John Deere 317 4.70 star(s) (6)

Good Old Mower
Model Year: 1980

Still runs strong, with a little minor and some major repairs. Some lube and regular oil changes.

Pros: Dependable.
Cons: Mower deck rusted out, new decks price is insane ($1300.00).

The 317
Model Year: 0

My grandfather bought the tractor new, with an 80 cart, 540 front mount PTO, 48 in deck, and 33 tiller. I own everything besides the tiller. Overall, after restoring it, the 317 has somewhat good power. I stand at 6'1 and the tractor is pretty small. The non-power steering is something I plan on changing. The tractor is very reliable, and built very well. I am happy with it, and love using it whenever I can. After 25 rough years of mowing and other abuses, it mows like new!

Pros: Old school construction, good looking, tough.
Cons: No power steering, KT17, power to weight ratio.

John Deere 317
Model Year: 1983

I got the 317 from my father it was his second tractor and no longer had use for it so I adopted it after all I always have room for a John Deere it has the kt2 series Kohler I have a problem with it burning oil but it still fired right up after sitting all winter I am going to rebuild the engine this season and am still looking for attachments for my 317. I am new to this so still learning the ropes of the garden tractor thing.

Pros: It's a John Deere.
Cons: It burns a little oil but hoping to fix that soon.

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Repower
Model Year: 1983

Now that it is re-powered with a v-twin Koehler 25 hp. It lives up to the green paint.

Pros: Nice power to blow the snow.
Cons: Not 4x4.

JD 317 a Real Workhorse
Model Year: 1982

Purchased a restored and rebuilt 317, 48" deck and tiller. Using the tiller in basically clay, it powderizes it with little effort, in sandy loam even better busting old sod. The mower cuts through 18-24 inch heavy grass with no hesitation. A great investment. Waiting for the integral/ sleeve hitch so I can use my 1 bottom plow, disk and cultivator. JD is worth the money without question. I'm now a believer.

Pros: It''s a Deere.
Cons: Attaching deck isn't the easiest thing to do.

JD 317 w/3 point hitch
Model Year: 0

It is a very tough tractor. After everything that I have put this thing through, it just keeps on going and going. The only thing that I wished it had would be power steering. Once you get a load on the loader it can be quite the work out. Go Deere go!!

Pros: Very adaptable and tough
Cons: No power steering

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