If Deere made the 318 would you buy?

[yellowsocks93]

If Deere brought back the 318 unchanged from the 1980's would you buy a new one? All the attachments that they usd to be compatabile with was great. I know I would buy a new one in a heartbeat. I might get 2 used ones from work we have laying around and fix one of them up.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Well, I don't know. Do you have a picture of a 318? I don't know what they were.
Cliff

 

[Cecil]

In a heartbeat, if:

we're talking the '87 or newer version
and
JD started building the various implements
and
at least some of the aftermarket companies started building attachments and it was compatible with the old ones!
and finally,
the price was around $6K (or less)

I bought a used 318 this past spring to replace a newer JD model I already owned and it matches up well against most of the subSUTs available today. One of the best GTs ever built.

Cecil

 

[TCowner]

I believe one of the farm magazines asked a similar question about whether farmers would buy a John Deere 4020 if Deere started to produce it again. I don't recall the numbers but it was high. Farmers were looking for a handy, tough, well built 95 hp tractor without all of the electronics and other gadgets that sometimes fail.

Now perhaps they also were having dreams of a $10,000 tractor as well. A 1972 4020 that sold for $10,000 would have to be over $30,000 in today's dollars. So maybe they would rethink that decision.

But with respect to your specific question, yes. But I'm one who thinks the old 430 diesel garden tractor was the best one Deere ever build including the new X tractors. So count me as a yes vote.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I have been shocked to see how much the 318 will sell for used if you get it in front of the right person. It has quite a following.

 

[1savoy]

Nick,

I personally would buy a new 300 series if they made them. I have the 330 Diesel and my father has a 332 Diesel. Both are awesome. My father has been looking at the 2210 and new X series, but still does not want to part with 332. They were great tractors. The one good thing is there is ton of them out there, and I think many of them are getting to the age that people are starting to trade them in for new GT's. Lots of luck with the two 318"s if you buy them. Also, a good friend of mine in North Carolina had a worn out 317. After looking at all the new JD's, he decided to rebuild/ restore his 317 instead. He bought a cheap mower to use while he rebuilt the 317. He replaced the engine, transmission, deck, paint, decals, etc. I wish I had the pictures he sent, because it looks better than when they were new. He is thrilled with his old 317. Sorry to be so long winded.

Russ

 

[KENSFM]

I have a 318, best lawn tractor I ever owned. I am always looking for good used ones but they are tough to find in my area. Everyone I know that owns one does not want to part with it. If you have a chance to buy 2 used ones I would not hesitate to do so. They are great tractors.
Ken

 

[yellowsocks93]

Guys thanks for your replies! I have always loved these models any 90's Deeres combines, ag and garden tractors and all of last year at the Deere store I mowed with a 332. I loved it and in the 2 1/2 years I have worked there we have only taken in these 2 318's, 1 430, 1 332. I looked at the other 318 today and it is in a lot worse shape than I had thought. It was used in a manure pit so I don't want it and it has a bad trans leak. The other one I will get a new fender deck for it, get the hood repainted by the body shop I know, and get the rest of the engine parts and stuff at the Deere store where I work. I can't wait to get it Monday! I am almost sure I will. I will drive it for about 30 mins and make sure it does not overheat or leak then buy.

Why is the '87 model or newer better than the early 80's? I think this one is around an '83 or '84 so it is one of the first ones with the normal Onan motor and not the Preformer. It's older than me which is sweet! I can't wait to redo it. It has 1100 hours so that is about the standard I have seen on machine finder.

Anything from you 318 owners I should look out for in particular like motor and trans problems etc? I know the sight tube should probably be replaced as it looks all yellowed. I have to fix the hydro creep and the motor starts well but blows a little smoke upon increasing the throttle.

 

[OrangeGuy]

No, I would not. Life is all about moving forward. "Those obsessed with the past are destined to repeat it."

 

[Cliff_Johns]

There's a refurbished one on EBAY right now.

JD 318

It's always a good place to go looking for pictures.

Cliff