Color seems fitting

[@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.

[@russorpcom]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for that Richard!

[@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.

[@NotmeGK123]

Cool I like the color

[@davidfisher69]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@casycasy5199]

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

[@themaniacmower]

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

[@BigFarles]

You make the tea and I will drink it. I love your choice of color. If you are down here in the comment make sure to like and subscribe.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks buddy!

[@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.

[@TheHobbyShop1]

The yellow should look nice. The 646 Case little loader tractors had a similar color and they looked nice. Looking forward to seeing what it looks like on a JD! 👊🏼

[@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.