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Repowering JD300

11K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  GTTinkerer 
#1 ·
I don't know a lot about JD's so I ask.
Has anyone re powered a JD300 or JD316K with a larger OHV - Vtwin?
I have 4 of these tractors altogether and want to make 1 of them my main grass cutter.
I cut 6+ acres a week, more if I do the neighbors.
Need a reliable, quiet, powerful, fuel efficient machine that's trouble free.
Was considering a 20hp+ Honda clone Vtwin.
I would also like to put a larger deck on it, I think they came with 47", like to get a 60" or so on it.
Anybody done this before?
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Reason for doing this is I'm selling my main grass cutter, 3wheeler, while it's still in really good working order, it's too noisy for me. I have to where ear protection when I use it.
I cut my grass a few times last yr with my Massey MF14 and MF16, I found them to be a lot quieter, more comfortable than the 3 wheeler.
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I'm choosing 1 of the JD300s over the Massey's because the JD has a larger fuel tank and individual wheel brakes. Longer run time and more maneuverable.
I have sat on that 3wheeler for 5 to 6hrs non stop cutting grass, it does the job, but when you get off it your wore out.
 

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#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
olcowhand said:
Small Engine Warehouse lists a Briggs 18hp for their re-power kit.

Product No
Brand
Description Quantity
On Hand Our
Price Engine356447-JD300-R1Briggs 18hp Horizontal Shaft, Conversion kit to fit John Deere 300 with 16hp Kohler single cylinder engine3 $1,350.00
Thanks, that was made to do what I want, drop in fit, 1 price. This has the muffler, mounting brackets and it must have a strong enough charging circuit in it as the JD300s have electric clutch.
I figured I was looking at $1000. + to do this minimum.
 
#5 ·
I've seen a video on Utube where a guy put a Vanguard Vtwin in a 140. The 140 frame is almost identical to the 300 series. If you do a search you may find the same video. The v twin looked really nice but you need to loose the engine covers.
 
#6 ·
Hey Doug,
If it was me I would repower one of the 300's and not the 316, but they are your tractors. Not to send you to another site but over on the WFM site there is alot of information on repowering these tractors. The pros and cons of different engines and what other things that you may run into while doing it. May help you to be prepared before you dive into it. Just a suggestion .

As for the bigger deck I am sure that you will not be able to put a 60 inch deck from a Deere on it. The largest might be a 50 inch form a 318 but not sure if that would work or not.

Good luck and keep us posted on your project.
Mark
 
#7 ·
MAV said:
Hey Doug,
If it was me I would repower one of the 300's and not the 316, but they are your tractors. Not to send you to another site but over on the WFM site there is alot of information on repowering these tractors. The pros and cons of different engines and what other things that you may run into while doing it. May help you to be prepared before you dive into it. Just a suggestion .

As for the bigger deck I am sure that you will not be able to put a 60 inch deck from a Deere on it. The largest might be a 50 inch form a 318 but not sure if that would work or not.

Good luck and keep us posted on your project.
Mark
I agree 316k was only made for 1yr, has more value keeping it original vs the 300s.
 
#11 ·
DH1 said:
How about this one, think it'll fit.

35hp Vanguard on sale, $1200. new > 35 HP Vanguard V-Twin OHV Gas Engine | Princess Auto

View attachment 28548
What a beast. Larger than a 2ft cube. You may have to cut the sheet metal a bit to fit it in. LOL You should check at PA stores for engines. Sometimes individual stores will have left over engines at really great prices. They had a 20hp vtwin LC engine at the Halifax store for 850$ during one of their inventory clearances.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have used several repower kits from Repower Specialists on commercial golf course equipment. Great thing about their kits is they include every nut, bolt and washer to do the repower correctly. The owner's name is Rick and he will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Here is the link to their kit for the JD 316 which uses a Honda 24.47 horsepower engine: John Deere 316 Engine Replacement

The Honda kit includes the following:

  • Honda GX630 24.47HP (Approximate Gross)
  • New Electric Clutch
  • Electronic Ignition
  • Driveline Adapters
  • Exhaust
  • Mounting Accessories
  • Electrical
  • Honda 3 Year Commercial Warranty

The Honda would definitely boost your tractor's power output and performance.

Bill
 
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#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
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