cam gear on JD 345 and GX345

[snodley55]

Does anyone know when the transition was made from the plastic cam gear that was on the earlier John Deere 345's? I'm thinking I read somewhere that it was actually sometime during the production run of the 345's, but I cannot find the model year that incorporated the change. Also, am I correct in assuming the GX345 would not have the plastic gear? So, you knowledgeable JD guys, I appreciate your input. I've been looking at a 1998 345 but I'm sorta shying away from it because of this issue.
Thanks, John S

 

[fgross335_2210]

My dad had a JD345. It was the last year before they added RIO, pretty sure it was a 1998, and it had 18HP motor with the plastic cam gear. He bought it new in March 1999 (dealer leftover from previous year), and the cam gear failed in 2005, 7 years later, and there was only 150 or so hours on it at that time. If the one you're looking at IS a 1998, there's a 99.9% chance it has a plastic gear.

The 1999 model came with an upgraded 20HP motor which did not use the plastic gear. Same with the GX series.

I also found a discussion on another forum. If the tractor serial number is 70000 or higher and/or the engine serial number is 106324 or higher you have the newer engine and no plastic -