New Holland WORKMASTER55 Reviews
Problems That Should Not Be Happening
Model Year: 2016
I purchased the New Holland WM55 last year and have had problems with it after the first 20 hours. The first problem was the brake safety switch. The dealer sent a replacement and it has been installed. So far it is holding up. The forward and reverse lever is hard to move and sometimes impossible. It's a rinky-dink setup using a rod down to the "switch" to move it back and forth. The fuel cap is rusted in less than a year. The warning light keeps coming on indicating water in the fuel system. I have drained the system, replaced the filters, purged the bottom well of the filter and still have a warning that water is in the system. Not happy!
Pros: Looks nice
Cons: Mechanical and electrical problems
Model Year: 2016
I purchased the New Holland WM55 last year and have had problems with it after the first 20 hours. The first problem was the brake safety switch. The dealer sent a replacement and it has been installed. So far it is holding up. The forward and reverse lever is hard to move and sometimes impossible. It's a rinky-dink setup using a rod down to the "switch" to move it back and forth. The fuel cap is rusted in less than a year. The warning light keeps coming on indicating water in the fuel system. I have drained the system, replaced the filters, purged the bottom well of the filter and still have a warning that water is in the system. Not happy!
Pros: Looks nice
Cons: Mechanical and electrical problems
Plastic Heap Of Junk
Model Year: 2012
It has electrical problems, stripped front axle pinion to drive shaft spline, literally soft material, no synchro-gear box, transmission dipstick recessed so it fills with dirt every time you check the oil, and the down time is massive. It is Indian made and it is obvious. I could easily have bought the equivalent in a John Deere in down time alone. Will cut my losses and buy a John Deere.
Pros: None
Cons: Everything
Model Year: 2012
It has electrical problems, stripped front axle pinion to drive shaft spline, literally soft material, no synchro-gear box, transmission dipstick recessed so it fills with dirt every time you check the oil, and the down time is massive. It is Indian made and it is obvious. I could easily have bought the equivalent in a John Deere in down time alone. Will cut my losses and buy a John Deere.
Pros: None
Cons: Everything
I Am Thrilled
Model Year: 2015
Okay, so in full disclosure, I traded up from a Kubota 2600 so the jump in size to any tractor would have me dancing a jig considering I cut over 35 acres. It used to take me two full days, and now I do it in less than one. That said, I considered another Kubota (5200) or a Joh Deere (55). I could not be more pleased with the NH Workmaster. The complaints about transmission whine are overstated. Yes, it's quiet but the transmission only whines a little and only in reverse or in 4-wheel drive. I don't leave mine in 4-wheel drive... I only use it when I need it. When operating in 2-wheel drive, there is no whine at all. The operation is easy. It seems to sip fuel. It is comfortable enough to operate all day. I am 100% satisfied with my decision not to pay the $6,000 premium for the John Deere name.
Pros: Comfortable, rock solid, great value
Cons: Turning radius isn't great as others have said. Very true.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2015
Okay, so in full disclosure, I traded up from a Kubota 2600 so the jump in size to any tractor would have me dancing a jig considering I cut over 35 acres. It used to take me two full days, and now I do it in less than one. That said, I considered another Kubota (5200) or a Joh Deere (55). I could not be more pleased with the NH Workmaster. The complaints about transmission whine are overstated. Yes, it's quiet but the transmission only whines a little and only in reverse or in 4-wheel drive. I don't leave mine in 4-wheel drive... I only use it when I need it. When operating in 2-wheel drive, there is no whine at all. The operation is easy. It seems to sip fuel. It is comfortable enough to operate all day. I am 100% satisfied with my decision not to pay the $6,000 premium for the John Deere name.
Pros: Comfortable, rock solid, great value
Cons: Turning radius isn't great as others have said. Very true.
Photo Uploads:
Great little tractor
Model Year: 0
Grew up farming with farmall M.,still have three of them. Not having live pto or hydraulics was real pain. Not to mention no 3 pt hitch. My New Holland is such an improvement. I love this little tractor, have parked all the M`s. This tractor does all I ask, bushogging, rear blade[8 ft], box blade[6 ft],landscape rake[7 ft],finish mower,square baler, flail mower[my favorite]. It works great with all of them. Do wish it turned a little sharper, other than that no complaints at all.
Pros: perfect size for horse power, easy to service, steel not plastic, good hydraulics, live pto, strong 3pt hitch,more horsepower for the money. Love it.
Cons: wide turning radius
Model Year: 0
Grew up farming with farmall M.,still have three of them. Not having live pto or hydraulics was real pain. Not to mention no 3 pt hitch. My New Holland is such an improvement. I love this little tractor, have parked all the M`s. This tractor does all I ask, bushogging, rear blade[8 ft], box blade[6 ft],landscape rake[7 ft],finish mower,square baler, flail mower[my favorite]. It works great with all of them. Do wish it turned a little sharper, other than that no complaints at all.
Pros: perfect size for horse power, easy to service, steel not plastic, good hydraulics, live pto, strong 3pt hitch,more horsepower for the money. Love it.
Cons: wide turning radius
Michael Galliher
Model Year: 2013
Great tractor, we had to replace our 73 ford 3000 after it caught on fire. First new tractor that has been bought on this farm since 1949 when grandpa bought a Cub Farmall. The dealer Mid South in Salisbury NC delivered it on Christmas eve morning. First 4x4 loader tractor we've had best thing since sliced bread!
Pros: Easy on and off, 4x4.
Cons: 4x4 lever is hard to change or move. Should have been located in better place.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2013
Great tractor, we had to replace our 73 ford 3000 after it caught on fire. First new tractor that has been bought on this farm since 1949 when grandpa bought a Cub Farmall. The dealer Mid South in Salisbury NC delivered it on Christmas eve morning. First 4x4 loader tractor we've had best thing since sliced bread!
Pros: Easy on and off, 4x4.
Cons: 4x4 lever is hard to change or move. Should have been located in better place.
Photo Uploads:
Workmaster 55 4WD
Model Year: 2014
I'd give this tractor an 8 out of 10. It is not flawless, but it does exactly what I needed in a tractor. I looked at the Kubotas and liked what I saw for an open field tractor, but I tend to get into the thick of it and work the snot out of this tractor (I am not one of those guys who buys a 4WD truck and is scared to get it dirty). I preferred NH's metal deck to Kubotas plastic/fiberglass platform. My dealer sells both NH and Kubota, and was able to get me in the NH for about 4K cheaper. Maintenance on the tractor is simple. I'm a Shadetree mechanic, and am able to do all the maintenance myself. We run JD's as well, but don't have a dealer as close as the NH. I also don't care. The fact that JD sells a lot of its entry level equipment at the same price as medium duty equipment put out by other manufacturers. In my area the three big tractors are NH, JD, and Kubota, and I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. I found what I was looking for and purchased it. My main implements are a box blade, shredder, finishing mower, and grapple.
Pros: Quiet engine, old school platform (metal), minimal electronics, shuttle shifter with 8F/8R speeds.
Cons: Transmission is ridiculously loud when backing in a high gear (quiet when in forward). Turning radius isn't that great, but it is a 4WD.
Model Year: 2014
I'd give this tractor an 8 out of 10. It is not flawless, but it does exactly what I needed in a tractor. I looked at the Kubotas and liked what I saw for an open field tractor, but I tend to get into the thick of it and work the snot out of this tractor (I am not one of those guys who buys a 4WD truck and is scared to get it dirty). I preferred NH's metal deck to Kubotas plastic/fiberglass platform. My dealer sells both NH and Kubota, and was able to get me in the NH for about 4K cheaper. Maintenance on the tractor is simple. I'm a Shadetree mechanic, and am able to do all the maintenance myself. We run JD's as well, but don't have a dealer as close as the NH. I also don't care. The fact that JD sells a lot of its entry level equipment at the same price as medium duty equipment put out by other manufacturers. In my area the three big tractors are NH, JD, and Kubota, and I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. I found what I was looking for and purchased it. My main implements are a box blade, shredder, finishing mower, and grapple.
Pros: Quiet engine, old school platform (metal), minimal electronics, shuttle shifter with 8F/8R speeds.
Cons: Transmission is ridiculously loud when backing in a high gear (quiet when in forward). Turning radius isn't that great, but it is a 4WD.
Workmaster 55
Model Year: 2013
I have not had the tractor for very long but here are my thoughts so far. The tractor seems to be very well built. It needs some more weight in the rear-end, but that could be due to me not getting the tires filled. I wish I had a few more gears. Also, would like to have more storage in the operator station for the little things, ie., gloves, etc.
Pros: Very well built.
Cons: Not enough storage in the operators station, wide turning radius.
Model Year: 2013
I have not had the tractor for very long but here are my thoughts so far. The tractor seems to be very well built. It needs some more weight in the rear-end, but that could be due to me not getting the tires filled. I wish I had a few more gears. Also, would like to have more storage in the operator station for the little things, ie., gloves, etc.
Pros: Very well built.
Cons: Not enough storage in the operators station, wide turning radius.
Workmaster 55
Model Year: 2013
Seems like a solid unit so far. Haven't had the opportunity to work it hard yet but it seems plenty capable of performing very well. Synchronized shuttle seems to work well in conjunction with the foot throttle for increased production. Small hydraulic leak under the front loader controls and a leak of undetermined origin. Vertical exhaust can be a problem when going into low clearance buildings. Horizontal exhaust is not an option for Workmaster series of tractors. All in all the tractor is very good example of farm iron! If you have the front end loader you will need ballast to off set the load out front.
Pros: Shuttle, foot throttle, versatile.
Cons: Vertical exhaust for low clearance buildings.
Model Year: 2013
Seems like a solid unit so far. Haven't had the opportunity to work it hard yet but it seems plenty capable of performing very well. Synchronized shuttle seems to work well in conjunction with the foot throttle for increased production. Small hydraulic leak under the front loader controls and a leak of undetermined origin. Vertical exhaust can be a problem when going into low clearance buildings. Horizontal exhaust is not an option for Workmaster series of tractors. All in all the tractor is very good example of farm iron! If you have the front end loader you will need ballast to off set the load out front.
Pros: Shuttle, foot throttle, versatile.
Cons: Vertical exhaust for low clearance buildings.
Great Value in a Decent Tractor
Model Year: 2012
Looked at JD 5055 and Kubota 5100, Farmall 55a and Workmaster 55. Settled on WM based on the dealer and the value presented in the tractor. Farmall dealer wouldn't sell the Farmall A series because he said it was junk---wow. Wanted a basic tractor to run a NH 276 square baler, so opted for a 2wd tractor. I have a JD 990 4wd with loader so it will still get the majority of the day to day work with snow removal, grading, and moving round bales. Price of the WM was $2,400.00 less than the JD 5055d and $3,900.00 less than the Kubota MX 5100. The tractor has the best 3 point hitch set up there is, and it is a standard feature. The engine is smooth and very quiet. Much quieter than the Yanmar in the JD990. PTO is fully independent and will take getting used to, but seems to work very well. A lot of users complain of transmission whine, and it is noticeable, but probably because it isn't drowned out by engine noise. The engine is scary quiet and is made by Shibaura in Japan. The biggest problem I see is the front end is very light. I put the JD MX 6 brush cutter on and it could pose a steering problem because the front wheels barely touch the ground with the cutter in the up position.
Pros: Dealer, 3 point hitch, engine, PTO.
Cons: Light front end.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2012
Looked at JD 5055 and Kubota 5100, Farmall 55a and Workmaster 55. Settled on WM based on the dealer and the value presented in the tractor. Farmall dealer wouldn't sell the Farmall A series because he said it was junk---wow. Wanted a basic tractor to run a NH 276 square baler, so opted for a 2wd tractor. I have a JD 990 4wd with loader so it will still get the majority of the day to day work with snow removal, grading, and moving round bales. Price of the WM was $2,400.00 less than the JD 5055d and $3,900.00 less than the Kubota MX 5100. The tractor has the best 3 point hitch set up there is, and it is a standard feature. The engine is smooth and very quiet. Much quieter than the Yanmar in the JD990. PTO is fully independent and will take getting used to, but seems to work very well. A lot of users complain of transmission whine, and it is noticeable, but probably because it isn't drowned out by engine noise. The engine is scary quiet and is made by Shibaura in Japan. The biggest problem I see is the front end is very light. I put the JD MX 6 brush cutter on and it could pose a steering problem because the front wheels barely touch the ground with the cutter in the up position.
Pros: Dealer, 3 point hitch, engine, PTO.
Cons: Light front end.
Photo Uploads:
Why the Whine
Model Year: 2010
Since my prior tractor was a fifty-something year old Ford 601, a new New Holland 55hp anything would probably be a 5 star. It has taken some time to get used to all the steps necessary to assure the safety features I am not about to have a terrible accident. It has not happened to me, but in a conservation with the dealer, I was told they have had some problems with the safety switches causing the Workmaster to shut down. I have had a couple of instances when the lift has not operated properly, but those may have been operator caused. The remote hydraulic lever is very close to the lift lever and perhaps accidentally bumping the remote has affected the lift. We'll see about that. The two wheel drive tractor has the horsepower to operate a six foot rotary mower, but not the front end weight to handle too much of a Bush Hog. Additional front weights are required. The biggest complaint I have is the whine the tractor has, especially in lower gears. I have been told, and seen in reviews, the whining is normal in these tractors, as well as their cousins Case tractors.
Pros: Good horsepower for the money.
Cons: Ear damaging whining.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2010
Since my prior tractor was a fifty-something year old Ford 601, a new New Holland 55hp anything would probably be a 5 star. It has taken some time to get used to all the steps necessary to assure the safety features I am not about to have a terrible accident. It has not happened to me, but in a conservation with the dealer, I was told they have had some problems with the safety switches causing the Workmaster to shut down. I have had a couple of instances when the lift has not operated properly, but those may have been operator caused. The remote hydraulic lever is very close to the lift lever and perhaps accidentally bumping the remote has affected the lift. We'll see about that. The two wheel drive tractor has the horsepower to operate a six foot rotary mower, but not the front end weight to handle too much of a Bush Hog. Additional front weights are required. The biggest complaint I have is the whine the tractor has, especially in lower gears. I have been told, and seen in reviews, the whining is normal in these tractors, as well as their cousins Case tractors.
Pros: Good horsepower for the money.
Cons: Ear damaging whining.
Photo Uploads:
