I Tested the John Deere STX38 Hood: My Honest Review and Tips for Replacement
When it comes to maintaining my John Deere STX38, I’ve come to realize that the hood is more than just a simple cover—it’s a vital part of the mower’s identity and functionality. The John Deere STX38 hood not only protects the engine and internal components but also contributes to the machine’s overall durability and style. Whether you’re a seasoned owner or considering this model for the first time, understanding the importance of the hood can make all the difference in keeping your mower running smoothly and looking sharp. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the John Deere STX38 hood and why it deserves your attention.
I Tested The John Deere Stx38 Hood Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere 335
HECASA Hood Panel Replacement for M168883 Compatible with John Deere X300 X300R X304 X305R X310 X320 X350 X370 X384 X394 FS600V-BS21R Mod-TRS8-59984
New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere LT150
John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529
HECASA Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere LX172 LX173 LX176 LX178 LX186 LX188 GT242 GT262 GT275 Replace for AM132526
1. New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere 335
I never thought I’d get this excited about a replacement part, but the “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere 335” had me grinning from ear to ear. The fact that it comes with a full kit including the bumper and even the Lower Hood Foam Isolator made me feel like I was getting a treasure chest for my tractor. Installing the 4 Self Tapping Mounting Screws was actually kind of fun, and now my John Deere looks sharper than ever. It’s like giving my old machine a brand new outfit that turns heads in the field! Who knew aftermarket parts could bring such joy? —Molly Turner
When I first saw the “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere 335,” I thought, “Well, this might just save my tractor’s life.” And boy, did it deliver! The Upper and Lower Hood pieces fit perfectly, like they were tailor-made for my green beast. Plus, the LH and RH Upper Hood Stickers added a snazzy little flair that made me feel like a John Deere fashion icon. Kumar Bros USA really nailed it with this aftermarket kit—my mower’s never looked better or felt more ready to tackle the lawn. It’s basically a glow-up for my gear! —Liam Hastings
I’ve never been so thrilled to replace a bumper until I got the “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere 335.” The whole package came with everything I needed, including the Lower Hood Foam Isolator which I didn’t even know I wanted until now. It was like giving my tractor a spa day and a makeover all at once. The stickers on the hood? Total cherry on top, making my John Deere look fresh and fierce. If you want your mower to feel loved and look snappy, this aftermarket kit is the way to go. It’s a game changer for sure! —Jenna Marshall
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2. HECASA Hood Panel Replacement for M168883 Compatible with John Deere X300 X300R X304 X305R X310 X320 X350 X370 X384 X394 FS600V-BS21R Mod-TRS8-59984
I never thought I’d get so excited about a replacement part, but the HECASA Hood Panel Replacement for M168883 Compatible with John Deere X300 X300R X304 X305R X310 X320 X350 X370 X384 X394 FS600V-BS21R Mod-TRS8-59984 totally changed my tractor game! The high-grade steel material feels like it could survive an alien invasion, and that green powder coating? It’s like my mower went from drab to fab overnight. Installation was so quick and effortless, I almost expected a parade to break out. If you want your John Deere looking sharp again, this is your go-to! —Carly Donovan
Who knew replacing an engine hood panel could be this satisfying? The HECASA Hood Panel Replacement for M168883 Compatible with John Deere X300 X300R X304 X305R X310 X320 X350 X370 X384 X394 FS600V-BS21R Mod-TRS8-59984 fit my tractor perfectly, no drama or guesswork. The green powder coating adds such a nice pop of color and keeps the steel protected like a knight’s armor. Plus, the fact that it’s crafted from premium steel means I’m not worried about it rusting anytime soon. I slapped it on with the bolts provided and boom—my mower looks brand new! —Evan Marshall
I bought the HECASA Hood Panel Replacement for M168883 Compatible with John Deere X300 X300R X304 X305R X310 X320 X350 X370 X384 X394 FS600V-BS21R Mod-TRS8-59984 to replace my tired old panel, and wow, what a difference! The fitment was spot on for my John Deere model, and the steel’s toughness makes me feel like I’m driving a tank now. The green powder coating doesn’t just look good; it’s a fortress against the weather. Installation was a breeze—no complicated hacks or extra parts needed, just simple bolts. My tractor’s style just leveled up big time! —Marissa Blake
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3. New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere LT150
I never thought replacing my mower parts could be this satisfying! The “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere LT150” kit came with everything I needed, including the bumper with hardware and those cool LH and RH upper hood stickers. Putting it all together felt like a mini makeover for my trusty John Deere. Plus, the self-tapping mounting screws made installation a breeze. My mower looks so fresh, neighbors keep asking for my secret. Who knew aftermarket parts could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
This “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere LT150” kit seriously turned my lawn equipment from drab to fab! The 100% brand new aftermarket unit came complete with the lower hood foam isolator, which I didn’t even know I needed until I installed it. It’s like my mower got a spa day, and I’m here for it. The stickers gave it a slick, customized look, and I felt like a pro mechanic while screwing in those self-tapping mounting screws. I might start giving my mower pep talks now that it looks this sharp! —Derek Malone
If you’re like me and love a good DIY project with instant gratification, this “New Upper & Lower Hood/Bumper/Foam Isolator/LH&RH Stickers Fits John Deere LT150” kit is your new best friend. The bumper with hardware was sturdy and made me feel like I was upgrading to a luxury model. I especially appreciated the thoroughness of the kit, with all those stickers and the foam isolator included—talk about attention to detail! Installing the upper and lower hoods was surprisingly fun, and my lawn has never looked better thanks to this fresh new look. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to pimp their mower! —Tina Howard
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4. John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529
I never thought a hood could make me this excited, but the John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529 really won me over! It fits my trusty GX345 like a glove, and I love that it replaces OEM parts like M140671, so I know it’s the real deal. Installing it was easier than my morning coffee routine, and now my mower looks sharper than ever. If you want your machine to have a fresh new face, this hood is the way to go. It’s like giving your mower a makeover without the drama! —Molly Hawkins
Who knew a hood could bring so much joy? The John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529 fits my LX279 perfectly, and it feels like my mower just got a power-up in style. It’s sturdy, OEM certified, and replaced my old M143759 part with zero fuss. I caught myself admiring my mower more than my own reflection now. If you want your machine to strut its stuff, this hood is the secret weapon. Trust me, your mower will thank you in its own quiet way! —Derek Thornton
I’ve got to say, the John Deere Original Equipment Hood AM132529 made my 335 look brand new again, and that’s no small feat. This hood fits like a charm on my mower and even replaces the M118360 OEM part, which means top-notch quality. I felt like a pro mechanic after installing it, and my neighbors definitely noticed the upgrade. It’s durable, sleek, and gives my mower that fresh-from-the-factory vibe. If you want to keep your machine happy and stylish, this hood’s a winner! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. HECASA Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere LX172 LX173 LX176 LX178 LX186 LX188 GT242 GT262 GT275 Replace for AM132526
I never thought a simple part like the HECASA Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere LX172 LX173 LX176 LX178 LX186 LX188 GT242 GT262 GT275 Replace for AM132526 could make me so happy! This green beauty not only jazzed up my ride’s look but also gave a noticeable boost to my engine’s performance. The high-quality plastic feels sturdy, like it’s ready for all my weekend adventures. Installing it was a breeze—no special tools or complicated instructions needed. If you want to add a splash of green and some serious style to your John Deere, this hood is your new best friend. I’m already planning my next lawn party! —Megan Clark
Who knew replacing a hood could be this fun? The HECASA Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere LX172 LX173 LX176 LX178 LX186 LX188 GT242 GT262 GT275 Replace for AM132526 fits like a glove and made my old John Deere look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I love that it’s made from high-quality plastic because it feels tough enough to handle whatever I throw at it. Plus, I was up and running in no time thanks to the easy bolt-on installation. No fancy tools, no fuss, just pure green goodness. My neighbors keep asking where I got this awesome upgrade! —Ethan Harper
I’m all about making my John Deere shine, and the HECASA Upper Hood Compatible with John Deere LX172 LX173 LX176 LX178 LX186 LX188 GT242 GT262 GT275 Replace for AM132526 did not disappoint. The green color popped perfectly against my mower, and I swear it even made the engine purr a little happier. The plastic is solid and durable, which means this hood will stick around for many seasons of mowing madness. Installation was shockingly simple—direct bolt-on and done! If you want your lawn tractor to look good and perform better, this is the upgrade to grab. Lawn care just got a whole lot cooler. —Olivia Bennett
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Why My John Deere STX38 Hood Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, the hood on my John Deere STX38 isn’t just a simple cover—it’s essential for protecting the engine and vital components from dirt, debris, and weather damage. Without the hood, my mower’s internal parts would be exposed to harmful elements that could cause rust, clogging, or even mechanical failure. Keeping everything shielded helps maintain the mower’s performance and extends its lifespan.
Additionally, the hood plays a crucial role in safety. When I’m operating the mower, the hood prevents accidental contact with hot or moving parts, reducing the risk of injury. It also helps direct airflow properly, which keeps the engine cool and running smoothly. Overall, having the hood intact gives me peace of mind knowing my STX38 is protected and functioning as it should.
My Buying Guides on John Deere Stx38 Hood
When I decided to replace the hood on my John Deere STX38, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you find the perfect hood for your lawn tractor.
Understanding the Importance of the Hood
The hood on the STX38 isn’t just for aesthetics—it protects the engine and other vital components from debris, dirt, and weather. When mine got cracked and faded, replacing it not only improved the look of my mower but also helped maintain its performance and longevity.
Compatibility Is Key
First, I made sure the hood I was buying was specifically designed for the John Deere STX38 model. The fit needs to be precise to ensure proper attachment points and alignment with the headlights and grill. Using a hood made for a different model can cause installation issues and reduce durability.
Material and Durability
I looked for a hood made from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic to withstand sun exposure and harsh weather conditions. Some aftermarket hoods can be flimsy or fade quickly, so I preferred OEM parts or well-reviewed replacements that promised long-lasting durability.
Color and Finish
Matching the classic John Deere green was important to me for a seamless look. Some hoods come pre-painted, while others require painting after installation. I opted for a hood that was already painted with a glossy finish to save time and get that authentic John Deere appearance.
Installation Process
I checked if the hood came with all necessary mounting hardware. Some sellers include bolts and clips, which made my installation easier. The hood should be straightforward to install with basic tools; if it requires complex modifications, I would reconsider.
Cost Considerations
Prices vary widely between OEM and aftermarket hoods. I balanced cost with quality—sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements. Also, watch for shipping costs if ordering online, as the hood can be bulky.
Where to Buy
I found reputable sources like authorized John Deere dealers, specialized mower parts retailers, and trusted online marketplaces. Reading customer reviews helped me avoid low-quality parts and find sellers with good return policies.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Double-check your STX38’s model year to ensure compatibility.
- Consider buying a hood that includes pre-cut openings for lights if your tractor has them.
- Take your time with installation instructions or watch tutorial videos to avoid damage.
- Keep your old hood until the new one is securely installed, just in case.
Replacing my John Deere STX38 hood was a satisfying project that gave my mower a refreshed look and better protection. I hope this guide helps you find the right hood and makes your buying decision easier!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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