My Tractor Forum banner

John Deere 300 series garden tractors

27K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  johndeere 
#1 ·
This thought has bothered me forever. I know that the 318 is considered the best garden tractor that John Deere has ever built, but is it that much better than a 316 or 317? And how does it compare to the larger 322, 330, and 332?

I have looked at the 345, and the 425, but realize that I would have to sell my 111, buy a larger trailer, and find some money on top of that. Whereas the 318, I could just buy it and not have to sell my 111 or trailer. If I need to mow somewhere further away, I can just take my 111.

In the winter, I would use the 318 with a blade, to plow stuff into piles, and the 111 to blow them far away from the area I am plowing.

So if anything, I would like a 300 series that has 2 hydraulic lifts, and power steering also.

Thanks


Dan
 
#4 ·
Thanks!

318 aren't "readily available" in my area, but every now and then one pops up on Craigslist or eBay. So when I'm ready to buy one, and one is available, I will have to make sure I get it before anyone else
:thThumbsU:thThumbsU
 
#3 ·
the 318 has a lot of fans, and no doubt is a great tractor, but there is no such thing as "the best garden tractor JD ever built..."

at least not one that would make everyone happy :)





.
 
#6 ·
The 318 is the tractor that holds the most ever sold honors! Some of us enjoy leveraging that in good natured fun into being the "the best" or "the Holy Grail" of garden tractors. Certainly in it's time it was the most popular tractor, but there have been a number of tractors that will match or outdo it now! I have owned a 110, 212, and 216 and I can tell you that the 318 is a much more feature packed tractor that is easier to operate than my prior tractors. They were also good tractors but just wouldn't match up to the capabilities of the 318! I would like to get a 332 or 322 as it shares the same implements. However if I had the funds an x7xx series would be my preferred choice and I suspect has much more capability than the 318!
 
#8 · (Edited)
I know you asked for comparison...I will give you my personal view:

The Onan in the 316 & 318 are great commercial motors, but the Yanmar 322/332 are even greater. Two cylinder vs. 3.
I think the 345 has a smaller hydro than the K91 trans. that's in the 318 & the 425 with Kawasaki motor could have the plastic cam gear problem.

A 318 has everything a GT owner needs (incl. PS) with an open rear for PTO & 3PH.
Lots of real 18HP - but no 4x4 or diesel. So yes, there are better GT's, but a 20 year old 318 will not break the piggy bank, if you find one well maintained.

Even if the 318/322/332 is the same price as the 345/425...the iconic 318 is like a 1957 Chev. Belair while the 425 is like a 1962 Impala....both very nice, but a difference still exists. Just a feeling & the point I'm making is:
- if you want the top of the line 1955 Chev, look for the 140H3

The 318's won't get much cheaper over the years / having 20 years of depreciation already.
- when I couldn't find a local 318, I also expanded my search to include the 425 / than found my 318, just 20 minutes from home...just keep searching

This is what I found:
Unrestored 318 JD / original paint / low 484 hours / from original owner:


--------------------------------------
Beaumont { :>)) www.petperfectexpress.com
Golden Rule - "he who has the gold, makes the rule" http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=135838 Intro.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 JD 318 original paint w/484 hr. on P218g Onan & #49 snow blower / 1998 JD GT262 w/brand new Kawasaki OHV & 48" rebuilt deck
1986 Toro 824 snowblower, Honda HS624 track drive blower, STIHL 2 stroke F5 85 & F5 35 grass trimmer,
1987-'89 TORO 20526C push mower 21" Recycler w/Suzuki 4 stroke, 1980 LawnBoy 21" model #7260G w/D409 engine, HONDA CT70 MiniBike
1965 Malibu S/S, 1985 Monte Carlo S/S original paint, 1987 Pontiac GTA original paint L98-TPI, 1966 Beaumont Custom original paint,
1967 Beaumont Custom, 1967 Beaumont Custom original paint, 1967 Beaumont 396-350HP Sport Deluxe M21-411's - SOLD 1970 GTO Judge RAIII
 
#9 ·
Here's my model 996 , 332 X 3 = 996
 

Attachments

#10 ·
There are lots of 318's available in Iowa. Which part of the state are you looking? If I could find a reasonably price 445, I would sell my 318 to you.
 
#13 ·
I have a 318 and a 300 and I like the power steering and the smoother running Onan twin cylinder over the 300.But I like the 300 for its quick attach 3 point hitch system.All I have to do is unhook the hydraulic hoses and pull 2 spring loaded pins and lift the complete 3 point hitch off the tractor.That is one thing the 300 has over the 318
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top