Deere 318

cmkh3 · Dec 18, 2004

Looking for information about the John Deere 318 the serial numbers of the unit I am questioning are Serial Number on the chassis is M00318x288260 and the 140/318 48" mowing deck Serial Number is M0048DC136010
It has been fitted with a newer rebuilt 20HP Onan.

Any help would be appreciated,

Chris

JDFANATIC · Dec 18, 2004

cmkh3,

Great tractors, my neighbor has one and it is a real workhorse, I can't help you with your exact question, but this link might be of interest:
http://www.geocities.com/jd318_mazz/

timb · Dec 18, 2004

What kind of info are you after? There are quite a few folks on TBN familiar with the 318 - just let us know what you need.

KENSFM · Dec 18, 2004

Like others have said what type of info. are you looking for? The serial number shows it to be a 1984 model. Also as has been said they are great tractors (I buy everyone that I can find at a reasonable price). Again please be a little more specific in what info. you need. I am sure someone here on TBN can help you.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

cmkh3 · Dec 18, 2004

OK folks here goes,
As I have never owned a tractor of any kind please bear (roar) with me.
We have 1.25 acres
.5-.7 is finished lawn
40X100 is the size of the garden
The rest is trees and flower gardens

I envision the tractor for mowing the grass and tilling the garden as well as hauling a cart of various weight.

Therefore what is the difference betwee the 318 and the 316?
Can I look up the estimated value of these tractors on the internet?
With a tractor of this vintage what areas should I look for problems in?
If anyone is in or near Durham NC can you look at a unit and give me your opinion of it?
Thanks

Chris

LWFrisk · Dec 18, 2004

The guys over at WeekendFreedomMachines.org can answer all of your questions. They also have a serial number lookup that will give a lot of information about the machine.

I have a John Deere 420 (1984) that is the big brother to the 316 / 317 /318 and would not trade it for the world. I also have a John Deere 425 (2000) and it a nice tractor but does not equate to the power, etc. of the 420. Both are Hydrostat with differential lock but the 420 has high and low range that makes it nice in tight places where lots of torque are required and nice speed traveling between jobs. I have a Johnson Workhorse loader on the 420 and it is an outstanding machine for light duty work around the house/garden. I have moved many yards of dirt, DG and crushed rock with it.

Leo in San Diego

Yellowfever440 · May 28, 2005

Hey I just bought a 318 today and it had thrown both rods and one piston was bad and the crankshaft is bad. Its an 18 hp Onan and i would like to get a new crank and pistons from someone at a cheap or fairly decent price. If i could i would buy a new motor or one that runs good. Thank you and please leave me something to go with. thanx

LWFrisk · May 28, 2005

The Onans are no longer in production. There are still a lot of parts available but are pretty expensive. I often see parts and rebuildable engines on eBay but even there they go for a high price.

Several of the guys on WeekendFreedomMachines.com are buying Honda replacement kits. There are currently several threads about the conversion. There is a guy on eBay that sells the Honda kits too. There is a guy on Yahoo Garden Tractors that sells a kit for using the Briggs Vanguard in them as well.

Both sites have a lot of useful information and I would suggest you check them out. Some of the guys replacing the Onans might have parts for sale as well.

Leo in San Diego

Yellowfever440 · May 29, 2005

The engine in my 318 is an 18hp onan and its model is a P218G and i was wondering if i bought the B43G mdoel if i could swap the motors and if it would work out or if i would have to get the new wiring kit for the engine or not. Or do i have to actual get another P218G to put back in the mower>

Yellowfever440