John Deere 318 P-Tier Skid Steer

A compact vertical-lift skid steer for loading, pallet work, and everyday versatility

The John Deere 318 P-Tier is a compact skid steer built for operators who want a machine that stays manageable in size while offering more lift performance than an entry-level loader. On Deere’s Canadian product page, the 318 P-Tier is listed with 65 gross hp, 61 net hp, a rated operating capacity of 1,945 lb., and an operating weight of 6,542 lb.  

That positioning makes it a practical option for buyers who want a skid steer for pallet handling, material movement, feed work, cleanup, and attachment use without stepping into a much larger and heavier machine class. Deere also lists the 318 P-Tier with vertical lift geometry, which is important because it gives this model a different working profile than the radial-lift 316 P-Tier.  

John Deere 318 P-Tier key specifications

If you are comparing skid steers in this compact size range, these are the main published specifications for the 318 P-Tier.

Engine and driveline

The 318 P-Tier uses a Yanmar 4TNV86CHT turbocharged engine with 2.1 L displacement, 45.6 kW (61 hp) net power, and 48.5 kW (65 hp) gross power. Deere also lists maximum gross torque at 207 Nm (153 lb.-ft.) and a standard tire size of 10 x 16.5.  

Performance and capacity

John Deere publishes a rated operating capacity of 883 kg (1,945 lb.) and a tipping load of 1,766 kg (3,890 lb.) for the 318 P-Tier. Maximum travel speed is listed at 11.1 km/h (6.9 mph), with breakout force of 23 kN (5,250 lbf) at the liftand 27 kN (6,000 lbf) at the bucket.  

Hydraulics and fuel

Deere lists hydraulic power at 25 kW (33 hp), pump output at 63 L/min (17 US gpm), system pressure at 238 bar (3,450 psi), and a fuel tank capacity of 71 L (19 US gal.).  

Size and machine layout

The 318 P-Tier has vertical lift geometry and an operating weight of 2,970 kg (6,542 lb.). That combination gives it a useful middle ground for buyers who want a compact skid steer but also want better lift behaviour for loading and handling work.  

Where the 318 P-Tier fits best

The 318 P-Tier makes sense for operators who want a compact John Deere skid steer with more emphasis on lifting and loading performance than the smaller radial-lift 316 P-Tier. Deere’s lineup structure strongly suggests that difference: the 316 P-Tier is radial lift, while the 318 P-Tier uses vertical lift.  

Farm and acreage use

For farms and acreages, the 318 P-Tier can be a strong match for feed handling, pallet work, bedding, manure cleanup, moving bulk material, and general yard jobs. Its rated operating capacity gives it a bit more headroom than a smaller compact unit, while its size still suits tighter spaces better than many larger skid steers. This kind of balance is often attractive for mixed farms and properties where one machine needs to cover many jobs.

Material handling and forks work

Because it uses vertical lift, the 318 P-Tier is especially interesting for operators who expect frequent use with forks, palletized materials, or repeated loading tasks. Vertical-lift machines are commonly chosen when buyers want more lift path efficiency and better performance as the boom rises. That makes the 318 P-Tier a more natural candidate for loading-related jobs than a similar-size radial-lift model. This is an inference based on Deere’s stated lift geometry and the typical use case of vertical-lift skid steers.  

Property maintenance and snow work

The machine’s compact size still keeps it relevant for property maintenance, snow removal, cleanup work, and general commercial or acreage use. Deere also notes that operating weights in this group support lightweight trailer transport behind a standard pickup truck, and it highlights a two-speed power train option on the 316 P-Tier and 318 P-Tier with travel speeds up to 16.3 km/h (10.1 mph).  

Cab comfort and controls

John Deere places clear emphasis on operator comfort in the P-Tier skid steer lineup. On the 318 P-Tier page, Deere says the machine has 25 percent more cab volume than the E-Series, along with a sealed and pressurized cab designed to reduce outside noise and keep dust out. Deere also mentions an optional air-ride heated seat, optional Bluetooth radio, and optional ISO-H switchable controls with the electrohydraulic Joystick Performance Package.  

These details matter more than they first appear on paper. Buyers comparing skid steers often focus on horsepower and lift capacity, but long-term satisfaction often comes down to visibility, control feel, comfort during long shifts, and how manageable the machine feels in cold or dusty conditions. That is where owner impressions can add real value beyond the official numbers.

Attachment flexibility

The 318 P-Tier is meant to be used as more than just a bucket machine. Deere says the lineup supports over 100 attachments in the John Deere portfolio, and the product page shows the 318 P-Tier equipped with a rock grapple, alongside other examples such as bale spears and pallet forks on related P-Tier machines. Deere also highlights an optional electrically actuated Quik-Tatch system that can reduce the need to exit and re-enter the cab during some attachment changes.  

For Aglist, this is one of the biggest strengths of the 318 P-Tier. The real value of a skid steer often comes from how well it handles the attachments an owner actually uses every week. That makes this model a strong candidate for building out future review content around forks, grapples, snow tools, buckets, and farm-use attachments.

Owner feedback and real-world appeal

On spec alone, the 318 P-Tier stands out as a compact vertical-lift skid steer with a useful bump in rated operating capacity over the 316 P-Tier while keeping the same engine output. Deere lists the 318 at 1,945 lb. rated operating capacity, compared with 1,750 lb. on the 316 P-Tier, and also gives it a heavier operating weight.  

In real use, that means buyers are likely to compare the 318 P-Tier not just on published numbers, but on practical questions such as:

Does it feel more stable with forks?
Is it the better choice for frequent loading work?
How comfortable is the cab during full-day operation?
How well does it balance compact size with lift performance?
Is it the right step up before moving into a significantly larger loader?

Those are exactly the kinds of questions where buyer impressions and field reports become useful. For Aglist, that gives the 318 P-Tier strong long-term value as a model page that can grow through owner feedback and real-world ratings.

Is the John Deere 318 P-Tier a good fit?

The 318 P-Tier is a strong fit for buyers who want a compact John Deere skid steer with:

a vertical-lift design,
more loading-oriented performance,
better pallet and material-handling potential than a smaller radial-lift machine,
solid attachment flexibility,
and a size that still works well on farms, acreages, snow routes, and mixed-use properties.  

It may be less ideal for operators who need substantially more horsepower, much higher lift capacity, or a larger-frame machine for more demanding production environments. In Deere’s broader P-Tier lineup, those buyers may end up looking higher up the range.

Final thoughts

The John Deere 318 P-Tier is one of the more interesting compact skid steer options in Deere’s lineup because it combines manageable size with vertical lift, 61 net hp, and a 1,945 lb. rated operating capacity. It sits in a useful position for buyers who want more loading and handling capability than an entry-level compact machine, but who do not necessarily want to jump straight into a much larger loader.  

For Aglist, this model is especially valuable because it gives users something meaningful to compare. It is not just another skid steer with slightly different numbers. Its lift geometry, rated capacity, and compact size make it a distinct option within the P-Tier family, and that creates room for stronger reviews, comparisons, and owner-focused insights over time.

FAQ

What engine is in the John Deere 318 P-Tier?

The 318 P-Tier uses a Yanmar 4TNV86CHT turbocharged engine with 45.6 kW (61 hp) net power and 48.5 kW (65 hp) gross power.  

What is the rated operating capacity of the John Deere 318 P-Tier?

John Deere lists the 318 P-Tier with a rated operating capacity of 883 kg (1,945 lb.).  

Is the John Deere 318 P-Tier radial lift or vertical lift?

The 318 P-Tier is a vertical-lift skid steer.  

How much does the John Deere 318 P-Tier weigh?

Its published operating weight is 2,970 kg (6,542 lb.).  

Does the John Deere 318 P-Tier support many attachments?

Yes. Deere says its skid steer and compact track loader lineup can use over 100 attachments, and the 318 P-Tier page specifically shows the model with a rock grapple.  

Kubota John Deere 318 P-Tier Reviews & Ratings