[joshMV4]

So, as of yesterday, my 317 has a nice hole in the side of the engine. I didn't do much research before buying it, but I see this is a common problem.

Anyway, I'm looking for advice. I have about 3 acres of land to mow. A lot of it is hilly (eastern PA). I already have a model 49 snowthrower and also the powerflow bagger setup for the 48" deck from my 317. I need both of these attachments (too many trees for raking leaves and a very long driveway) and would rather not start over by getting a different style tractor. So, from what I see, that leaves me with only a few options.

I ruled out replacing the engine. The tractor isn't in that great of shape.

Enter the 316 vs 318...
I just today realized they apparently made two versions of the 316. The original 1 cylinder 16HP engine and the 18HP 2 cylinder Onan engine. So apparently, the newer 316 are 318s minus power steering, a second front hydraulic port and independent brakes. (Is that correct?)

From what I see, typically the 318s go for an extra $1000 over the 316s. They are also a lot harder to find. Is it worth the extra money for a 318? I could possibly down the road move the "dual hydraulics" and "independent brakes" from my old 317 to a 316, leaving me with a "318 without power steering". Although, the power steering would be nice with the snow thrower.


So, the big question (thanks for still reading). I need something very soon. Is a "newer 316" a good buy, or do I pay a little more for a 318?

Or am i missing another option you would recommend?

 

[miller17636]

I think everyone will give the same response, 318 hands down!!!


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[JohnDeere318Guy]

Go 318 and don't look back!

 

[Leinie]

The dual brakes are a big plus for blowing snow. The second hydraulic spool has a float position, and power steering is nice. $1000 nice ? only you can judge that. You have better attachment options down the road with a 318.

 

[suburban16]

Are you willing to part out the 317? I need various pieces to get my 317 back on the road.

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[mrbeef]

318 hands down. It's not that the 316 is a bad machine itis just missing certain aspects. Keep in mind you deck and blower will fit any 300 series and the 140. Your draft arms on the deck may need to be changed but that is easy.

 

[PA318Guy]

Well I think the resounding recommendation is for the 318, and after having one I would agree that the PS is something that maybe you can survive without, but once you've had it you'll never go back!

 

[JohnnyReb]

I'm in the minority of people who don't care for power steering. To me it's just something else to wear out and cause problems. I like tractors to be functional but simple as possible. I have a 318 and guess what's keeping me from using it....yep a broken power steering cylinder

 

[Diesel332]

How many hours are you wanting to get out of the tractor? If you want 3000+ hours, I would look at a 322. They are still gas engines, 2 spool, PS, dual brakes, but 3 cyl liquid cooled instead of twin air cooled. Will last twice as long as a 318 with same HP. If you don't want to deal with an extra cylinder and a radiator, that's perfectly fine. I would much prefer to work on an air cooled engine.

 

[joshMV4]

Thank you for your suggestions!!! I'm not having much luck finding a 318 near me with decent hours on the engine. I don't have the time for a project right now. There are a couple of 322s, but now we're looking at upwards of $3,000

If I'm going to spend that much, then I may be now looking at some used x series tractors. Unfortunately that means new attachments too :fing20: Are there any particular x series i definitely want to stay away from?

The only other option may be to go with a 316, but everyone was clear that that wasn't desirable.

 

[mrbeef]

Its not that the 316 is undesirable but it is less desirable than the 318. Some other machines that will fit your attachments:

140, 120, 300, 312, 314, 316 (kohler powered), 317, 316 (onan powered), 318, 322, 330, and 332. So you could broaden your search if needed. I know you already had the 317 but its worth a shot to keep cost down of looking at older models.

Call on the 322's and make offers, that never hurts.

I have also had good luck with shipping tractors. You take a little chance but shipping is often not as expensive as you think (uship.com)

 

[PA318Guy]

I'm in the minority of people who don't care for power steering. To me it's just something else to wear out and cause problems. I like tractors to be functional but simple as possible. I have a 318 and guess what's keeping me from using it....yep a broken power steering cylinder

Keep your eyes on eBay, I've seen them go for $50.00. Shame to not be using that machine!

 

[PA318Guy]

Thank you for your suggestions!!! I'm not having much luck finding a 318 near me with decent hours on the engine. I don't have the time for a project right now. There are a couple of 322s, but now we're looking at upwards of $3,000

If I'm going to spend that much, then I may be now looking at some used x series tractors. Unfortunately that means new attachments too :fing20: Are there any particular x series i definitely want to stay away from?

The only other option may be to go with a 316, but everyone was clear that that wasn't desirable.

Try this Josh: http://for-sale.yakaz.com/john-deere-318-for-sale-pa

 

[rabbitking61]

My thought is 316 with out Power Steering and the 318 with Power Steering. The older you get the less you want to fight the steering.

 

[deerenut]

Its not that the 316 is undesirable but it is less desirable than the 318. Some other machines that will fit your attachments:

140, 120, 300, 312, 314, 316 (kohler powered), 317, 316 (onan powered), 318, 322, 330, and 332. So you could broaden your search if needed. I know you already had the 317 but its worth a shot to keep cost down of looking at older models.

Call on the 322's and make offers, that never hurts.

I am glad someone listed the tractors that your attachments would work with. Lots of options. :fing32:

As to the 322's call at least take the time to go and kick the tires. You did say that you didn't do much research before you bought your 317. Remember you have some value in that broken tractor that can be spun off into the purchase of your next tractor.
I had a 322 it was one of the smoothest tractors I have owned. Not the shaker that the 316/ 318 is.

Just my 2 cents....

 

[Diesel332]

Its perfectly fine if you don't want a 322, as they are usually $500-$1000 more than a 316/318. Just a reccomendation for if you have a little extra $$$ and want a longer lasting and torquier machine.

 

[Merlin26]

I have a 300 and a 318. The 300 is like your 317 but with a 16 Kohler single.I like both and use both but my main mower is the 318. Power steering helps but is not necessary. If your looking for a 318 widen your search.There have been a few recently in the Michigan/Ohio area a few with fairly low hours.Might be worth the drive if its what really would like.

 

[coalminer16]

Diesel-you didn't even tell him about the 332? The 332 is also an option if you aren't scared of a diesel and it sips fuel at 1/2 the rate of the 322/318 but is basically the same in almost all other parts (equipment).

If you find a good deal on a 316-don't be scared of it. You can easily add independent brakes to it by just added the brake pedels for aounr $25 like my brother did on the 330 (same as the 316 open frame only with the diesel and made just one year). You can also add an H2 kit to the 316 from Ron at Aux-hyd.com. So if you get a smoking deal on a 316 don't be afraid of bying it unless you want power steering. Power steering is handy with front attachments but with a lighter signle stage blower only-you should be just fine.

 

[joshMV4]

So, I didn't have any luck finding much for less than $2750. If I'm going to spend that much, I wanted something a lot newer.

So I found a 2003 x465 for 4 bills... I'm going to pick it up this evening. I'll post some pictures later.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!!!


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