Last good year for Cub Cadet /John Deere Lawn Tractor? - Page 4

Robert Coats · Robert Coats's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Only Robert Coats can answer with the most accuracy and authority...

Sorry, but Honda's been out of the riding equipment biz for 16 years now. The last one Honda made was actually a Deere painted red and powered by a Honda V-twin engine.

Honda HA4120/18 (1999-2001)

VincentVega · 10-07-2016, 08:26 PM

Just curious if you picked up something

I've been looking and am stumped. The few 318's I've found are $2500-3500 depending on hours/condition. That seems like a ton to pay for a ~30yr old tractor with ~1k hrs. The last thing I need is a motor or major mechanical issue. Maybe buying new makes sense, assuming its in nice shape resales seems to be great. Thing is, you need to spend ~5k to get the decent trans in a JD.

I read up on the kawasaki plastic cam gears, cheap transaxles... geeze, way too many options. Non affordable. Does it make sense to spend ~2k+ and risk an engine issue with a 20yr old kawasaki?

rfuerst911sc · 10-08-2016, 03:49 AM

Two good forums for the garden tractor crowd are MyTractorForum and Weekend Freedom Machines I know I have learned a LOT off those two forums. And they both have classifieds for parts and complete tractors for sale. I really like my JD 317 with the Kohler Series II engine ( full pressure lubrication ) but I love my JD 330.......that 3 cylinder water cooled diesel is a beast and sips fuel compared to gas . If you guys were closer I'd make you a deal on my 317 as I don't need both machines. Good luck with your search .

targa911S · 10-08-2016, 04:07 AM

love my 330 as well.

jwasbury · 10-08-2016, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VincentVega

The few 318's I've found are $2500-3500 depending on hours/condition.

I paid in that range for my JD 420 a few years ago (with snow blower attachment and 60" mower deck). While it is a lot of coin for a 20+ year old machine, you have to consider that something new of similar quality, power, capability is probably a $10k+ machine. My 420 has a Onan engine which is known to last only 1000-1200 hours. The hour meter shows about 2400, and I know the engine was replaced (has a "short block" replacement sticker under hood). Still runs, but I figure I'll have to repower it in the next couple years. There are a number of places that sell kits (I've seen Briggs Vanguard and Honda repower kits). Looks like it will cost $1200 or so and I'll still be ahead of the same vs. buying new. The downtime will be troublesome though.

DanielDudley · 10-08-2016, 05:33 AM

I understand wanting quality, but if you are just mowing, a cheaper unit will do fine. My current unit is 10 years old, and it was a cheap box store model. I tow a leaf vac with it as well, and it gets a workout.

It depends on what you need it for.

LakeCleElum · 10-08-2016, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Just curious if you picked up something

I read up on the kawasaki plastic cam gears, cheap transaxles... geeze, way too many options. Non affordable. Does it make sense to spend ~2k+ and risk an engine issue with a 20yr old kawasaki?

Not sure if Asphalt bought anything yet, but this thread cost me as I was shopping for him. Got a 2003 JD with 25 HP Kohler twin and 54 inch deck.....Low hours, looks like new. Were asking $1,100, I got it for $950. As I have a tractor and ATV to plow snow, I only use this to mow. Now, I have 3 JD riding mowers.....Should sell the 160 in the spring.

Plastic cam gears in the Kawaski: replace the gear with a metal one. Great engine. Water cooled. Just worked on my neighbors JD LX178 he bought new in 1995...Still runs like a top.

VincentVega · 10-08-2016, 10:03 AM

Ha, sounds like I'm not the only one with a bug for a new tractor. Nice pickup.

I went to the dealer today to get a look. Not exactly what I was looking for but they have a 2009 x520 for about what a HD/Lowes version will get me. Water cooled, k72 trans, 54" deck... a little banged up with some plastic issues. 54" is a bit big and I need to see if it will even fit, I know its too big for the shed.

I sat on a 325/345, cant remember, and it was a bit cramped, but only after I tried the 520. I know the bigger stuff is overkill but I know I'll overload the cart/trailer and I have no interest in the k46 trans. Of course, that doesnt mean I cant kill whatever I get.

Quote:

If you guys were closer I'd make you a deal on my 317 as I don't need both machines. Good luck with your search .

It's only 700 miles...

Thanks for the info all, very helpful.

targa911S · 10-08-2016, 02:27 PM

TractorHouse.com | 1986 JOHN DEERE 330 For Sale

LEAKYSEALS951 · 10-08-2016, 05:10 PM

On further examination- it appears that this could be a world first- meaning- this could be the world's first picture where a garden tractor's paint is so perfect you can actually see the photographer's reflection in the side panel!

VincentVega · 10-08-2016, 05:37 PM

No kidding. The bar is pretty high. That thing looks perfect.

targa911S · 07:48 PM

That pic is about 8 years old. I recently had to repaint the tub.

targa911S · 10-08-2016, 05:46 PM

93nav · 06:35 PM

Your rear tire is on backwards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by targa911S

93nav · 10-08-2016, 06:20 PM

1500 hrs, is that a hightime engine, or just getting broken in?

Quote:

Originally Posted by targa911S

TractorHouse.com | 1986 JOHN DEERE 330 For Sale

LakeCleElum · 10-08-2016, 06:40 PM

Targa - Luv your 330.......You move snow with it? Blade or blower? Wheel weights and chains did it for me on my 316 and later a 318......

targa911S · 10-08-2016, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93nav

Your rear tire is on backwards.

Yeah I know. I did it on purpose. It seems give me better snow traction. Call me crazy but it seems to work.

targa911S · 10-08-2016, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Targa - Luv your 330.......You move snow with it? Blade or blower? Wheel weights and chains did it for me on my 316 and later a 318......

54 inch plow blade. If I had to do it over I would get a blower. You can only stack the snow so high with a blade. Plus if it's really deep wet snow it weighs a ton on a long push. Easier to sling it away than push it forward
Thanks for the comps. It's really the best tool I have ever bought.

LakeCleElum · 10-08-2016, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by targa911S

54 inch plow blade. If I had to do it over I would get a blower. You can only stack the snow so high with a blade. Plus if it's really deep wet snow it weighs a ton on a long push. Easier to sling it away than push it forward
Thanks for the comps. It's really the best tool I have ever bought.

Agree about pushing with a blade, BUT, I tried a single stage blower on my 316.....Unless we got a very rare dry, powder snow, the blower plugged up continually....WE get wet snow here and the only blowers you see are the walk behind.......I blade as much as I can with my JD tractor and ATV, then move it with my tractor bucket....

VincentVega · 10-09-2016, 08:53 AM

Great info

Worst part is this is taking so long, I really just want help with the pending leaves. I found a 318 with a single stage blower. Seems like a good idea but when you really need it the 2 stage would be better. But, my driveway is only ~200' and for the cost of a used blower I can get a decent stand along snowblower. I dont have enough work to warrant big equipment.

Quote:

1500 hrs, is that a hightime engine, or just getting broken in?

I wonder about that too. I read the water cooled kawasaki's are good for 1500+ and the old yanmar diesels go 2000+ for many but you really never know.