GX345 snow blower

[Carl Bert]

I just bought a used 42" JD snowblower for my GX345. I called my dealer to make sure it would fit. They said it would with a front lift implement kit. Ok I ordered that. But I just can seem to figure out how this blower is going to mount to my tractor. Does anyone out there have this setup? If so can you post some pics or do your best to explain how this hooks up. The only thing I can think of is that I am missing some parts, but without the manual, I don't know for sure whats missing. Thanks

 

[Dutch445]

depending on what that snowthrower came off of, you may
also need the attaching parts kit. here are pictures of
the attaching parts kit, and the lift kit, from there you
should get a better idea of how it all mounts up. one of
those kits comes with instructions for the blower if I remember
correctly.

 

[fgross335_2210]

Your tractor may or may not have a front rockshaft which is where the lift pins for the snowblower attach. I traded a 335 gas for a 355 diesel and there was no front rockshaft on the 355 so I had to order and install it. It sits about a foot behind the front wheels up against the frame.

Basically the rear mounts attach solidily to the frame. The front is held side-to-side (no sway) by a trackbar that runs from the blower to the front frame (remove the center section). The two lift links attach to the front rockshaft. Other than the crank for the auger angle, that's all that attaches.

 

[Carl Bert]

depending on what that snowthrower came off of, you may
also need the attaching parts kit. here are pictures of
the attaching parts kit, and the lift kit, from there you
should get a better idea of how it all mounts up. one of
those kits comes with instructions for the blower if I remember
correctly.

It came off of an older 345. I have all of the parts shown in the first pic and I'm waiting for the lift kit. Hopefully the instructions for the lift kit will give me a better idea of how things get attached. Thanks

 

[Carl Bert]

Your tractor may or may not have a front rockshaft which is where the lift pins for the snowblower attach. I traded a 335 gas for a 355 diesel and there was no front rockshaft on the 355 so I had to order and install it. It sits about a foot behind the front wheels up against the frame.

Basically the rear mounts attach solidily to the frame. The front is held side-to-side (no sway) by a trackbar that runs from the blower to the front frame (remove the center section). The two lift links attach to the front rockshaft. Other than the crank for the auger angle, that's all that attaches.

I don't know what that is, so I can't say whether I have it or not. My dealer didn't mention anything about a front rockshaft, but I will ask. Is that what its actually called, a "rockshaft" or is that just a descriptive term? Is it something that would be listed with the snow blower or with the tractor parts breakdown?

 

[fgross335_2210]

It's actually called a front implement lift kit, my bad. It is a horitontal shaft that is parallel and about 18" ahead of the shaft that lifts the mower deck, and connected by a link., I got this from the JD configurator site to add a 42" snowthrower to a GX series tractor:

Front implement lift kit

Same kit will work with 48-in. front blade or 42-in. snow thrower.
Kit may remain on tractor when using mower and other implements.

Code 1003
Bundle BM20781
Description Front implement lift kit (GX325, GX335, GX345, GX355)


You should go to deere.com, pick residential product, pick riding mower, pick build your own, then select "attachments" then pick 42 In. Snow Blower (For LX, GT, GX ). This will list the item above and other items you need to mount it on your tractor.

 

[Carl Bert]

It's actually called a front implement lift kit, my bad. It is a horitontal shaft that is parallel and about 18" ahead of the shaft that lifts the mower deck, and connected by a link., I got this from the JD configurator site to add a 42" snowthrower to a GX series tractor:

Front implement lift kit

Same kit will work with 48-in. front blade or 42-in. snow thrower.
Kit may remain on tractor when using mower and other implements.

Code 1003
Bundle BM20781
Description Front implement lift kit (GX325, GX335, GX345, GX355)


You should go to deere.com, pick residential product, pick riding mower, pick build your own, then select "attachments" then pick 42 In. Snow Blower (For LX, GT, GX ). This will list the item above and other items you need to mount it on your tractor.

Great, thats the one that I have on order. I am hoping once I get the blower under the machine it will all start to make sense to me. Thanks

 

[dragon7]

Great, thats the one that I have on order. I am hoping once I get the blower under the machine it will all start to make sense to me. Thanks

Once you get the front lift kit installed and slide the blower under the tractor it will all come together. It takes me less than 10 minutes. And once you learn about what speed to run tractor. These blower need to be full of snow to really shine.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have one of them for my 325. It works great and goes on and off very quickly. I run mine with wheel weights and four 42lb suitcase weichts on the back. enjoy your new thrower.

 

[pennwalk]

The single stage snow blower is called a snowthrower the two stage snow blower is called a snowblower. Sometimes that can cause confusion especially if you are dealing with one of the slower parts guys. Even though the manuals are expensive they can be very helpful. It's amazing how many times I refer to mine. I thought it would be a one time thing.

Chris

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

speaking of manuals, before you buy one on ebay, check John Deere's website for pricing on a NEW one. Often times, the ratty old ones auction for more than a brand new one from Deere.

 

[Carl Bert]

I have one of them for my 325. It works great and goes on and off very quickly. I run mine with wheel weights and four 42lb suitcase weichts on the back. enjoy your new thrower.

Hey GreenRules I have a couple of questions. First, how high does your tractor lift the snow thrower off the ground? Mine only comes up about an inch or two. Second, did you have to remove the front bumper in order to put the blower on? I was told I would have to but I see no reason why I would. Third, there is a bar that attaches to the left side of the blower and swings across and is supposed to connect to the front right side of the tractor, do you have one? and if so where the heck does it attach to the tractor and why? Lastly, I have wheel weights and chains, but thats it. Do you think I will need the additional weights as well?

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

you need to remove the plastic bumper and put the stabilizer through the front hole. That's the rod you are talking about.

Make sure you zero your deck dial. The yokes on the frame have threads on them. You should be able to adjust the height some there also.

Wheel weights and chains will probably be enough for flat paved ground, but I have four 42lb weights on back also.

Good luck.

 

[Carl Bert]

you need to remove the plastic bumper and put the stabilizer through the front hole. That's the rod you are talking about.

Make sure you zero your deck dial. The yokes on the frame have threads on them. You should be able to adjust the height some there also.

Wheel weights and chains will probably be enough for flat paved ground, but I have four 42lb weights on back also.

Good luck.

I can't thank you enough. I did everything you suggested and now I can lift the blower about 6 or 8 inches off the ground. I never even thought about zeroing the deck dial. The only problem now is, when I lift it, it does not come up level. I thoughy maybe adjusting the yokes it would straighten out, but it doesn't. If one yoke is tightened more then the other, then the looser one will just hang there and not even help in lifting the blower. Any suggestions?

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

is the rod on the front binding?

you could try lowering the unit all the way and then measure the front lift to the floor on each side.

sounds like somthing is binding up. maybe someone lying on the floor while you lift it would help?

glad to help.

 

[pennwalk]

In case anyone else needs the manual. You can view it online on the John Deere site. Under manuals the ones highlighter in green can be viewed.

Chris

 

[fgross335_2210]

I have the 42" snowthrower on my 355 and if I have it level at ground height it is not level when fully lifted up. I have tried all sorts of adjustments with little improvement. I think if you had an adjustable track rod making it longer or shorter might resolve it. After messing with it for awhile I gave up, decided it doesn't matter to me if it's crooked when raised as long it does the job when lowered........

 

[Carl Bert]

I have the 42" snowthrower on my 355 and if I have it level at ground height it is not level when fully lifted up. I have tried all sorts of adjustments with little improvement. I think if you had an adjustable track rod making it longer or shorter might resolve it. After messing with it for awhile I gave up, decided it doesn't matter to me if it's crooked when raised as long it does the job when lowered........

My problem exactly. There are two holes in the stabilizer bar. Switching to the second hole (shortening the bar) helped a lot in leveling the blower. Its still not perfect, but as you said, as long as it does the job when lowered. I may try flattening the bar an inch or so higher, and drill a third hole (shortening it even more). I will let you know how it works out.

I was thinking about putting rear suitcase weights on. I have the rear wheel weights, but not so sure it will be enough. Do you use rear weights, and if so, how much? Thanks

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have wheel weights and (4) 43# suitcase weights on the back of mine. Also run bar tires with chains. Never have any issues.

 

[formulabruce]

HI, new here and I have found you all very informative!
I am considering this GX345 for my wife to use with a snowthrower.( I am disabled)
I like the idea of power steering and Hyd lift. That said, is the Snowthrower hdy lift as well once the kit is installed?
Thanks for any advice. I have owned and operated many of the compact Utility tractors ( 990 was latest) but this is new territory and I dont want junk. I think this may be a better set up than a new X320 with a thrower...
---Bruce