| Lee C. Lawry |
I am moving to a new place that has about a 5 acre hilly field. The current owner has both the 318 and 420 JD garden tractor(s) for sale. Both appear to be in about the same shape. The 420 has a rototiller, and belly deck and he wants 1,500, the 318 just the deck and he wants 1,000. Any recommendations??
|
| bontai Joe |
Take both if you can. Unless they are real beat up, those are discount prices for those machines. Keep the 420 and sell the 318 at your leisure for $2000 if it is in decent shape. Or keep the 318 and sell the 420 for $2500.
|
| Lee C. Lawry |
What would make the 420 a better tractor. I've seen little posted on this unit, and yet a lot of folks seem pretty taken with the 318?
|
| bontai Joe |
The 420 would be bigger, stronger, able to leap tall... you get the idea. The 420 will power a 60" wide shaft driven mower deck, shaft drive 47" wide two stage snow blower, has triple hydraulics vs. double on the 318. They have the same turning radius and with the 60" deck, you can cut a lot of grass quick. The 420 also has a two speed rear axle, heavier front axle, and differential lock for added traction. The 420 can do everything the 318 can do, but better and faster, and I'll be the first guy to tell you that the 318 is a legendary machine, but the 400s were like having a 318 on steroids. Most folks didn't want to store a tractor that big or maneuver it on their 3/4 acre lawn, and that is why there are more 300s than 400s out there. Having said all that, it is all based on the condition of the machines. If they are broke, bent and bleeding, with lots of rust, missing parts, etc. then their not worth much. But if in decent working condition, with less than 1500-2000 hours, he is offering pretty cheap prices. The equal of a 420 today will cost around $8000 new, the new equal of the 318 will cost around $5500-600o. Please tell me you are in PA and you don't want one of these. :) Oh crap! I forgot I just bought another tractor (Deere 210 for $500), I can't afford either one, and my loving wife would be very angry if I tried.
|
| Lee C. Lawry |
Thanks Joe. One last question. If the terrain is pretty steep, would I be better off with a four wheel drive unit? ok two questions, do all 420's and 318's have HST drives?
|
| bontai Joe |
All the 300s and 400 are hydrostatic drive. As mentioned above the 420 has a 2 speed rear. If the property is steep enough that you can't operate a 420 with differential lock and ag style tires, then I wouldn't use any tractor for fear of roll over even if it had 4 wheel drive. Roll overs are to be avoided at ALL costs. If you are lucky, it is just gonna hurt, if you are unlucky, your spouse collects your insurance.
|
| Lee C. Lawry |
Joe, just wanted to let you know that I took your advice and bought both units. I understand that they are both in fair condition so I will likley try them out and sell whichever one I like least. I may need to source a service manual for these if you have any ideas?
|
| bontai Joe |
Manuals are available for a lot of machines on this very website, or from Deere, or from Ebay. Be advised that the owner's manual is not too expensive, but the service manual from Deere is pretty pricy although it is very thorough.
|
| bontai Joe |
When you say you "understand" that they are in "fair" condition, you have me worried. Have you seen these tractors in person? Heard them run and drive them? See and operate the attachments?
|
| Lee C. Lawry |
These are owned by the gentleman that I am buying the property from. From looking around the house and barn I figured the guy really took care of everything he owned, so am not to worried. Both appeared to have the normal wear and tear one would expect, and were kept in the barn. He stated that both engines were strong and everything was tight, just selling since he was moving to a new smaller place. I'm pretty handy so am not to concerned with fixing small stuff as needed.
|
| bontai Joe |
I think getting both was a good choice as the price you can resell either one (if you choose to do that) will greatly offset the cost of the other. The 318 is easier to find attachments for as it shares with several other 300 series model, but the 420 is the better, stronger tractor to keep if both are in equal condition. I can only wish I'm offered a deal like that someday. Happy tractoring!
|
| bontai Joe |
I'm just following up this thread, how did the tractors turn out? And you should probably check out: www.weekendfreedommachines.org It is a dedicated website for pre 1992 Deere garden tractors. They have LOTS of info on the care and feeding of the 318.
|
| Jason |
As far as mowing on the hillside, I have the rear wheels on my 420 turned inside out to increase my width.
|
Save This Page ] [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ John Deere Tractor Discussion Forum ] [ FAQ ]