Which model is todays equal to the 318

[cmkh3]

Wondered which of todays models is the equivalent of the 318?
Also wondered how long that model is expected to live?
Any input appreciated.
Many thanks, /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jcmseven]

The closest analogue to the older 318 is the 335. It has a 20 hp Kawasaki engine and hydraulic lift. It is slightly smaller than the 318, but now has a differential lock. I bought one for my father for Father's Day earlier this year as a replacement for his previous tractor. He also had used a 318 in the past which he liked. This was my reason for selecting the 335 for him. He has really enjoyed it, although I still have to come mow for him periodically! (He is in his late 70's). My father's only complaint about the new machine is that the new tractor seems to use more gasoline than did the 318. Hope this helps.

John M.

 

[ArkCivEngr]

Agreed: the GX335 is the "grandchild" of the 318. My dad bought a 318 (Onan) in 1986 and his is still going strong. The GX335 has been just as dependable for me so far (2 years) as his, and it does seem to have noticeably more power than the 318 did, which along with a wider deck (54" on the GX335 vs. 46" on the 318) might account for the increased fuel consumption.

 

[timb]

Depends on how you look at it. From a marketing perspecitive (or position in the lineup) - the new 300's are the heirs. But from an actual design standpoint there is no true equal today of the old 300-series (including the 318) from Deere (or anyone else far as I know.) The old 300's were closer to a current X400 machine, in a 300-sized package. If you really look into the details like frame size/thickness, axle sizes, drive shaft (not belt), split brakes, hydrostatic steering and all the rest - compare weight, ballasting and towing limits, that sort of thing.

From that point of view, the X465/X475 2WS models are probably the closest in beef, (although a little more power) but they're not 300-sized machines.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

I second timb's opinion. There is no real substitute to the old tried-and-true 318...right now. I understand that there is a new 300-series replacement in the wings, but no details yet.

Is the current 300-series the best machine on the market in its class? Probably. But, I have heard that that whole segment of the full-size lawn & garden market has been shrinking. As a result, it seems as though that all of the manufacturers are producing machines that are "dumbed down".

I know two people who run the current 300-series. They would agree with me that the current 300-series can rack up the hours, but they are not the same caliber of tractor that the 318 was. After 1000 hours, the current 300-series feels tired and will start to cost you some money in repairs. One of the guys that I know that has the current 300-series spent over $800 this year alone. The other guy had some engine issues this year, but I don't know specifics. Both guys have around 1000 hours on their 300-series.

The 318 was 25% heavier than the current GX335 (836 lbs. vs. 668 lbs.). Also, the current 300-series uses a vertical-shaft engine and a belt to drive the transmission. The 318 was a shaft-drive tractor.

I remember back when the current 300-series was introduced. I was looking forward to seeing if Deere worked the same magic on them as they did on the 400-series. Boy, was I disappointed!

I voiced my disappointment to a Deere employee at the National Lawn & Garden show in Louisville. I was told that "Harley Davidson used a final belt drive on their motorcycles and the 300-series uses the same philosophy". I wanted to tell him that I would not till my garden or blow snow with a Harley...but I held my tongue. I walked away knowing that I would never buy one.

My father replaced his 332 (diesel version of the 318) with a 455 four-wheel-steer tractor. He felt that the current 300-series would have been a step back, not forward. He is VERY pleased with his 455.

If I were you, I would opt for a good, used 400-series of the previous generation. I like them better than the current X400-series. But, that is just my opinion.