Dimensions
Overall Length |
69.5 in (1765 mm) |
Wheelbase |
46 in (1168 mm) |
Overall Height |
44.5 in (1130 mm) |
Overall Width (Narrow) |
41 in (1041 mm) |
Overall Width (Wide) |
43.3 in (1100 mm) |
Front Tread |
32 in (813 mm) |
Rear Tread (Narrow) |
30.5 in (775 mm) |
Rear Tread (Wide) |
32.8 in (834 mm) |
Turning Radius (Inside Rear Wheel) |
26 in (660 mm) |
Turning Radius (Outside Front Wheel) |
80 in (2032 mm) |

Tire Sizes
John Deere 318 |
Tire Size |
Pressure |
Front Tire, Turf (Standard) |
16×6.50-8, 2 PR |
6-16 psi (41-110 kPa) |
Rear Tire, Turf (Standard) |
23×10.50-12, 2 PR |
5-10 psi (34-69 kPa) |
Front Tire, Ag (Optional) |
4.80×4.00-8 |
6-16 psi (41-110 kPa) |
Rear Tire, ag (Optional) |
23×10.50 |
5-10 psi (34-69 kPa) |
Engine Details
Engine Model |
Onan B43G (Early) |
Onan P218G (Later) |
Number of Cylinders |
2 |
2 |
Engine Type |
Air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed twin |
Air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed twin |
Fuel Type |
Gasoline |
Gasoline |
Displacement |
43.3 cu in (0.710 L) |
47.7 cu in (0.782 L) |
Bore |
3.25 in (82.55 mm) |
3.25 in (82.55 mm) |
Stroke |
2.62 in (66 mm) |
2.87 in (73 mm) |
Horsepower |
18 hp (13.4 kw) |
18 hp (13.4 kw) |
Power Measured @ |
3600 rpm |
3600 rpm |
Peak Torque |
31.5 lb ft (43 Nm) |
31.5 lb ft (43 Nm) |
Torque Measured @ |
2200 rpm |
2200 rpm |
Slow Idle Speed |
1350 rpm |
1350 rpm |
Fast Idle Speed |
3450 rpm |
3450 rpm |
Compression Ratio |
6.5:1 |
7.0:1 |
Sparkplug |
NGK BPR5EFS, Champion RS14YC |
NGK BPR5EFS, Champion RS14YC |
Sparkplug Gap |
0.025 in (0.635 mm) |
0.025 in (0.635 mm) |
Fuel System |
Carburetor with fixed main jet |
Carburetor with fixed main jet |
Fuel Pump Type |
Pulse |
Pulse |
Lubrication System |
Full Pressure w/ filter |
Full Pressure w/ filter |
Cooling System |
Forced air cooling |
Forced air cooling |
Air Cleaner |
Dry filter with pre-cleaner (foam and paper) |
Dry filter with pre-cleaner (foam and paper) |
Aspiration |
Naturally aspirated |
Naturally aspirated |

Operational Specs
Operating Weight |
852 lb (386 kg) |
Shipping Weight (No fuel) |
780 lb (354 kg) |
Operating Voltage |
12 V |
Alternator |
20 amps |
Battery |
12 V, CCA 491, RC: 102 min, BCI Group 22F |
Starter |
12 V, Solenoid |
Operator Station |
Open Operator Station |
Operator Seat |
2 spring suspension high-back seat. Slide rail adjustment |
Light System |
Headlights, rear reflector / tail lights, dash indicator lights |

Transmission
Type |
Shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission (HST) |
Number of Gears |
Infinite forward and reverse |
Max Forward Speed |
7.7 mph (12.4 km/h) |
Max Reverse Speed |
3.9 mph (6.2 km/h) |
Steering |
Power, Hydrostatic |
Service Brakes |
Drum brakes on rear wheels |
Return-to-Neutral Braking |
Standard |
Parking Brake |
Standard |
Drive |
2WD |
Differential Lock |
N/A |
Cruise Control |
N/A |

PTO (Power Take-Off)
Front PTO (Standard) |
Independent, pulley type |
Front PTO Clutch |
Electric |
Front PTO Speed |
3450 rpm |
Rear PTO (Optional) |
Independent |
Rear PTO Clutch |
Electric |
Rear PTO Speed |
2000 rpm |
PTO Control |
Electric Switch on Dash |
Hydraulic System
Type |
Two-function hydraulic system |
Charge Pump Flow |
3 gal/min (11 L/min) |
Steering Valve Pressure (in Neutral Position) |
90 – 180 psi (620 – 1240 kPa) |
Implement System Pressure |
850 – 975 psi (5861 – 6722 kPa) |
Number of Remote Control Valves |
2 Sets |

3-Point Hitch (Optional)
Control |
Directional control |
3 Point Hitch Type |
Category 0 |
3 Point Hitch Lift Capacity @ 24 in |
640 lb (290 kg) |
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity |
4.5 gal (17 L) |
Engine Oil Capacity (w/o filter) |
0.37 gal (1.4 L) |
Engine Oil Capacity (w/ filter) |
0.45 gal (1.7 L) |
Cooling System Capacity |
Air-cooled |
Transmission Oil Capacity (Early) |
1.88 gal (7.1 L) |
Transmission Oil Capacity (Later) |
1.24 gal (4.7 L) |
Hydraulic System Capacity |
1.19 gal (4.5 L) |
John Deere 318 Filters
Engine Air Filter (Foam) |
HE1401496 |
Engine Air Filter (Paper) |
HE1401912 |
Inline Fuel Filter |
AM116304 |
Engine Oil Filter |
AM101207 |
Transaxle / Hydraulic Oil Filter |
AM39653 |
Transmission / Hydraulic Oil |
Low Viscosity Hy-Gard, ISO 32 (TY22000) |
Engine Oil |
Torq Gard SAE 30 (TY22072) |

Serial Numbers & PIN Location
Serial number plate below steering column of the John Deere 318 tractor.
Year |
Serial Number |
1983 |
M00318X222001 |
1984 |
M00318X285001 |
1985 |
M00318X315001 |
1986 |
M00318X360001 |
1987 |
M00318X420001 |
1988 |
M00318X475001 |
1989 |
M00318X595001 |
1990 |
M00318X010001 |
1991 |
M00318X100001 |
1992 |
M00318X110001 |
Final |
M00318X120000 |

John Deere 318 Attachments
The John Deere 318 garden tractor remains one of the most popular and capable models in the vintage garden tractor lineup, known for its rugged build, hydraulic power, and unmatched attachment versatility. Designed to handle year-round tasks with ease, the 318 supports a broad range of implements that transform it from a dependable mower into a powerful all-purpose workhorse.

Mowing duties are handled by a variety of mid-mount decks, including 38-inch, 46-inch, and 50-inch options, giving users flexibility based on terrain, coverage needs, and engine power. For those equipped with a Category 0 three-point hitch and a 2000 RPM rear PTO, the 318 can also run a 50-inch rear-mount grooming mower for fine lawn maintenance.
Mower Decks for John Deere 318
Model |
38″ Mower Deck JD 664 |
46″ Mower Deck JD 595 |
50″ Mower Deck JD 1013 |
Mount Type |
Mid-mount |
Mid-mount |
Mid-mount |
Overall Width |
49.7 in (1262 mm) |
57 in (1448 mm) |
68 in (1727 mm) |
Cutting Width |
38 in (965 mm) |
46 in (1168 mm) |
50 in (1270 mm) |
Cutting Height |
1 to 4 in (25 to 102 mm) |
1.5 to 5 in (38 to 127 mm) |
1.5 to 4 in (38 to 102 mm) |
Lift Type |
Hydraulic lift |
Hydraulic lift |
Hydraulic lift |
Blades |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Primary Belt |
JD M89090 |
JD M82718 |
JD M82718 |
Secondary Belt |
JD M82538 |
JD M41668 |
JD M41668 |
Mower Deck Weight |
100 lb (45 kg) |
116 lb (52 kg) |
186 lb (84 kg) |

50″ Rear-mount Grooming Mower
Model |
John Deere 260 |
Mount Type |
Rear-mount, 3-point hitch category 0 |
Mower Width |
50 in (1270 mm) |
Cutting Height |
1.5-6 in (38-152 mm) Adjustable |
Wheels |
Two 3.25 x 10 in (83 x 254 mm) semipneumatic rear support wheels + two adjustable gauge wheels in front |
Snow Blowers for John Deere 318
Model |
46″ Snow Thrower JD 0603M |
47″ Snow Blower JD 2752M |
Mount Type |
Front-mount |
Front-mount |
Clearing Width |
46 in (1168 mm) |
47 in (1194 mm) |
Auger Diameter |
16 in (406 mm) |
16 in (406 mm) |
Lift Type |
Hydraulic Lift |
Hydraulic Lift |
Stage |
Single-stage |
Dual-stage |
Weight |
200 lb (90 kg) |
400 lb (181 kg) |
Winter operation is made possible with the addition of front-mounted snow attachments, including a 46-inch single-stage snow thrower and a 47-inch two-stage snow blower.

John Deere 44 Loader
A. Maximum Lift Height |
71.5 in (1816 mm) |
B. Reach at Maximum Height (Bucket Dumped) |
21 in (533 mm) |
C. Maximum Clearance (Bucket Dumped) |
52 in (1320 mm) |
D. Reach with Bucket on Ground |
44 in (1117 mm) |
E. Bucket Roll-Back Angle |
20° |
F. Maximum Dump Angle (ASAE) |
50° |
G. Digging Depth Below Ground Level (ASAE) |
4.5 in (114 mm) |
H. Mast (Upright) Pivot Height |
40 in (1016 mm) |
I. Front Hub Center Line to Bucket Pivot |
24.5 in (622 mm) |
J. Mast (Upright) Pivot to Front Hub Center Line |
23.5 in (597 mm) |
K. Tractor Wheelbase |
46 in (1168 mm) |
Lift Capacity to Full Height at Pivot Pin |
400 lb (181 kg) |
Breakout Force (Bucket cylinders) |
575 lbf (2.56 kN) |
Loader Bucket Width (Standard) |
48 in (1220 mm) |
Loader Bucket Capacity, Struck (Standard) |
0.21 yd3 (0.16 m3) |
Loader Bucket Width (Optional) |
54 in (1372 mm) |
Loader Bucket Capacity, Struck (Optional) |
0.24 yd3 (0.18 m3) |
Front Loader Weight |
500 lb (226 kg) |

For those seeking even greater utility, the rare John Deere 44 front-end loader provides significant lifting and material handling capability, ideal for property owners and garden tractor enthusiasts. A 54-inch front blade offers further utility for snow pushing, grading, and light dirt work.

54″ Front Blade
Model |
John Deere 54 |
Mount Type |
Front-mount |
Clearing Width |
54 in (1372 mm) |
Blade Height |
18 in (457 mm) |
Lift Height |
12 in (305 mm) |
Cut |
3.5 in (89 mm) |
Lift Type |
Hydraulic lift |
Angle Type |
Hydraulic angle |
Angling |
30° each side |
Blade Weight |
150 lb (68 kg) |
Shoes |
Two adjustable skid shoes |

The 318 also supported two tiller options. The 48-inch shaft-driven tiller required the optional 2000 RPM rear PTO, while the 30-inch hydraulic tiller (expandable to 42 inches) operated via a belt-driven hydraulic pump mounted in place of the mower deck. These tillers gave the 318 true garden preparation power, making it suitable for serious landscaping and cultivation.

Material collection was another strength, with three available bagging systems. The Power Flow two-bag collector featured a 6.5-bushel capacity and used a belt-driven fan mounted on the mower spindle. A more advanced three-bag, 10-bushel system was powered by a dedicated 6-horsepower Kawasaki engine. The top-tier 13-bushel material collection system also ran on a Kawasaki engine and featured either a manual tilt dump or a hydraulically operated dump system capable of lifting and emptying up to 370 pounds at a height of 66 inches.
Altogether, the John Deere 318 offers a level of attachment compatibility that rivals many compact utility tractors, making it a timeless choice for homeowners who demand serious performance from a garden tractor.