JD 318

[Beechwood]

Does anybody know if you can put a small loader on the John Deere 318?

 

[BigEddy]

Yes - JD offered a loader (Model 44) for the 318 and its cousins. There are several aftermarket solutions and home made versions around as well. I have some photos of other folk's homemade ones somewhere.

Not sure I would recommend one though. Really depends what you intend to do. The limitation of course is weight and traction. The 318 is under 1000 lbs, and the weight of a loader on the front alone almost lifts the rear wheels, never mind a load. Point downhill slightly, and you don't back up without a lot of additional rear ballast. Other concern is the front axel spindles take a lot of abuse with a loader on, so beware.

BigEddy

 

[Beechwood]

Thanks, that's good to know. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[timb]

The 318 is plenty strong enough for a loader sensibly sized for the tractor. As was said above, it was a factory option. Someone who owns both can better compare - but based on basic published specs/dimensions - the 318 is built as heavy as a modern X-Series, only in a more compact bundle. (Same size front spindles for instance.)

You can still occasionally find these old Deere loaders (eBay and other places) however the price is usually rather frightening. One of the problems (other than balance) is that the 318's built-in hydraulic system isn't up to running much of a loader in terms of pressure, flow, or 'tide' handling (fluid moving into or out of the loader cylinders.) The Deere factory loader set included an auxiliary hydraulic pump (ran off the front PTO), reservoir and associated plumbing.

There were some 3rd-party loader providers (Johnson?) back then and it may be possible to adapt some newer small loader (Woods?) or build your own from several firms that offer plans.

Or - you may find 'power shovels' like the Johnny Buckets an acceptable compromise, power, lift and cost-wise.