Need advice on how to setup a 345 w/ snow blade

isuhunter · Jan 19, 2012

Purchasing a JD 345 and am trying to equip it to move snow. Looks like a 48" blade is standard on these. What are you guys paying for a used blade? Any modifications anyone would recommend?

Would you run wheel weights? Suitcase weights off the back? Chains?

I only weigh in at 150# so i think I'd like some extra weight. Just trying to figure out what I all need to get.

Deere Dude · Jan 19, 2012

You are going to need wheel weights, chains and even suitcase weights. You may be able to skip suitcase weights by putting fluid in the tires. Fluid may add another 150#.
But it all depends how much snow you get. If you only have to worry about 3-4" a couple times a year you may not need anything other than wheel weights and chains.
If you get 8" or more a few times a year, then I would do all of the above.

If you get a goodly amount of snow then I would also consider a snowblower for the tractor.

shortthrow50 · Jan 19, 2012

i never needed chains for all the blizzards we had in pa. even waited till all the snow stopped falling. However, I weigh 230-240 (fluctuates). Im 6'5" so im not fat haha, along with my weight, the weight of the tractor, 5-rear suitcase weights (yes you can squeeze 5 in the back buy lifting the tank), 2- 50 pound rear wheel weights, the tractor weighed close to half a ton in the rear and i plowed through anything with 48" blade. You will be fine with no added weight and your weight alone with 6-8 inch snow storms. 12"+ of Heavy wet snow. your gonna have major problems unless you ad more weight. I always found the chains to just do a good job of marking the driveway up real good. nothing against anybody else at all. just from my own experience with my own driveway with 325 tractor. My driveway at the time was about 3-400 feet

shortthrow50 · Jan 19, 2012

I backfilled a trench i opened up to fix septic pipe with chains though and as you can see in this quick video i made, even the small 325 tractor i had pushed a crap load of dirt with no spinning what so ever. i was impressed myself. i sold the tractor last week though to upgrade to a bigger tractor for this new property.
john deere 325 - YouTube

isuhunter · Jan 20, 2012

well I bought the tractor last night.

I thought a 48" blade was the only size that fit this tractor. Deere dealer tells me they have a 46" that will fit it.

Thanks for the input guys!