Comparison JD 314 or GT 235

[L120]

Hello all,

I'm stumped debating with myself about older garden tractors. Are the older 314-318 John Deere tractor collectors items maybe not a good idea to use every week for mowing and other yard work? The reason I ask is this...if the older tractors can be purchased then repaired and maintained with parts easy to find this may be an option. OTHERWISE...I've found a GT 235 that isn't (but all most) the quality of the older machines. The GT235 fits what I'd use the tractor for such as mowing and some ground engagement and gravel drive leveling. HA HA...the L120 I currently own mows great, but I fear the trans is gonna go anytime.

Are the 314-316-318 trophy tractors? Fix em up not to be used?
Will the GT235 be better for finding common parts etc...?

Options
#1 I can buy a 318 right now for $500. It's pretty rough looking not sure if it runs.
#2 I can buy a GT235 right now for $800 needs a little TLC PLUS the new engine I have for my L120 will bolt right in.

NO...I refuse to spend money on a brand new tractor. I am perfectly capable of repairing anything.

 

[bullbreaker]

Bought in 2005 a GT235 w/Kawa engine ($5200) otd with a JD cart included . Purpose of buying was/is 6 days a week use on a 15 acre plant/tree business used to pull carts with flowers , trees etc . Also when needed the 48" mower deck .

Besides regular maintenance/belts/ blades etc only thing we done to it is replace the seat w/an original . What a tough S_a #
its been . Runs strong . Plastic body looks like its been through WWIII .

The GT235E variant model , built in 2002 and 2003, offered an on-board generator system that provided continuous 1000 Watt power at 120 volts . Ours is a 2005 .

 

[L120]

May we conclude?...if you have an older 318 or about, keep it and know what you have so far as the condition. To get into one now may cost too much in parts wanting to use the tractor for a daily or weekly lawn maintenance machine. I see these machines used (reconditioned) and for sale, but not a price I'm willing to pay just to say I have one. Then there are the parts....

I'm cheap, but not soo cheap to overlook quality. For example...I bought a junker F150 knowing there are a lot of parts, panels, & things just sitting in the scrap yards for the picking. Also, parts are very affordable available anywhere. A good used 314 -318 may cost more in parts and headache finding parts maybe more than it's worth?

Now, this would be extremely fun to buy these tractors and 100% restore them. Maybe this idea would create an aftermarket parts store specifically for the machine.

THANKS guys...your help was great.