Hi there folks. I'm Nate. I've been lurking around the forum for a wee bit gathering information and admiring your wonderful old Deere's (and the knowledge you all have with them.). I've never known much about the John Deere garden tractors but after seeing how rugged and well built my buddies two 316's are, I fell in love. Plus, the Onan's remind me of a sawed-off little Subaru engine (another love of mine), and thus, I'm hooked.
My interest in the forum came from wanting to know as much as I can about these machines because I decided to take the plunge. Last fall I bought a 1992 316 with the P218G. The machine had 730 hours on it from original owner. It came with a 46" mower deck (needs bearings), mule drive, loaded rear tires, bolt-on wheel weights in the rear, custom weight rack with six suitcase weights, 2-link chains, 49 snowthrower and model 15 cart. Package deal for a grand. I didn't really have the money at the time, but couldn't pass it up. Great running machine. Cart is rough (used for firewood) but serviceable.
Right after purchase I completely restored the Snowthrower (all new bearings, chain, idler sprocket, new jd paint all around, etc) and put it to good use this winter. I plan to tear down the tractor this summer and restore it as well. Though, it really doesn't need anything at all 'cept for a new seat and a little paint here and there, I want it to be virtually new again. I'm sure I'll need to pick your collective minds when little mechanical quirks pop up throughout the process.
I look forward to learning with you!
My interest in the forum came from wanting to know as much as I can about these machines because I decided to take the plunge. Last fall I bought a 1992 316 with the P218G. The machine had 730 hours on it from original owner. It came with a 46" mower deck (needs bearings), mule drive, loaded rear tires, bolt-on wheel weights in the rear, custom weight rack with six suitcase weights, 2-link chains, 49 snowthrower and model 15 cart. Package deal for a grand. I didn't really have the money at the time, but couldn't pass it up. Great running machine. Cart is rough (used for firewood) but serviceable.
Right after purchase I completely restored the Snowthrower (all new bearings, chain, idler sprocket, new jd paint all around, etc) and put it to good use this winter. I plan to tear down the tractor this summer and restore it as well. Though, it really doesn't need anything at all 'cept for a new seat and a little paint here and there, I want it to be virtually new again. I'm sure I'll need to pick your collective minds when little mechanical quirks pop up throughout the process.
I look forward to learning with you!