John Deere 317 Rider Mower
02-21-2011, 08:44 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
John Deere 317 Rider Mower
Does anybody here have any experience with John Deere 317 lawn mowers? I am shopping now for a rider mower. I have considered buying a new cub cadet 1042, but I noticed a guy has a John Deere for sale, used, nearby.
From what I can tell the JD 317 is a REAL lawn mower....built right...and heavy .....kinda like our Cummins trucks. Perhaps they are even collectibles?
Does anybody have any insight into these? I have a yard that is a little more than I want to mow with a push mower....so i'd like a rider. It will have a very easy life and be maintained. So do I buy a new model from Lowes/Home Depot etc.....or try an older used well built one? Advice? TIA
..
From what I can tell the JD 317 is a REAL lawn mower....built right...and heavy .....kinda like our Cummins trucks. Perhaps they are even collectibles?
Does anybody have any insight into these? I have a yard that is a little more than I want to mow with a push mower....so i'd like a rider. It will have a very easy life and be maintained. So do I buy a new model from Lowes/Home Depot etc.....or try an older used well built one? Advice? TIA
..
02-22-2011, 07:31 AM
#2
Registered User
I've found the biggest thing with any older mower with a driveshaft is to make sure the shaft doesn't have any play in it. If it does it'll take out the main bearings on your crankshaft real quick. My neighbor has a 317 or similar (he doesn't do any maintenance) and found that out the hard way.
I'd go with a used one myself, the new ones (unless you shell out some big money) just don't seem to be built as well, though they do throw the grass a little better. I've got a 68 Cadet 125 with a 12hp Kohler, and it still cuts 1.5 acres no problem. I found it on the side of the road for $300, all I've bought for it is a battery and 2 deck drive belts. Good luck.
I'd go with a used one myself, the new ones (unless you shell out some big money) just don't seem to be built as well, though they do throw the grass a little better. I've got a 68 Cadet 125 with a 12hp Kohler, and it still cuts 1.5 acres no problem. I found it on the side of the road for $300, all I've bought for it is a battery and 2 deck drive belts. Good luck.
02-22-2011, 07:40 AM
#3
Administrator
Buy the older one, a 317 is a good one, one step below the power steering models ( the 318 ).
I would make sure the engine uses very little or no oil before I bought it, or figure on a Honda repower at 13-1500.
One thing for sure, the WORST running 317 is hands down better than a brand new rider at any big box.
I would make sure the engine uses very little or no oil before I bought it, or figure on a Honda repower at 13-1500.
One thing for sure, the WORST running 317 is hands down better than a brand new rider at any big box.
02-22-2011, 07:51 AM
#4
Registered User
We had a 317 and that Kohler motor was a nightmare. We stepped it up to a 322 (dad actually has 2 for his rototilling business) and what an awesome little tractor. 3 Cylinder Yanmar diesel, great power and awesome fuel economy and not 1 issue with the motors. 1 has 2,700 hours and the other has 1,700 and not 1 problem.
02-22-2011, 10:12 AM
#5
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I have a 318 and I love it. Here is a site that will steer you right.
http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/
http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/
02-22-2011, 09:29 PM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks guys for the replies. I went and took a look at the 317 this evening. The owner had restored it and put a different Kohler 18hp engine on it that seemed to run nice and strong. The original 17hp "KT series"?? I think had oil pressure problems and would starve itself of oil while on an incline. The model engine he put on it didn't have that issue.
I have positive impressions about this machine. It is a beast!
But.....my turn off to it is the huge turning radius and I don't know how it will cut. The grass is still dormant so I guess there is no way for me to test that until spring....and Im sure he will sell it by then. The 318 model has power steering...and I can see why it's needed...
I think it will make a great toy....and hold it's value. But for my purpose, I probably need to look at a newer (maybe still used) "box" store mower. I really like the Cub Cadet 1042.
..
I have positive impressions about this machine. It is a beast!
But.....my turn off to it is the huge turning radius and I don't know how it will cut. The grass is still dormant so I guess there is no way for me to test that until spring....and Im sure he will sell it by then. The 318 model has power steering...and I can see why it's needed...
I think it will make a great toy....and hold it's value. But for my purpose, I probably need to look at a newer (maybe still used) "box" store mower. I really like the Cub Cadet 1042.
..
02-23-2011, 03:57 AM
#7
I wish I was as fine, as those who work the pipeline!
FWIW I went for the TORO ZTR. Not sure of the price range you are looking at though. IIRC it was right around 3k, but I am really happy with it.
Chances are that JD cuts very nice. In my experience, once you get them adjusted properly, which is not all that hard, they provide a nice level and predictable result. That mower will probably out live you, especially with that kohler motor, so you best like it ALOT!!!
As for the Cub Cadet, lots of bad reviews when I was looking to buy a new mower, but no personal experience. A friend of mine bought one and hates the darn thing. He might have just got a lemon though.
Chances are that JD cuts very nice. In my experience, once you get them adjusted properly, which is not all that hard, they provide a nice level and predictable result. That mower will probably out live you, especially with that kohler motor, so you best like it ALOT!!!
As for the Cub Cadet, lots of bad reviews when I was looking to buy a new mower, but no personal experience. A friend of mine bought one and hates the darn thing. He might have just got a lemon though.
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02-23-2011, 07:54 AM
#8
Administrator
Texas, there is NO WAY the new CC will cut anywhere nearly as good as that old Deere.
The only thing you have to look for on the deck, is the deck rusted out and are the bearings smooth. Just the bare deck will bring 500 around here, that is how beloved those things are.
The only thing you have to look for on the deck, is the deck rusted out and are the bearings smooth. Just the bare deck will bring 500 around here, that is how beloved those things are.
02-23-2011, 08:14 AM
#9
DTR Advertiser
my advice: push mow it while you drink those juices made from vegetables.
juice from vegetables sounds kinda weird huh? i though juice was from fruit? maybe we should call veggie juice "vuice"
Us old guys gotta watch out for one another........ you can keep on me about saving 4 retirement VS buying fast cars and I will keep on you about vuice and push mowing VS burgers and riding around while one mows the grass.
juice from vegetables sounds kinda weird huh? i though juice was from fruit? maybe we should call veggie juice "vuice"
Us old guys gotta watch out for one another........ you can keep on me about saving 4 retirement VS buying fast cars and I will keep on you about vuice and push mowing VS burgers and riding around while one mows the grass.
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