JD 318 or JD 425

425.... its newer, more ergonomic, and did I mention newer.......

Big trade off between the 318 and the 4-5 series is the cost off attachments. The 49 blower or 54 blade for the 318 will run $300-600 in most places.... mean while a quick hitch and blower will run $1500+ and a blade and quick hitch will run $800+.

Made this video a few weeks ago the first half might not be too helpful or it might not help at all (if you don't want to watch about the 110 and 140's go to about the 9:45 mark.)

The 318 scores points for being smaller to fit into tight areas, and for being just a little bit heavier for slightly better traction.

The 425 scores major points for the foot controlled hydro, and for liquid cooling if you want a heated cab for winter operations.

Both will pull anything that a homeowner would reasonably expect to need pulling, when properly ballasted.

stantontm said:

Thanks for all your help for a newbie.

Given that - how would you compare either of these to a 330 Diesel? I'm sorry that this is a load of questions - navigating craigslist is a tough deal when this is your first tractor purchase ever.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

The 330 is the same basic frame as the 318, but with a diesel and no power steering.

I have a 455, (425 type w/diesel) and 318. the 318 is a nice machine, especially for smaller areas. But, If I had to keep just one it would be the 455 with the 60" deck!

stantontm said:

Thanks for all your help for a newbie.

Given that - how would you compare either of these to a 330 Diesel? I'm sorry that this is a load of questions - navigating craigslist is a tough deal when this is your first tractor purchase ever.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

The 330 only has one set of hydraulics. The 332 is basically a diesel 318, think rare and expensive.

stantontm said:

Thanks for all your help for a newbie.

I'm sorry that this is a load of questions - navigating craigslist is a tough deal when this is your first tractor purchase ever.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

You did not say how large of an area you have to mow?
You did say you want to do other things with the tractor later than just mow grass.

April of this year I was in your shoes needing my first tractor, first to mow 4 acres and do other things down the road. Because of the acres and not wanting to make it a 2 day deal to mow a I was looking at deck of 54" or larger on Craigslist.
I came across a JD 445 w/60" deck, 828 hours, trailer/cart, aerator, 4 way plow and 3 PH.
Also just picked up a used plow for the rear to make our garden much bigger.

The 445 is the same as the 425 but has fuel injection, 425 uses a carb. The 455 as said is a diesel. I did have a few issues with mine that I hope I got fixed now. I paid 4K for mine but look what all I got with it.
The 445 works great for me and I am sure it the 425/445/455 would work just as good for you too.
Dave ----

I would go look at and drive them both. The 318 is quite a bit smaller tractor which may or may not be an issue for you.
If your talking about a tiller, look into the price and availability of a rear PTO setup for them both, or the hydraulic tiller options
Look into the year of the 425- The plastic camshaft could make or break a good deal.