John Deere 320 U

[jveyon]

Recently inherited a John Deere 320 U, and am in the process of restoring it. I am new to being around and messing with older tractors. Does anyone have any information on the 320 U’s or know where I can find information. From what I’ve found it’s a 1958. Just trying to find as much information as I can.

 

[Janicholson]

I ran one for an orchard when I was young, so I have minor experience, no repair was needed, so that doesn't help. I would recommend purchasing an owners/operating manual and repair manuals from this site. Others may have different experiences. They are basically a solid small tractor. don't expect it to be 2X tougher or more powerful. Jim

 

[Pete in MD]

Recently inherited a John Deere 320 U, and am in the process of restoring it. I am new to being around and messing with older tractors. Does anyone have any information on the 320 U’s or know where I can find information. From what I’ve found it’s a 1958. Just trying to find as much information as I can.

There were 718, straight-steer 320 Utility models built in 1957. (716 gas and 2 all-fue:l.)
There were 199, slant-steer 320 Utility models built in 1958. (199 gas and 0 all fuel.

OMT30856: Operators manual
SM2019: Service manual
PC496: Parts catalog

 

[DaveBN]

Their is a John Deere specific forum further down the page, you should check that out. Otherwise ask here and you'll get help. As mentioned, you should get operators manual and service manuals and read them. Lots of information that you probably are not aware of.
Dave e

 

[Hayfarmer]

Their is a John Deere specific forum further down the page, you should check that out. Otherwise ask here and you'll get help. As mentioned, you should get operators manual and service manuals and read them. Lots of information that you probably are not aware of.
Dave e

My neighbor has a 320U she inherited from her dad I think. Since I am the local JD mechanic(not that I want to be) I have worked on it some and run it some raking hay. It is a nice little tractor. I have a 430 U so the 320 is kind of the baby. Hers needs a new flywheel ring gear as starter sticks at time. They are fun little tractor to play with, don't take up much space, use much fuel and light to haul. In parts on YT most are listed under 40 jd

 

[jCarroll]

Recently inherited a John Deere 320 U, and am in the process of restoring it. I am new to being around and messing with older tractors. Does anyone have any information on the 320 U’s or know where I can find information. From what I’ve found it’s a 1958. Just trying to find as much information as I can.

If it's like my 320U the steering will show signs of wear. Easy stuff first: Front tires equally inflated, wheel bearings OK, measure toe-in
(½"to ¾"). Then go to steering box - replace plug with a zerk and use CornHead oil (grease) instead of oil - check for looseness where the steering shaft connects to the worm shaft. Eliminate any end-play in the worm.
Manuals: get the ones for the 40 - lots more of them around than for the 320.
Ignition: My vote is to stay with the original stuff - this is a baby tractor.
Gearshift lever can get worn and sloppy - easier to be carefull when shifting than to "fix it".
When you change the oil check that the big washer is under the filter.

jd40.com might be of interest