Mid-Mount Mower Deck compatibility: John Deere 870 to 955?

drmahalo · Jun 13, 2019

First time poster, longtime follower. I have a John Deere 955 with a 72 inch deck. Unfortunately, my gear box on the deck just failed. My guess is that it had a leak and I didn't notice, neither did the dealer who serviced it 2 weeks ago. I tried to find a replacement gear box but my part number AM106078 for my model M00296X575247 deck is unavailable. I did find a used 72 inch deck about 1.5 hrs from where I live but its from an 870 tractor and deck model # M00297X100997. I called 2 local JD dealers to see if the deck off the 870 would work on my 955. One said yes, the other said no. JDparts seems to indicate it is compatible.

Just wondering if anyone could give me a definitive answer. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dan

zzvyb6 · Jun 13, 2019

Where are you located. I have a 72 mid-mount deck that I used on a 1070. I used it 1 season but it interfered with hay making so I now use an 84" rear mower for the fields or another 72" deck in my F-935.

That being said, I'm surprised that you would need a whole new gearbox. Why not just some new bearings and a gear-set if necessary ? As I recall, these gearboxes show up on ebay a lot. What helps is to find a seller parting out a whole machine and contact them to see if they have a gearbox, if that's what you want.

Also, the 1070 mid-pto is 2200 rpm as is the F935's. Is that your use ? or is it a 72" rear mounted deck running at 540 input pto rpm ?

I'm in Michigan if that's anywhere near you. Here is a shot of my deck. Covers are off to show the drive-line.

zzvyb6 · Jun 13, 2019

BTW: Isn't a 955 really a 970 with a hydrostatic transmission ? And, a 1070 is a 970 with a 4 cylinder motor instead of a 3 cyl. The 72: deck fitment depends on the tires you have because the largest available tire set may not have enough F/A clearance when the fronts are steered. If you have a 72" mid-mount working with the tires you have, everything should work. Any new gearbox needs to have the right gear ratio.

drmahalo · Jun 13, 2019

Thanks for your reply. I live in northeast Pennsylvania. I went to my local dealer and he said my Peerless gearbox was obsolete and no replacement parts are available. There is a similar gearbox available for $850 plus a new pulley ($150). Thought I might be better off with a whole new mid mount mower deck. I did find one that looks to be in good condition off a JD870 but, not sure about compatibility with JD955.

If my memory is correct, both machines operate at 2100 rpm as well.

That deck of yours looks great...wish you were closer!

zzvyb6 · Jun 13, 2019

OK, so the 1070, 970, 870 72" mid mount deck has 25/25 gear teeth part nos: AM143307 for both. Funny, the gearset for early 72" decks was 26/25 teeth (which are no longer available). The replacement gearset is 25/25 teeth Part nos. AM107718 for both. Not sure what the difference is, but maybe shaft diameter or age.

But: I'm seeing parts available to rebuild your gearbox. (yeah, seals, bearings, shafts and shims are available too, depending on how much wreckage took place.

drmahalo · Jun 13, 2019

That sounds right.
I hope you are correct about the compatibility. I believe that the gear ratio is the same. I have my mounting hardware from my 955 and new deck is being sold with the hardware from the 870. Probably will go check out the deck this weekend. We are getting an awful lot of rain here in Pennsylvania and there is no end to the grass cutting in sight!

drmahalo · Jun 13, 2019

I know that my gear box has two straight shafts. Available replacement has one straight (from drive shaft) and one tapered (to pulley). I must have the older version.

Unfortunately, if was pouring out metal when it failed! Expensive lesson learned do not rely on dealer for service!

zzvyb6 · Jun 13, 2019

Peerless gearbox for F935 on ebay right now for 600 or best offer. Offer them $500 and see what they reply back with. BTW: I'm only 8 hrs away !

Day trip for you ! Or, I know of a guy who delivers stuff like this all over the country with a large 1 ton van. Just took some furniture from here to a buyer in Chicago.