That old girl is getting a workout. But it’s no problem for her. When you due for something new find an x748 with a cab and heat. You will love it. I can’t wait for winter.
My Grandpa had a 318 when i was a little kid (i am 14 now). They bought it new in the 80's i think, maybe early 80's. they said they were gonna restore it because it was in bad condition but they decided to sell it. After they sold it they bought a 3000 series cub cadet with hydro and 54" deck, It has taken a shit on them every summer they had it. Nothing runs like an older Deere
Awesome video. I just bought a mint 420 and am inspired to get a thrower for it. I just use the snow plow for now. My father has a 318 that has been a great machine over the years.
I ran a 1986 318 just like yours commercially up in Wisconsin for 7 years. That thing moved literally thousands of tons of snow. I kept the machine for my own use after for three years after that. Aside from replacing the chain and bearings a three times and basic maintenance on the tractor it worked great. I finally gave it to my brother in law ten years ago and he just did his driveway with it last week. The John Deere 300 series was in my opinion. one of the best lawn tractors made.
I bought a 85 318 from an auction last November. Paid 1500 buck's for her. Came with the same blower, cab, plow and mower deck. The only complaint I have so far is the chute freezes up at time's so you basically end up shooting snow one way unless you get out every 10 minutes and beat the ice off! I used silicone spray, PB Blaster, oil, Pam. Nothing works for long! Luckily I have 6 acres so plenty of places to put the snow! I also wish it was a 2 stage. Might work in wet snow better. I'm going to look for a Model 49 blower during the summer auction season. Much lower prices then. Good luck with your rig. Gary from central Minnesota.
That old girl really handles it! I’ve got a 318 with a brand new re-power engine put in it. Have the blade, but not the blower... might have to invest after watching this.
Great video and you seem to handle the old girl just fine for being so new to it. ( I know. This video is 2 years old). I also noticed that you don't engage the PTO at WOT. Excellent idea!! how many times have I seen people engage their PTOs at high RPMs and then they wonder why things break. I have a 1983 318 I bought new with the same thrower, but I had to replace the Onan with a 24 hp Honda. Oooweee does she kick butt now!!
Looks great! I had the same setup with an '85 318, without a cab, for 15 years (2000 - 2015). Even with chains, it was dicey on our sloped driveway - could only blow downhill. I replaced it with a Kubota BX to get 4wd and diesel. I use a blade with the Kubota, which gives me an excuse to used it even with a small snowfall.
Thanks! my neighbor has a BX with a loader, it is an awesome machine. Two seasons ago I got a Wright Stander B for grass duties, but I still blow snow with this setup every opportunity I get! You are right, slopes are tricky... if you get too far down without a way to turn around you better have a shovel nearby. The blower is so far out front, that reverse on a downward slope is not-existent even with chains and weights. I was told that before the owner before me, that it was used to clear a parking lot at a church. So it has had at least three full lives and it is still on the original Onan.
I have the same exact setup, works great, I had two feet of snow I did with it but the snow was dry, with wet snow, it struggles and basically the snow comes out as bricks
Could you take a video showing how u mounted it to the tractor and the brackets for mounting under the tractor. I just bought one yesterday and it it missing the user tractor brackets and the angle brackets for the back wall. I have the same cab as yours.
@ramliers Yes, I am aware of that. I was just wondering what specific damage may have been done in the past by not having operated the engine at full throttle.
@parkfalls2003 I have a JD 318, and my dad always told me to run it at a little over half throttle for mowing. Have I been damaging or reducing the life of the engine?
GrandeBombarde16 Possibly. I’ve been taught to run them all at full throttle mowing. This helps keep the oil pressure up, the engine cooler, and the blades spinning faster. It can also help out the hydrostatic transmission more than anything.
Captainpegs07 No separate heater, the vents from the side panels go into the cab, so the engine does a pretty good job keeping it warm. I do still bundle up when it is really cold. For the lights, as far as I can tell it just has the factory alternator. I have used them for a few hours at a time with no issues.
It's interesting to see how people blow snow - the pattern they use. I do our driveway a specific way, but my wife sees it differently and does it differently. When I watch these videos, I'm always wondering how I would do it.
@kenonline9 Yes, they do, for proper cooling as well. However, the governing mechanism on this old engine is completely bad, so without a tachometer, it's impossible to know where to set the throttle for "full throttle." Within the last few weeks, the engine sprung an oil leak, so it was decided to just repower the JD 318 rather than put $2000 into overhauling the old. With a 23HP V-twin Vanguard on the tractor now, the performance of the 18 HP Onan seems pathetic.
@@mrmatt57 It look like you still have your JD318, I recently purchased a John Deere 322 with an older 47" 2 stage snowblower. it has a cab just like yours but with the original yellow fabric skirt in the front where your feet are. I noticed that you modified your cab by adding sheet metal at those locations. I would like to do the same, as I only use the tractor in the winter for snowblowing and need a more permanent and weather tight cab. (I just installed a Cab heater running from the radiator to be more comfortable in our colder Canadian winters). Does your cab modifications permits for the brake pedals to be completely inside the cab? Also, where did you get the weatherstripping gaskets that make contact with the tractor hood and did you made a template for your sheet metal work that you could share so I can build something similar? Here a video of my tractor from a couple days ago so you can see it... th-cam.com/video/dBzP4RJUXAw/w-d-xo.html Cheers Dan from Canada
Looks and runs excellent! I would be the happiest person alive if my house came with a tractor like a 318. Take good care of her!
That old girl is getting a workout. But it’s no problem for her. When you due for something new find an x748 with a cab and heat. You will love it. I can’t wait for winter.
My Grandpa had a 318 when i was a little kid (i am 14 now). They bought it new in the 80's i think, maybe early 80's. they said they were gonna restore it because it was in bad condition but they decided to sell it. After they sold it they bought a 3000 series cub cadet with hydro and 54" deck, It has taken a shit on them every summer they had it. Nothing runs like an older Deere
Awesome video. I just bought a mint 420 and am inspired to get a thrower for it. I just use the snow plow for now. My father has a 318 that has been a great machine over the years.
Thanks for sharing that. Nice piece of equipment and high quality video and filming.
Yeah that JD is doing a good job with the snow thanks for posting
Very nice I just bought a 85 model 318 a few months back
I ran a 1986 318 just like yours commercially up in Wisconsin for 7 years. That thing moved literally thousands of tons of snow. I kept the machine for my own use after for three years after that. Aside from replacing the chain and bearings a three times and basic maintenance on the tractor it worked great. I finally gave it to my brother in law ten years ago and he just did his driveway with it last week. The John Deere 300 series was in my opinion. one of the best lawn tractors made.
Nice touch around the man door.
I bought a 85 318 from an auction last November. Paid 1500 buck's for her. Came with the same blower, cab, plow and mower deck. The only complaint I have so far is the chute freezes up at time's so you basically end up shooting snow one way unless you get out every 10 minutes and beat the ice off! I used silicone spray, PB Blaster, oil, Pam. Nothing works for long! Luckily I have 6 acres so plenty of places to put the snow!
I also wish it was a 2 stage. Might work in wet snow better. I'm going to look for a Model 49 blower during the summer auction season. Much lower prices then.
Good luck with your rig.
Gary from central Minnesota.
That old girl really handles it! I’ve got a 318 with a brand new re-power engine put in it. Have the blade, but not the blower... might have to invest after watching this.
If we get snow here in S. Florida this a must- get for my 318.
Beautiful scenery
318s are great tractors. Nothing runs like a Deere!!
Great video and you seem to handle the old girl just fine for being so new to it. ( I know. This video is 2 years old). I also noticed that you don't engage the PTO at WOT. Excellent idea!! how many times have I seen people engage their PTOs at high RPMs and then they wonder why things break. I have a 1983 318 I bought new with the same thrower, but I had to replace the Onan with a 24 hp Honda. Oooweee does she kick butt now!!
Looks great! I had the same setup with an '85 318, without a cab, for 15 years (2000 - 2015). Even with chains, it was dicey on our sloped driveway - could only blow downhill. I replaced it with a Kubota BX to get 4wd and diesel. I use a blade with the Kubota, which gives me an excuse to used it even with a small snowfall.
Thanks! my neighbor has a BX with a loader, it is an awesome machine. Two seasons ago I got a Wright Stander B for grass duties, but I still blow snow with this setup every opportunity I get! You are right, slopes are tricky... if you get too far down without a way to turn around you better have a shovel nearby. The blower is so far out front, that reverse on a downward slope is not-existent even with chains and weights. I was told that before the owner before me, that it was used to clear a parking lot at a church. So it has had at least three full lives and it is still on the original Onan.
@ramliers Thanks for your reply.
Yes, the 18 HP Onan did lug quite a bit under load. The engine has over 1,300 hours on it now.
That's awesome. What a time saver.
I have the same exact setup, works great, I had two feet of snow I did with it but the snow was dry, with wet snow, it struggles and basically the snow comes out as bricks
Thanks for sharing.
Nice job on the video.
Could you take a video showing how u mounted it to the tractor and the brackets for mounting under the tractor. I just bought one yesterday and it it missing the user tractor brackets and the angle brackets for the back wall. I have the same cab as yours.
Good job with this video.
@ramliers Yes, I am aware of that. I was just wondering what specific damage may have been done in the past by not having operated the engine at full throttle.
Nice tractor.
Beautiful.I want one.
good job!
@parkfalls2003 I have a JD 318, and my dad always told me to run it at a little over half throttle for mowing. Have I been damaging or reducing the life of the engine?
GrandeBombarde16
Possibly. I’ve been taught to run them all at full throttle mowing. This helps keep the oil pressure up, the engine cooler, and the blades spinning faster. It can also help out the hydrostatic transmission more than anything.
is there a video showing how to install a JD snow thrower onto the JD 318?
What heater do you have in it? Does it need an upgraded alternator to run the lights and a cab heater?
Captainpegs07 No separate heater, the vents from the side panels go into the cab, so the engine does a pretty good job keeping it warm. I do still bundle up when it is really cold. For the lights, as far as I can tell it just has the factory alternator. I have used them for a few hours at a time with no issues.
Those 318's are supposed to be about the best lawn/garden tractors John Deere has made.
What cab is that?
Sweet property
I see you have chains and wheel weights. Was there anything else done to the tractor to add extra weight?
Nope, that is it. I didn't put the wheel weights on this past year and it still did OK. I have seen the suitcase weights, but don't need 'em.
Just picked up what looks like the same cab, have you taken it off? I'd like to see the installation.
Not bad for just a snowthrower
It's interesting to see how people blow snow - the pattern they use. I do our driveway a specific way, but my wife sees it differently and does it differently. When I watch these videos, I'm always wondering how I would do it.
wow look how heavy the snow is.
@kenonline9 Yes, they do, for proper cooling as well. However, the governing mechanism on this old engine is completely bad, so without a tachometer, it's impossible to know where to set the throttle for "full throttle." Within the last few weeks, the engine sprung an oil leak, so it was decided to just repower the JD 318 rather than put $2000 into overhauling the old. With a 23HP V-twin Vanguard on the tractor now, the performance of the 18 HP Onan seems pathetic.
nice rig , wish i had a cab. those single stage unit work well when force fed snow . stop by my tractor forum sometime good people there .
Rely cool I Wood like to have one like that
Bought a John Deere and a house came with it.
She still looks good,,,,
awesome! *_* will have :D
Great machine - I've heard nothing but good stuff about the trusty 318. Still running these days for you?
Still running strong!
@@mrmatt57 It look like you still have your JD318, I recently purchased a John Deere 322 with an older 47" 2 stage snowblower. it has a cab just like yours but with the original yellow fabric skirt in the front where your feet are. I noticed that you modified your cab by adding sheet metal at those locations. I would like to do the same, as I only use the tractor in the winter for snowblowing and need a more permanent and weather tight cab. (I just installed a Cab heater running from the radiator to be more comfortable in our colder Canadian winters). Does your cab modifications permits for the brake pedals to be completely inside the cab? Also, where did you get the weatherstripping gaskets that make contact with the tractor hood and did you made a template for your sheet metal work that you could share so I can build something similar? Here a video of my tractor from a couple days ago so you can see it... th-cam.com/video/dBzP4RJUXAw/w-d-xo.html
Cheers
Dan from Canada
@justinh595 It was really heavy... I am in central Maryland. We lost a few trees to it :(
Didn’t know they made a cab for it
is that a single or 2 stage
Single stage
This is a single stage thrower.
My single stage blower never through snow that
wish inad that right know 10" this morning
She's not a 430 that is for sure. No lugging power.
D