318 Price Range?

JP1963 said:

I am sure this is probably a very vague question but I am in the market for a 318. However, when I look on line they seem to range from 1500 to 3000 or so it seems. What is truly a fair price for a 318 in good working condition? With that what are some of the things to look for that would scare you away from a purchase?
How many hours should I expect to get from this engine before rebuild? The machine I buy will be for minor home use and use on my shooting range... nothing abusive... more an "I want" than "I need." That is why asking for some direction, too easy to make an impulse purchase! Thanks & Keep it Green!!

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The motors last until about 2250-2500 hours. The trannies begin to go at about 3000 hours. A good price for one with excellent paint, 1000 hours or less, and a 50" mower deck (better mower deck than 46" deck) goes for about $2600 here. Some things that would scare me away from a tractor are low tranny/engine oil, large fluid leaks, excessive amounts of rust, lots of broken parts and pieces, large frame cracks, etc. Hope I answered your questions, and feel free to ask more.

I paid 200 dollars for mine and it came with a hydraulic grader blade. Had to put a new power steering cylinder on it but other than that it works great. Of course the likelihood of you buying one for 200 bucks is slim to none....I just got extremely lucky.

I've seen a few locally here lately in fair working order for 1200-1400 bucks. Fixing a thing or two is to be expected unless its a restored tractor and u pay big $$. As far as hours I would judge overall condition instead of the hour meter. Also alot about a tractor can be seen in its owners character IMO. I think some smoking is to be expected for a 30 year old engine that hasn't been overhauled typically... but personally a little smoke doesn't concern ME much. Taking a compression gauge with you and testing engine compression is always a good idea.

JP: Around the midwest 318's usually go for around 12 to 15 hundred. Now that will be a few higher and some lower this is just average. I sold one two years ago now for 1300.00
And I bought one for 200.00 that same year.........I am still using the 200.00 one to this day..........On my 200.00 one I have just a tick over 1200 hrs on it now. Still original with just a few wear items replaced........ Good luck in what ever you find and remember pictures are almost a requirement around here...............KJD

Going with KJD's comment 1200-1500 on average, I sold one earlier this year for 1900 but I went through it top to bottom.

When looking at a 318, ask yourself, 1) when did the seller buy it? 2) what did the seller do to it/with it, and 3) why is the seller selling it. It's your money don't regret buying something with a shiny paint job, I learned that real quick!!

This thread might help some
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=266254&highlight=