John Deere 345

The John Deere 345 tractor was produced by Deere and Company during the time period of 1995 to 2001. This model is among the huge range of lawn tractors manufactured by JD. These tractors are used by many people who have lots of acres or huge yards or by commercial outfits that take care of public parks, playing fields and golf courses. These tractors can make your job of lawn mowing and other gardening activities easier. These tractors are machines of good quality and you can surely look forward to buy them for your residential setting. These are hydrostatic tractors which have hydraulic lifts. They use two cylinder gasoline engines made by Kawasaki.

The JD 345 is made on the same frame as the 245 and 265 heavy duty lawn mowers. But the manual fender handle lift present in the John Deere 245 and 265 was replaced by the hydraulic lift. A battery of 12 volts is present in these models. These tractors from John Deere are smooth and quiet with their V-twin style design. The units have power steering cruise controls that are quite standard. The JD 345 hood attachment can be removed easily. The seats have high back and are able to tilt forward for protection and for accessing the fuel tank easily. Extra traction can be provided in these tractors if required.

Various features and specifications of the John Deere 345

:

  • The tractors came off the assembly line with one of two types of engines manufactured by Kawasaki. These are FC590V and the FD611V.
  • The engines are two cylinder and are powered by gasoline.
  • Displacement for the engine is 36 ci.
  • The engine power of the two models are 18 hp and 20 hp.
  • The engines use a liquid cooling system and 3.3 qts of coolant are needed.
  • The rated revolutions per minute (RPM) for the engines in the John Deere 345 is 3575.
  • There are 12 starter volts.
  • Fuel capacity for these tractors is 3.5 US gallons.
  • The rear power take-off for these machines is electric.
  • The John Deere 345 weighs in at 699 lbs.
  • The wheelbase of the tractor is 47.9 inches.
  • Height if this tractor is 43.6 inches.
  • The tractor has 2.1 feet turning radius.

A smooth ride is provided in the John Deere 345 tractors due to the wide tires and nice floatation which also leads to less ground compaction.

Click Here to return from John Deere 345 to the John Deere Lawn Mowers section.

Click Here to return from John Deere 345 to the John Deere main page.


Have Your Say! Leave A Review Do you love or hate this tractor? You can have your say below by leaving review.


6 Reviews of the “John Deere 345”

  1. Don Brown says:

    I bought this John Deere 345 new 25 years ago this month. I do a lot of mowing in the summer and I clean out 56 driveways and 15 sidewalks in the winter with my snow thrower attachment. The main drive belt finally broke. This is the original belt, 25 years old with a lot of use. While replacing the belt I realized the bearings in the pulleys were rough and need replaced. Also, while I had it off to change the belt, I took the PTO clutch apart to check it’s bearings and found the clutch lining to be worn out. But I can’t complain at all. After all, this is 25 years of hard use before it needed work. I love my John Deere so much that when I had the opportunity to purchase another, I grabbed it. So I also own a 1987 John Deere 260 which had been purchased new and taken exceptional care of all these years. It’s old, but in like new condition. I now use them both, but I must say I do prefer the hydrostatic drive 345 over the 6 speed with a clutch pedal. It’s much easier to handle. I highly recommend the John Deere 345.

    Year of Manufacture: 1996
    Pros: I have worked this JD345 hard for 25 years and it has held up extremely well.
    Cons: Parts cost is a bit higher than expected, but their quality is better than any generic brands. So you get what you pay for.
    Attachments: 42 inch mower deck, 40 inch snow thrower and tire chains. Including the tractor, was $7,200 in 1996.

  2. Ricky Sticks says:

    I purchased this 345 new in 99′. I suppose if one would get 20+ years of use from a garden tractor, you shouldn’t complain, and normally I would not. However, when you spend $5500.00 (Tractor alone) then add attachments (listed above) for another $2500.00, I’m disappointed and surprised how cheaply many of the parts are made. Also, for example, the Hydraulic steering cylinder is leaking fluid and is non-re-buildable. To my knowledge, along with much research, there is no aftermarket replacement for it and, (if you can find one) JD wants over $300.00 for a replacement. That all being said, YES ! My next door neighbor went through two Murray riders in 10yrs, then purchased a Simplicity for around $2500. He’s had that for about 12yrs with little to no issues. I don’t think I’ll be buying another JD. Is John Deere and Harley Davidson the same company? Seems like they have the same business model. Charge big bucks for the vehicle, then rake you over the coals for parts, then eliminate manufacturing of the parts to force you to buy a new one.

    Year of Manufacture: 1999
    Pros: Strong running engine, 22yrs, 926hrsand still runs strong. Power Steering a big plus.
    Cons: Engine was leaking oil. Needed to remove engine and re-gasket oil pan at around 600hrs. Many parts are obsolete. Parts that are available, are unreasonably overpriced. Plastic hood assembly broke just from lifting hood,..poor design. Seat cracked and split after 5yrs.Tractor (when not in use) has always been in a heated garage when not in use. Headlight is worthless
    Attachments: 48C convertible mower deck does not cut well, rather it be with the standard deck, or mulching. limited blade choices. 48″ plow blade works well.
    Modifications: None

  3. John V says:

    I bought this tractor new in 1999 and have had it for 18 years with
    720 hrs. Snow removal in winter and 3 acres grass .
    Have had no major problems so far.
    Replaced front tires, battery. Could use new seat.
    In that time my neighbors have replaced their tractors at least once
    Or twice.
    Best money I have ever spent .
    I am still using original pto belt for deck.

    Year of Manufacture: 1998
    Pros: Smooth ride.
    Reliability , Well constructed.
    20hp liquid cooled does not lose power.for cutting or mulching.
    Cons: A little heavy on gas.
    Attachments: 54″ mulching deck.
    Front blade.

  4. Don says:

    I think this will be the last JD unless the start doing some thing about the plastic they use.

    Year of Manufacture: 2000
    Cons: I have a JD 345 , the Pastic on hood and top cover is junk , breaks are cracks every time I use it. The hood and top cover is being held together by duck tape. Thats Not right.

  5. Rick Latta says:

    Love it

    Year of Manufacture: 1996
    Pros: This thing is built to last. Never had engine or trans issues since new. That WAS ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO. Blades batt. and front tires replaced since new!!
    Cons: I joke with the wife that I’d like a new one , but she reminds me that there’s nothing wrong the one we’ve got.

  6. Terry Herndon says:

    Alot of mowing

    Year of Manufacture: 1997
    Cons: Can’t replace engine when it goes south on you

Leave a Review

How to use this form

Please fill out your name and email first (website optional). Then give your ratings for this model and year of production. Afterwards, please fill out the 5 fields to give a full review on this model before hitting the "Submit Review" button.

Click stars below to rate.
Performance
Reliability
Safety
Overall Satisfaction
 




Your General Experience Using This Model