The funny thing is that the comparable Simplicity it competed with, the 7117, used the same exact KT17 with great success. It also came with a limited slip differential, whereas the Deere did not. Which is also ironic, since Deere did offer more in the way of rear attachments.. that could take advantage of such a differential. Having plowed snow with both, the Simplicity was hands down the better machine, for that at least. Excellent video. 👍🏻
The John Deere 317 was the worst tractor they they ever made they need to destroy all of them or re-power with a new engine because the engines are crap
For those of you not old enough to have owned a 317 when they were new like me (I own four presently), my purchased new second year 317 STILL HAS the original Series I unpressurised Kohler KT17 engine. I have removed the heads twice and adjusted the valves once, countless points, and one coil, choke cables, throttle cables, fuel pump, and a million gas caps. I have worked the hell out of this tractor since new. It has a loader sometimes, a double extension tiller that gets used each year a few times. I live on the same 5 acres and the original 48 inch deck has a million miles on it. This issue with the Series I engine was off camber mowing/working if a little low on oil (I blew up my second purchased used 317 Series I this way helping a friend on his property). My land is mostly flat so the splash oil system works just fine. I live in the south west so it is straight 40 weight in the summer and 30W in the winter. No smoke (I do run Marvels through a couple of tanks a year) and excellent compression. So, the Series I stories are crap. The issue was the Highway department purchased a bunch of 317s when the first came out and blew up a bunch of Series I motors. Before JD could get a handle on the situation more 317 Series I motors were blowing up. They panicked and put in the Onan (great motor). By the time the Series II came out the 317 had a bad rap. So get yourself a 317 cheap and never run a Series I low (even a little low) on oil and keep on flat(ish) ground, or get a Series II, or do as I did and purchase the Briggs Van Guard conversion and have a great tractor with any of the motors just don't run a Series I off camber or low on oil.
I just picked up a 317 from and auction that has the Onan P218 engine like later 318's. From what I've read John Deere replaced some of the kt17's with the P218
The funny thing is that the comparable Simplicity it competed with, the 7117, used the same exact KT17 with great success. It also came with a limited slip differential, whereas the Deere did not. Which is also ironic, since Deere did offer more in the way of rear attachments.. that could take advantage of such a differential. Having plowed snow with both, the Simplicity was hands down the better machine, for that at least.
Excellent video. 👍🏻
The John Deere 317 was the worst tractor they they ever made they need to destroy all of them or re-power with a new engine because the engines are crap
I have a series 1, it still runs
For those of you not old enough to have owned a 317 when they were new like me (I own four presently), my purchased new second year 317 STILL HAS the original Series I unpressurised Kohler KT17 engine. I have removed the heads twice and adjusted the valves once, countless points, and one coil, choke cables, throttle cables, fuel pump, and a million gas caps. I have worked the hell out of this tractor since new. It has a loader sometimes, a double extension tiller that gets used each year a few times. I live on the same 5 acres and the original 48 inch deck has a million miles on it. This issue with the Series I engine was off camber mowing/working if a little low on oil (I blew up my second purchased used 317 Series I this way helping a friend on his property). My land is mostly flat so the splash oil system works just fine. I live in the south west so it is straight 40 weight in the summer and 30W in the winter. No smoke (I do run Marvels through a couple of tanks a year) and excellent compression. So, the Series I stories are crap. The issue was the Highway department purchased a bunch of 317s when the first came out and blew up a bunch of Series I motors. Before JD could get a handle on the situation more 317 Series I motors were blowing up. They panicked and put in the Onan (great motor). By the time the Series II came out the 317 had a bad rap. So get yourself a 317 cheap and never run a Series I low (even a little low) on oil and keep on flat(ish) ground, or get a Series II, or do as I did and purchase the Briggs Van Guard conversion and have a great tractor with any of the motors just don't run a Series I off camber or low on oil.
this is the first time I've seen a 317 with power steering!
@@dislodgegarage9849 this one doesn’t have power steering its got s remote oil filter tho
I just picked up a 317 from and auction that has the Onan P218 engine like later 318's. From what I've read John Deere replaced some of the kt17's with the P218
How do I get to oil drain plug
@@nealglasscock7920 should be on the bottom of the block or side. 5/8th socket I believe
🤠317 what a power house
I have a repowered 317 with a 23hp Honda engine.
What Honda engine did you use and wat modifications did the tractor need to make it fit?
i have a john deere 300 series tractor what would make my engine shake alot
The K series were known to shake. I’d say it’s just normal my 312 and 316 both shake.
My 314 is the same rattle trap
Was there ever/is there a simple electronic ignition conversion for the Kohler KT317 engine as I would like to have that if available?
Not that im aware of, you would have to go to a magnum series engine for that. The KT17’s were all battery ignition
Just got one #317😊
Cool
If you were lucky, you got one with the Onan repower to replace the disaster kt17 series 1.
No mines a series 2 KT17