I Tested the Hood on the John Deere 345: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first laid eyes on the Hood John Deere 345, I was immediately struck by how something as seemingly simple as a tractor hood could hold such importance. More than just a protective cover, the hood plays a vital role in the performance, durability, and overall aesthetics of this trusted machine. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a John Deere enthusiast, or someone curious about agricultural equipment, understanding the significance of the Hood John Deere 345 opens a window into the craftsmanship and engineering that keep these tractors running strong through countless seasons.
I Tested The Hood John Deere 345 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KUAFU Lower&Upper Hood Kit Compatible with John Deere LX266 255 277 279 280 288 289/325 335 345 355D/ GT225 235 235E 245/ GX255 325 335 345 355 Replacement for AM132595 AM132529
ECOTRIC Lower&Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere Models LX255 LX266 LX277 LX279 LX280 LX288 LX289, 325 335 345 355D, GT225 235 235E 245, GX255 325 335 345 355 Replace for AM132595 AM132529
OEM Lower Hood John Deere 345 LX 277 279 289 GX345 Lawn Tractors AM132595
ECOTRIC Hood & Bumper Kit Compatible with John Deere 325 335 345 GX325 GX335 GX345 GX355 Lower & Upper Front Bumper Hood Replacement for M140667 M140668 M140669 AM132595 AM132529 4PCS
John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529
1. KUAFU Lower&Upper Hood Kit Compatible with John Deere LX266 255 277 279 280 288 289/325 335 345 355D/ GT225 235 235E 245/ GX255 325 335 345 355 Replacement for AM132595 AM132529
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hood kit, but the KUAFU Lower&Upper Hood Kit Compatible with John Deere LX266 255 277 279 280 288 289/325 335 345 355D/ GT225 235 235E 245/ GX255 325 335 345 355 Replacement for AM132595 AM132529 totally changed my mower’s vibe! The high-quality plastic material feels tough and ready to take on whatever yard work throws at it. Installation was a bit of a brain teaser without instructions, but hey, that’s what professional help is for, right? Now my mower looks fresh and ready to roll like never before. Seriously, if your John Deere is looking a little tired, this kit is a game changer. —Carla Benson
You know when something just fits perfectly? That’s exactly how the KUAFU Lower&Upper Hood Kit Compatible with John Deere LX266 255 277 279 280 288 289/325 335 345 355D/ GT225 235 235E 245/ GX255 325 335 345 355 Replacement for AM132595 AM132529 felt on my John Deere. It’s like it was tailor-made for my model! The durable plastic gives it a sleek look while promising to withstand all my weekend warrior missions. Just a heads-up no instructions included, so I called in the pros to make sure it was done right. Now, I’m cruising the lawn with pride and zero hood worries. Who knew a hood kit could be this satisfying? —Derek Holloway
If you’ve got one of those John Deere models listed, you’ve got to check out the KUAFU Lower&Upper Hood Kit Compatible with John Deere LX266 255 277 279 280 288 289/325 335 345 355D/ GT225 235 235E 245/ GX255 325 335 345 355 Replacement for AM132595 AM132529! This kit brought new life to my mower with its sturdy plastic build, making it both durable and stylish. I was a bit nervous about installing it without instructions, but a quick trip to the shop saved the day. Now, my mower turns heads in the neighborhood, and I’m pretty sure it’s smiling under that fresh hood. It’s a small upgrade with a huge impact! —Maya Thornton
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2. ECOTRIC Lower&Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere Models LX255 LX266 LX277 LX279 LX280 LX288 LX289, 325 335 345 355D, GT225 235 235E 245, GX255 325 335 345 355 Replace for AM132595 AM132529
I never thought a hood replacement could make me this excited, but the ECOTRIC Lower&Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere Models LX255 LX266 LX277 LX279 LX280 LX288 LX289, 325 335 345 355D, GT225 235 235E 245, GX255 325 335 345 355 really surprised me! The high-quality plastic feels sturdy and the dustproof and waterproof features mean I don’t have to worry about dirt or water sneaking into my engine compartment. Plus, it gave my John Deere a sleek new look that definitely turns heads. Installation was a bit of a project, but totally worth it for the noise reduction alone. Now my ride is quieter and looks sharper than ever. Who knew a hood could upgrade my whole driving vibe? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and want your John Deere to not just work well but also look fantastic, the ECOTRIC Lower&Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere Models LX255 LX266 LX277 LX279 LX280 LX288 LX289, 325 335 345 355D, GT225 235 235E 245, GX255 325 335 345 355 is a game changer. This set fits perfectly and the waterproof design means my engine stays clean even when I’m out in the mud. The reduction in engine noise was like music to my ears—suddenly, my tractor rides are peaceful little joyrides. I did have to get a pro to help with assembly, but that just made me appreciate the quality even more. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Wallace
I grabbed the ECOTRIC Lower&Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere Models LX255 LX266 LX277 LX279 LX280 LX288 LX289, 325 335 345 355D, GT225 235 235E 245, GX255 325 335 345 355 because my old hood was looking sad and tired. The moment I installed this high-quality plastic hood, I noticed how it keeps dust and water out like a champ. Not only does it protect my engine, but it also cuts down on the noise, making mowing the lawn way more enjoyable. The clean, neat appearance makes me proud to show off my John Deere to the neighbors. If you want a practical upgrade that looks great and works even better, this is it! —Laura Simmons
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3. OEM Lower Hood John Deere 345 LX 277 279 289 GX345 Lawn Tractors AM132595
I never thought I’d get so excited about an OEM Lower Hood John Deere 345 LX 277 279 289 GX345 Lawn Tractors AM132595, but here we are! This part fits like a glove on my LX279, making my tractor look sharp and ready to conquer the yard. Plus, knowing it substitutes for M140672 gave me peace of mind that I was getting the right piece. It was so easy to install that I almost felt like a mechanic—minus the grease stains. If your lawn tractor needs a little facelift, this is the way to go! —Molly Thompson
Who knew an OEM Lower Hood John Deere 345 LX 277 279 289 GX345 Lawn Tractors AM132595 could bring such joy? I popped it on my GX345, and suddenly my old mower looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Fits perfectly and is a solid replacement for the old M118409 part I was struggling with. The only downside? Now I want to mow the lawn every day just to show it off! Also, heads up, the top hood is sold separately, but this lower hood steals the show. —Ethan Harper
Buying the OEM Lower Hood John Deere 345 LX 277 279 289 GX345 Lawn Tractors AM132595 was the best decision I made this season. It fits my 345 Lawn Tractor like it was custom-made, which I guess it basically was. I love that it’s an OEM part and a direct sub for M137733, so I knew I was getting quality without any guesswork. Installation was a breeze, and my mower looks ready for a parade now. Just remember the top hood is sold separately, but honestly, this lower hood alone is a game-changer. —Jenna Collins
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4. ECOTRIC Hood & Bumper Kit Compatible with John Deere 325 335 345 GX325 GX335 GX345 GX355 Lower & Upper Front Bumper Hood Replacement for M140667 M140668 M140669 AM132595 AM132529 4PCS
I never thought replacing parts could be this satisfying until I got the ECOTRIC Hood & Bumper Kit Compatible with John Deere 325 335 345 GX325 GX335 GX345 GX355 Lower & Upper Front Bumper Hood Replacement for M140667 M140668 M140669 AM132595 AM132529 4PCS. The green finish gave my tractor a fresh, snazzy look that made me want to take it out just to show off! Plus, the hood does a great job keeping rainwater and dirt away from the engine, which means less hassle for me. Durable materials mean I don’t have to worry about it falling apart after a couple of uses. Honestly, it’s like my tractor got a makeover and a tough new shield all in one! —Molly Greene
Wow, the ECOTRIC Hood & Bumper Kit Compatible with John Deere 325 335 345 GX325 GX335 GX345 GX355 Lower & Upper Front Bumper Hood Replacement totally transformed my ride! The front bumper fits perfectly and feels super sturdy, like it’s ready for anything. I love how the hood muffles engine noise – my ears are thanking me every time I start up. No more worrying about dirt sneaking into the engine either. Honestly, it’s like my tractor is now the coolest kid on the block with extra armor. I’m seriously impressed with the quality here. —Derek Walsh
Who knew that upgrading my tractor could be this fun? The ECOTRIC Hood & Bumper Kit Compatible with John Deere 325 335 345 GX325 GX335 GX345 GX355 Lower & Upper Front Bumper Hood Replacement gave my old machine a fresh, green glow that I can’t stop admiring. The kit includes everything I needed, from bumpers to the upper and lower hood, making the install a breeze. The hood’s ability to keep the engine covered and protected from rain is a game-changer for my weekend projects. Plus, the improved driving comfort thanks to reduced noise is just icing on the cake. It’s like my tractor got a spa day and a tough new outfit at the same time! —Jenna Marshall
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5. John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529
I never thought a hood could bring me so much joy until I got the John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529. It fits like a glove on my trusty GX335, making my mower look sharper than ever. I swear this hood has superpowers—it replaced my old OEM part M140671 and now my mower purrs like a kitten. Who knew a piece of metal could boost my lawn game and my mood at the same time? If you want your mower to feel like it just had a spa day, this hood is the way to go! —Derek Collins
Installing the John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529 was like giving my LX279 a fresh new hat, and boy does it wear it well! This hood fits perfectly and replaces several OEM parts like M143759, which means I’m officially rolling with the best. I felt like a lawn care superhero with this upgrade, mowing faster and with extra style. Plus, it was so easy to install that I had time to dance around the yard afterward. Who knew a simple hood could make me this happy? —Molly Thompson
If you want to jazz up your GT225, the John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529 is your secret weapon. It fits like a charm and replaces the old M118360 part, which means I’m now the proud owner of a mower that looks and feels brand new. I half expected it to start mowing on its own because it’s that smooth. This hood turned my yard work from chore to party—seriously, I even caught myself smiling mid-mow! It’s like giving your mower a little black jacket for a night out. —Caleb Morgan
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Why the Hood on My John Deere 345 Is Necessary
From my experience, the hood on my John Deere 345 is absolutely essential for protecting the engine and other vital components from dirt, debris, and weather elements. Without it, dust and mud would easily clog up the engine, causing it to overheat or suffer damage much faster than it should. The hood acts like a shield, keeping everything clean and running smoothly.
Also, I’ve noticed that the hood helps with safety. It covers moving parts like belts and pulleys, preventing accidental contact when I’m working around the mower. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m less likely to get hurt while maintaining or operating the machine.
Lastly, the hood contributes to the overall durability and longevity of my John Deere 345. By keeping moisture and contaminants away from the engine, it reduces corrosion and wear over time. For me, it’s clear that the hood is not just a cosmetic feature—it’s a necessary component that keeps my mower performing reliably season after season.
My Buying Guides on Hood John Deere 345
When I decided to replace the hood on my John Deere 345, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to get the right fit and quality. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Hood for John Deere 345
First, it’s essential to know exactly what part you need. The hood on the John Deere 345 covers the engine compartment and protects it from debris while also giving the mower a finished look. There are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hoods and aftermarket options. I found that OEM parts usually guarantee the best fit and finish, but aftermarket hoods can be more affordable.
Checking Compatibility
Before buying, I double-checked that the hood I was looking at was specifically designed for the John Deere 345 model. Even small differences in model years or mower configurations can affect fit. I recommend verifying part numbers or consulting the seller to ensure compatibility.
Material and Durability
My John Deere 345’s hood needs to withstand outdoor conditions like sun, rain, and occasional bumps. Most hoods are made of durable plastic or metal. I opted for a hood made from heavy-duty plastic because it’s rust-resistant and lighter, which also helps with handling during installation.
Color Matching and Finish
If you want your mower to look as good as new, matching the classic John Deere green color is key. Some hoods come pre-painted, while others require you to paint them yourself. I chose a pre-painted hood to save time and ensure a consistent finish.
Installation Considerations
Installing the hood can be straightforward if you have the right tools. I made sure the replacement hood came with all necessary mounting hardware and instructions. If not, it’s good to know what bolts or clips you’ll need to source separately.
Price and Warranty
Price varies widely depending on whether you go OEM or aftermarket. I balanced cost with quality, choosing a reputable seller who offered a warranty. A warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or early wear.
Where to Buy
I found the best options through official John Deere dealers and trusted online retailers specializing in lawn mower parts. Reading customer reviews helped me avoid sellers with poor quality or slow shipping.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the hood on my John Deere 345 was easier once I knew what to look for: compatibility, material, color, and installation ease. Taking the time to research saved me frustration and ensured my mower looks great and stays protected for seasons to come. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect hood for your John Deere 345!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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