[hansonmo]

Gents,

I'm looking to add a two cylinder 300 series to my herd and ran across this on craigslist. It is a 317 that supposedly has a 20 horse Onan in it. I know some 317s were retrofitted with the 18 horse Onan, (P218 I think), but I haven't heard of a 20 horse in a 317. The price is decent, (wheel weights not included but it does have a powerflow bagger), but for me it is borderline as for another $500 or so I could get a decent 318, (but I don't have an extra $500 right now). Any thoughts? If I go look at it what should I look for? I certainly don't want to end up with a butchered repower.

I think I'm a bit on tilt as I missed out on a nice original 317 this past weekend for $550 so I don't want to make a rash decision. There is also a sweet original 316 for a good price but it is about 4 hours away and I won't be able make such a trip until next month as my weekends are booked for the next 3 weeks.

 

[mikeduwe]

There was a factory kit to put an onan in, but people can booger weld torch cut any engine into anything so hard to say without looking at it how it was done.

I would pull the side panels off and look at how the engine is mounted, pay close attention to the clutch, how the muffler is made etc.

 

[hansonmo]

For reference, here is the 316. It is about $300 less than the 317 above. Looks to be a very well maintained machine. I really want to have 2 spools of hyrdraulics but for the price and condition difference I had to consider it.

I have a 140 H3 and a 49 blower and would like to get another tractor to handle plowing duties for lighter snows. I have a 2-way blade that would go on the 316. Or I could sell or trade my 49 blower for a 4-way blade and pick up a different 49, (mine has hydro chute rotation). Then I could plow with the 140 and blow with the 316 and not ever have to leave the seat.

 

[mikeduwe]

Best setup in this size tractor would be a 318 with tall chute snowblower. I dont like blades and tractors with power steering rock.

 

[hansonmo]

A third option is this 318 which I think could be had for close to the same price as the 317. Again, no wheel weights, and a deck is included. Just based on the photos it looks like the 318 has seen its share of use. I haven't gotten a hold of the seller yet to get info on hours or anything else.

The 316 is in the running due to condition alone, the 317 because it has a bagger with it, and the 318 because it would be the best of all. I'm just concerned about the condition of the 318. I'd hate to spend over $1k and then have to drop another $1k or more, (which I don't have right now), to get the engine rebuilt. The 316 seems like it has been very well maintained and I think would require very little work in the short term. The 318 seems like a bit bigger risk. Ultimately I need a tractor than can be put into use right away, at least for a year or so before need needing any major service.

 

[mikeduwe]

That 318 does look a bit rough, but it depends on the mechanicals more than anything. If it has a working hour meter see how many hours are on it. Around 1500 hours these tractors can start to get pretty sloppy and the engines can fail.

My 332 didnt look, sound or drive nice when I bought it, but its the tightest tractor I own as far as steering/hydro etc go. Oil filter and fluid change fixed the shuddering in the tranny, welded up the muffler that was held together with wire and some muffler repair paste, got side pannels, new headlight lense and painted it. New wheels and tires

 

[minisub]

I don't think the 318 looks bad. The grill is bent, but they're made of tin foil and that could happen in a second with no impact or damage to speak of.

If the pan paint is OEM I would be pleased by how much is still left around the foot pads...

 

[E Behm]

The 316 looks nice. Put H2 on it and your good to go. The 316's steer real easy so it would work good with a blade.

 

[hansonmo]

Got some more info on the 316. It has 1200 hours on it but the motor is said to have been rebuilt 2-3 years ago. Honestly I would already have it home if it were close enough. I'm going to try and go take a look at it Sunday or Monday. If that is original paint it is just too good of a deal to pass up.

How hard is the H2 conversion? As I understand it the 316 and 318 are the same except for the H2 and PS. So parts from a 318 should bolt right up to a 316, right?

 

[mikeduwe]

There is this route to make it H-2 as well:

http://www.aux-hyd.com/cart/upload/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=54

 

[hansonmo]

Mike,

I looked at that this morning. Basically, I could add the H2 and power steering and be into the tractor for a $100 to $200 more than the 318, (plus a bunch of my time). If the motor has been rebuilt and the condition is as good as it looks I'd come out ahead with the 316. It also allows me to spread out the cost but still get the tractor I need now.

Now I just have to find some time to go get it!

 

[mikeduwe]

Power steering is NOT a bolt in affair on a 316 I dont think. Way different steering configuration on the manual setup on the 316 than the power on a 318. At that point would likely be easier to find a 318 frame/rolling chassis and transfer everything else over.

Plus if you buy a used steering colum and used cylinder, you could have problems with both leaking/failing.

If H-2 and power steering are what you want, post a wanted ad up on WFM and see what comes up. There are a million 318's in the world, should be able to find one in your budget if you wait a bit.

 

[E Behm]

Morgan, The Onan 316's steer real easy, You might want to go test drive it and see if the P/S is something you can do with out?

 

[pa88316]

I second eric on the ease of the 316 steering. I was very suprised, even with 100+ pounds of weight on my front weight rack it is impressive. All the steering components are very beefy built.

 

[hansonmo]

Update: my crummy craigslist luck continues! The 316 was sold last night. I was thinking of pulling a late night tonight to drive down and get it, so at least I'm relaxing at home instead of driving 8 hours and getting back at 2 am.

I haven't gotten anything back from the seller of the 317 or the 318. I'm not in a big push but you all know how it is with deals on craigslist; act or it will be gone. Hopefully I'll find a good deal closer I'll be able to grab sometime soon.

I think I also missed out on a 54c blade on CL today too. Caught the ad during a break at work and texted right away but he said it is "on hold". He said he will call if the other guy doesn't show or doesn't want it. Hopefully it'll work out.

I know this is frowned upon but what would you pay for a non-hydraulic angle 54c blade in decent shape? I have a pretty good feel for the value of other attachments but i don't see a lot of 54c blades for sale. I want one for various reasons so I would have no trouble paying up to $500 for one. I've already committed to buying this one for his asking price, (upon inspection of course), so your responses won't change my course of action. I'd just like to be a bit more educated!

 

[gzec]

The best stuff goes on CL very fast. If you wait you loose.

 

[mikeduwe]

Did you put a wanted ad on this site like I recommended?

 

[hansonmo]

Not yet. Like I said, I'm not in a big hurry. I would like to sell my other 140 first. Once I do that my budget will be sufficient to purchase a 318. Until then I troll Craigslist for deals.