Comparison What's my 345 horsepower?

[woodmeistera1]

I recently purchased a used JD 345. The grille has an emblem that states 18hp. I downloaded a service manual that says the 345 with the liquid cooled V-twin that has 585cc is 20hp. Which is it? How can I absolutely verify the horsepower my engine came with?

 

[Diamondpilot]

From what info I can find on the net its a lawn tractor with a Kawasaki 20HP engine. If it has a PTO its probably 18HP at the pto and 20HP at the engine.

Whats 2HP? Either way it has the best lawn and garden engine on the market, a Kawasaki. We run 18HP liquid cooled Kaws on our boat generators and they run in a hot environment 1000's of trouble free hours. Just change the oil and filter every 100 hours.

Chris

 

[John_in_TN]

The Kawasaki FC590V, 18 hp, was used up to 1998, s/n 070000.
Beginning in 1999, at s/n 070001, they began using the Kawasaki FD611V
with 20 hp.
Check your serial number.

 

[woodmeistera1]

My engine as a few numbers on it. FD590V. Engine # FD590V08423. Manufacture date: 4/97 585cc. That is the part that throws me. In the Service Manual is says the 585cc liquid cooled motor has 20hp. Yeah, 2hp isn't a lot but my LX188 has the 17hp lq Kaw and it weighs around 550lbs with 48" deck The 345 weighs around 800lbs with same deck. That 2 extra hp would be nice.

 

[om21braz]

My engine as a few numbers on it. FD590V. Engine # FD590V08423. Manufacture date: 4/97 585cc. That is the part that throws me. In the Service Manual is says the 585cc liquid cooled motor has 20hp.

I'd guess you have a manual newer than your lawn tractor. Considering you already bought it and the trouble manufacturers have been in about horsepower ratings - I would'nt worry about it. My JD 325 has the air-cooled 17hp and it seems to have plenty of power.

 

[Grandad4]

Just curious how the extra 2 hp would make a difference for you. Does it seem underpowered in the way it operates? For example, would you be able to operate at a faster ground speed or cut heavier grass with it if there were a bit more power?

Maybe yours has an older block on a newer chassis. Being as it's a used mower, you have to wonder if it's got a replacement motor in it.

 

[woodmeistera1]

My 345 runs strong and doesn't seem to have trouble with heavy grass or need to slow down much in heavier grass but I have only had it for a month now so I haven't had to put it through any real tough stuff. But if I had a choice obviously I would want the 20hp motor. But still, this is a nice machine. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[goatman 1]

I have both the 345 with 18 hp and the 20 hp. I use both for mowing. I believe the only difference is the decal on the grille.