Comparison John Deere 316 or 325

[cablerum]

Hi Everybody, I'm new to the forum and looking for some advice from anyone who has owned either or both of these tractors. I've also posted this question on a garden forum but feel this site might be more appropriate. I'm looking for something to plow my driveway and that's all it will be used for. The driveway is only 1000 square feet so I don't need a monster of a tractor. I also help out a couple neighbours with the same size driveway & I already have a walk behind blower.

I have an opportunity to buy either a JD 316 or a 325 and just wondering with all things being equal which is the preferred tractor and why?

I've done some research myself and here is what I've come up with.

I like the 318 & 345 but too expensive for me and I rather keep it simple rather then add the complexity of power steering and liquid cooling.

I know the 316 has 2 hydraulic ports up front, but I'm thinking of using a Johnny Plow so I probably would not use the ports anyway.

The 316 is approx. 200lbs heavier which is a plus for plowing snow. The 316 also has a twin Onan whereas the 325 has a single Kawasaki. The 325 I'm looking at is a 1995 and they did not start using the twin Kawasaki's until 1999. I'm not yet sure of the year of the 316. I think a twin would be better, however how does an older Onan compare to a newer Kawasaki?

When it comes to parts is it easier for one over the other?

The 325 is newer and looks more comfortable and I think I would prefer foot hydro over hand. However, it has a plastic hood that breaks easily vs the metal hood of the 316.

There seems to be pros and cons with both but right now I'm leaning towards the 316.

I welcome your thoughts & opinions.

Thanks

 

[jaydee325]

I have a 325 that I bought used in 1998. It was a year old and had 100 hours on it.

I now have about 1000 hours on it. The only repairs I have had to make are,

An ignition module went bad in about year 4 or 5,

Stuck an intake valve in about year 8. My fault as I was not treating my gas in my cans with stabilizer. Was an easy fix.

PTO clutch went out in about year 10,

Last spring, I had to pull the engine to replace the lower crankshaft seal. Was not a bad job at all.

I've worked this thing mowing countless acres, blowing snow and rototilling my garden. In other words, it is used year round.

My local Deere dealer ranks the Kawasaki single in the 325 as one of their favorites.

My plastic hood has no cracks and polishes out nice to this day.

My vote would be for the 325.

 

[cablerum]

Thank you jaydee325 for sharing your experience with this machine. Please forgive my ignorance as I'm not too familiar with these machines, but how do you raise and lower the blower on a 325 since it does not have any hydraulic ports on the front? Does it use the same system as the mower deck?

The hydraulic ports is a plus on the 316 when it comes to being able to use a blade, but I do like the idea of the Kawasaki motor of the 325. However, I thought for blowing or plowing snow a twin would be more beneficial and they only came on the 1999+ models of the 325. I would also assume the twin may last longer.

The 325 I'm looking at has over 1200 hours and the asking price is $1600. It does have a crack in the hood and the hoods aren't cheap. Is that price in the ball park?

Thanks

 

[jaydee325]

Mower deck, snowblower, and rototiller, all use lift linkage located mid tractor. All attachments are quick attach. I can swap between attachments within minutes.

For snow removal, you will want tire chains as well as at least three suitcase weights or wheel weights, for either the snow blade or blower. One nice thing about this tractor is you don't need to buy any additional weight brackets (front or rear) for the suitcase weights.

As far as pricing, I have no idea as I have not kept up with that.