Buying Advice JD 318 differences

[heybret]

I'm looking to buy a JD 318 for mowing/tilling and had a couple of questions.

Were there any changes throughout production that make the earlier or later models better? Ex. Is a '83 better/worse that a '92 given same condition/hours.

Any gotcha's to watch out for when buying a 318?

Thanks

 

[LBrown59]

1*I'm looking to buy a JD 318 for mowing/tilling and had a couple of questions.
2* Any gotcha's to watch out for when buying a 318? Thanks

1*The tiller attachment may no longer be available.
2*The engine is no longer built.

I don't know of any differences in production runs because I never had to look into it. I owned a 318 for about 12 years and they are nice units. The only comment that I might have to offer is on the engine. There were two Onan models used over the years. The first I believe was the B43 that came with a point style ignition. Most of the 318s had the P18 engine that used solid state ignition. The 20hp P20 could also be used as a replacement. The P20 was used in the JD 400 series.
3*None of these engines are available anymore.

3*Meaning Parts are expensive and hard to find.

 

[Zebra5]

I never liked the way the belt had to be routed for a MMM

 

[4runner]

The 318 is a nice tractor, powered by a gas Onan. If you are interested in this vintage tractor, also consider the 322 and 332. They have a three cylinder yanmar engine in them. 322 is gas and 332 is diesel. Both are good engines, water cooled and have a good life expectancy. Though the 322/332 were no where near as popular as the 318, they take the same attachments as the 318, and share many of the same tractor piece parts. This allows you to at least draw from that stock on both the JD Parts side, and the used market.

The unit mows good. I agree that the mower deck belt routing is a pain, and I seem to get it done ok - but I always seem to be swearing as I am laying on the driveway getting the deck hung and belt routed.

Tillers for these units are available used, but you have to look around. The big thing to look out for with a tiller is they need special mounting brackets. A pair on the rockshaft and a lower pair that mount on the "frame". Many times people forget to take them off the tractor when selling, and the tiller and brackets get separated. Since the brackets are no longer available from Deere, you have to be careful you get the tiller with the brackets.