Couple questions about the JD 455

[lj04]

I'm beginning my search for a yard/garden machine and have a few questions about the 455.

Did the PTO come standard?

What does it take to add a 3PH (Did they come with rear hydraulics)?

Is one year better than another to look for?

I'm sure I will have more questions as I continue to look.

 

[Gittyup]

rear pto and 3ph are both options. For rear 3ph all you need is the hitch (diverter valve too is almost a must). Rear pto can be added at any time, if you can justify the cost. I don't think there is any significant difference from model year to model year. Very fine tractor. One of the best every made.

 

[lj04]

I'm now a little worried now about the cost of adding the PTO, roughly how much are we talking about?

 

[beenthere]

Ditto + what Gittyup said.

A search on eBay may get you the options you asked about. Hours would be important, and anything less than 1000 hours would be a plus. But they will function with many more hours than that too. Could be any year between about 1995 and 2002.

Here is a PTO kit on CL
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/grd/2255730361.html

 

[Gittyup]

From what I've seen the PTO kits are asking $600 - $800, as I recall. 3PH's routinely asking $325 - $400 or so. Best value might be to find one that already has these. You can call JD and get a price for these too.

You might do just as well with a 2305 or a 4100 series. Though I don't like the non-folding rops. Or a Kubota BX.

 

[lj04]

You guys seem to be pretty close with the estimates, probably around 1k to add the 3ph and pto.

I may have to expand my search a little bit more since my grass is getting shabby and probably will be planting in the garden in a few weeks.

Any thoughts on a 2210?

 

[beenthere]

The 2210 a lot more useful 3 ph and PTO in my estimation.

However, I think for a lawn mower tractor the JD 455 is tops.

 

[ovrszd]

I wish I could be more precise concerning model changes by year, but alas I can't.

I had a 455 that was a 2000 model I believe. It had an entirely different steering system and larger tires/wheels than my Son's early model 455. Also had an entirely different mowing deck. So there is some differences.

I lost my 455 in a fire and replaced it with a 2210. I don't see those two as fair comparisons. The 2210 probably outweighs the 455 by 500 pounds. It's several inches longer wheelbase. It's also 4x4.

Two differences that I immediately noticed. The 455 has by far a better suspension seat. it's truly a suspension seat. The 2210 is simply a hinged seat resting on a couple coil springs. The 455 also tilt steering wheel, the 2210 doesn't. Another big difference to me. The result is that the 2210 rides harsher and doesn't offer a good fit for two different sized operators.

If you are staying away from 4x4, I agree that the 455 is pretty hard to beat.

My 455 had PTO and 3pt. I never used the PTO but used the 3pt all the time. As old as the model is you may struggle trying to find a 3pt kit.

Here's a picture of my old 455 and my 2210. Not a great comparison shot but it gives you an idea of the size difference.

Maybe someone can post a picture of the earlier model 455s??

 

[beenthere]

Don't think the shape/size of the 455's changed over their years, so don't know what model your son may have had that you are thinking of.
At least jdparts doesn't show anything different.

There were the AWS (all wheel steer) for each of the 425, 445, and 455 models that came with a bit smaller tires. That may be what you are remembering.

Good comments on the 455 vs 2210.

 

[cooper99]

I will also vouch for the JD455 being one of the best garden tractors ever built. We have owned our 455 for over 15 years. We've never had any engine/drivetrain/mechanical problems- only issue encountered is repairing a few flat tires. We own a small farm and probably mow 2-3 acres of rough terrain during an average week in the spring/summer. Over the years we have mowed several of our friends and neighbors lawns/property and they all comment on what beast of a lawnmower it is and want to take a closer look at it. You really can't even compare it to a standard garden tractor.

The 22hp diesel has loads of power/torque. With the 60" deck, it mows extremely quick. I found that replacing the standard blades with a set of gator blades really improved the cutting quality/performance. The large 26x12" rear tires and the differential lock really give the tractor plenty of traction- I can't imagine how much traction you would have on a newer X748 or X749 with 4wd and HDAP tires. The high back driver seat is really comfortable (for a lawnmower), the diesel isn't too loud at full rpm, the glovebox, power steering, and tilt wheel make driving the tractor a pleasant experience for anyone.

In hindsight it would have been nice to install a 3pt and rear pto at the time of purchase. I'm probably going to upgrade to a set of front/rear HDAP tires this coming season and try to custom fabricate a front brush guard.

If you get lucky, you can get a really good deal on a 455. If the price was right, I would feel comfortable buying a nice looking 455 with under 1500 hours. In my opinion, it's not worth the extra $$$ yet to get the newer X500 or X700 series.