My Mom has a 1983 year model John Deere Lawn Tractor model 317 she is thinking about selling. She ask me what I thought it might be worth, I have no idea. My Dad bought the tractor when it was a little over a year old with 7pieces of equipment from the orginial owner so it's been in the family forever, by the way all pieces of equipment have been sold several years ago other than the mower.

It has the hydrostatic tranmission,48 inch cutting deck,17 hp Kohler engine,the hour meter I'm not for sure it even works any more I think it's showing around 650 hrs.The seat is torn, the paint is still pretty good on it other than a few minor scratches. The engine still runs fine but has some oil leaks I usually change oil in it before every mow season starts and we do keep a good check on oil level since it leaks. The tires are in fair to good condition, a couple have been replaced, battery is about three years old. The hydralics seem to work just fine.It has the hydralics running up front to run a blade. The two pieces of equipment I wished we would of kept was the rear tine tiller and the front blade for it.

Any of you JD guru's have any idea what would be a fair asking price for her tractor. I'm including some comparison pics of another tractor just to show you the model 317 type. The one pictured is just a little cleaner looking tractor than the one my Mom has.

Tony

 

The 317 is a somewhat rare tractor and not, I'm afraid, entirely desireable. That particular engine had some type of oiling issue and they had a habit of spitting rods out the side of the block! Aside from that, they are a great machine. I've got a 316 and they are tough as nails. Check out www.weekendfreedommachines.com to get more info than you ever wanted on that 317

 

Yeah... Do NOT try to mow side hills with said lawn tractor. We have been through several sets of rods that we caught right away and four blocks where we didn't catch them right away... We got sick and tired of it and dropped a Kohler 18hp engine of the same design in and haven't had any problems as of yet. Better pressurized oil system and a FILTER.

We got ours for $500 sixteen years ago BTW...

 

Hey! thanks for that link I did some quick reading on the 317 and your right about that particular engine having some oiling problems. Funny thing though maybe it was a select few, the engine in my Moms tractor is the original one 17hp Kohler twin-cylinder. And your right they are tough machines.

 

Funny you mention not to mow side hills with that lawn tractor. You've got to mean pretty steep hills for long periods due to the oiling issue, I could see the problem there from what I just read from the link supplied above. I've had her 317 mowing roadside bar ditchs at some pretty good angles and so far so good. Of course it may throw a rod the next time I crawl on it, but has not in over twenty years.

Wow!$500.00 bucks 16 years ago, you got that tractor at a heck of a deal unless it had some problem issue's when you bought it. Kinda thought hers might be worth that amount now but I could be wrong.

Tony

 

This is a lawn mower mate

 

Want to trade, Mom would look riding that around the yard.

Tony

 

My beast...now THIS is a lawnmower...and it's diesel and yes, I've bombed the p-pump

 

Cute!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like the old Cub Cadets myself. The horizontal shaft models. No computer electronic B.S. Kohler Cast iron engines. Cast iron rear end, front axle, and bulletproof transmissions. Easy to fix and all the parts are ready avalible.


yea, it's yellow but they don't build them like that anymore!

 

I love those old 430's...tough little tractors.

 

That is because International Harvester sold the Cub Cadet Corp. to MTD in 1981! I never did like MTD tho.

I hope I got your quote right.

 

Bump!

Ok guys I decided to keep Moms tractor and modify it somewhat. What do you think! Not!


Click pic for somewhat larger image.

Tony

 

Yes, from 1981 to present they are junk!

MTD= More Time Down!

 

I have a $6000 John Deere 235GT that has been broke five times in 76 hours. It is getting near time for target practice. My old 1950 R model diesel runs better than this new one.

 

Ya new is not always better. I just bought a JD 318. So some times tried and true is the away. I have to say I have enough blood letting with a Dodge Cummins, guess the tourniquet is off with the JD. Admins I was spell checked with the word cummins wanted me to go with the ing