445 pros and cons

[weeder]

I'm going to look at a 1999 445 Friday looks in very good shape has 1100 hrs. well taken care of. He said he replaced the water pump a year ago I don't know about the cam gear yet. Just fishing for the bads and the goods of this garden tractor.

 

[oldnslo]

I know of three 445’s where the oil pump gear broke and seized the engine around the 1,000 - 1,200 hour mark. I would want to know if all the gears where replaced or plan on doing it for peace of mind.

 

[weeder]

I know of three 445’s where the oil pump gear broke and seized the engine around the 1,000 - 1,200 hour mark. I would want to know if all the gears where replaced or plan on doing it for peace of mind.

Thanks I don't even know yet if the plastic can gear has been replaced? But that is a good question to ask. What was the gear made of plastic????

 

[oldnslo]

Yes oil pump drive, cam gear, water pump and governor were all plastic on the one I tore down to look at extent of damage. Not sure if all 445 were this since Other two didn’t bother tearing apart when couldn’t them over with 2 foot pipe wrench on the crank.

 

[weeder]

Yes oil pump drive, cam gear, water pump and governor were all plastic on the one I tore down to look at extent of damage. Not sure if all 445 were this since Other two didn’t bother tearing apart when couldn’t them over with 2 foot pipe wrench on the crank.

Well, if he hasn't replaced the cam gear, I will have to offer a lot lower price we will see!!! I'm also concerned if he replaced the water pump did it get real hot? Maybe I can tell the way it runs??

 

[weeder]

Well went and checked out the 445 very clean and in fantastic shape new cam, water pump and has always been serviced by John Deere. 54 inch deck, snow plow and chains. he bought it new in 1999, $3500!! Pics coming very soon!!!

 

[weeder]

Ok here is a pic of the 445 I'm going to buy.

 

[oldnslo]

Does look clean and hopefully Deere replaced all the plastic gears.

 

[weeder]

Does look clean and hopefully Deere replaced all the plastic gears.

Yes he had all the paper work and they replaced the cam when they replaced the water pump.