John Deere 310A 4.00 star(s) (2)

Dear John 310A
Model Year: 1981

"Your going where and buying what?", said the wife. I'm tearing down Grams old summer cabin & building a new. Demolition prices were coming in around the 10-G mark. Excavation of foundation another 5-G (pretty pricey fun). Found an auction in STL. MO. on the airport grounds. Flew in, looked her over: one owner (a Iowa power co.) all new hoses no leaks, newer batteries, newer alternator, glass enclosed heated cab, started right up and idled strong, no smoke, no check engine lights. $6700 dollars later and I'm calling her Dear John 310A. I've only removed a couple of 30' tree stumps so far and it was effortless fun. Can't wait to start the house. I have a suitor in line after I'm finished. Sure will miss the wife.

Pros: Price & well maintained.
Cons: Size.

First Backhoe/Loader in the Family
Model Year: 0

I purchased a John Deere 310 backhoe because there seemed to be one on every other farm round here. Also, with so many around, used parts should be easy to locate. This tractor was bought to improve my property. I am retired and heve some time to use it to my advantage. The previous owner used it for the same purposes as I will (dove fields, green fields, digging potatoes, and excavating 50k stumps from some timber land. I have already installed a 'thumb' & have 50 hrs. on the meter already. I know to take care of an old machine. I'm in no hurry. This John Deere for its age, works very well. I installed a fan in the cab & a clock and plans are for a radio. It has 6 lights and operates well at nite. The reverser and clutch are in good shape and the hyd. pump was previously rebuilt. Oil usage is very small, maybe 1 pt. in 5 hrs. or so.... I would buy it again since it was aquired at a very good price. If it lasts for 200 hrs, I'll be in the clear and can scrap it. I have an old MF135 with many attachments, It is very strong at 7000 hrs. Service on any equipment is the life of it. My son and I also have a cat 307 excavator w/ac that we are using on the property and have plans to build a lake in the future.

Pros: Old machine, but well built and dependable.
Cons: Hard to start sometimes. Will fix that soon.