John Deere 318
Model Year: 1987
This has been an excellent mower for my 3 acres. Very strongly built. I can use it like a weedwacker in brush. It's old, so some things are now happening that need attention: uses oil, a short in the ignition that sometimes makes it not start at all, I have to jiggle the PTO switch and then it starts, and sometimes the starter "clunks". In any event, since the body is excellent (metal) if the engine, an Onan, needs to be overhauled or replaced, I would rehab it in this original body. My neighbors have all purchased newer mowers, different makes; they will have trouble within the first 6 months. My husband and I purchased this when it was 10 years old; never anything major. My one complaint is not the mower, but the service. Since I am so far from town to get to the John Deere place, I have to tow it there; I don't have a trailer, so I have to depend on a neighbor to do that. If I have the JD place do the delivery, it costs me $150 for the round trip. Then, the hourly rate is very high. I try to do my yearly maintenance myself, but I am not a mechanic, and am now a widow with limited funds. In any event, I would still purchase this again, I have owned it 15 years.
Pros: Excellent workmanship.
Cons: Expensive to have serviced.