320 garden tractor

JB4310 · Feb 4, 2009

JB4310 said:
A follow up long over due, this tractor makes mowing almost fun and after getting a chance to try it in the snow I'm very happy. those were the two things I needed it for, I was a little worried about the plowing since it doesn't have posi traction, but with the weights and chains it does an excellent job. note the suit case weights on the rear, as well as wheel weights.

Another update,
Overall I'm happy with this 4 foot plow but am disappointed in the wimpy cutting blade edge that came with it, after just a winter and a half I noticed significant wear, I thought I could make it thru this winter but upon closer inspection I noticed it was already scraping on the plow body.

I do plow 600 ft of concrete side walk plus a few paved driveways between mine and the neighbors, but still I think it should of held up better than that. The stock blade was 3/16" x 2" and could not be flipped.

Went to a welding shop and got a pc of flat stock 48" long and 3/8" x 3" for $20. drilled and painted it, and was back in the snow an hour after installing it. It's twice as thick now and can be flipped, so it should last a while..

JB.

moresnow · May 20, 2009

Just picked up a 320. Where should I get a plow?

JB4310 · May 20, 2009

moresnow said:
Just picked up a 320. Where should I get a plow?

Welcome to TBN,

I got mine from the dealer, not cheap though, paid close to a grand!

JB.

bontai_Joe · May 21, 2009

moresnow said:
Just picked up a 320. Where should I get a plow?

Ebay, Weekend Freedom machines.com, Craigs list are a few places that come to mind. Also check out the boneyards behind ALL of your local dealers (any brand) for one that might have come in on a trade.

moresnow · May 29, 2009

Some things I have noticed and thought about with the 320

1. Notice if the tractor is not in full throttle reverse is kinda slow and not alot of power. Any ideas of help
2. Need some advise on maintenance to do every month and some things to watch out.
3. Still need a plow...Can you use the hyadraulics that lift the deck and reroute them to use with a hyaudralic plow

moresnow · May 29, 2009

Do you know of any other mfg that makes one of these?

Grass Groomer
http://www.superior-tech.com/grass-groomers_02.php

bontai_Joe · May 30, 2009

moresnow said:
Some things I have noticed and thought about with the 320

1. Notice if the tractor is not in full throttle reverse is kinda slow and not alot of power. Any ideas of help
2. Need some advise on maintenance to do every month and some things to watch out.
3. Still need a plow...Can you use the hyadraulics that lift the deck and reroute them to use with a hyaudralic plow

#1, Best solution is to run it at or near full throttle. The hydro is fan cooled and running it at a slow RPM doesn't allow thw fan to do it's job as well,
#2. Depends on how many hours a month you run the machine.
#3. If the deck raises with hydraulics, then i'm 95% sure the front blade will lift the same way.

moresnow · Jun 7, 2009

Did you buy your plow new? Do you know what part number I should have the dealership order or if I am looking for used what I should look for.

I found two...but not sure...

1. 1999 John Deere 48" - M03461X060259 - John Deere MachineFinder
2. 1998 John Deere 48" FRONT BLADE (325-345) - M03480X040129 - John Deere MachineFinder

bontai_Joe · Jun 8, 2009

moresnow said:
Did you buy your plow new? Do you know what part number I should have the dealership order or if I am looking for used what I should look for.

I found two...but not sure...

1. 1999 John Deere 48" - M03461X060259 - John Deere MachineFinder
2. 1998 John Deere 48" FRONT BLADE (325-345) - M03480X040129 - John Deere MachineFinder

The second one on your list will fit a 320 (M03480X)

JB4310 · Jun 14, 2009

Sorry, I haven't been on in awhile.

I can't find the paper work for my plow but that second pic looks just like it. And yes the hydraulic lift will lift the plow but you angle it manually from the seat, the angle kit was an option and works well/easy.

Mine is also to slow in reverse!! If you find a solution let me know. I'm sure it's for safety. Wonder if anything can be done with the lever linkage?

I also notice the valve under the fender for the lift gets pretty hot when running, don't know why only use the lift a couple of times during mowing.

As far as monthly maintenance goes I don't think there is any, just check the oil. After I cut the grass I let it cool down, lift the hood and blow any grass or dust off the entire machine, helps keep it a little cleaner.

Overall I am very happy with this machine, makes mowing my lawn much more enjoyable. Zero turn would make it the cat's meow.

JB.