John Deere 345

[Rustyoldjunk]

I hauled this JD 345 home a few weeks ago. My father in law has had it for years.
Over the last few years he has quit using it because of deck issues.
He told my wife on the phone one day to have me come and get it.
He bought it from a local Deere dealer.
The salesman showing it to him busted the hood trying to open it.
Then it got busted more in use and he threw it away.
The tractor does run and drive nice.
The power steering and foot controlled hydro make it nice to use. Hydro lift is nice on it too.
The water cooled kawasaki is plenty strong.
I fixed an issue with the lift. One of the brackets that the lift shaft is suppose to move up and down had come loose.
Then fixed an idler on the deck and have another idler on the deck to fix.
I would like to find a hood for it but I'm not sure that I would like to pay for one. They are not cheap.
It's in a shed now waiting for me to get to the next idler pulley for the deck.

 

[olcowhand]

After years of working on riders and GT's, I can honestly say John Deere plastics are definitely the worst plastics of any make. And talk about expensive hoods!!!

 

[Rustyoldjunk]

I agree Daniel. I really don't understand why (as far as the manufactures are concerned) that plastic is the best idea.
I'm sure its cheaper but it doesn't do anything for their reputations with all the riders and GTs running around with busted up or no hoods. Guess once they are sold it doesn't concern the manufacturers.

 

[Cvans]

Our 3 year old Simplicity still has a steel hood and fenders. I think JD took the dive before most others. It's not just their GT's either.

 

[KennyP]

Nice score! I need a hood for a 265, like you not ready to shell out the coin.