John Deere GX345 4.70 star(s) (6)

Gx345
Model Year: 2002

I bought my GX345 used with approximately 500 hours on it. I have used it for a couple of seasons now and it has been rock solid. I mow abut 1.5 acres on a weekly basis and this tractor has not skipped a beat. It has a lot of power and does the job very quickly because of the power steering. Maintenance wise, the only thing I have done in two years is sharpen the blades and change a worn out deck belt. This machine is very confidence inspiring. The only thing that I have found a little annoying about this tractor is that you push the hydraulic lever up to lower the mower deck and push the lever down to bring the deck up. I would like to push the lever down to lower and push it up to raise. It honestly seems like it will run for ever. All I ever do is cut grass with the thing.

Pros: Power, build quality, quiet, smooth, reliability
Cons: Deck leve

Good Mower, Kind of an Ox
Model Year: 2010

This mower like most will not run in the winter on the ethanol blend. Runs good but starts cold. With a 54" mow deck it lumbers around ditches and everything in the yard. I love the foot pedal hydro-static (can do burnouts with if wanted). I've installed tire chains and wheel weights in the winter for traction but wore the drive pulley on the rear axle out plowing heavy snow. The power deck lift and power steering are a bit more than needed but would have rather had a PTO on the back. Hood and bumper is just cheap plastic (both have cracks/missing a portion of the bumper). I had to replace the fuel line from the tank but it was fairly easy to do. Doesn't burn oil or loose any coolant. Fast, powerful motor doesn't bog down to much even in high grass. The battery light lights up at random times for no know reason but have replaced the battery and had no issues otherwise.

Pros: Powerful, fast, quite, easy to operate.
Cons: Premium fuel only, low rear end traction, slippery seat.

Used GX345
Model Year: 2005

I bought this tractor used with 295 hours on it but it had been poorly maintained by the previous owner. After catching the maintenance up, the only problem has been the time delay module/switch. It's cheap, but a common failure on these tractors that is hard to diagnose, hence the four star build quality rating. Overall it's been a great tractor and the traction lock feature is a must for me. I use a snow plow, 17p trailer, aerator, 25 gal. sprayer and cyclone rake with it.

Pros: Comfortable for my 6'2" frame as well as my 9 year old son. Nice set of features as long as you're not doing any super heavy gardening or landscaping.
Cons: None really, except for the time delay module problem.

Tractor Newbie
Model Year: 2004

This is my first JD. I prefer to spend on (perceived) higher quality due to overall cost of ownership. Machine has handled everything thrown at it - from basic 1.5 acres grass cutting to clearing some thigh high brush/grass/weeds/unknowns. Dealer maintenance every winter. No complaints.

Pros: Speed, power, & durability.
Cons: Unsure as can't compare to other similar models. Seat padding coming off, throttle needs to be head in position for full power, tends to fall "down" to less rpms, and traction od stock tires on wet hills.

Great Machine
Model Year: 2003

I have owned Craftsman, Honda, Kubota and a few John Deere tractors, but this GX345 is by far the most reliable and hard working of them all. I use it for mowing, snowblowing, and pulling a 15CF trailer around. This machine does not stop. I have been tempted to trade it in for a newer 749, but I just can't get myself to give up such a dependable machine. I also cannot believe how well they hold their value. The dealer recently offered me the same amount I paid for it over 5 years ago. You can't beat that. Use a machine for 5+ years and get your full purchase price back. Wow, you gotta love Deere.

Pros: Power, comfort, ease of use, and size.
Cons: Can't think of any.

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Big Little Tractor
Model Year: 2005

This is the 2nd one I have had first one a 2000-345 that I put 2160 hrs on, and it's still going strong. The 2005 GX345 has few hrs on to date, but IMO the 345 is the best belt tractor JD ever made.

Pros: Power steering, hydrl. lift, made in USA.
Cons: Getting hard to find attachments.

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