Looking at a 345 with MC519

[GGB]

Cleaning the lights on your 345 is an easy project, and you won't believe the difference it will make if you are trying to finish mowing when it's getting dark.

I also changed the bulbs to a Sylvania (don't recall the number, but it may have been 2056), and that was a nice improvement over the stock bulbs. But be careful about being tempted to go with some types, as they can melt the lense and defuser. Check some of the older threads if you are wanting more light than conventional bulbs.

 

[sklunk]

Cleaning the lights on your 345 is an easy project, and you won't believe the difference it will make if you are trying to finish mowing when it's getting dark.

I also changed the bulbs to a Sylvania (don't recall the number, but it may have been 2056), and that was a nice improvement over the stock bulbs. But be careful about being tempted to go with some types, as they can melt the lense and defuser. Check some of the older threads if you are wanting more light than conventional bulbs.

Yeah, but it's a pain to have to clean them 2 or 3 times a year. The next time I clean them I'm going to run a bead of silicone around where the clear lens meets the silver reflector. The bulb sockets are sealed so the dirt must be coming in at the lens/reflector seam.

For brighter lights I may try these (factory kit from Deere):
Halogen headlight kit

The kit is supposed to be for a GX345, but I think the headlight setup is the same between the GX and non-GX ones (at least according to jdparts!)

 

[MarkCoburn]

That pedal really looks to be cumbersome to easily get to the reverse. Expect you will like it better being off, but would appreciate knowing if it is true.

I've now used the tractor with and with out; I see the benefit of having the pedal there. Seems easier to regulate the speed, more comfortable leaving your foot there, and the little guard on the right made it easy to feel and stay on the go pedal.

I'll be leaving it off because it is just too clankey looking and after a few weeks of operating the tractor, I'm sure I'll not miss it.