John Deere
John Deere 318G
The John Deere 318G is a small-frame vertical-lift wheeled skid steer in Deere's G-Series. Powered by a Yanmar diesel, it's a popular choice for landscapers and rental fleets valuing Deere's dealer support and simple, durable design.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Owners love the simplicity and durability of the G-Series — the Yanmar engine and straightforward hydraulics have a strong reputation for racking up hours without drama.
- ✓John Deere's dealer and financing network is massive, and ag-and-construction customers value being able to service the machine at the same dealer as their tractors.
- ✓The vertical lift path gives good dump height for a small frame, so operators can load trucks and stack pallets that radial machines struggle with.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package is easy to clean out, and operators in dusty or debris-heavy work specifically praise how it resists overheating.
- ✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and the optional sealed-and-pressurized cab keeps dust down for all-day comfort.
- ✓Deere's EH (electro-hydraulic) controls with adjustable response let operators dial in sensitivity, which newer operators find helps them run it smoothly.
- ✓Resale value on Deere skid steers is strong, and the green paint carries brand loyalty that helps at trade-in time.
- ✓The 318G's balance of size and capacity hits a sweet spot for residential landscaping where a bigger machine would be overkill.
Cons
- ✗At 1,945 lb capacity it's firmly a small-frame machine, and contractors doing heavier work often wish they'd stepped up to the 324G or 330G.
- ✗Deere parts pricing is on the higher side, and some owners feel dealer labor rates have crept up over the years.
- ✗The Yanmar engine, while reliable, uses a DPF that some operators find finicky with regen cycles during light-duty idling.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is modest, so demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, adding cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls have a learning curve and initially feel less direct than pilot or mechanical controls.
- ✗The small frame limits stability with heavy pallets at full reach, so operators must respect the load chart.
- ✗Attachment availability is good but the Deere-specific coupler options can add complications versus universal setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Kubota and New Holland often undercut it on sticker.
Compare the John Deere 318G
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