Just bought an '89 332 diesel lawn tractor off ebay and was wondering if there's anything I should check as far as preventative maint or known issues with this model. I've never had a Deere mower before and am replacing my Sears 42" gas lawn tractor that's seen its better days. This one has a 52" deck and has 1054 hours on it. Came with a spare hood, seat, engine covers and a rear end out of a 318 that the owner parted out. One of my buds has a 318 gas tractor and I bought this one on his recommendation, but he's never owned a diesel either. Thanks for any info.
John Deere 332
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No real issues with them, just keep the radiator/front grille clean and free from grass clippings and yard debris so the engine stays cool. The engine and transaxle are at only at about a third of their rated lifespan, so if you keep it maintained well it should have a ton of life left in it. You won't go back to Craftsman when you have a Deere 332 most likely 
-Fordlords-
-Fordlords-
hsjrev,
The 332 is a great tractor. I have the 322 which is a gas version of the same Yanmar engine. It has worked well for me. A couple of things to keep on top of. The air intake panels have to be kept clean ensure enough airflow through the radiator. Other people have reported voltage regulator issues, but I have not had any so far. (I have about 850 hours),
Also, here is an interesting point to be aware of. The engine is bolted to the frame and uses rubber isolators to reduce vibration. The rubber on my tractor's rear mounts has compressed/sagged a bit resulting in the rear of the motor sitting a little low. When I would use the tractor in a way that had the effect of raising one of the front wheels (as would occur when moving dirt into a pile with a blade), it would torque/twist the tractor frame. In this situation, I got a horrible squealing sound. I'd back out of the pile and the sound went away. It turns out that what happens is the radiator fan makes contact with the fan shroud because of the sagging rubber isolators. To correct, I unbolted the rear engine mounts, slotted a couple of large washers and slipped them in to make the engine sit level, and the problem went a way. Check your fan blade and if there is signs of interference you know you may have a similar situation.
Also, there is a very active forum here for these tractors.
Weekend Freedom Machines
Enjoy,
Bob
The 332 is a great tractor. I have the 322 which is a gas version of the same Yanmar engine. It has worked well for me. A couple of things to keep on top of. The air intake panels have to be kept clean ensure enough airflow through the radiator. Other people have reported voltage regulator issues, but I have not had any so far. (I have about 850 hours),
Also, here is an interesting point to be aware of. The engine is bolted to the frame and uses rubber isolators to reduce vibration. The rubber on my tractor's rear mounts has compressed/sagged a bit resulting in the rear of the motor sitting a little low. When I would use the tractor in a way that had the effect of raising one of the front wheels (as would occur when moving dirt into a pile with a blade), it would torque/twist the tractor frame. In this situation, I got a horrible squealing sound. I'd back out of the pile and the sound went away. It turns out that what happens is the radiator fan makes contact with the fan shroud because of the sagging rubber isolators. To correct, I unbolted the rear engine mounts, slotted a couple of large washers and slipped them in to make the engine sit level, and the problem went a way. Check your fan blade and if there is signs of interference you know you may have a similar situation.
Also, there is a very active forum here for these tractors.
Weekend Freedom Machines
Enjoy,
Bob
Thanks, I'll be sure to keep an eye on the cooling system and blow all the fluff out of there. I'm still a little uneasy about spending almost $2k on a 20 year old mower but my 318-owning friend keeps telling me it's a better purchase than any new mower I could get for that price. One thing's for sure, I wouldn't want this thing falling on me or rolling over on me...it's HEAVY.
Yes, the thing is heavy I have a bit of a hill in the back. When I first got it, I'd get nervous driving across it, compared to my old lawn tractor. I got used to it, but to put myself at ease, I ended up setting the rear wheels in the wide position, and added wheel weights. The thing is glued to the ground now. Then in winter, I add another 250+ pounds of weight in the back and tire chains and the thing is unstoppable in the snow while plowing. I enjoy this tractor a lot. (I like my "new to me" 4110 a lot too though...)
I think it will last a long time as well. The yanmar has a long lifespan. I agree it is hard to justify $2K+ on an old tractor (16HP/18HP) when you can get a brand new 24HP "lawn tractor"for the same or less. There is just no comparison between the old garden tractors and the new lawn tractors.
I have a bit of a hill in the back. When I first got it, I'd get nervous driving across it, compared to my old lawn tractor. I got used to it, but to put myself at ease, I ended up setting the rear wheels in the wide position, and added wheel weights. The thing is glued to the ground now. Then in winter, I add another 250+ pounds of weight in the back and tire chains and the thing is unstoppable in the snow while plowing. I enjoy this tractor a lot. (I like my "new to me" 4110 a lot too though...)I think it will last a long time as well. The yanmar has a long lifespan. I agree it is hard to justify $2K+ on an old tractor (16HP/18HP) when you can get a brand new 24HP "lawn tractor"for the same or less. There is just no comparison between the old garden tractors and the new lawn tractors.
AKfish
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You might be interested in this.... JOHN DEERE 332 LAWN & GARDEN TRACTOR OPERATOR'S MANUAL - eBay (item 330306291659 end time Feb-14-09 09:43:02 PST)
I'd love to come across a good condition JD diesel lawn tractor!! I paid nearly $4K for a rear bagger JD 300X!
$2K for a 1,000hr diesel is a score in my book!
Best of luck.
AKfish
I'd love to come across a good condition JD diesel lawn tractor!! I paid nearly $4K for a rear bagger JD 300X!
$2K for a 1,000hr diesel is a score in my book!
Best of luck.
AKfish
bgshgrr
Member
I agree with AKfish, you paid less than I did. I bought from a dealer though. I also have the hydraulic blade on mine and with chains it is a little beast, isn't it.
I bought a JD 332 with 1022 hours on it.A 1991 model. Has a 50 inch deck and front blade also. Have to do a little work to it new seat and voltage regulator was bad. Really in good shape and runs great. Paid 900 for it and have put 300 more into it. service it and other little things. Great little work horse.