This comprehensive technical manual provides in-depth information for maintaining, assembling, disassembling, and servicing your John Deere 316, 318, and 420 Lawn and Garden Tractors.

The manual contains detailed specifications, diagrams, and real-life photo illustrations to guide you through each process. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

**General Information**

* Safety procedures
* General specifications
* Repair specifications
* Test and adjustment specifications
* Fuels and lubricants
* Serial number location

**Engine Repair**

* Engine maintenance and repair

**Electrical Repair**

* Front PTO clutch

**Power Train Repair**

* Transmission
* Transmission control linkage
* Differential
* Rear axles
* Drive shaft

**Steering and Brake Repair**

* Steering (316, 318, and 420 models)
* Brakes

**Hydraulic Repair**

* Hydraulic control valve

**Miscellaneous Repair**

* Front axle
* Mower spindle and jack sheave repair
* Mower gear case repair

**Engine, Fuel, and Air System Checkout and Diagnosis**

* Engine, fuel, and air system checkout
* Diagnosis, tests, and adjustments

**Electrical Checkout, Operation, and Diagnosis**

* Electrical system checkout
* Electrical schematics
* Component location and operation
* Electrical system diagnosis
* Electrical system component tests and adjustments

**Power Train Checkout, Operation, and Diagnosis**

* Power train checkout
* Theory of operation
* Diagnosis, tests and adjustments

**Steering and Brakes Checkout, Operation, and Diagnosis**

* Steering and brakes system checkout
* Theory of operation
* Diagnosis, tests, and adjustments

**Hydraulic System Checkout, Operation, and Diagnosis**

* Hydraulic system checkout
* Hydraulic schematics
* Theory of operation
* Diagnosis, tests, and adjustments

**Dealer Fabricated Tools**

* Dealer fabricated tools

**Index**

This manual is designed to be your go-to resource for all your John Deere 316, 318, and 420 lawn and garden tractor repair needs, providing the knowledge and guidance you need to successfully service and maintain your equipment.

## The John Deere 316, 318, and 420: A Legacy of Power and Durability

The John Deere 316, 318, and 420 lawn and garden tractors represent a golden era of backyard workhorses. These models, produced from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, were known for their robust construction, powerful engines, and a wide array of attachments that transformed them from simple mowing machines into versatile tools for any yard task. The 316, powered by a 16-horsepower Kohler engine, was the entry point, while the 318, boasting a 18-horsepower Onan engine, offered increased power and the ability to handle heavier loads. The pinnacle of the line, the 420, featured a 20-horsepower Onan engine and a hydraulic lift system, creating a true powerhouse for demanding applications. These tractors were renowned for their reliability and durability, often becoming family heirlooms passed down through generations.

The John Deere 316, 318, and 420 were more than just mowers; they were platforms for a wide range of attachments, including snow blowers, tillers, front-end loaders, and even landscaping implements. This versatility ensured their continued usefulness year-round, making them a valuable investment for homeowners. The unique design of their cast-iron front axles provided exceptional strength and durability, ensuring they could handle the demands of diverse tasks. Their intuitive controls and user-friendly design made them a joy to operate, while their robust construction promised decades of reliable service. Even today, these iconic tractors are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their timeless design and enduring capabilities.