Tractor Addict: How I Got Hooked on John Deere Garden Tractors.

This is the story of how I became addicted to John Deere garden tractors. I share where it all started and how it evolved to what it is today. I also showcase all of my current tractors and some plans for the future of a few of my tractors.

[@Andyrob323]

Neil, this is quality content at its finest. Not just the machines themselves, but the way you incorporate old home movies, photos, and the story telling. I can’t get enough.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks I really appreciate that Andrew. It is rewarding to know people seem to like this style of video. Thanks for watching.

[@traderjack6151]

I seen that IH Scout what’s the history on that? I had 79and 80 Scouts wish I still had them!

[@RealCTGYT]

I have a 1977 John Deere 300 with the snow blade ever since I first got it I’m hooked to the classic garden tractors for life…

[@lucasthornton5676]

Great story. I was waiting to hear you say that you were going to build another barn not that you are going to reduce the fleet.

[@scottsoper]

I vote for thinning some things out of the fleet and adding a 1600 turbo series mower and all the JD 755 equipment he can find: so I am recommending a new barn as well.....

[@digdrivediy]

Well, that might happen too actually... Still, need to do a little of both! Thanks Lucas!

[@kayvonmansouri]

Hey great Chanel! If you need some content ideas id love to see around your out buildings, I want to put in a big shop and am not sure where to begin

[@smokierspy]

I can hear a thousand of these stories and still get chills remembering how I got into the garden tractor hobbie at 12 years old with my 68 jd110 swapping to a cub cadet 123 later on and being hooked on cubs ever since , 13 years and a couple hundred deeres and cubs later I still got a pack of them and now a son to share the passion with

[@digdrivediy]

Love it!

[@Northwestprepper411]

I am glad the new heart will be going into Bill and you reconsidered the paint. Can't wait to watch that happen.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm excited to get it put together. Not sure on that paint just yet but we'll see. Bill might get something other than green!

[@Northwestprepper411]

@@digdrivediy 😲 What! Say it isn't so? Lol. It will be fun either way.

[@tonycasterline8936]

Neil, that hit right in the feels. I still have my dad's 1971 JD120 that I grew up on. Amazing how long these little tractors run. Good luck thinning the herd! I have the same impulses, and it's hard to let them go. Plus, tractors are fun!

[@digdrivediy]

Right there with ya Tony. I don't know how I could ever get rid of Vernie's or my Dad's tractor. I still love the tractors they just seem to sit too much. But, they sure are fun when it comes time to put them to work. Thanks for watching as always!

[@stephenjones8735]

Amazing for so many reasons. Our hobbies, our fun time, our work time, our loves, and the biggest our memories with family. Nothing runs like a Deere family.

[@digdrivediy]

You got that right Stephen! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@realtimeoutdoors9095]

One of the coolest videos I’ve seen! I have a repowered 318 with cab and plow, a diesel 317 repowered I made for a spray rig. A John Deere 1025r and a xuv825m gator I love em!

[@digdrivediy]

A diesel 317?! That sounds awesome man! You've got some great machines it sounds like. Thanks so much for sharing and appreciate you watching!

[@realtimeoutdoors9095]

Yep I I did the re power about a year ago! Runs like a top it was my grandpas tractor and left it to me and the original engine was about done we used to plow taters with it. Had it repainted and put the diesel in fun toy!

[@digdrivediy]

@@realtimeoutdoors9095 That's awesome!

[@GGaievski]

what an amazing story, i've been in love with garden tractors since i was a child and saw a john deere commercial on a 90's magazine, this week i just bought a husqvarna lt 112, my first one and the only i can afford right now, really looking forward to mow tons of grass with it

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much!

[@ajy1696]

Great story! I’m a lot younger, and starting a collection of my own. Don’t have a lot of land or property’s to mow. All garage princess!

[@claudiodiiorio9523]

Beautiful story behind the John Deere tractors

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Claudio.

[@seansullivan1439]

Neil, I got hooked on your videos and family life awhile back and since I got kicked in the butt by Covid right before Christmas, I've watched MANY in the back catalog. Loved every minute of the Bill/Brutus marriage and watching you use your vast knowlege of JD garden tractors put to use. Your farm life with Kara and the girls is something to be cherished.

[@digdrivediy]

Wow, thanks so much! Really appreciate you watching!

[@jimmyhorton1504]

I bought an 83 318 and did a very detailed resto/refurbish on it. Took a few years, at one point most of the machine was in ziplock bags and boxes waiting on reassembly. I'm proud of how it turned out!

[@digdrivediy]

Sounds great Jimmy. I've always wanted to do something like that but I never seem to follow through... I just buy another tractor! I'll bet yours looks great. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@gunguyforlife630]

Wheres a good place to buy these old tractors? Ive been looking for a nice condition 318 or the likes with a 3 point pto hydro hitch...any suggestions?

[@digdrivediy]

@@gunguyforlife630 It is easy to find 318s, but difficult to find the hitch and especially the PTO. The hitch can be purchased aftermarket for about $550 so that's easy. The PTO is a white whale to find. Unfortunately, Facebook Marketplace is the go-to place to find this kinda stuff locally nowadays. For me in my region, Craigslist has all but dried up. Best of luck to you!

[@BigFarles]

I’m so excited. I have a 318 with a Honda engine in it. It’s rough but it’s great.

[@digdrivediy]

I had one of those once Marcus. Makes for a great combo. I wish I had kept it now. Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@johnnelligan4847]

Grew up on a 317. She plowed in the winter, tilled in the spring, mowed in the summer, and picked up leaves in the fall. Taught me to check the oil and air up the tires. Similar to Bill she eventually got tired and we put her on the side of the ride for someone else to enjoy. Thanks for sharing Neil, once again you hit the nail on the head!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it John. I should have mentioned checking the oil and tires... that's a good notion. Appreciate you watching.

[@meirionevans5137]

Wonderful story, nicely told. You can never have too many tractors, only too little time. Thanks.

[@digdrivediy]

Boy, isn't that the truth! Time is the key. Thanks for watching!

[@jameshoyt75]

Great video...particularly enjoy the shots of your mint condition 755 ... well done

[@grizz474]

Super Cute! The Grandkids having fun on the tractors, it's the kind of thing kids remember their whole life.

[@derekschlenvogt]

I’ve watched this video probably seven times now and I still cannot get enough! Love these videos

[@digdrivediy]

Wow! Thanks a lot Derek!

[@karriefalon7779]

I grew up with a deer around. My favorite of all a 4440. So love that series of deer.

[@digdrivediy]

I love the 4440 as well. First big tractor I ever drove.

[@casycasy5199]

the story was very cool.this video is one of your best

[@digdrivediy]

I appreciate that very much Ron. This one took me a little while! :)

[@brenthoersten3546]

I bought a 1973 John Deere 70 mower from my grandpas friend for $20 when I was in grade school. Restored it in High School. And I can not wait till the day I can teach by boys how to drive on it. Keep The Memories Alive!

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome Brent!

[@markb8954]

Great video. Nothing runs like a Deere.

[@stevelutzke9600]

Still an addict as is my son, though he has realized you can’t have them all! 2-110’s, 2-112’s all round fenders and three with Hyd lift. 2-140s one is an H3 a 655 2wd and a 955 4wd with 70a loader. 6way blade, snowblower, belly blade, mower deck, sleeve hitch all for NF. Mower Deck, tall chute snowblower, 3 point hitch, belly blade and wood splitter for the 140’s and loader, snowblower, mower deck and the 360 blade for the 55 series. Then for fun the 50 and 80 carts. It is an addiction. He had the 318, 322, 332 & 400, 430 tractors but those were all part of the down sizing process. Still are fun to see and run! Special place though for the 140 H3.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much for sharing Steve. I know I can get along just fine with anyone that collects these little Deeres cause it is just a passion that you can't understand unless you're in it. You made my ears perk up when you said "wood splitter for the 140's"! Sounds like you have/had a wonderful collection between you and your son. It's just good, clean fun. Thanks so much for watching.

[@shanerhoden]

Dude, your lawn and driveway are on point

[@Flyanb]

In the ‘80’s my dad had a lawn service he had a fleet of 3-4 I don’t remember all of them but I remember the 318 that he kept after he sold the business and the 430 diesel that I LOVED to run. The 318 He had wheel weights and a snowblower, a tiller a powered front thatcher, and a vacuum trailer that thing did it all. My favorite thing about the 430 was the posi button on the floor board that got me out of more trouble than it got me into. After a few years he sold that 318 to the neighbor we must’ve needed some cash but it didn’t matter because it was kept in the garage next door and we got to use it for everything even for a few years after my dad died. I mowed the whole block as much as I could between fences just because I liked it. Thanks for bringing the memories back, thanks to my Dad for teaching me many things about working hard and helping neighbors and thanks to Duane for letting us use that tractor to keep our place up. If he had a beef it’s that he only got to change the oil. Me and my brother did the mowing and the blowing and the mulching and the tilling. Happy Father’s Day!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Great story and recount of your history with these great tractors. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching the video!

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome video and so true

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks a lot Mike!

[@spencerforsberg4594]

That’s an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Spencer!

[@Duramaximized07]

Super cool video and story! Thanks for sharing

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it sir! Thanks for watching.

[@bigyellow1234]

Love your story only thing keeping me from acquiring a heard is storage space so I just keep tinkering with my 1973 110 :)

[@digdrivediy]

Right on Curt! Sometimes I wish there was less room to put stuff!

[@michaelbenoit248]

I wish to find a 73 110 for my collection of 4 others. Hopefully 2 will be diesel soon w Yanmar L70 re-power.

[@kevinvallee9049]

Great story. I’ll be along to watch future progress

[@digdrivediy]

I sure appreciate it Kevin!

[@tonynieuwlandt1290]

Now THAT was cool, loved seeing the old footage and pictures of Vernie. Very good story Neil.

[@tonynieuwlandt5407]

Bonus: got a nice flashback of Traci too

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah! I spent way too much time this past week watching home movies! Thanks Tony!

[@digdrivediy]

Got plenty more of her too!

[@michaelrickman3161]

I'm a John Deere addict as well. I inherited a John Deere L110, then bought a John Deere 265. Then I found and bought a John Deere Model 111, STX38, and finally a John Deere 185. I now have five John Deere riders, and a YanMar (red) 1500 garden tractor with bush hog, and a whole lot of push, & self propelled mowers.

[@digdrivediy]

Glad to meet a fellow addict Michael. Sounds like you've got a nice herd there. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@Johnsonfan169]

My uncle has a John Deer garden tractor. It was originally my great grandpas but my uncle got it. It’s from the 80’s and it still runs like great.

[@jacknemic1824]

For sure my new favorite KZbinr, as they say Nothing Runs Like A Deere! Great story and can’t wait to see the future projects.

[@digdrivediy]

I really appreciate it Jack! I hope I have a long winter full of projects!

[@rodmakestuff8288]

Thanks Neil The words you said made me fall on the floor…”when you wanna be a farmer and you haven’t been born into a farm, driving a garden tractor is the next best thing…” I could agree more!!! Garden tractors have been a hobby of mine too. I started with my great grandmas R72. Not really a garden tractor but it’s we’re I stared. Lol Then a gt235 and a 210. I’ve recently sold both of those tractors and bought a X475. My AG teacher and I plan to build a loader for it. I’m so excited. I think your sooooo underrated. People need to your videos. Btw if you do end up selling one of your 55 series could you let me know. I from Easter ohio and I’d love to make a deal and an upgrade. Thanks Neil Your awesome

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much for the kind words Rod. I appreciate hearing your story as well. I'll keep you in mind if I decide to part with the 55. Thanks for watching!

[@tomsuica8731]

Auch powerful content. I go from edge of seat, to tears and cant stop watching.

[@bensvintagetractors7919]

I’m sitting at right around 55 tractors in my collection right now. Over the last year I’ve had well over 500 tractors come and go.. those 140s are gems by the way best garden tractor made in my opinion..

[@digdrivediy]

Holy smokes!!! I can't compete with those numbers 😲 That's incredible but totally understandable! Glad to hear that the 140 ranks highly for a major collector too. Thanks so much for watching.

[@vincemeyer7968]

Loved this video! What a great telling of a great story. I am sure most of us can completely relate. Can’t wait for the upcoming projects!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it Vince. Thanks for watching!

[@dew6874]

That was one of the finest videos that I've ever seen!!!! Thank you for sharing your memories and addiction! My problem started when my grandmother gave me my grandpa's 112 in april yellow. He bought it new in 69. Just mowed the yard with it.still has original Firestone tires on it. I now have 14 others. Rf110,sf 110's,140's, 200 series and a 332. Glad we don't need a Deere license for this 😊

[@snoozieq4584]

I love how you say you aren't partial to your tractors, yet you have given them names. You're partial, you just don't want to admit it, and that's okay. I'm partial to cars. My dad was a gear head and was always tinkering with cars to improve mpg or horse power. Great memories with my dad. Can't you tell I was a "Daddy's Girl"?

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! I can tell :). I guess I'm partial to a couple!

[@snoozieq4584]

@@digdrivediy I found someone who has a most impressive toy JD collection. Please watch the whole video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/on3Hnaqgba5lmrc

[@dougduddles8464]

When I was a kid, we had a John Deere 400 lawn tractor. To this day, I think that was the finest lawn tractor ever made! I can't even begin to imagine how many hours I spent on that thing and I absolutely LOVED it!

[@digdrivediy]

Good memories!

[@greasywrenchgarage3152]

Interesting, I started out on a 140 as well. grew up for a few years on a turkey farm, and we had 8 acres of grass to mow, that 140 did it all for many years. it also had a push blade for the front and it cleaned top floors of 2 story brood barns. When we left that farm, that tractor stayed as we didn't own the farm and my father was merely managing it with home accommodations. wasn't long after we moved, Dad bought his very own 1971 140 with snowthrower, mower, tiller and front blade. that was in the early 90''s when he got all of that. My father passed away last year and that 140 is still running like a champ, he did upgrade the engine to 16HP though. I personally have a 430 with 44 loader and 46 snowthrower. I plan to restore that 140 someday and hopefully pass it down to one of my boys. I really would like a 755 with a loader, maybe someday. I have had quite a few Deere's over the years too a couple also being 318's. Very good video, loved your story!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love hearing things like that. Great memories tied to these tractors for many of us.

[@privatepilot4064]

Even as a city boy with some tractor experience, the motto “Nothing Runs Like A Deere” is still true.

[@peternelly3879]

Such a lovely little documentary! Put a big smile on my face.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a bunch!

[@justinracine7566]

I share the exact same story but with my father's tractor a john deere 430 diesel, amazing

[@digdrivediy]

Love the 430 Justin. Very cool tractor. Thanks so much for watching!

[@dylanf7344]

The plowing looks so fun

[@johnpaul3800]

That's how I look at things also! Yup and I have a collection of lawn tractors and vintage 70 JD snowmobiles all restored....😀👍

[@digdrivediy]

That's great John! Thanks so much for the comment and appreciate you watching!

[@boomer1049]

I had all those at one point. You really want a all in one greatest JD lawn & garden tractor it's the x595 or x748!!! Nothing like them and worth every penny!!!

[@jelcobeunt]

I have a johndeere 955 gotta say I love that thing

[@NewMoonRanch]

Dude! Pure Gold! I’m just starting my journey!

[@JollyRoger-no7ps]

My dad used to have a set of old workhorse Craftsman tractors when I was a kid, they were made out of cast iron and heavy duty steel frames. They we invested in a 1977 Deere 214 with a deck, blade and tiller. I was hooked, dad wanted to turn around and sell it but I bought his half and never looked back. I’ve had that tractor for almost 35 years now and everything still works beautifully. I have a 1976 Deere 214 and an 81 parts tractor. The 76 doesn’t get used much anymore but I used to keep one set up for mowing and the other for snow plowing.

[@digdrivediy]

Oh man! That's a cool story too. Thanks for sharing. Glad you still have that tractor.

[@95rman]

This is still one of my favorite videos!

[@dave434]

Really enjoyed the video. I got my Deere sickness from seeing my neighbor on his 318. One day I said I would have one of those! And on day I did,Loved Old Deere ever since! But after I got the 318 ,I started to wonder about the history of the lawn & garden Deere's,So then came the 110 round fender,crazy spell! Buying selling just as you did. One time I had 12 or 15 Deere. Always wanted & still do a 140 H3. Anyway , like you I realized I couldn't keep them all & I was fixing to retire,So sold off most of them except for a 1964 JD110, 2001 JD455,Yeah , I bought a Cub Cadet too,But still have it. 1961 Cub Cadet Original. Only one I ever sold ,that I miss was JD 330. I BOUGHT & refurbished and sold lot of good old Deere. Like you I loved the hunt!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for the great comment Dave. Sounds like you and I would get along just fine! It is about to hunt for sure. For whatever reason.

[@stephenh5166]

Around the time I was born, my parents bought an LT155 lawn mower, and that was a prominent figure in my childhood. My parents also got a 2040 but that spent its life at a relatives house. I loved the diesel but didn't see it nearly as often. Eventually when they got a zero-turn lawnmower, we pulled the deck of the 155 and I got to have it as my own off roader for a few years until we got a 6x4 gator. I spent one summer making that mower like new again to give to my uncle. A few years later I talked my dad into getting my dream garden tractor, a 430, to mow our new, hilly yard and collect leaves. I know to a lot of 318 guys feel the long nose looks a little goofy, but I love the presence the extra length gives it. The smooth, quiet and powerful yanmar diesel just completes the package. I plan to make sure that tractor outlives me.

[@digdrivediy]

Good stuff Stephen. I love the 430s as well. My uncle bought one new in 87 and I always admired it. Thanks for watching!

[@BrentHEdmonson]

Great story! Mine is similar growing up on my family’s 110 electric lift. I currently have a 110H patio, 140H3 & a 318 w/23HP Vanguard.

[@digdrivediy]

That's great Brent. Thanks for sharing. You've got some awesome tractors too!

[@homedepotman4219]

This is one of the coolest videos I've ever seen

[@digdrivediy]

Well Jacob, that's one of the coolest comments I've read! Thanks a lot and thanks for watching! 👍🏻

[@homedepotman4219]

Thank you for making. Content like this

[@larainebarton2103]

Love my 316 great video.

[@jakeolsen2764]

Excellent video. I'm a Cub Cadet addict as in i have 11 of them now including 2 originals, a 70,100,105,123,124,125,147,1250,1450 that not all run but good projects. I also have decided to thin my herd to make time for my selected favorites. And a john deere 300 and a new d100. My neighbor tells me they have Hospitals and programs for people with my problem. I just smile and wait for the next one to come my way.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for sharing Jake! Indi like the cubs too!

[@vincentlavella1991]

I really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing and all the time you put in…. Fellow Deere addict here lol

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you, Vincent!

[@CCWP0251]

Your love for those machines is how many of us feel about our hobbies. Do we really need all of it? No, we don’t. But do we enjoy it? Yes. We do. I have a similar addiction, except with Craftsman lawn tractors of all things. Not even usable garden tractors. I hope to eventually shift my focus to those, as lawn tractors are limited in their capabilities. But, me and you are similar in the fact that we collect machines we don’t really need because we have a passion for them. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching!

[@leol1682]

Love thoses old tractors

[@digdrivediy]

me too Leo!

[@farminghuntingtrapping-fht]

I was born into farming and love it!

[@digdrivediy]

Lucky you!

[@farminghuntingtrapping-fht]

@@digdrivediy lol thanks so much I’m in love with garden tractors as well! Don’t have as many as you though!!!

[@DonDomel]

documentary master piece ! I watch and loose sense of a time ! thx ! Greetings from Poland !

[@jimoakley3436]

Boy if that old girl could talk.Enjoyed the story.

[@digdrivediy]

No kidding!

[@AJRestoration]

I just got my first 317 today and I am so damn exited to get it going! I found this video really inspiring! Thank you!

[@denisc958]

Yep, exept I like them all. Loved your 318 restoration series!

[@marykoch5168]

Love, love, love everything about this one. From the sweet memories in the old home movies and photos to the beautiful drone shots and I really liked where you picked up the toy 140 to reveal Vernies...it was full of lumpy throat moments. Vernie was a great mentor and teacher to your Dad, as Wilma spent time teaching me how to can, make pickles, jelly and so much more. They were like grandparents to me. They adored your Dad from the time he was born. I know you boys spent lots of time "working" for and learning from them too. Special people ❤ Miss them!

[@digdrivediy]

Yes, this one was special to make. Had to comb through a lot of old home movies. Living next to the Rupperts has been a great lifelong experience that we all have learned from in one way or another. Thanks for checking it out and I hope you and Dad enjoyed it.

[@bloodyfinger5]

I'm an addict as well , videos to prove . Just recently sold my 430 after having it for twenty years still have my H-3 . Love those John Deere's

[@digdrivediy]

They're great machines for sure. Always wanted a 430 but never got one. Glad to hear you have the 140 still. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jacobmyers4220]

I'm the same way, learning to cut grass on a 316 the neighbor gave us. That turned into 2 140s, 318 (with some donor parts from the 316), 330/332, and an early round fender 110 plus a few cub cadets. You hit the nail on the head with the "always on the lookout, trying to find the next trophy" statement.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jacob. Glad to find others that share the same connection to our little Deeres!

[@Dumbfuckwithatruck]

I may be 13 but my tractor adiction started when I first layed eyes on one

[@digdrivediy]

Same here :) Gonna be hard to quit Zachary! Best of luck to you young man!

[@Dumbfuckwithatruck]

@@digdrivediy thanks I got my 1st mower when I was five it is a old Murray sentinel and when I was 8 I got my gt6000 craftsman

[@benjavides]

Came to your channel from a comment you made in a Van Neistat video. Great video, great storytelling and editing!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey that's pretty cool! Really appreciate the kind feedback and the effort to check out the channel. Thanks for saying hi!

[@guyshock2498]

I like your story. I have a 1982 John Deere 400 that I am currently redoing. I had the engine rebuilt in 2014 and I am just getting around to doing the rest of the tractor. I am enjoying this project and my grandson (who is 7) is helping me. I hope to buy a 140H3 for my next project, after I have this one completed. Thanks!

[@digdrivediy]

That's great to hear Guy. I appreciate you sharing and although I've never had a 400, they are great tractors in their own right as well. Thanks for watching!

[@nickberger3655]

I’ve always had a desire to farm, but like you, I wasn’t born into it. Right now I’m stuck with a 1/2 acre lot in a neighborhood, so my 1991 332 is going to have to do for now! I had a 1986 318 as well, but I sold that after I used the 332 for a few weeks. Something about that diesel is so addicting.

[@digdrivediy]

I know what you mean about that diesel!

[@briandoerge5092]

I feel ya... 300, 2 317's, and 3 318's... And almost every piece of Brinley equipment that fits... Still looking for a front loader😁

[@bret_Lambky]

I had the 755JD compact tractor. That was a really good machine. It had a lot of heart! I maintained a little over five acres with it! These are great machines!

[@Coltonm8994]

I just bought a John deere 318 at 15. It has a snowblower on the front. When I heard that you got one for 1200 and that was the cheapest you got it I was very surprised. I got mine with the snowblower for 1700. I will be selling the snowblower to continue buying and selling deals like this but this video inspired me to keep my first tractor I bought.

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome Colton! Glad to hear other folks interested in the hobby. I spent that $1200 in the year 2000 when the tractors were still valued a little higher back then. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@mikewerner3797]

Loved your story and your passion. I understand. I have a 1983 318 that I restored years ago and still have it. I also found a 316 for my in-laws to use.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Mike!

[@rvdawg6231]

Hollywood quality storytelling right there, loved it. Thanks for sharing

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate that RV Dawg! Thanks for watching!

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

I'd love to have one to restore and use on my property. I love these machines.

[@GORMAVDON-YT]

I am still looking to get my first 318. I actually just got my first hydro mower, it is a simplicity broadmoor hydro 16. And i now own 2 mowers and one sears garden tractor.

[@HilltopProduce]

Nice collection

[@JonStratford1234]

Thanks for the video. I have the hardest time keeping my collection to only two Deeres. One is my Dad’s LT155, a small mower that he bought around 2001 when he moved to an acreage not far from here. He died in 2003, and I’ve mowed a lot of hours on that machine in the years since. The second is my X585 with 3 point, which is now my main mower, snow mover, gravel maintainer, and general workhorse. I have been needing to find another implement to go with my box blade that will put a nicer finish on my gravel drive, which is what brought me to your channel, which brought me to this video. Thanks for taking the time to put this together, and for affirming the instinct to ‘collect’ a Deere for every purpose.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey Jon! Thanks for sharing your Deere habits with us. I would obviously agree that it's easier to have multiple tractors than it is to be switching implements around all the time :) I'm glad you found your way here and good luck in finding the right tool for the job.

[@woodking1970]

That was the best of Neil Koch. That story really hit home. My wife is always saying we don’t need another tractor. I started out with a JD 650 three cylinder in 1978 followed by a JD 750 a few years later. When we moved here in we bought a “big” JD 970 with a backhoe. Thought I needed bigger and came across a JD 5085M. Recently I broke tradition and bought a Kioti hydrostatic. I still don’t have it as bad as you though. Funny thing is, we only have 10 acres. Thanks for the story.

[@darrelstinson4737]

My grandpa had a JD140. At my house we had a Cub Cadet 125 Hydro. I loved to drive them both.

[@digdrivediy]

Both good machines Darrel!

[@dongilley3273]

Awesome story and video. New sub. I have a few restorations I'm looking forward to.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Don! So glad to have you. Hopefully this winter I'll get to work on some tractors too.

[@davidnielson1960]

I love your John Deere collection of garden tractors

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks David! I'm fond of them as well!

[@slowride55]

Very cool video. This is describes me to the T. When I was 18 in high school I started collecting and flipping John Deere Garden tractors. While my friends were out screwing around I was making literally thousands of dollars buying and selling tractors and parts. I would swap and rebuild engines, fix wiring and hydraulic leaks, and add accessories to tractors to make them more desirable to sell. I think the most I owned at one time was 25. I still have the first 110 and 210 I ever bought and I’ll probably never get rid of them. They’re not worth much, but they’re a reminder of where I’ve been, and how I got to be where I am now.

[@digdrivediy]

Sounds like we would get along just fine! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I sure like having the memories that are associated with playing around with these for so long too. Thanks for watching!

[@JoshWeaverRC]

I lucked out and fell into buying a 318 as my first tractor at my first home with acreage. Partly because I knew my 4 year old son could drive it. I load up my kids on the rear and they pulled full trees around the property. It also came with lots of implements. Now I own a welder and just looking for time to add toys on my toy. Great video.

[@digdrivediy]

That's good stuff. You were lucky to get a 318 first! There are a lot of life lessons to be learned from just being around a tractor! Thanks for watching Josh!

[@CarbonPoweredLife]

Wow cool story! Also, very nice production quality on the video!

[@russorpcom]

Great video!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot Richard!

[@britay94]

Just Love it. I wish we had places and people and tractors like this in the UK. the bit at the end with your little girl driving is pure joy to watch My grand kids drive my old Westwood T12 tractor and it gives me hope for the future :)

[@digdrivediy]

I'm really grateful you enjoyed that bit with the girls at the end. My favorite part of the video actually. Thanks so much for watching over there!

[@tipsyrippers]

Awsome video I love all the included old videos and pictures and references used awesome job. I myself also owned a cub cadet but also share about the same story for John Deere’s !!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed!

[@chriskelly9984]

So cool, I have had John Deeres all my life, and restored flipped most of them. The ones I am keeping is an 855 with the loader, and 72" belly mower (I have used this 1987 tractor in some capacity nearly every day of every year since 1997). I have a fully restored 318 that I use as a plow tractor (dirt plowdays, and snow), also a 316 that I am fixing up for my daughter, and a small 1966 model 60 for the grandkids....do't forget the 1968 300 backhoe out in my barn

[@digdrivediy]

Oh man, you have my kind of collection there Chris! Love it. I got many a project to work on but the best thing is just putting them to work. Thanks for watching!

[@daltonburnham4234]

When I was 9 i bought my first tractor it was a John Deere 111 for 300 dollars and I won’t start and I kinda gave up on it to but you gave me inspiration to keep working on it

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome! Good luck with it Dalton!

[@emfelling8384]

great great video! i love john deere garden tractors as well and have a 318 love it!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much!

[@Miniscapes515]

Awsome story.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@dave434]

Your story is much like mine. Love my old Deere!

[@aaronburford5701]

Neil, this was great to watch and learn about your obsession with John Deere tractors... This explains alot, thanks for sharing. Great to look at this today!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks so much Aaron! These little tractors have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember!

[@aaronburford5701]

@@digdrivediy Neil, thanks for taking the time to respond to my comments! Man it means a lot to see that your read then and respond with AlL the time you don't have! Lol

[@vangstr]

Great story and well done video. Thanks for sharing! I bought my first and only JD over a year ago and it's such a pleasure to use!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot Teng! Glad to hear you're enjoying your JD!