318/322 versus 425/445

[Hooligan]

I知 stuck between these two models. I know the 425/445 is bigger and heavier so it would be better for snowplowing. I知 wondering if it痴 too big. Does anyone have a pic of a 318/322 next to a 425/445? I知 sure there痴 one or two folks out there that have both.

[Dutch445]

here's a post with a picture from a couple years ago showing a 318, 445, and X585.
i would recommend the later 445 series, just from implement availability...
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/p...nging-out.html

[Hooligan]

Perfect. Thank you.

Only problem is that the 445 doesn't have a front quick hitch. Now I have to find one of those then figure out which plow works with it. Thanks.

[JD420]

I'm partial to the old 318 and 420 since I own one of each. The 400 series is definatley a heavier machine than the 300 series. But the newer 400 series has a liquid cooled engine which I feel is a nice feature. The older models with the air cooled Onan engines seem to run hotter. But my 420 has 1700 hrs on it so if it blows up tommarrow I couldn't say anything bad about it.

[Dutch445]

once you do get a quick hitch, then you can switch the blade with a blower or broom, makes it
handy if you end up with multiple attachments. i have the X585 now, owned the 445 for 10 years,
and the blade has stayed with me, as all of those quick hitch attachments interchange.
i have used these setups with the 47 blower for years, in many different homes, and it always
does the job. the blade will work great also, but around here with 150+ inches of snow a year it's
best to have the blower and only move the snow once.

[Hooligan]

Thanks everyone. Hey Dutch - what's up with the broom? What's it used for? I've seen them for sale but could never figure out the use. Thx

[Dutch445]

Hooligan, they can be for light snow removal, a lot of school/colleges around here use them instead of a plow or blower,
they want and need bare pavement as much as possible on their sidewalks. Also, for us snowblower guys, we end up with
a lot of debris , gravel, etc in our lawn after winter, so the brooms are great for putting that stuff back in the driveway. (gravel drives)
Then there are the cleanup uses, on roads/driveways just to clean up dirt/dust etc. they come in handy, but are a bit $$$$$$

[Hooligan]

Thanks everyone. Now I'm looking at a 2001 425. I prefer the 445 for the fuel injection, but maybe the simple carb is better anyway. Either way, teh 425 has everything else I'm looking for except a younger wife lol.

[Gittyup]

I've been running my 425 for 19+ years now. Never touched the carb other than keeping the air filter clean and a squirt or two of carb cleaner down its throat for precautionary purposes only. I've never noticed a change in performance. Runs like the day I bought it new. I say get the machine in the best shape with the fewest hours. Hard to go wrong with a 400 series.