The GX series (2003-2005, I believe) had the option of the differential lock. Besides that and maybe some minor other differences, I believe it was just a continuation of the 345.

 

I believe the 345 has the plastic cam. Not sure if all model years for GX345 have the metal cam.

 

The early 345's had a 18hp Kawa, and I think in 99 they started putting in a 20hp Kawa. So maybe that's when they went from plastic to metal cam. I'm not aware of any big changes when they went to the GX series, but I do know the 2004-2005 models came with the diff. lock and bigger rear tires, 24x12x12.

 

All the 18hp motors came from the factory with the plastic cam and all 20hp motors came with the steel cam. The 20hp motor also added the TDM. I forgot about the 2004 and 2005 models also having the larger rear tires. Last 2 years had diff lock and bigger rear tires which was the only significant change in the 11 year run.

I could also add that 1995-1999 I believe had the classic landing deere emblem where the 2000-2005 had the new leaping deere emblem.

 

They are pretty much the exact same tractor. The 345 was made from 1995-2001, the GX345 was made from 2002-2005.

The 18hp motor was used from 1995-1998. So the last 3 years of the 345 had the 20hp motor. In 2002 which was the first year of the GX345 they added a cup holder on the right side fender. So the only actual difference was the cup holder in the 345 and GX345. It wasn't until 2004 and 2005 that they added the diff lock.

Not sure what year they changed the transaxle. Maybe it was 1999? Early models had the K70 while later models had the K71. Although I have heard of 1999 models still having the K70?

 

Minor difference between 345 and GX— most attachments are interchangeable between two. It was basically a bunch of minor changes( improvements) leading to x500 series and where we are today- as other have said Transmission improved, cup holder was added, diff lock was on later GX models and tires size increased, I believe GX 345 introduced separate choke /throttle levels, width was wider for added stability

A GX345 basically looks like a modern tractor

 

My 99' 345 with the 20 Hp Kawa also has the seperate choke/ throttle levers.

 

They are really good tractors and in my opinion and end of a era. When i bought my GT235, I couldn't stop looking at the GX lineup. Just couldn't afford it back then. We could barely afford the GT to be honest at $4,600.00. If they still made them, i'd have a GX series garden tractor in the garage instead.

 

Depending on the serial number on the engine some 98's had the steel cam.Their a great tractor and go for a good price.

 

The tranny used in the GX is definitely an improved version.

 

How is that?

 

It's a 20hp, no diff lock, so I guess it's a '99-'01, I'll check the model number on Tractordata. It's also only got 400 some hours, but needs a hood and some other minor work

 

I've seen 99 with 18 hp engines and 99 with 20 hp,it was probably the transition model.

 

072719, so it's a 1999. do these things have issues with the valve covers leaking? this one appears to have a faucet like drip from the valve cover. Flat front tire, not sure the real issue, it has a tube. Otherwise, it appears to run well mechanically as far as I can tell.

 

Interesting to see how JD gradually improved the 345—evolving into GX345—and while some models aren’t much different if you look at big picture and take ( 1995) early 345 and compare them to late model GX345- there is a considerable difference - in HP- Transaxle- diff lock- choke cable- cup holder – tire size – wheelbase is lengthen ( added stability)

 

Actually, the late 345 is almost identical with the early GX other than the trans and drink holder and stickers on the hood :fing32:

 

donbowman14,

Yes the valve covers will eventually start leaking if the cover is plastic. It tends to become distorted from the heat over time.

Some guys have got away with just replacing the gasket while others have had to upgrade to a newer version valve cover made of aluminum.

If you do a search, there are several posts on this topic.

 

The early tractors are good solid units and really, you gain nothing noticeable from the seat between the 325,335,345 and the first gen GXs. It's only if you end up with multiples and want to keep the spares situation standardized that you should be worried about which ones to keep looking for. I have GXs so I basically ignore any of the others when they show up cheap.

One additional advantage the GXs DO have is that the GT225,235,245 have the same family of trans. I used a GT225 trans to repair a GX tranny that needed cases and the complete final drive gear set [ failed intermediate shaft ball brg ]. But there's plenty of dead earlier versions out there to keep them supplied with good used parts, too.

 

Hey guys, what was that problem about some tube overflow leaking on muffler causing a fire. I don't know the particulars but a good time to bring it up if you know.

 

Read this.http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/564010-345-fuel-pump-r-r.html

 

The LX178 FD440V (15hp) and LX188 FD501V (17hp) were both the same exact motor but the 17hp had a higher rev limit. Both motors were 437cc and both shared the same block as the FD590V and they all also had plastic cam gears from the factory but you never hear about people dogging on the LX178 or LX188 because they had a plastic cam gear.

Imagine if the LX188's last few years of production had a steel cam gear then everyone would be saying don't buy a early model LX188 with the plastic gear. :dunno:

 

I have one of each and love them both! 98 345 has the steel cam in it now and has just under 1000 hrs. GX345 has about 350 hrs.

They do all I could ever ask for. And yes, from all I've been told and read, the steel cam gear came from the factory starting with serial # 70,000.

 

-70,000 SN (1997 and older) don't have RIO.

The wheelbase did change to accept the wider f-to-r 54C mower decks. I think the front axle got bumped forward a bit. Not exactly sure.

 

I always forget about that stupid RIO. My 98 doesn't have it :woohoo1: ... I wonder if that started in 1999?

 

I think the consensus is pretty clear- if you take an 90’s 345 and compare it to 2004 GX 345- a bunch of little changes added up to considerable change

 

this has been and fun and informative thread, thanks guys for filling me in on all the info, facts and opinions. The 345/GX345 surely has been one of John Deere's premier and well respected tractors.

 

I am curious about the wheel base. I would like to get my 98 next to a GX and take some measurements. Tony, the consensus is pretty clear? Have you ever even been on a 345 and a GX345? If there was a 1995 345 and a 2003 GX345 side by side working in a field and all the decals, emblems... ect were removed I bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference in the two. The differences are far from considerable.

 

Other than different transmissions, different engines with steel Cam and more horsepower,( major difference not minor ) different economics , choke/ throttle levers. RIO, Wheelbase, tire size, Diff lock they are twins..LOL

 

Guys, please keep the personal insults out of the forum or the thread will be closed. Just keep it friendly. Thanks.

 

:dunno:

 

Subdivisionbigdog, that was not directed at you.

 

I didn't think so, just making sure. Thanks:fing32:

 

Wheelbase is measured from rear wheel axle to front wheel axle point. Tire size would make no difference.

 

I think the wheelbase change was to accommodate deck, all they did was slide front axle forward - which in theory should give you a smoother ride.( not sure if inch or two made any difference. Early 345's had K70 transaxle (which is rated for 23 inch tires)
The late model GX 345's was basically a completely different tractor from early model 345's- but I agree just looking at them from a distance they would look similar. Up close difference you would see is bigger tires , Diff lock, separate choke lever, cup holder,

 

Just for the record, the '01 pictured in my avatar has a cup holder and separate choke/ throttle controls.

I am struggling with even getting involved in this thread.

 

Oh, and another thing I thought of, and I think it was just the GX's, they came with the plastic tool box on the left fender, and cup holder with storage space on the right fender which I find very handy.