Mikes new 318

[artfull dodger]

Here are some pics of my new 318, fresh from the paint shop, still need to repaint the deck and rims and finish installing the 3pt hitch. She was repowered with a Brand new Onan P220 about 4 years ago, runs like a fine swiss watch. Came in on trade at the CC dealer where I work as a machanic, hydro site glass tube was long gone and was very low on hydro fluid, new tube and a total fluid change later, all is well. Deck mows nice and is very quiet. Its getting the rear cat 0 3pt on it right now, and will get HDAP tires on the back and probably the front before winter. If you have never run a 318, they must be operated to appreciate why many people consider them to be one of the best if not the best all around garden tractor built. Properly outfitted, other than the non standard rear PTO rpm, my 318 could do the same work as the Cub Cadet/Yanmar SC2400. Only lacking the 4wd/diff lock and 540 rear pto. I could add diff lock by swapping in a rear end from a 420/430, also gaining hi/lo range. She is perfect for all of our familys yard and garden projects, with none of the winter starting issues the 782d we used to have did. Cheers Mike

 

[FastPauly]

Nice looking ride....I have a 314 hydro that I bought new back in 1982. It is still going strong......the cracks in your seat cushion look just like mine.

 

[jfrady]

Very nice! I need to do the same overhaul to my 332. I agree those are great machines - mine is still going strong.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i have a buddy that worships the 318........good mowers

i still can't get used to the hydro control up by the wheel......he swears by it......

yes, that looks really good, nice to keep them on the road and looking so nice.....

 

[jsb2b]

Had my 318 for 16 years until I stepped up to a 2305 in 2006 at my new house with a 5 acre field to mow. The 318 was too narrow(46" deck) and thirsty(gas vs diesel) for that amount of mowing but I wish I could have kept it too!!! It was a real workhorse and easy to operate and service. Never had a problem with it except for a rock split the lower hydro hose. A $5 fix.

 

[dirt ditch]

Mike,
That 318 is a good looking mower.

My great grandfather bought one new. When he died and great grandmother moved to town she gave it to my great aunt. When she died my cousin took it to a JD dealer and had it rebuilt back to new condition. He could afford any mower he wanted but he likes that 318.

 

[artfull dodger]

Thanks guys, I picked up a can of JD yellow tonight, so I can get after the rims and mower deck after my wife and I cut grass this week. We take care of a friends mother's yard each week. Cheers Mike

 

[Scotty370]

Looks like mine when I bought it new, in the 80's! It's given me great service mowing and blowing snow every year since! Beautiful job, but what's with your 'handle' jdmike.........er botamike???

 

[northernjake]

Enjoy your 318 Mike,
I have owned one since new in 1987. Several years after I bought mine, my Dad bought one for his landscaping business, turns out, it was 2 serial #s different than mine. They are a very fine tractor. They are both running very strong, mine might have slept outside 2 or 3 nights.
Take care,
Jake