JD 314 Garden Tractor Value

It was only made between 1979 - 1983 so parts may be a problem and if it has the original engine + transmission it has been looked after.
I wouldn't invest that much personally.

Ok, now you post the extras. If I needed any of those I may be tempted at $500.

bob

I don't think that is a terrible deal. Thing is, if you don't need those attachments, it sucks paying for them. Can you make an off on just the tractor?

I have owned a 314 now for about 15 years. The only thing I have put into it is motor mounts, starter and new seat.
In the photos you have attached what are the 2 bolt looking things on each side of the hood?
It looks like it is in good shape. Same floorboard rust I have going. It's too bad hour meters weren't standard on them.

What model is the cart? Some go for a premium even in poor condition.

Model 80 is the holy grail of the JD carts. I know nothing about the sweeper.
I say buy it.
One thing I will say is that mine has never liked to start when the engine is hot. It has never failed to start but in case that one does the same thing thought I'd let you know.

The only hidden issue with these is a possible worn out steering column. They will be a bit stiff to turn until you get close to the limit, and then they get really hard to turn. Ususally all they need is grease (the grease nipples are a bear to get to and this is often skipped), but if you have to rebuild you pull the engine to pull the column.

The 314 is part of the 1--, 2--, 3--, 4-- series tractors and there are roughly a gazillion out there. These are arguably the best built lawn tractors ever made; they were seriously over-designed. If you wanted to go through one and replace all worn parts you could use it two or three times a week for the next 30 years. And someone could probably do it again.

It will run the 36" deck almost effortlessly, but has no problem with the 46" deck either.

Value? It would be easy to get $700 worth of work out of a well kept one.

OK now stop and think for a second here. Surveyor has had his for 15 years and it's still going strong. I have a Cub cadet from the mid 70's that will run circles around most any new garden tractors. $700 is not a bad price and most tractors from that era are built like tanks. That was actually their downfall, they were built TOO good and would run forever so people would not have to buy another one.

KenLockett said:

Any of you guys either have an electronic copy of the 314 tractor manual or know where I can find one online? Thanks.

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I do not have electronic copy. I assume you are talking about the owners manual and not the repair manual.

KenLockett said:

Any of you guys either have an electronic copy of the 314 tractor manual or know where I can find one online? Thanks.

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I get my info from Weekend Freedom Machines. Really helpful folks. They've steered me right before, whether to manuals, or just to the answer I need. http://www.wfmachines.com/forums/forum.php

This site has a miscellaneous assortment that doesn't seem to have the 314 tractor manual, but has others you might eventually find interesting.
http://www.wfmfiles.com/download/

I think you did fine for $700. I think the bigger question is whether you are am interested in working on an older tractor when it needs some TLC. If that's ok, then I think these older tractors are great. If you have more money than time, a newer one might have been the way to go. Either way, you could turn around and sell it if you wanted to, even at a slight loss, without much pain.

KenLockett said:

I am trying to level deck and figure out height adjustment procedure/operation.

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Pretty common question seen at WFM, do a search over there and you'll find the guidance. But I agree with your interest for a manual, you'll want one sooner or later so might as well be sooner.

I'm not as familiar with the 314, but I bet the procedure is roughly:

-park on level ground/concrete
-cycle the lift lever to release rockshaft cylinder pressure.
-set deck wheels to desired nominal height (2.5", 3", etc.)
-adjust rockshaft stop until front deck wheels are about 1/4" off the ground.
-adjust rear deck lift linkages so that the deck is level side to side, and so that the rear of the deck is slightly (1/8") higher than the front of the deck.
-recheck front wheels to be about 1/4" off level ground, and that the rockshaft cylinder is relieved of pressure. Repeat process if necessary.

Measure blade height, not deck wheels, since the blade height is what determines the height of your cut, and the wheels might be off a bit compared to your blades.

Again, I don't have a 314, but I think it's pretty similar to my 322.

Sounds about right.

It may be that the draft arms do need adjustment. This should be a once in a lifetime thing. Maybe it's never been right. One thing to make sure of is the tire pressure. Get a quality, low pressure tire gage. You would be amazed at how much this affects the deck.
As for the height adjustment knob, loosen the wing nut. Turn the knob the direction you need per the sticker below it. Once satisfied with the height, tighten the wing nut all the way down against the sleeve.

Try mytractor forum website. I'm a member, lots of good information, heloful owners.

Parts may be available for these, but finding an attachment you want could be impossible. I've been looking for a plow blade or snow thrower for a few years now for my 170.

mass_burner said:

Parts may be available for these, but finding an attachment you want could be impossible. I've been looking for a plow blade or snow thrower for a few years now for my 170.

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Snowblowers and blades for these seem to be readily available in my area. Most blowers will need to have the bearings replaced if they have never been done.