Looking at a 318, Have some Questions

[jdc11]

I'm new to the lawn/garden tractor game. After some research I like John Deere tractors, specifically the earlier models. I found a 318 that is relatively local (90 minute drive). Before I travel to look at it, I was hoping some veterans could take a look at the ad and tell me what you think. The link is below. I contacted the guy and it's still available. It has 637 hours. My questions....

637 hours seems like a good number on a 20+ year old tractor that was reportedly very well maintained, what kind of lifespan can I expect with good maintenance?

What kind if questions should I ask before going to see it?

What's a good price for this particular tractor?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

John Deere 318

Thanks!!

 

[jim98]

I'm new to the lawn/garden tractor game. After some research I like John Deere tractors, specifically the earlier models. I found a 318 that is relatively local (90 minute drive). Before I travel to look at it, I was hoping some veterans could take a look at the ad and tell me what you think. The link is below. I contacted the guy and it's still available. It has 637 hours. My questions.... 637 hours seems like a good number on a 20+ year old tractor that was reportedly very well maintained, what kind of lifespan can I expect with good maintenance? What kind if questions should I ask before going to see it? What's a good price for this particular tractor? Any other input is greatly appreciated. John Deere 318 Thanks!!

I would ask if it has the Onan or kohler engine , I don't think the hours are too bad , I'd do a compression check on each cylinder .

 

[jim98]

I looked at the pictures and read the add and I would be interested if the price is right .

 

[jdc11]

He's asking $2400. Seems reasonable considering the hours are decent. Think I should come in around $2000 and see what he says?

 

[jim98]

He's asking $2400. Seems reasonable considering the hours are decent. Think I should come in around $2000 and see what he says?

That's sounds ok , I go there and offer $2000 yes , if u can save money why not right

 

[General Stuart]

I'm new to the lawn/garden tractor game. After some research I like John Deere tractors, specifically the earlier models. I found a 318 that is relatively local (90 minute drive). Before I travel to look at it, I was hoping some veterans could take a look at the ad and tell me what you think. The link is below. I contacted the guy and it's still available. It has 637 hours. My questions....

637 hours seems like a good number on a 20+ year old tractor that was reportedly very well maintained, what kind of lifespan can I expect with good maintenance?

What kind if questions should I ask before going to see it?

What's a good price for this particular tractor?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

John Deere 318

Thanks!!

Hello jdc11
That 1992 John Deere 318 should have an Onan P-218 engine in it with electronic Ignition. Earlier one's had a B-43-G engine in them with Points & Condenser igntion. They are a good stable engine and with those low hour's it has a lot of life left in it. I would suggest that you check it's engine oil prior to starting it to make sure that it is full and clean. Looks for Oil spot's where it has been parked as it is not uncommon for these Onan's to develope an Oil leak from their Oil filter adopters, Look close at the engine frame plate below the engine to make sure it is dry and clean. I also would open up and look at the air breather to make sure it is clean and dry in there as well as if it's element is clean. Look up under the Tractor to make sure that there is no engine oil leak's or leaking hydraulic fluid. There should be a Belly screen up under the Tractor make sure it is in Place. The Hydraulic fluid level can be Seen on the rear end of the machine from the rear the sightglass is to the right side of the rear end just above and to the right of the Hitch. Make sure that the fluid level is within the sight glass fluid level Height's. Once the Tractor is started make sure that it run's smooth and quiet. If the Valves are adjusted right these Onan's run quiet and smooth. Check the hydro lever to make sure that there is No creep. It is not uncommon for these 318's to fall out of their neutral adjustment or if it is creeping forward or rearward it may have worn part's in the Hydro lever Linkage's. The Hydro Transmission's in these 318's run pretty quiet compared to the Older model 140's but there may be a bit of Gear whine which is Normal. Rotate the steering wheel from left to right going all the way to the stop's in both directions. Once this is done look close at the Power steering cylinder to make sure it is not leaking any Hydraulic fluid. While moving the steering wheel watch the steering Linkages to make sure that they are tight and run smoothly. Take it for a spin and use both brakes Independently to make sure they both work freely. Look closely at the wiring harness under the hood to make sure it is not Tampered with or has been cut on or modified. Raise and lower the Mowing deck to make sure that the Hydraulic's work freely. Look closely at the seat pan where the seat bolt's down to the fender pan it is not uncommon for these 318's to have stress crack's on the seat pan where the spring's of the seat bolt down or where the fender pan bolt's down to The frame rails. If these things all check out, chances are it will make you an excellent Tractior. I hope this helps, General Stuart

 

[jdc11]

What a tremendous help. Thanks so much for taking the time to walk me through the basics and then some. This is just the kind of help I was hoping to find.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Stuart has given you a pretty good list of things to look over. A couple things to add. The Onan flat twin has been out of production for better than 10 yrs. Parts prices were spendy when they were in production and I'd expect that hasn't improved over time. When I was shopping for mine I contacted Onan and inquired about engine life. In this application engine should be good for 2000 - 2500 hrs before needing to be overhauled. The tractor can be repowered with a more modern V-twin and there are kits to make the swap easy.

The sight tube for the trans is soft plastic. Does get hard and can fail. When that happens, trans fluid can come pouring out. I had hyd fluid leaks for yrs but never got to the point where I was ready to tear into things. Rear axle housing is aluminum and the case splits vert so if you ever develop a leak at the seam, it's a big job to fix. That is one of the leaks mine developed.

As an example for the parts cost, I lost the gov and for the repair, I did all the labor but the parts came to $225 and that was 12 yrs ago. Will add the JD mechanic said he has never had a Onan that far apart before.

Oh, from the pics, take a close look at the mower deck. Looks a little beat up in the one picture. Visually this looks to be very clean.

Oh, one more thing, when I replaced mine, the blue book was $2000 - $2400 and that was 10 yrs ago.