Introduction
John Deere 317 Garden Tractor
The John Deere 317 is a garden tractor produced between 1979 and 1983 in Horicon, Wisconsin. Designed for residential and light agricultural property maintenance, this model is recognized for its compact dimensions and mechanical versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 17 hp (12.7 kW) air-cooled, horizontal-shaft engine with a displacement of 691 cc. Early production units experienced lubrication issues in the connecting rod journals during hillside operation. These were addressed in 1982 with the introduction of the KT17 Series II engine, and field retro-fit kits for the Onan P218G engine were also made available to improve long-term reliability.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The machine utilizes a shaft-driven Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 hydrostatic transmission. It provides infinite forward and reverse gears, allowing for smooth speed control without manual shifting. The system requires JD All-Weather Hydrostatic Fluid, with a capacity of 4.7 liters.
Operational Features
The tractor features two-wheel drive with manual steering and differential mechanical shoe brakes. It is equipped with an independent front PTO engaged by an electric clutch, which facilitates the use of various attachments such as 38 or 46-inch mower decks. The operator station is of the open type.
Physical Specifications
With a wheelbase of 46 inches (116 cm) and an overall length of 69 inches (175 cm), the tractor weighs approximately 700 lbs (317 kg). It is compatible with multiple tire configurations, including agricultural and lawn/turf options, to adapt to different soil conditions and terrain types.
Conclusion
The John Deere 317 remains a significant model in the garden tractor segment. While early engine durability concerns necessitated technical updates, the platform's hydrostatic transmission and attachment versatility make it a functional machine for property management and light-duty landscaping tasks.
Production Information of John Deere, 317
- Lubrication problems with the original Kohler engine gave the John Deere 317 a reputation as a poor tractor. Deere offered a retro-fit kit to mount the Onan P218G engine and, later, Kohler provided an improved KT17 Series II engine.
- Garden tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 317
| Wheelbase | 46 inches [116 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 700 lbs [317 kg] |
| Height | 44 inches [111 cm] |
| Length | 69 inches [175 cm] |
| Width | 42.5 inches [107 cm] |
| Ag front | 4.80x4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Ag rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 317
- The early versions of the suffered from poor lubrication of the connecting rod journals when operated on hill sides. An improved KT17 Series II engine was used starting at engine specification number 24300 in 1982.
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
| Bore/Stroke | 3.125x2.750 inches [79 x 70 mm] |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 1.5 qts [1.4 L] |
| Power (gross) | 17 hp [12.7 kW] |
| Displacement | 691 cc [42.18 ci] |
| Oil change | 25 h |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 317
Transmission variants 1
| Oil change | 50 h (filter) |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 |
| Oil type | JD All-Weather Hydrostatic Fluid |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Type(optional) | 500 h (oil) |
| Type(optional) | JD All-Weather Hydrostatic Fluid |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 317
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Differential mechanical shoe brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 317
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Electrical System of John Deere, 317
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 17 HP, the John Deere 317 sits between 316 (16 HP) and 318 (18 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 96th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 317 have?
The John Deere 317 delivers 17 HP.
What years was the John Deere 317 produced?
The John Deere 317 was produced in 1979-1983.
What transmission does the John Deere 317 use?
The John Deere 317 uses a Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 transmission.
How much does the John Deere 317 weigh?
The John Deere 317 weighs 700 lbs [317 kg].
Is the John Deere 317 4WD?
The John Deere 317 is available in 2WD.