An Overlooked Good Used Buy

[Fordlords]

One of the most popular used garden tractors on the market is John Deere's 318. I constantly see these fetch around $2000-2500 or more on E-Bay and in local papers, despite many of them being 20+ years old. They are awesome tractors.

But... little realized is the 318's secret little brother, a nearly impressive unit the 316. Basically the same as the 318 less power steering and one spool of hydraulic outlets. I have been seeing these in excellent condition sell for under $1000 on the market this spring, mainly because nobody knows what they are. Now you all know. If you see one cheap in nice shape, go for it.

You might also see a model 317 out there. It is actually the 318's predecessor, and was originally equipped with a troublesome Kohler KT17 engine. It is not in the same league as the 316 or 318.

-Fordlords-

 

[oliver28472]

I saw a 318 at local JD dealer with a new deck. Had a price tag of $2,999.

 

[awlchu]

yup, the 318 is a fine machine. I an say without doubt the 318/420/430 set the level for the new X7xx series LG tractors. It's sort of scary seeing how much the design between these two machines is so similar yet being almost 25 years apart.

Also, don't overlook the square fender 110/112 and 212-216 models. These are tough little machines with a HD frame and rear axle/tranny. The variator speed control is simple but works so effectively.

 

[bontai_Joe]

One of the most popular used garden tractors on the market is John Deere's 318. I constantly see these fetch around $2000-2500 or more on E-Bay and in local papers, despite many of them being 20+ years old. They are awesome tractors.

But... little realized is the 318's secret little brother, a nearly impressive unit the 316. Basically the same as the 318 less power steering and one spool of hydraulic outlets. I have been seeing these in excellent condition sell for under $1000 on the market this spring, mainly because nobody knows what they are. Now you all know. If you see one cheap in nice shape, go for it.

You might also see a model 317 out there. It is actually the 318's predecessor, and was originally equipped with a troublesome Kohler KT17 engine. It is not in the same league as the 316 or 318.

-Fordlords-

I own one of each type of 316, (1978 only) and a later Onan powered 316 from the 1980's. The early one was the top of the 300 line with a 312 also available and replaced the model 300 which was identical. What makes the early 316 such a good tractor, is it has the dual hydraulics ports, and could be fitted with a sleeve hitch or a 3 point hitch optionally. Even had individual real brake pedals for left and right. The other models that are often available at quite reasonable prices (I've occasionally seen them in running condition for around $500)are the above mentioned 312 (little brother to the early 316) and the 314 (little brother to the 317). Both took the same attachments as their big brothers, but only had one hydraulic circuit.

 

[thcri]

That is amazing the price they bring. A friend just bought a I think a X575. I asked him why he bought that instead of one of the subs. His answer was I traded in my 318 and I got 4K for the trade in. He said they just hold their value over the subs.

I guess his isn't wrong. I just thought the sub would give him so much more??


murph

 

[LBrown59]

My neighbor next door has a 318 .He's had it for several years and it was an older tractor when he got it.

 

[LBrown59]

My neighbor next door has a 318 .He's had it for several years and it was an older tractor when he got it.

Post correction:
His tractor is a JD 316.
He bought it new instead of used.