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What would you choose/is the better buy?

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
eddyyy302 said:
The tires were definately better, the 420 is heavier, but I firmly believe that the difference is in torque. See the 420 is a brute, powerful machine, but the hydro puts power to the ground in a way that can't be "feathered". With the foot pedal on the 345, it is very simple to alter how much torque is applied to the rear tires. To compare the 345 to a newer LX machine in the same manner, if I am not careful with the LX and the foot pedal I will get stuck in the same spots, same tires, little less weight, not as powerful transmission. You can truly feel the power and ability the the 345 has.


Dan
Click to expand...

Good explanation Dan. I get it:thThumbsU
 
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#22 ·
I use my 345 to plow and throw snow. I love it and when I'm in the yard in deep snow making pottie paths for the dog I am careful to make sure I clean out under myself so I don't get stuck. Its up and down some small hills. Otherwise, I have never had a real problem on pavement. I bet the diff lock is nice but I'm ok without it. I have turfs, chains, wheel weights, 4 suitcase weights on back and I'm 210 lbs.

I like #2 but for a much more reasonable price!

Good luck!:thThumbsU
 
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#23 ·
My used 2005 GX345 is a beast to say the least. I bought mine used in PA in May for slightly more than $3200. Mine only had 400hrs on it, and was in better condition. Engine compartment was showroom clean, and the paint only had some minor scratches in it. The GX345 that you are looking at is in worse condition than mine was when you bought it....much worse. Even at $3200 I think it is too much. Especially with that old deck on it. My 2005 came with a 48c mulching deck on it, like the one on tractor #2. If he was asking $2600-$2800 for the GX then I would consider it. Tractor 2 seems like the better buy here.

PS: I absolutely LOVE my diff lock. I have some steep hills in my hard and use the diff lock every time I mow.

Here is my thread and pictures of my machine when I got it.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=115640
 
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#25 ·
OK, here is my view.

#1 has been neglected by leaving it outside too long. Also, it has a deck from an older model tractor. I can tell because of the metal guards. I would look for something else unless the price comes way down.

#2 is ok, but the price is still too high for it's age. That deck did not come with that machine when new.

I would say keep looking unless they come down on their prices!
 
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#27 ·
Well, maybe I'm wrong, but I thought a 2001 345 had metal guards, not plastic like that one has. I've been wrong before.
 
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#29 ·
I have had both tractors last April I sold my 2000-345 with 2160 hours to a neighbor for $2500 and he is loving it. Some of you have said he paid to much but other than the hours on it was in excellent condition. I take very good care of mine. In May I bought a 2005 GX 345 with 119 hours on it, it had been in storage for 3 years, IMO the #2 tractor is the one I would buy. IMO if one doesn't take care of the outside of it do you think they take care of the inside of things, engine oil, hydro oil, filters. The diff lock on mine now I use very little maybe because for 10years I didn't have it.
 
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Discussion starter · #30 ·
I have been searching like crazy...Tractor house has lots of 345's listed! None are a better deal than that 2001 345 with 20HP and less than 400 hours for $3350 that I found. Are these tractors just holding their value? I plan on going back to the dealer today to see if I can get him any lower but looking at what is out there now, he seems priced right...no? Am I missing something???
 
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Discussion starter · #31 ·
UPDATE:

Talked to the dealer and really pressed him on the price for the 2001 345 with 400 hours. How does $2950 sound? :trink40:

I thought that was fair so I went to pick it up.:greendr: When I got there I checked the fluid that was under the engine and it was OIL! :fing20:I started the engine to see if I could find the leak. I found out that it was leaking from a device that is between the 2 valve covers at the front of the engine. Not sure what that is...Then it started to smoke out the exhaust pipe...a lot!:Stop: I checked the oil and it was over max full by 3/4 of an inch! :banghead3

Needless to say, I left without the machine! They said they would check it next week.

If you put too much oil in these engines, will it cause the leak and cause it to smoke or is there another problem?

Time to start looking again :Disgus:
 
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#32 ·
I would agree with the guys who said neither...wait for another good deal to come along. They pop up from timte to time and you just have to be patient. Neither of these deals are a slam dunk, so if you are patient something much better will come along! :fing32:

Edit: I posted this just after you posted your bad experience with the oil leak on #2! Sorry it went that way, but glad you didn't buy and find it later! Be patient...you will get a honey!
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
Can you add the diff lock feature from a GX345 to a 345 without changing the whole tranny?
 
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farmer69
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