choices

[Roger May]

I have the opportunity to purchase either a JD 318, complete, but non-running, or a Cub Cadet 1541, good condition, no motor. Does anyone have some advice for me? I'm just getting into the Garden Tractor hobby. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Bob]

The 318 has power steering an is arguably the best tractor of it's size ever made.

However, while it's Onan engine is a GREAT engine, parts (now supplied by Cummins Diesel) are ASTRONOMICAL in cost.

 

[Tom Arnold]

Buy the Deere.

Onan parts can be bought from sources other than Cummins itself. Yes, you do pay a premium price for Onan parts but what would you expect when you are repairing a premium engine? A well-looked after, properly rebuilt Onan will last you anywhere from 2500 to 4000 hours.

Do the math. At an average of 50 hours use per year by a homeowner, you will be still using the tractor 50 years from now if you only get 2500 hours out of it. Amortized over 50 years, the parts cost is pretty low.

The 318 is so superior to the Cub, you won't regret your decision. No matter which one you bought, you would have to go through them and replace all the worn parts anyway because both are well-used machines. Making repairs with engine out is far easier than ignoring those items now and then struggling later on with the engine in place.

 

[Roger May]

Thanks for the help! Unfortunately the Deere is no longer available to me, so I"m looking for one. Yesterday, a Case 180 was offered reasonable, running, but as I see, really old! I wish I could make a decision!