455 John Deere AWS

[smitty9805]

Hey guys i am new to the forum and i have a question for you. I just recently purchased a 94 john deere 455 with all wheel steer. The mower needs some attention as the deck has to be sanded and repainted and probably the rest of the mower too. It has 1200 hours on it and runs great but when you get up to full speed the back end wobbles. I am sure it is in the all wheel steer, maybe a bearing or bushing wore out, not really sure. My question is how complicated is the AWS to work on on these mowers. I bought this thing for $2500.00 so i am worried it will fall apart any minute! lol! Thanks

 

[jcummins]

I had a 425AWS, wobble occurred in tight turns. I replaced the rear linkage thinking that would fix it. It did not. I never figured out what the problem was. I finally locked the rear steer, and took the steering linkage out so the rear would not turn. Mowed like that for couple years, until I replaced recently with a ZD326 ztr.

 

[beenthere]

smitty :welcome:

You can check the ends of the linkages to see if they are loose and get replacements if they are. Nothing complicated about it. Remove the deck, block it up, and remove the wheels. Should then be straight forward to re-build the linkage.
The AWS is all I'd have for mowing. Very close to having the positives of a zero turn without the "both hands on the controls" annoyance.

54" deck or 60" ?

You have a good solid tractor and should give you years more service.

 

[Gittyup]

I'd also check the rear u-joints on the AWS, or the center pivot.

 

[smitty9805]

thanks guys. This is the first AWS i have ever owned so i was kinda nervous about it. I only payed $2,500.00 for it so i knew it wasen't perfect. The deck needs repainting, i had to put a new sending unit in it as it was leaking and the rubber coupler between the engine and driveshaft was cracked in three places. Replaced all of that and the switch under the seat. So far nothing major but i was just curious to know what i was looking at with the all wheel steer. Engine seems really strong and it only has 1200 hours on it so i guess it was worth the gamble. Heck, i have been offered my money back on it 3 times already and only had it a week. I drove it around the yard the other day and it will really turn on a dime. My wife says it is a money pit but you know how women are! LOL! Anyone know how expensive it is to replace the AWS components?? Thanks guys i really appreciate your input! Oh by the way it is a 60" deck.

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN Smitty

The best advice I can give is to register at www.jdparts.com and learn to use it (there is a link to a quick tutorial I made in my signature) It's the same basic system the dealer uses, and it's FREE:thumbsup: Just one hint, think like a parts guy

 

[smitty9805]

Thanks Kennyd! I used the jdparts catalog and checked the prices on the AWS system. Im hoping i can get by with just replacing the bearings and bushings but you never know, i may have to completly go through it. oh well, maybe by the time i am done with this thing i can enjoy it!