Opinions on 317's

[Red Horse]

Years ago (Like 1986!) I bought my first Deere. A 317 that according to the dealer was owned by "the village idiot" and he blew the motor up. It was offered for sale with a new out of the box Kohler that was the upgraded engine that solved all the problems these earlier Kohlers had. I had that tractor for about 3 years then sold it for a couple of hundred bucks less then I paid for it.

I'm now looking at a clean 317-don't have serial no. yet but hopeful my dealer can tell me if it has the "correct" engine- any opinions out there? this thing will be used by the wife to pull her dump cart around. (if you recognize my handle the LT 155 I have been fooling around with because of the "No charging issue" will be history. No power steering and she has a **** of a time backing it up with the cart)

 

[beenthere]

If a problem backing things up, get her an all-wheel-steer. Much, much easier... also come with foot pedal hydrostatic which is easier than the hand controls. IMO

 

[dustball8504]

If it's a good price you could grab it up. We had a 317 that was repowered with an Onan and it was a great little tractor. If the price isn't right I would look for a 318 instead, the power steering would make a nicer tractor at low speeds.

 

[edmoor]

yes..i agree..the 318 with an onan is a better choice....but be aware of the starter on these......the nose gear bushing goes out..it will climb the flywheel....then it will break the inner mounting hole on the block of the engine. then you have major problems like i had. it will also ruin the teeth on the ring gear. only option then is a new ring gear..new starter....and either weld the block....or buy a new or ised one. i made a bracket that bolts to the frame on mine..to support the crack in the starter mounting hole..it works fine. this was a very bad design onan had on this setup for securing the starter.

 

[Kish318420]

I would contact a guy named boomer. Onan expert

Email: boomers_influence@yahoo.com

Web Site: Boomer's Used Onan Engine Parts
Robert Kummer
Phone: 651-437-2826