[bartojc]

Been mowing my 2/3 - 3/4 acre lot with an STX38 for 19 years. Lately been thinking it might be nice to upgrade a little. Eyed an x310 a few times at the dealer. Mostly wanted it for power steering and lift. Decided after seeing the price tag to watch used adds for a good buy on something that would work for me.

After watching off and on for a year or so I came upon a 1999 345 that was local. Has the 48c deck and looks brand new. Everything checks out and it is spotless and runs as it should. It does have 1000 hours, but the way this guys place looked he takes really good care of every thing and is the original owner. Got it for $1900 and around here that seems like a fair deal. It's many times more tractor than I "need", but it's also way cheaper than a new X310.

Having a little buyers remorse and I feel bad for the old rig, but can't wait to get the new one home and mow. Like I said it's more than I need, but I'm already looking for a used blower.

Did a lot of research here and elsewhere so I feel like I know a decent amount about this tractor. Is there anything specifically to check out before I start using it regularly ? Kinda late I know since I already own it. The owner claims its been fluid changes by the book for him, a couple belts, and one voltage regulator. That's all the repairs he's needed. Hopefully it'll be relatively trouble free for me as well. Just normal wear and tear for a 16 year old tractor.

-Jeff

 

[jdurnya]

I would change all the plugs, fluids, filters, and belts anyway... clean the engine and trans well so it doesn't overheat the more time you spend puttering with it will allow you to examine the machine closer and hopefully notice anything out of the norm..

good luck !!

 

[TJR345]

Look for any 42" thrower,ones off 240,245 265,285,320,325,335,345,and 355D you'll need the front lift kit and the attaching parts kit BM19216 unless it came off of 325-355D.

 

[rayjay]

Make sure the fuel pump has been replaced with the newer issue that has a drain hose off the bottom. Search Bbqed GX345 for more info and pics.

These are awesome tractors. I have 3 GX345's in varying states of refurb

 

[bartojc]

Thanks for the info on the fuel pump. I had read about it previously, but thought it was only the 18hp models. I'll check mine for sure though.

I plan to change all fluids and filters to get a fresh start as well.

Jeff

 

[rayjay]

Any of the water cooled motors with the mechanical fuel pump could have the old style fuel pump. Best to look at it and be sure.

 

[rtintwo]

Another thing to do is to use an air compressor and blow out the radiator cooling fins. Also take a look at the transmission for any build up. They will slowly leak and build up a layer of dirt on them and no oil will drip.

 

[Dave Shaver]

Congrats on joining the 345/GX345 club! They are just great rides! I was on my GX tonight mowing and loving it, although all this rain is making it just a little old....... :fing20:

 

[bartojc]

Thanks for all the great information. Got it home today and got the deck on just before dark. Cannot believe how clean thing is. I took it down the yard and back twice and it is way dirtier than when I picked it up. He must have washed it after each use.

A little getting to know it tomorrow night then I put it to work.

Jeff

 

[rabbitking61]

Congratulations on the 345. Back in'99, I looked at the 345 for consideration but decided to go with the 445. I am sure it will do a great job for you.

 

[cablenewsguy]

Make sure you find a thrower before the winter premium kicks in and if you get one make sure to do the rubber impeller extensions. https://youtu.be/co3BdzNbM8o

 

[javjacob]

You will love the 345! Have any pics of it?

 

[bartojc]

The attached photo is the only one I have right now.

-Jeff

 

[mikgran]

The attached photo is the only one I have right now.

-Jeff

Nice looking tractor. I think you got a very fair deal.

I've owned my '01 for a year and a half. Have put app. 80 hrs. on it. Now at 618 hrs.

The power steering and power lift has made mowing my two acres much faster and more enjoyable. Had an X300 for three years before buying the 345. It was a nice little LT, but not in the same league as the 345.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised with was the performance of the 42" SS snowblower. I had been using a large Ariens walkbehind for a long time and was afraid that this would be a step backward. But once I got used to it the SS could take care of even the deepest snow.:fing32:

 

[ricky racer]

When did John Deere go away from the plastic cam gear? Is 1999 after the change?

 

[Dave Shaver]

Yes, my 1998 was the last year. Its been changed out on mine. :thThumbsU

 

[bartojc]

99 is supposedly after the change. SN past 70000, and the 20HP version.

Mine checked out as it is 72xxx and 20HP. Unless of course someone can confirm that I have bad information

I probably would not have bought it needing to do the cam gear, unless the owner could prove it had been done.

-J

 

[javjacob]

Yes 98 was the last year for the plastic cam gear, that was all the FD590V motors. I believe the FD590V was produced from 87-98. In 99 the FD611V replaced it and they all had the steel cam gear.

My 98 also has the steel cam gear in it now. The FD590V is just as good if not better than the FD611V once it has the steel cam gear.

 

[TJR345]

I have seen some 99 with the FD590V in them.If the serial number is over 7000 it will have the steel cam.

 

[jdurnya]

Nice tractor !!!