Why did I buy a John Deere 318?

[@cameron59chev]

I inherited an ‘86 318 with mower deck, front blade, and wheel chains. It’s my main machine and still runs great. Very rugged machine

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@cameron59chev That is a great inheritance. They are pretty bulletproof if they are maintained well.

[@benschlechter]

My grandparents, who started the Everglades Equipment group(a John Deere dealorship) in 1963, used to have a JD 318 on their 3 acre property in NC until 1989, when my Uncle, who took over the dealorship, replaced it with a JD 420 garden tractor. It was used for about 10 years, when he brought in a JD 455, a diesel garden tractor.

[@pbaddict1a]

Best garden tractor EVER!!! Had one for maybe 15 years... excellent machine. Like you, the hand control was my only complaint...

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@pbaddict1a I wish I would've bought mine 9 years ago when I moved into my current house instead of going through newer junk machines. The hand control is not the best, but I think it's worth it for all the good things. Thanks for the comment!

[@ebinmaine]

As you know we're Wheelhorse folk around our acreage. That said, I've read/heard that the JD 318 properly equipped and maintained is among the best garden tractors ever made. Good purchase.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@ebinmaine I have been very happy with it and I don't think I will ever not have a 318. I do want to get a Wheelhorse tractor in the future. Maybe as a restoration project.

[@ebinmaine]

@nicksatrangequipment As you can imagine I'd absolutely recommend it. 😁. Given the right model they're extremely capable. We have ..... a few..... All set up different ways. My S/O has several from the mid 60s. Hers are smaller and lighter than my mid 70s C Series models.

[@jstoeck784]

I inherited my Grandpa's 85 318. It is a great mower and any maintenance I have to do doesn't bother me. I remember my Grandpa using it so I'll keep it.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@jstoeck784 That is so cool that you have that to hold on to. With just regular maintenance that thing should work forever.

[@thomasulmschneider3603]

I’ve had mine since 85’ new.it’s got a 50”3 point mower and 48” rear pto driven tiller also. Nice video 😎🤙

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@thomasulmschneider3603 thank you so much! That is incredible, you don't see 3 point mowers on these too often and I would love to get the rear PTO set up for mine.

[@thomasulmschneider3603]

Mine is apart right now to install a new pto clutch a got a my local dealer. I’ll take some pictures of it for you.

[@thomasulmschneider3603]

Also, maybe you could direct me to a good site to get the firewall insulation kit as shown in the picture of the one you’re working on.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@thomasulmschneider3603 That would be great!

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@thomasulmschneider3603 I am not sure I know what kit you are talking about. I have not put a firewall kit in any of my tractors.

[@thomasulmschneider3603]

Hey Nick, while watching your video of your dashboard replacement I noticed your firewall insulation ( foam ) was broken down and missing. I know replacement ones are made of an aluminum type of foil. They say this is vital for engine cooling by keeping the air within the engine compartment. Also that video was helpful to watch although I’ve never had mine off in 39 years I do want to replace dashboard lights with those LED ones. Thanks 😎

[@nicksatrangequipment]

Thank you for letting me know, I will have to look into new insulation ASAP. I think i am going to pull the motor this winter to fix some oil leaks so that will be a good time to replace that. Those dash lights can be replaced without removing the dash because they come out from the backside, I guess I should have showed that. Maybe I will make a quick short about replacing those lights.

[@thomasulmschneider3603]

I found the firewall replacement on EBay for $80.,I have a picture of it but can’t figure out how to send it to you.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@thomasulmschneider3603 You can email me at [e-mail] if you want. That would be very helpful.

[@crossrailroads1658]

I bet I got recommended this video because of Dig -Drive DIY. 😂 Nonetheless, good video and nice purchase.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@crossrailroads1658 Thank you! Dig Drive DIY is a great channel! 😁

[@cory2146]

These tractors are so good.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

I couldn't agree more, they are awesome!

[@ryanvalleyirrigation]

I bought my johndeere 318 from perry michigan last October 26 2023. I bought the snow plow in Hudson ville mi in September first got the old paint off i Prime it then let dry. And then paint it yellow. I then bought a 49 snow blower for it i took the old paint off i prime it. Let it dry then after that i paint it yellow. I got a new garage for my Kubota bx1880 i have 2 tractors before i had my first tractor it was a MTD tractor first then bought a cub cadet xt2 tractor later on bought a walk behind snow blower i never used over 2 years. I sold the cub cadet xt2 first then i sold the cub cadet 2x snow blower . Last winter when we got deep snow i used my snow blower. This year i had to pay money to have the johndeere 318 to get it fixed when i did the oill change we broke the plug for the oill pan got fixed the P t o clutch. Was make Noise when you went to use it. It would be harder to start when hot. I had to get pto parts for. I use it day to mow it works much better. I can't wait to use in the fall time and winter time this year

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@ryanvalleyirrigation I only used my 54 blade last winter. I am hoping to get to use my 49 snow blower this year. I hope yours continues to work well for you!

[@tractorboy31]

I bought a 86 316 last year with 50 inch to mow with. It came with a single stage blower. Doubt i will ever use it. I use the big tractor with a 6ft backblade. I bought a 30 hydraulic tiller for the 316. I had to re repower it with a 23hp briggs vg instead of 79 b48m because check the gas fill the oil😢 i then bought a 86? 318 that has original onan still but died at half tank so off to the side till last month. Replaced fuel pickup and it runs decent. I put tiller on that. 318 will be chore/3pt tractor and 316 be mower and if need be 318 help mow so can work on 316 wiring (factory wiring wont even turn pto on anymore) rewired to use but no safeties at moment so gonna try to design that then 318 has no safeties either and can copy. Would like blade and rotary broom. Those brooms are almost impossible to find so pricey

[@frios011]

I would love to score a 318, or any 300 series tractor. Right now I have a little JD 70, and a 214.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

@@frios011 the 70 and 214 are also very cool, but, yeah, nothing can beat these 300 series...except maybe a 445 or 455.

[@keirokeiro1976]

Little Buck makes a nice loader for these tractors and if you're good at fabricating, PF Engineering sells plans for a DIY loader.

[@nicksatrangequipment]

That would be so cool to make my own. And I have the tools (and maybe the skill) to do it, but I'm not sure I have the time. I have been looking at the Little Buck loaders, that might be the way I end up going. Thanks!