[Quads]

Greetings Fellow Tractor Heads-

New member chiming in from Michigan.
Thought I'd join the forum to get some information, tips, pointers, etc. after lurking for some time in doing a fair bit of research of a variety of tractors for my search.

We've got 4 acres, 2 of which is grass, and a good bit of driveway that will need plowing / throwing.

After much research, debate, hunting, test 'rides', etc. etc., and most importantly, not blowing the budget I set for myself, (hardest part of all) I ended up with a nicely used John Deere 445.

2001 JD 445
680 Hrs.
22HP Kawi Engine
60" Cutting Deck
47" Dual Stage Snow Thrower
Wheel Weights, Sunshade.
$5,500.00

So, what do you think? I pick it up Saturday.
Any tips, tricks, pointers, etc.?

I'll post follow up once I get'er home and tinker around with it for a few days.

 

[Herd of Deeres]

Based on the number of red tractors lined up there waiting for homes I'd say you did GREAT :fing32:

 

[velle01]

Nice looking Machine.

 

[Hugh-SS/16]

man that thing is mint! you always see them with hubcaps in the magazine ads, but they rarely keep them, espeically in that kinda shape

 

[rubadub]

Thats a really nice looking tractor.:fing32:

Rob

 

[Quads]

Thanks to all.
I'll post more picks, (semi-uneducated) review, etc. once I get it home and tinker with it for a few hours.

Any tips on the best place for chains? JD, CL, ebay, local stores? And will they be *required* with the snow thrower and read weights? I'm thinking yes but couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[KATT]

Based on the number of red tractors lined up there waiting for homes I'd say you did GREAT :fing32:

Poor thing:crybaby: It must have been terrified around all those "other" tractors.
Are there more parts to the mower deck ?? and wheel weights I would guess are out of the question, with those hub caps :Stop:

 

[MXZRXP]

wow that is one heavy duty snow thrower!!

makes mine look like its made of old soda cans compared to that one!

best of luck with it. :trink40:

 

[slkpk]

With the turf tires chains would be recommended. If you want to avoid the chains get a set of HDAP's or AG tires with weight for the rear end. Great looking unit. slkpk

 

[andyb]

With the turf tires chains would be recommended. If you want to avoid the chains get a set of HDAP's or AG tires with weight for the rear end. Great looking unit. slkpk

:ditto: With a blade I was usually fine without chains after I installed the Carlisle All Purpose tires.

 

[wolfie1959]

I can't imagine why anyone would trade in a nice machine like that! but their loss is your gain. take it out and have some fun! and when you do keep sending pics.

 

[apmonte]

I've had my 2001 445 for three seasons now, so I know that you'll love yours! I agree with the above posters on getting some HDAP tires for your 445. That would also be a good time to fill your tires. I put HDAP tires on this spring, so I haven't been through snow with them yet, but they've dramatically increased traction in the yard without tearing it up. Even without HDAP or chains, I haven't had too much problem plowing snow with my 4 way blade, but then I've also got wheel weights, loaded tires and six 42lb suitcase weights on the back.

 

[bvp2000]

I think the red tractors are the ones that's terrified (notice how THEY are all huddled together)....bet they will be happy that the bully is leaving!

 

[Quads]

@MXZRXP-
Yes, the thrower was one of the selling points to the tractor. Considering I was pondering either the blade at $1000 new, and the thrower at 3K new, this one came with it, and really made the sales price a deal (for me at least)

@slkpk-
Pardon the noob question, but what are HDAP tires? I'm assuming a different type of tire? A different tread? Cost?

@apmonte-
Thanks for the good words. When you say "fill the tires" are you meaning with water (mixture of something that won't freeze I'd also assume?) This tractor comes with suitcase weights, so for a year (season) I'll plan to use them, and if needed, then perhaps upgrade or change to the wheel weights.

My Father in Law has a 455 with a 60" deck and a blade, which is a fine machine, and he has wheel weights with his that he says he likes more than the suitcase weights. So we'll see. I'm willing to use either or, whichever is most functional.

Much thanks for the welcome, kind words, and again, sorry for the noob questions. I do appreciate everyone's input though! I'll keep you posted as my journey of ownership continues.

 

[Jere39]

Your tractor looks great, good luck with it. Just a couple points:

HDAP tires are a more agressive tread design manufactured by Carlisle and standard equip on many of the new x models. Andyb posted a picture above with HDAP tread, compare it with your pictures. When I traded my 445 that I ran with chains for the winter for an x728 with HDAP, I sold the chains on CL, didn't need them anymore.

If you have a paved and relatively level drive, I'd try blowing without chains, but with the weights, you should be fine.

I think wheel weights are more convenient, but the suitcase weights provide more counter-balance to the blower as they hang further back.

Good luck, enjoy, welcome

 

[Quads]

Gotcha. Thanks for the info. A little googling, and the replies here, I better understand now.

Looks like I can get chains (new) for about 75 bucks. So I may buy them to have 'just in case'.

Thanks again to all for the info and warm welcome.

 

[8086bruce]

Nice ride that thing is super clean! I think you made a great deal there with the snowblower!:trink40:

 

[ColonyPark]

Ya dun good! And I have to say, I love the hubcaps, keep them always!:fing32:

 

[PA318Guy]

HDAP = Heavy Duty All Purpose

Filling tires with windsheild washer fluid, eco friendly antifreeze, or a product called Rimguard (which I'd be suprised if that dealer couldn't do for you seeing the amount of tractors "huddled" together). Rimguard claims about 1/3rd more weight than water, is made from Beet Juice, so is enviro-friendly and non-toxic.

Last year used chains and Ags with wheel weights, this year adding 4 suitcase weights and loaded tires to hopefully get rid of the chains.

Welcome to the forum!!!

 

[NEWT92]

@MXZRXP-

@slkpk-
Pardon the noob question, but what are HDAP tires? I'm assuming a different type of tire? A different tread?

^^ The tires in Andyb's post.

Welcome and great find!!! Looks like it was taken care of.. :thThumbsU