JD 316

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2002

I kind of agree that $2200 is a lot for a mid-eighties, but it depends on several factors. You might want to post this question at www.weekendfreedommachines.org. It's a web site devoted to the pre-1992 JD's, like the 316 and 318.
treed

kbarrett · Mar 27, 2002

Treed,

Thanks for the URL!

I'll post this over there.

bpence · Mar 27, 2002

I've had a JD316 with a 50" deck and 54" front blade since I bought it new in 1987. It has right around 1,900 hours on the meter, and has been basically trouble free. Plugs, plug wires, carb. kit, arbor assy. on the mower deck, mower belts, etc........but that kind of stuff is just maintenance in my mind. It has basically been used and abused as a mowing machine and snow / gravel plow through the years, but always well maintained. I used it to cut open 3 acres of old field after I had it bush hogged. That chewed up a set of mower blades, but that's life. I can say from my experience that it's a heck of a little tractor and a workhorse that just won't quit. The fact of the matter is the JD 316 could do the things you mentioned, it just won't do them as quickly or efficiently as a compact tractor.

Three years ago I shopped around until I found a Kubota B7100 with a 60" mm mower for a "reasonable price" (about $7,000) from a private owner. 1995 model, turf tires, 250 hours, and barely used. It wasn't that the JD 316 still couldn't do the work, it was that I wanted to do the mowing, snow plowing, and now bush hogging in a lot less time. The B7100 allowed me to do that. I still have the JD and use it now for smaller jobs around my place. I plan on keeping it forever. I don't think that ONAN motor will ever loose a beat.

My point is, the JD 316 is a fine Lawn and Garden tractor and will enable you to do a lot of work. You might have to have a field bush-hogged before you would be able to keep up with it on the JD. As far as moving snow, I use a 54" blade on the front of the JD and it can do unbelievable things. Does a nice job of grading my gravel driveway, too. Just not as quickly as a bigger tractor could. You might also look around for a used compact. I like to buy things like that (used) from private owners, as I can then get some kind of feel for how it was used and how it was maintained. At least I like to tell myslef that, but have to admit I'd buy from a dealer if I found the right piece at the right price. You probably won't find a used compact for $3,000, but you don't have to spend $10,000 - $12,000, either. If you have the time, shop around, read the classified, ask everyone you know. Maybe something good will come along. It did for me.

kbarrett · Mar 27, 2002

Bob,

Thanks for that post. Kind of the perspective I was looking for. I'd love to get into a BX or smaller B sized Kubota but with so much money going out for stuff to get the new house ready... well you know what I mean.

My orginal logic was to get something like a 316, 318 or older 4xx series Deere initially with a sub-compact or compact in the overall plan later down the road and keep the GT for smaller jobs. Sorta like the program you're on.

We'll see what we have left after we hopefully move in before 5/1. Do you think $2200 is a little steep for mid-eighties 316 with an 18HP Onan. Put it this way, would you pay $2200 for the 316 you already own.

Thanks again!

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

$2200 for a 316 that has the Onan twin with electronic ignition,50" deck, 436 hrs. that is is in good shape purchased from a dealer is a fair price ,especially, if you can get some kind of gaurantee that it will work correctly for ,say ,30 days. You can't lose at this price, really, if it is as advertised.

kbarrett · Apr 9, 2002

JeepGuy,

Dealer hasn't bothered to call me back. Besides, I'm getting pretty close to finishing my new home. Every $ counts at the moment. So, I may have to delay.

I saw the unit in person a couple of times. I would classify it as a 7 on a scale to 10 with 10 being mint (strictly in terms of appearance).

It may not last very long at $2200. Oh well, gives me more time to look.