The John Deere 45 Loader: A Classic That’s Hard to Find, and THE Perfect Aftermarket Solution
For decades, John Deere has built equipment that lasts, and among its attachments, the John Deere 45 loader remains one of the most iconic. Originally designed to give garden tractors big-machine functionality, the 45 quickly became a favorite for homeowners and acreage owners who needed to move dirt, gravel, firewood, and more.
But while the 45 loader is beloved, it’s also become incredibly rare. Today, if you can even track one down, you’ll pay a premium, and you’ll likely need to invest in repairs. That’s why so many John Deere owners are looking for an aftermarket solution.
Key Takeaways
The John Deere 45 loader is a classic, originally built for tractors like the 140, 318, and 322, but today it’s rare, expensive, and often in poor condition.
Our loaders, the Little Buck Loader, Little Bull, and Z Buck, are the perfect aftermarket solution, offering modern engineering, affordability, and compatibility with John Deere garden tractors.
Our new QuikSystem product line delivers the same rugged reliability with the added convenience of a quick-attach system.
A Brief History of the JD 45 Loader
The John Deere 45 loader was produced in the late 1960s and 1970s for tractors like the 140, 318, 322, and other garden tractor models. It offered features that were game-changers for its time:
A heavy-duty frame that bolted directly to the tractor.
Hydraulics powered by the tractor itself.
A versatile bucket sized for small acreage projects.
It was durable, practical, and ahead of its time, but like many classics, it eventually left production.
Today, finding one in usable condition is a challenge. Many units are decades old with worn cylinders, bent frames, or rusted components. And when a good one does appear, it can be very expensive.
The Challenge for Today’s Owners
Modern John Deere owners often face a tough reality:
Scarcity: JD 45 loaders are nearly impossible to find.
High cost: When available, they’re priced like collectibles.
Compatibility issues: Mounting on newer tractors often requires modifications.
Age and wear: After 40+ years, seals, bushings, and brackets rarely hold up.
That leaves most owners stuck between overpaying for a relic or going without a loader entirely.
Our Loaders: A Modern Aftermarket Solution
That’s exactly why we designed the Little Buck Loader, Little Bull, and Z Buck: to give John Deere owners the functionality of the classic 45 loader.
Here’s why our loaders stand out as the perfect alternative:
Purpose-built for John Deere garden tractors like the x700 series, 425/445/455, and vintage favorites such as the 318, 322, and 332.
Affordable compared to the JD 45, offering a brand-new, American-built loader at a fraction of the cost of a used unit.
Modern engineering with classic compatibility, designed to run off your tractor’s hydraulics (or actuators, in the case of the Z Buck).
New, not decades old: no rust, no leaks, no worn-out components.
All-season utility, ready for dirt, mulch, rocks, snow, and more.
Introducing the QuikSystem
We’re proud to keep innovating beyond our original loaders. Our newest product line, the QuikSystem, combines the same durability and reliability our loaders are known for with the convenience of a quick attach.
That means faster swaps between implements, less downtime, and more ways to put your tractor to work, without sacrificing the rugged build quality you’ve come to expect.
Keeping the Spirit of the JD 45 Alive
The John Deere 45 loader will always hold its place in history, but for most owners, it’s no longer practical. With our loaders, and now the QuikSystem, you can capture the spirit of the 45 with modern performance, compatibility, and value.
You don’t need to overpay for a rare piece of equipment to enjoy the versatility of a front-end loader. We’ve reimagined it for today’s John Deere tractors.