Buy new or a Used JD 332?

Fitz_VA · Jul 4, 2006

Folks,
I have a Ford 1310 4WD CUT w/FEL, KK BH, blade etc... I am tired of push mowing 2+ acres. Have toyed with the idea of a 5' RFM but due to slopes near the house and neck strain, decided against it. Have been looking at everything for the last 2 wks, both in stores and online, as well as here. I like the Simplicity conquest, Cub 2500-3000 series, JD x4-x700 series, for something of a lawn tractor IMHO. I happened upon a 1988 JD 332 in the local paper for $3200 and the guy dropped the price to $2700.00. The machine is imaculate, he replaced many items new, repainted the entire machine, all plastic, seat, deck look nice. 1300 hrs on the diesel. Drove it yest night, it is really smooth, appears tight, engine cranks right up. Slight tingy noise when it drives, I have heard in other threads that same comment, not sure whether to be worried or not. Bit ashamed to double up on the equipment here, but not sure my CUT is right for the lawn. Images attached, interested in opinion on its worth and future worries. If I pass on this I will likely buy a lower grade JD 304 or a simplicity, as I am just mowing lawn, have the real CUT for the rest and a JD 310 TBL for heavier stuff. I just thought that $2700 for the 332 vs the same for a x304 type (or more) might be a comparable risk. Images attached.
Thanks,
Fitz

MT372HERE · Jul 4, 2006

Fitz_VA said:
Folks,
I have a Ford 1310 4WD CUT w/FEL, KK BH, blade etc... I am tired of push mowing 2+ acres. Have toyed with the idea of a 5' RFM but due to slopes near the house and neck strain, decided against it. Have been looking at everything for the last 2 wks, both in stores and online, as well as here. I like the Simplicity conquest, Cub 2500-3000 series, JD x4-x700 series, for something of a lawn tractor IMHO. I happened upon a 1988 JD 332 in the local paper for $3200 and the guy dropped the price to $2700.00. The machine is imaculate, he replaced many items new, repainted the entire machine, all plastic, seat, deck look nice. 1300 hrs on the diesel. Drove it yest night, it is really smooth, appears tight, engine cranks right up. Slight tingy noise when it drives, I have heard in other threads that same comment, not sure whether to be worried or not. Bit ashamed to double up on the equipment here, but not sure my CUT is right for the lawn. Images attached, interested in opinion on its worth and future worries. If I pass on this I will likely buy a lower grade JD 304 or a simplicity, as I am just mowing lawn, have the real CUT for the rest and a JD 310 TBL for heavier stuff. I just thought that $2700 for the 332 vs the same for a x304 type (or more) might be a comparable risk. Images attached.
Thanks,
Fitz

Hard to beat a JD 300 series, especially a 332. Good tractor, good engine.
2700 is a bit high to me though...

Fordlords · Jul 4, 2006

The 332 diesel is a great machine, no doubt, if in proper order. The diesels can be an expensive venture to repair, but have a lifespan of thousands (3-4k or more hours) if well maintained and will save you a lot on fuel costs.

The sound you heard makes me a bit nervous though. I would spend a few bucks to have a pro ride along with you and check it out again to make sure there are no serious problems related to the noise. What makes me the most nervous is that this seller cleaned it up so well, put a lot of cosmetic improvements into it which could be nothing for a body shop guy, (then noticed the belt covers were not put on the deck- suspicious) and is selling it at such a low price- he might know there is a serious matter with it, and is trying to unload his lemon.

Don't take this info lightly involving the diesel- for instance the fuel injection pump alone costs $700.00. Have a pro take a ride on your prospect- then if OK, it's a great deal.

-Fordlords-

MT372HERE · Jul 4, 2006

Fordlords said:
The 332 diesel is a great machine, no doubt, if in proper order. The diesels can be an expensive venture to repair, but have a lifespan of thousands (3-4k or more hours) if well maintained and will save you a lot on fuel costs.

The sound you heard makes me a bit nervous though. I would spend a few bucks to have a pro ride along with you and check it out again to make sure there are no serious problems related to the noise. What makes me the most nervous is that this seller cleaned it up so well, put a lot of cosmetic improvements into it which could be nothing for a body shop guy, (then noticed the belt covers were not put on the deck- suspicious) and is selling it at such a low price- he might know there is a serious matter with it, and is trying to unload his lemon.

Don't take this info lightly involving the diesel- for instance the fuel injection pump alone costs $700.00. Have a pro take a ride on your prospect- then if OK, it's a great deal.

-Fordlords-

The deck covers are a common thing to be missing. They really are there more for safety and asthetic reasons. They tend to cause grass to build up under them, which rots the deck out. I personally prefer to keep them off, so it is easier to remove grass clumps.

The noise could be just regular old Yanmar noise, could be something touchign the driveshaft. If it starts right up cold, the hydro is quiet, the lift works and you dont see any leaks, its probably a good machine. Just look it over, if you see any parts not lining up, or stuff looks bent....pass.

bontai_Joe · Jul 4, 2006

The Deere 332 is an awsome machine, but I took the same caution mentioned above. It's all spiffed up cosmetically, including non-original "Hydro" decals on the sides, and I too think even lowerd to $2700, it's not that great a deal. The 300 series held a high value for a long time but the last couple of years has seen prices come down. The only thing bad I have ever heard about the 332 is that the cooling system is touchy about having the radiator and belly screens kept clean to prevent over heating. And if the Yanmar is ever seriously over heated, it can be very VERY expensive to fix. But having said that, keep it clean, and good air flow and it can last as mentioned above 3000 to 4000 hours. It also developes a lot more torque that any comparable air cooled gas engine, should you ever want to use this in the garden plowing or for snow removal.

jcmseven · Jul 4, 2006

Fitz,

My dad is selling his 335 (2004 model) for just a little more than that ($3850) and it has less than 100 hours on it. The main difference is that it has a Kawasaki gas engine v. the diesel. The machine you are reviewing really seems nice, but to me nearly $3000 for a 1000+ hour machine is steep. When I talked to my JD dealer friend, he say L&G equipment is moving a little slow, although it has picked up some recently. Despite this, I realize the 1980's model JD tractors bring a nice amount of money regardless of ebb and flow of the new L&G sales. Personally, unless I was collecting them I would go newer.

John M

Fitz_VA · Jul 4, 2006

Thanks folks,
IMHO it sounds like a good basis has been sounded out by the majority for staying away from the older 332, which I truly appreciate the input. Now, with that being said, which new JD, Simplicity or CUB (those are the three I am looking at, particularly the first two since the dealers are real close and you folks have made that a real priority). I do not GT weight or power, but I will buy it if it takes that level to get something with greese snerks etc....that can be maintained, I hate throwaway cheap items. I will be mowing 1.5-2 acres, 1/3 of which is on a fairly good grade of 5-11%. Basically, a good lawn mower that can handle that kind of terrain. Not sure the jury is in yet on the new JD 300 series and I do not see alot of comments on the Simplicity lines, except for that they appear to cut very nicely. Maybe I should by the machine from John....Please weigh in with your personal favorites,

Thanks,
Fitz

Fordlords · Jul 5, 2006

Probably a good move avoiding that 332 diesel. Like I said great machine but if there are serious engine problems- look out. My guess is that is was used in a commercial application, and was shabby looking and probably not too well maintained. Seller made it look good, but as we know most often beauty is only skin deep

On those diesels the valve lash requires regular adjusting, and if not done they are prone to drop valves into the cylinders, and then you spend more than the $2700 you spent for the tractor to resurrect it. The Yanmar is a fine little diesel, but like I said IF well maintained. In the same way as bontai Joe, when I saw the little unfitting "hydro" decals on it, I was skeptical right away. And if you heard a noise, there is something making it, and if this seller was so conscious about making the tractor look so good why not fix the noise too? I have only wrenched one Yanmar diesel to date (easy plugged exhaust problem) but I am not aware that there is an unusual, "Yanmar noise," every one I have heard was exceptionally quiet mechanically. The 332 might have been OK, but no doubt could be an expensive gamble- for instance the entire engine on a 332 with Kawasaki gasoline engine can be replaced for about $1200.00, a stark contrast to the diesel.

My choice on the new market for your type of machine would be Cub Cadet's 2500 series. There is a lot of information on them in the Cub Cadet forum here at TBN. Solidly built GT's with shaft drive to a cast iron hydro and a good frame, and Kohler Command twins. Dealer service on these units for the most part looks good, they perform solidly and cut clean, and have a price that can't be beat for their credentials, they look like a good value and have grease fittings, etc, not a throwaway machine for sure. They are built by MTD, yet are among MTD flagships, and MTD parts are generally inexpensive and easy to obtain when service is needed.

Prices step up a lot for the CC 3000 series, but with them you get an even thicker frame, power steering, and not only shaft driven hydro but shaft driven mower deck, but the decks cost extra to buy on them. More of a commercial grade machine, but still, not a bad value as far as what you get for the price.

John Deere's X300 looks to be getting good reviews. With it, IMHO, you essentially trade the CC 2500's shaft drive for a belt driven hydro, but get the advantage of all wheel steering (AWS). I compare it to a CC 1500 series with AWS added to it. Then I look at price, and IMHO the AWS on the X300 is not worth all the extra cost JD wants for it unless you have a lot of tight areas to mow around. JD's are great machines, I do love the older ones. I do not and have never loved JD's prices on parts though, and IMHO again it looks like one would have to spend over $10,000.00 to get a JD X700 series for a machine with many of the credentials that one gets with a CC 2500 or 3000.

I look at Simplicity with this notion: Good machines, good credentials. But if you plan on keeping it around for a while, say 10-15 years, they seem to fall into the sunset with not as lot of parts availability as the name is not a big seller. For instance say you found a neat old Simplicity from the late 70's you wanted to restore. Compared to JD or Cub, you would likely take you a lifetime to find all the unique parts you needed compared to the minutes it would take to find the stuff for an older JD or CC. Things that don't sell large volumes when new or are not popular when new certainly will not be popular when they are older.

-Fordlords-

MT372HERE · Jul 5, 2006

I suggest a Simplicity. Ive got a friend who is a large local dealer. He says the larger models with the Briggs Vanguards are great.

I like the toro/wheelhorse Classic Model 315-8. Very HD mower, timeless design, built like a tank.

I dont suggest the X300 series from JD.

I wouldnt give up on the 332 though. The noise could simply be a loose driveshaft joint. If it moves smooth, its probably fine.

If I had 2700 dollars Id be all over that tractor. Love the Diesels.

jmt1271 · Jul 5, 2006

i have a cub 3200 and really like it. i too, wanted one mower that would last a long time but didnt want to pay the diesel premium. i got my cub 3200 with 54" deck for around 6K OTD. they are VERY heavy duty, fit and finish is good with the exception of the decals. overall i am pretty impressed with it. it is totally serviceable with zerks all over the place and the tranny weighs a ton. should last 12-15 years with proper service and storage.