Body mounts on my 318?

phillijp · Apr 26, 2014

So after getting the new engine in and the PTO sorted out I'm actually using this 318 but it's a harsh ride compared to my 322.

The 322 has rubber isolators that go between the fender and the frame. I replaced all 4 on my 322 because 2 were toast. Boy what a difference that made. I'm thinking about doing the same thing to the 318 which doesn't come with them normally. I can't see any reason why this wouldn't work, it raises the fender about an inch.

I'm also looking for the seat base from a 322 since it pivots and I think is a little more comfortable. Does anyone have one they would like to sell?

PA318Guy · Apr 26, 2014

Can't say that I can tell a huge difference in ride with the rubber isolators in there. They're pretty stiff so not a lot of shock absorbtion available in them.

phillijp · Apr 26, 2014

Maybe my buns are more sensitive to vibration? I went through my 322 and the PO replaced one of the mounts with a stack of washers and a bolt. Another mount was broken (split in half I think) so I replaced them all. To me it was a big difference.

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PA318Guy · Apr 26, 2014

I'm probably older and the nerves are dead in mine from too much time on GT's without isolators! :ROF

johnmarcotte · Apr 26, 2014

phillijp said:
So after getting the new engine in and the PTO sorted out I'm actually using this 318 but it's a harsh ride compared to my 322.

The 322 has rubber isolators that go between the fender and the frame. I replaced all 4 on my 322 because 2 were toast. Boy what a difference that made. I'm thinking about doing the same thing to the 318 which doesn't come with them normally. I can't see any reason why this wouldn't work, it raises the fender about an inch.

I'm also looking for the seat base from a 322 since it pivots and I think is a little more comfortable. Does anyone have one they would like to sell?

I learned something from your post today, Phillijp. I thought the 318 and 322/332 had the same frame / bodies and would have the same rubber insulators for the seat pan. I wonder why the 318 didn't have the insulators as assembled?

I've heard you get more ride comfort by replacing the OEM 318/322 seat suspension with the "deluxe" seat suspensions that were optional for the 322 (AM105074 - NLA) and the 318 (AM104235 - also NLA). I understand that the OEM seats for the 425-455's and other, later JD's are possible substitutes.
From other threads on the ride issue, the "upgraded" suspension seat seems to be the preferred method to get a better ride.:dunno:

phillijp · Apr 29, 2014

I guess in a way I learned a few things as well. After my original post I looked up the mount for the seat on a 322. According to JD Parts the 322 had the same mount as the 318 but there was an optional upgrade to a suspension type of seat. My 322 has neither mount so I'm at a loss to figure out where the mount came from on my machine. I could try to describe the design but it would be better to post photos. Someone will see it and know exactly which model the mount came from.

As for why the 318 didn't come with isolators; I am speculating that this was considered an upgrade to the 322/332 from the 318. The engine in the 322 has rubber motor mounts that further isolate vibration whereas the onan is hard mounted to the frame on the 318. The 322 is a very smooth and quiet machine compared to the 318. The mounts weren't expensive in the grand scheme so once I get them installed and cut grass once or twice I'll report my results.

johnmarcotte · Apr 30, 2014

phillijp said:
I guess in a way I learned a few things as well. After my original post I looked up the mount for the seat on a 322. According to JD Parts the 322 had the same mount as the 318 but there was an optional upgrade to a suspension type of seat. My 322 has neither mount so I'm at a loss to figure out where the mount came from on my machine. I could try to describe the design but it would be better to post photos. Someone will see it and know exactly which model the mount came from.

As for why the 318 didn't come with isolators; I am speculating that this was considered an upgrade to the 322/332 from the 318. The engine in the 322 has rubber motor mounts that further isolate vibration whereas the onan is hard mounted to the frame on the 318. The 322 is a very smooth and quiet machine compared to the 318. The mounts weren't expensive in the grand scheme so once I get them installed and cut grass once or twice I'll report my results.

The OEM seat that came on my 322 is a steel arced system supported/supplemented by a steel coiled spring. It also has a metal plate that the seat is bolted onto. I will take a photo and post it but it should be the same seat suspension you have on your 322. (see first two photos)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Deere-...seat-mount-with-springs-/271468706741?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f34cbbbb5
I have been cruising eBay and watching for the OEM 420-430 "deluxe suspension" units that were standard on those GT's. From what I understand, those are the preferred suspension systems that will bolt to our GT's and upgrade our rides (old 300 series GT's) See third photo.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOHN-DEERE-...SUSPENSION-KIT-AM100454-/271471049955?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f34ef7ce3

I will follow your updates and see how things develop with your changes.

coalminer16 · Apr 30, 2014

There is a guy that reproduces the suspension seat *** well with a few things that are better then OEM. I think he is from Iowa and is Matt-the suspension guy as a name on WFM I think. Around $325 or so. With the OEM suspensions-you may need to rebuild the bushings/pins. I am in the process of doing that on one as the whole things was cracked and junk when I started.

N2 Tractors · Apr 30, 2014

good info here guys. :thThumbsU

thanks for posting the pictures johnmarcotte.

phillijp · May 2, 2014

Ok race fans I put the mounts on today and I'm saying there is noticeable reduction in vibration when I cut the grass.

It could totally be a placebo effect but I don't think it is. If it matters the tractor gained at least 2 mph on the top end and the grass was greener and thicker than ever before....

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Body mounts on my 318?

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