Found a John Deere 330 Diesel for $1500 -- Good Deal?

Jim Dandy Outlaw · Sep 14, 2008

Neighbor has a 330 John Deere Garden Tractor with the mower deck (not sure of size-- looks like a 44" or 48") and the Yanmar diesel engine. It"s hydrostat, and it"s in really good shape. The seat has some cracks, but other than that, it"s very nice.

He just put a new belt on it from the clutch to the deck and agreed to put a new deck blade belt on it if I bought it. His price? $1500.

I"m not sure of the hours or anything since there"s no meter, but the only smoke I"ve ever seen come out of it is black smoke. All of the idiot lights still work, including the glow plug light.

I"m going to mow my 3 acres with it this weekend and see how I like it. We"re really good friends, and he agreed to hold it until then.

It doesn"t have any blow-by, but I haven"t checked the antifreeze yet. I"ll make sure I do before I close the deal.

Did I find a good deal or not? Anything about these 330"s that I need to be on the look-out for?

Thanks!

Jim Dandy Outlaw

Jim Broughton · Sep 14, 2008

Jim : Sounds like a good deal to me....those Yanmar engines are tough !! See if he has any other attachments to go with the tractor, there was a blade, tiller and cart for them as well. I'm assuming the one you are looking at has hydraulics ! (Most of them do, but every once in awhile you come across one without!)
Good luck on 'er !
Jim B. in Oregon

Jim Dandy Outlaw · Sep 14, 2008

There's no other attachments other than the mower deck. We live in West Tennessee, so there's not alot of snow to blade in the winter or anything like that. That being said, the little Deere is rust-free as well.

I'm pretty sure that the mower has hydraulic outlets in the front. I think I saw them when he first brought the tractor home. I haven't paid alot of attention to to the rear. I know that it doesn't have the sleeve hitch that I've seen on some of them in pictures.

If I buy the 330, it'll just be a mowing machine. I've got a Ford 801 Powermaster to do all of my tilling, blading, and bushhogging with.

By the way, does anyone know what years these were made? I'm trying to get an idea of what year this 330 is.

Thanks again!

Jim Dandy Outlaw

Bob · Sep 14, 2008

The 330 was made in 1986 and 1987.

The 332 came out in 1988.

330 = 16HP Yanmar diesel

332 = 16HP Yanmar diesel

Jim Dandy Outlaw · Sep 14, 2008

Thanks for the info, Bob.

I was looking at some videos on YouTube of a 332. Is the 332 built essentially the same way as the 330 (i.e. C-Channel frame, etc.)? The 332 looked to be very well built.

Also, is a slight "whining" noise normal for the hydrostat rear end when climbing a grade and what-not?

I just want to make sure that I make a wise purchase. I have always bled blue (Ford/NH Tractors) and have never had any experience or know-about with these green machines.

Thanks again ya'll!

Jim Dandy Outlaw

Traditional Farmer · Sep 15, 2008

Its a deal I've seen them sell $2500+

JT · Sep 15, 2008

The only drawback to a 330 is the engine is kinda heavy, tractor has no power steering, so can be a bear to steer in tight quarters.
Jim

Mike M · Sep 15, 2008

It will have power steering and it should have an hourmeter when new. someone could of taken it off ? Open up the hood I think it is up on the left hand side bolted to some sheetmetal.
Unless it is back on the RH side panel ? where a 318 is. It should be there.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 17, 2008

There should be a hour meter under the hood on front left side next to battery. Mine has 2400 hours on it.

Found a John Deere 330 Diesel for $1500 -- Good Deal?

Jim Dandy Outlaw

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