[rtemerick]

First post! I've been stalking this site for a while now so I'm excited to finally jump in! I just bought a 317 with a 33 tiller for it. It is pretty toasty and has been sitting outside for who knows how long. The wife had a fit about spending our hard earned money on what she calls garbage and junk but to me I see a diamond in the rough. I think I got a decent price ($300 for all) it has the series II motor and the tractor looks to be about 90 percent complete. But the ignition switch and pto switch are gone. One hydro lever feels frozen. The drive tire is locked even though it shows neutral on lever. Should I spend the effort and money trying to breath life back in this old girl or try selling it and maybe making a few bucks off of it. Or should I part it out. I don't want to throw the check book at it and the mrs put me outside in the doghouse. Maybe sell and buy a 400 series?! Your thoughts are greatly appreciated! Sorry for long winded message!

 

[T-Mo]

Moved to proper forum.

 

[vinnie110]

I have a 317 and like it. Mine has a series I motor, your series II is the better engine. I would clean it up and see if it will run then go from there.

 

[rtemerick]

I think your right. I'm going to tinker with it and see if I can't find an ignition switch for it and and go from there. I've really grown fond of the old girl so I'm going to try to restore it. If all else fails I might have to save my penny's and put a repower in it!

 

[HodakaD]

The drive tire should not move when the hydrostatic lever is in the neutral position. If you want to push or pull it, you need to engage the hydrostatic bypass valve. I would recommend getting a shop manual for your machine. A very useful item to have.

 

[jdrye]

Ray like stated the only way that tires will turn is to either A get the engine started or B disengage the hydro. To disengage it, if you are sitting on the seat, look down between your legs there should be a knob. Turning it one way engages the hydro and turning the other will disengage the hydro. I would try and get that old girl running and keep it if you think you can justify the need. Otherwise get it running clean it up and sell it.

 

[rtemerick]

Thanks guys for the help. I really need to hunt down a manual. I'm keep hoping one will pop up on ebay for cheap but I might be waiting for a while. I know I will have more questions to come. Thanks for lending me your guys' knowledge!

 

[mkos1980]

I have a soft spot for the 317's I had one, sold it, bought a 332 which was really nice but didnt care for it and sold it. I'm back to redoing another 317 again..

 

[vinnie110]

Service manual is available from JD Parts on CD, about $50

 

[jlang]

I have 4 jd 317s and really like them.

TwoI have repowered with the new style Kohler Command V2 engines and the other two have KT17 Series II engines.

One of the KT17 engine powered tractors has been for sale for some time. I have no need of it and it is a nice tractor. They are a bargain, IMHO!

Good luck on your new purchase, your wife is lucky to have such a wise man for a husband, tell her I said so!

 

[mrmondo]

 

[crazyhorse]

Mr Ray, welcome to the best site period.

Hope you like it here.

Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Congratulations on your 317.
I have a 317 & like it .