JD 445 question

[bobsphotos]

Hello,
I am looking at a JD 445 with SN 50193. I believe that makes it a 1997 model. My concern is the issue with the plastic cam gear in the Kawasaki motor.
Is there any hard info on when the gear was changed to steel?
The unit comes with a dual stage blower, it has 991 hours on it and comes with a 54" deck with power flow bagger. $5800. Seems high to me.
I have not looked at it yet so I do not have any more info.
I welcome any thoughts.
Thanks,
Bob W

 

[beenthere]

With the blower, power flow, great mower deck, and those hours, that is a good honest price. In fact, on the low side IMO.
If you are unlucky, then you may not find it waiting for you to look at it.

 

[RandyT]

If you purchase it, and have the mechanical ability, it may not be a bad idea to just change the camshaft before it fails. Because if it fails it will also destroy the oil pump gear, governor gear, and water pump gear. Replaced one for a customer last spring.

 

[bobsphotos]

Hi RANDYT,
I am rebuilding a Ford 641 & a Ford 861, so I do have the tools, heated shop, and ability. Thanks for the input. It would be the first thing I do.
Bob W

 

[beenthere]

Before tearing into it, visit your Deere dealer and ask them to run the serial number.. Deere keeps a record of work done by Deere dealers, and a cam change would/should have been noted.

 

[Dutch445]

PM sent Bob

 

[Gittyup]

My cam failed, but it didn't damage anything else. No matter, while in there you should just change all those things: oil pump, governor gear, water pump, seals, push rods, valve seals, covers, gaskets, and springs. I did it and I have never worked on an engine before. The trickiest part is to get the front PTO seal replaced without it leaking. My cost was about $600 for everything.

I'm of the opinion that the price is a little high by maybe a grand.

Those tractors are awesome machines. Check the gauge wheels, bearings, and belt on the mower deck. Hours are about where those need replacing.