Mowing HELP! Old 318 will not go in reverse

[Wood Burning Fool]

I just received an old 318 from a neighbor for free. These things are built like tanks. I have a bit more respect for Deere now and understand why the farmers who live around me love them. Anyways, it sat for 3 years outside with no cover. My neighbor said it was running fine, then died all of a sudden, so he parked it and never got back around to repairing it. Well, I not knowing better, towed it about 200 yards back to my house with flatted tires (it was towed going backwards). It didn't move very easy with the flat tires and at one point the rear end seemed to lock-up and I had to stop my ATV and start the towing slow to get it rolling again. DID I BUST IT??

I just got the engine running (a coil is all it needed) yes!!. Forward works fine, power steering works fine, but I have no reverse and the rear hydro cylinder to raise and lower the deck is not functioning. I have not changed any fluids yet. I need to mention there is a hose on the right side of the frame in the rear, above the rear end, that is broken and leaking fluid. It seems there was a fitting or joint made of plastic that broke. Any one know about this line? I also noticed, after removing all body panels, seat, and gas tank, that there is a lever that goes over two pistons. Should I have done something with this to tow it??? The pistons are frozen in place right now and do not move up or down.

I don't know much about what hydro lever operates what on this tractor (there are two), but I am very excited to learn. I NEED this mower to mow my quickly growing grass. I am very hands on (built my own house, work on cars, restored a few 50's cars, you get the picture). Any help would be great.

Thank you to all who reply and have recommendations for me.

 

[kansas john deere]

Ok first off the hose on the back should have a clear tube so you can see if the hydro is full of fluid. It should be in a bracket on the right hand side as you are standing in the back looking at it. Fix that first. Now to fill it up with fluid , open the hood and on the left side by the battery there should be a cap. Take it off and very very slowly pour a little hydro fluid in. It does like to take it fast at all. More like syrup in the winter time. If after doing that it still will not go in reverse remove the fender deck and on top of the hydro you will see 2 hydro release valves on top. More then likely one of those are stuck or need to be rebuilt or fixed. Hope this helps some...........KJD

 

[glc24]

Hello and :welcome: to TBN

This picture shows what KJD is talking about. Like he stated,you definitely need this fixed first so you know where you are with the fluid level. Obviously,it is low. The fluid level should be within the sight glass.
The two little "pistons" that you referred to are the pressure relief valves. When you want to tow or push,normally you would move the lever to depress the two "buttons". If they are depressed already,when the machine is started and pressure is made,they would normally pop up. If they are froze,you may want to take them out and try to free them up. New ones are still available from LJ Fluid Power in Denton Michigan.

Greg

 

[Tx Jim]

You probably need to change the hyd filter also(part #AM39653)

 

[Wood Burning Fool]

Thank you to all who replied to my post. I was working on the tractor last night for about four hours and noticed what you are all talking about. The upper pistons are free and moving, but were not pushing up before while the engine was running. The sight glass in the rear is intact, but someone installed a splice made from a plastic nipple and that is what broke. I will repair to the original format.

Thank you for the picture,that is a big help on knowing what it should look like. Is there a special hose material that I need to use if I replace both in the rear hoses as shown in the picture? It appears very similar to hose I can pick up at a local hardware store by the foot. Can someone shed some light on this topic for me? Thank you

 

[beenthere]

That hose should work, as long as it is the same id for the fittings.

 

[Wood Burning Fool]

Thanks, would even some black fuel line work?

 

[glc24]

Thanks, would even some black fuel line work?

As long as the hose fits snug on the sight tube and fittings,you should be good to go.

Greg

 

[Wood Burning Fool]

Ok guys... all your information was a huge help. I have everything on this 318 working again. There are a few things I need to track down however. This might not be the best location on the forum to ask; please direct me if there is a better location.

I need the two gas tank rubber grommets / seals for where the metal outlet fittings are. The little mesh screen (filter) for the "reserve" gas. I'd also like some information on good replacement seats for this unit. I have done a lot of research online and would like to know if anyone has tries this seat before on a 318:

Universal Tractor Seat with Adjustable Suspension, Yellow - 0278213 | Tractor Supply Company

Thank you in advance for help anyone can give.

 

[glc24]

Funny thing,I just got those parts for my 316. If you don't have a dealer close there are quite a few places online to get them. Do you know how to use JDParts.com? It can be an invaluable source for finding every part for your machine.
I use greenpartstore.com,but as I stated,there are others. When it comes to price,99% of the time,no matter where you get JD parts they are all going to be the same.
The fuel pickup with the check valve is AM52039. Price was 9.27
The tank grommets are M149638. Price was 2.10 apiece.

Greg