[frftoys]

I found a 1986 318 that's in pretty good shape other than the seat is toast. The guy said they pulled it out from an old barn and it had a large amount of stuff piled on top of it. He wants $1,500. Said he is trying to fund a 110 round fender hes trying to restore. Said it shows 160 hrs and he pressure checked each cylinder and each cylinder was at 120. Said it cranks and runs great and hydraulics work as well as the steering. Should I pull the trigger and bring her home?

(Message edited by treed on January 08, 2015)

 

[rustyknuckles]

I suppose the main question is, are you actually looking to buy a garden tractor? If not, it's kind of a big paper weight .....

 

[frftoys]

I can always use another one in my mind I can never have enough. I have been shopping for another garden tractor. Was thinking about how I might can use this one some to lighten the load and the hours on my other 318. I use my current 318 for grass and garden duty although my deck on my 318 is about on its last leg.

 

[dan_ely]

We are on different sides of the country so values might be a bit different but out here $1500 would be the I want/need this tractor, and not the well I better not pass this deal up tractor. So if your in the market then yes buy it but if you just came across it I personally would pass. But the hours do interest me but the gauge could have been swapped or quite working awhile ago?

Just my 2 cents...

Dan

 

[JDF/ SwampFox]

I wouldn't. Looks rough for 160 hours.

You'll have $1700 in that if you go through it and make it nice.

 

[iruossim]

Now every area is different on prices, but around here that's a steep price for a 318 that looks like that. The lowest I've seen a 318 run is $600 and the average is near $1300-1500. I'd take a look at the market around your area before I jumped on it.

It never fails right after I buy something, there will be 5 of them for sale for half of what I spent on the one I got.

 

[trapperjohn]

Derek, That price tag is pretty much at the high end for around here, but to find one that really only has 160 hours, that rare and once you have gone over and tuned it up, it should give you many years of service. If it didn't strain you pocketbook too much, I would go for it.

 

[mikeduwe]

Pictures are a bit fuzzy, but tires look pretty worn down for only 160 hours.

Hour meters fail, and get replaced, or stop working and dont get replaced.

If its close enough, go run it and drive it, if the front axle and steering seems tight, hydro is crisp and the engine runs awesome, might be worth the 1500 and hours might be right?

 

[Highwayman1]

Derek,
$1500 is high for a 318, I paid $150 for a running one two years ago that looked like the one you posted. My best offer would be $700.00
If you really want it like Mike said check it over. If you can take a jack with you lift up the front to help check for play in the whole steering system and axle pivot. Check around brake drum behind rear wheels for leaking axle seals. With 160 hours if it was original the hydro fluid would still maybe be red colored atf.
Michael

 

[Hammerdown-7]

Hello Derek
That machine Looks pretty weathered to me. The tires are well worn too I would question that hour meter but a compression rating of 120 Pound's per cylinder is a good solid engine and normal for a great un-worn engine as my new engine only show's to have 125 Per cylinder. I would offer him a grand for it due to the looks of it. Regards, Kurt

 

[crazyhorse]

Mr Kurt , I agree with you.

Mr Derek , Bottom line for me would be if everything checks out good , I would bring it home.

If it is in good condition , it will last and do a lot of work for you.
Think of the happiness it will bring to you.
That alone is worth a good bit.
Good luck.
I hope you get it.

 

[frftoys]

Well I didn't get the 318. Apparently the guy was trying to stir up a bidding war between me and someone else. He called Friday and said someones coming over to look at it. Then Saturday morning he tells me that they offered him $1,800 and asked me what did I think about that and what I could do. I told him to sell it to that man then. A little bummed out about it as I was looking forward to possibly adding one to my herd for gardening and mowing.

 

[Hammerdown-7]

Hello Derek
Keep Looking there are a lot of Good used 318's out there it is apparent that the seller was just Plain Greedy and I feel he made all of the money on that 318 it looked well weathered for a price of $1800.00 to me. I hope this help's, Kurt

 

[g_haynes]

Derek:

I'd consider myself lucky to have missed that one! With 160 hours on a '86 tractor, that's only 5 1/3 hours a year. Think of that as you look at those pic's you posted. A tractor with that low of hours likely would look near new even with moderate care...........Gary

 

[dhager4692]

Derek,

Here in western Missouri's Craigslist, I saw John Deere 318's from $75.00 through $4000.00. What is interesting to me is the guy selling the one for $4000.00 says it has only 88 hours and is in mint condition. He bought it and then bought a Skag zero turn mower. It has extra blades for what he calls a 52 inch cut deck and a snow blade. It has been on Craigslist for a long time.

Another persons lists one for $2300 with a snowblower. They are in the more affluent neighbor in the Kansas City area.

I agree with Kurt, keep looking. There are some good ones out there. If you are in my area look me up, I can guide you around perhaps.

 

[E Behm]

That's not a 160hr tractor.