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If you ask a group of John Deere enthusiasts what their favorite lawn and garden tractor model is, the 318 is likely to rank at the top of the list. Manufactured from 1983-1992, this perennial favorite has become a bonafide American classic.
At Green Ridge Restorations, the #1 model we buy, sell and restore is the John Deere 318. It’s not uncommon for us to purchase an old 318 from the original owner – still in excellent condition and well-cared for – even after all these years.
These powerhouses reigned supreme throughout the 1980s into the early 1990s, and continue to be found in service throughout the US – a quarter century after the last one rolled off the assembly line in Horicon, WI.
John Deere 318 Basic Specs
Through 1986, John Deere used an 18HP Onan B43G 2-cylinder, air-cooled gas engine. From 1987 on, the B43G was replaced by Onan’s P218 18HP 2-cylinder, air cooled gas engine.
The 318 also featured a shaft-driven hydrostatic Sundstrand 90 transmission. Mower deck sizes were 38”, 46”, and 50”.
Many attachments were available for the 318, including the following:
- 54” wide blade
- 46” single-stage snow blower
- 47” dual-stage snow blower
- 48” shaft-driven tiller
- 30” hydraulic tiller, with optional extension to 42”
- Model 44 loader
- Several bagger systems, ranging from a standard two-bag, 6.5 bushel to an impressively large, 13-bushel collection system.
Our restored John Deere 318’s with Power Flow baggers systems are some of the most popular models we sell.
When Was My John Deere 318 Made?
If you want to determine what year your 318 was manufactured, start by retrieving the serial number, which is located on a small plate beneath the steering column.
Basically, John Deere 318 serial numbers begin with “M00318X”. Following that, you’ll see a group of six digits, such as 285073. A whole serial number stamped on the plate will therefore look something like this: M00318X285073. Those last six digits identify the manufacturing year.
Below is a quick reference chart to help you figure out when your 318 was made:
| If The Year Is, | Serial Number Begins With… |
| 1983 | 222001 |
| 1984 | 285001 |
| 1985 | 315001 |
| 1986 | 360001 |
| 1987 | 420001 |
| 1988 | 475001 |
| 1989 | 595001 |
| 1990 | 010001 |
| 1991 | 100001 |
| 1992 | 110001 |
| Final production | 120000 |
Similar Models to the JD 318
The John Deere 316 is a lower-end model that is similar to the 318, but without power steering. If you’re used to power steering on your lawn and garden tractor, operating the 316 can definitely feel awkward at first.
Additionally, some lesser known models also produced during that time included the Yanmar-powered 322, 330, and 332 Deere models.
Fun fact: John Deere was riding high in the 80s. In May 1984, its Horicon Works plant in WI produced its 1 millionth lawn tractor there, a 318. Not unlike our own experiences selling restored vintage models today, the 318 was a top seller during its production years.
Where to Find Parts for the Deere 318
If you need parts for your own 318, John Deere still offers many for sale. For engine parts, Onan Parts is a great source. You can also check to see if a farm and 
garden store in your area has access to the parts you need.
If you’re looking for an obscure part or trying to get a deal, you can always check out eBay since the inventory and offerings are constantly changing.
Need a manual for your 318? Search Google to see what you find – sometimes whole manuals are available for free in PDF form or directly online. Or, try one of the resources already listed above.
If you want more detail on the John Deere 318 or any other model, we highly recommend TractorData.com and the Weekend Freedom Machines Forum.
Looking Back, Riding Ahead
Like any classic piece of American history, the John Deere 318 has a devoted, almost cult-like following. For many, the memories of a beloved family member painstakingly manicuring the lawn with his 318 are even more valuable than the tractor itself.
We get to meet a lot of people – and we hear a lot of stories about granddad taking his grandkids for a ride on a 318, dad plowing the first winter’s snow…
People love reminiscing back to the days when they first purchased their 318’s…in 1983 when the very first 318 model was manufactured, Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Billie Jean” topped the charts. That was followed with his second super hit of the year, “Beat It.” But The Police took the number one spot in Billboard magazine’s Top Hot Songs of 1983 with “Every Breath You Take.”
Movie theaters enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. Return of the Jedi and Scarface were box office hits. And of course – who could forget Flashdance?
And “new” food items became household munchies, like the introduction of flavored popcorn, wine coolers, fruit roll ups and Steak-umms.
And how about cars? Remember what Motor Trend’s Top Car for 1983 was? The AMC/Renault Alliance! Motor Trend admitted it was “certainly no lightning bolt” and its boxy shape looks awkward and out of place compared to today’s smoothly contoured cars.
That can’t be said for the John Deere! It still is ‘in style’ even over 30 years later! Reliable, nostalgic and dependable, it lives up to the old slogan, “Nothing runs like a Deere.”
At Green Ridge Restorations, we’re helping the next generation of John Deere enthusiasts create new memories with the classic 318.
We often have a John Deere 318 for sale, but they don’t last long. Click here to see if we have any currently available.
