[grandbender]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and new to Green! I'm hoping someone can lend some guidance. I just purchased a 316 K without a mower deck. I've been looking for used decks in my area (Ontario)to fit my tractor with little luck. I have come across a couple of newer decks meant for the open rear 316/318s and was wondering how much modification is required to make them fit my machine? Is it a simple case of only replacing the draft links with the older style ones to fit my tractor configuration or are there other things I need to be aware of? ie. mule drive differences, belt length, lift links, etc? Also, if anyone can advise which model decks will bolt right up, that would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

PS. I've really enjoyed some of the discussion threads on this site. It was information off this site that ultimately led to me looking for an older 300 series tractor. Looking forward to putting her to work!

 

[chuckv]

Angelo,

Welcome to the WFM forums and to owning a Deere garden tractor.

Very little is needed to convert a newer style deck from an open frame tractor to your closed frame 316K as they use the same mule drive. The lift arms are different, as the new decks have the spring release pins on the arms, and the older ones had them on the tractor frame... Here are a couple of pictures that might make this a bit more clear:

The upper picture shows the closed frame tractor lift arms, and the lower pictures show the slightly different open frame arms. If you have a trashed deck from your 316K you can transfer the arms to a newer deck quite easily. The classifieds section of this site is a good place to seek the correct arms if you can not find them local to you.

Chuck

 

[grandbender]

Thanks for the quick reply Chuck! That's great news and really opens up the possibilities.

I'm really looking forward to working on the 316 K and restoring it to its former glory. First things first, though, finding a mower deck.

Thanks again!

Angelo

 

[jcronk69]

Congrats on your purchase! I also purchased a 316k this summer. I have mowed with it about 3 or 4 times now and it really is a joy!
Like Chuck said, the decks off a newer 318 or 316 onan will work fine, you just have to swap on the correct lift arms. You may find the newer decks are easier to find in good condition. If you don't have the correct lift arms you may be able to find some from a member here, or you may find some on ebay.
Good luck with your new tractor!