JD 318

[NY 986]

Thinking about picking up a JD 318 garden tractor and would get snowblower and tiller for attachments. Looking for opinions. Already have a lawn tractor (keeping it) but have a niche for the 318 and don't want to spend several thousand. Did they have both Kohler and Onan as engine options?

 

[MSM]

The 318's are Onan powered.It is a good engine if maintained properly,which many aren't,extremely expensive to rebuild. Many have been repowered with a 24 hp Honda. I don't know where you are but in my area a decent low hour,well maintained 318 still brings $1800-$2000

 

[jdal]

They only came with Onan engines. They give good service but Onan parts for them are scarce. I replaced my Onan with a 23hp Briggs, still a good tractor.

 

[nickg]

I just got rid of my 318. had over 1300hrs on it. I had really good luck with mine and no real complaints with it, except some of the parts were pricey. I cut 4 acres with it every week for several years.

 

[PSU4250]

Yeah, the only weak link in a 318 is the Onan engine. Not really a "weak link", but they are expensive to rebuild if you must. Like anything else, if it was taken care of its good, if it wasn't it might not last. Most consider them the best lawn/garden tractor made by Deere.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Don't get me wrong, 318 are great tractors, but years of getting stuck doing seasonal change over, I would recommand finding a 425. If you want the attachments, 318s are pains to change. Yes there are worst, but something like a 425 is years ahead in that department. 425 are old enough that their prices are not bad. Only thing with a 425, the kaw engine is great, but early ones had plastic cam gears the would fail. Steel gears were the replacement and most have been done. What ever you choose, green is always the right chose.