Interesting find -- JD 322

[daTeacha]

While checking out possibilities for a replacement mower, I came across a JD322. This is a '93 with 1025 hours on the Yanmar engine. The sales guy said it was diesel, but folks here say it's gas but on the same block as one of the diesels. Either way, it runs smooth and quiet. It's a hydro with powered bagger, hydraulic lift on the 48" deck, and two sets of front remotes. It has Ag style tires with what look to be 50 lb weights on each rear wheel. They are asking $2500, but it will be in the annual auction on Saturday morning.

The radiator was low with the core showing, and the hydro seemed to engage abruptly. I had to move the lever very slowly to start smoothly. I don't know if that's characteristic of the beast or indicative of some problem.

So, what do you guys think of it? What kind of reputation does it have? What would you bid?

 

[Dave_S]

I had one I bought new, it is gas. Traded my in on a BX2230 last year. I still have the front blade for it. It is a good tractor, not sure if mine had that many hours or not. I don't thank you would wear the Yanmar engine out. Very smooth engine. I also had a rear hydraulic tiller and the 3 pt hitch. Had only usual mantiance problems. It did have a problem with the rear bearing on the dynamo it is to close to the Exaust Manifold. I made a better heat shield and had no more problems.

Dave

 

[RickO]

It would make a big diff. if it were diesel to me. If you heard it running it should have been obvious gas or diesel. 1000 hours isn't too bad for a liquid cooled gas and even less for a diesel. I wouldn't go over. $1,800 with it having those hours unless it were in really good shape or a diesel.

 

[Fordlords]

The 322 is a rare gasoline powered version of the liquid cooled Yanmar 3 cylinder diesel, and it will likely have the same 3-4,000 hour life of the Yanmar diesel version- IF it was maintained right. The hydro being jerky is likely just linkage wear or adjustment required. But the low radiator level is something any owner who maintains their machine right wouldn't let happen, and can indicate a leak or coolant consumption from a blown head gasket, about a $200 repair. It's a really nice tractor, probably one of the best ever made, so get it checked out if you can, and maybe bid $1800-1900 tops.
-Fordlords-

 

[bontai_Joe]

The only quirk with these I know of is that the radiator is just barely large enough to cool the engine, and has to be kept clean and free of grass clippings and dust. The jerky hydro was a problem that Deere had with some serial number ranges of 300 tractors, and I don't have an answer to if or how it can be fixed.

 

[ovrszd]

I bought one used in 1992. I tried for twelve years to wear it out and finally gave up and gave it to my Son. He's still using it. Great little tractor that wants to be a Garden tractor rather than a Lawn Tractor. Mine had 3 pt, bar tires. The one you are looking at will outlast any new $2000 mower you can find!!!