Snojetter
New member
Hi folks - I found a John Deere 855 that looks really nice cosmetically, low hours (644 - that's around 30 hours a year!), has a 70A loader,and good-looking R1 tires. I've done a fair amount of research on the the 855 and 955 tractors, as these looked to me like a really nice size machine for my small acreage, and can save me several thousands over buying new. In my reading, I really couldn't find any negative comments or experiences from owners, so that's a very positive thing. I do have several questions that I thought I would rapid-fire at all you fine folks who have experience with these little tractors. Here goes:
1) Tractor data says the 855 has position control on the 3-point hitch. Is this true? Having position control is an important feature in my search.
2) Are there things you would recommend I check specifically on this tractor that might be of concern from a wear, or maintenance (or lack of maintenance) standpoint? In other words, did this series of tractor have any gremlins or week points that plagued it during it's production run? (Based on the positive comments, I would assume the answer is very little.)
3) What current tractor models from any of the manufacturers would the 855 or 955 compare to?
4) Any parts availability issues? (Being a Deere, I assume "no" but could be wrong about that.)
5) And related to parts availability, are parts costs considered "normal" or would repairs and maintenance come at a premium?
6) What might be considered a reasonable service life out of a tractor like this before one might start expecting to experience significant repairs? At 644 hours, I would think this one is like a "teenager." Obviously, how quickly repairs are needed depends largely on how hard the tractor is worked...but just in general, when is a tractor of this size considered "old?"
7) How would you rate the 70A loader as matched to this tractor? Will you overload the hydraulics before you stress the loader frame, loader-to-tractor sub-frame, or the front axle?
8) The 70A bucket looks weird to me...something about it's shape doesn't jive with buckets I see on the new tractors. Is it shallower, or taller...or what is it?
9) I'm not expecting a modern quick-attach loader, and I don't really expect to remove it much at all. But how easy or difficult would you say it is to separate the loader from the tractor should the need arise?
10) And lastly, kind of a general question on buying older, used tractors. For the most part, a tractor's age is defined by its hour meter. However, I imagine things like hoses, belts, hydro connectors, seals in the rams or engine & drive train may be more prone to physical age on a low-hour tractor than actually wearing out from use. If I were to buy a 20-year old tractor with 644 hours on the meter, should I be prepared to rebuild rams, replace hydraulic hoses, or replace injector pumps? Or will these items continue performing for a long time?
That's a lot of questions, but I appreciate any feedback you can provide.
Thank you,
Kyle Sands <>< Brandon, MN
1) Tractor data says the 855 has position control on the 3-point hitch. Is this true? Having position control is an important feature in my search.
2) Are there things you would recommend I check specifically on this tractor that might be of concern from a wear, or maintenance (or lack of maintenance) standpoint? In other words, did this series of tractor have any gremlins or week points that plagued it during it's production run? (Based on the positive comments, I would assume the answer is very little.)
3) What current tractor models from any of the manufacturers would the 855 or 955 compare to?
4) Any parts availability issues? (Being a Deere, I assume "no" but could be wrong about that.)
5) And related to parts availability, are parts costs considered "normal" or would repairs and maintenance come at a premium?
6) What might be considered a reasonable service life out of a tractor like this before one might start expecting to experience significant repairs? At 644 hours, I would think this one is like a "teenager." Obviously, how quickly repairs are needed depends largely on how hard the tractor is worked...but just in general, when is a tractor of this size considered "old?"
7) How would you rate the 70A loader as matched to this tractor? Will you overload the hydraulics before you stress the loader frame, loader-to-tractor sub-frame, or the front axle?
8) The 70A bucket looks weird to me...something about it's shape doesn't jive with buckets I see on the new tractors. Is it shallower, or taller...or what is it?
9) I'm not expecting a modern quick-attach loader, and I don't really expect to remove it much at all. But how easy or difficult would you say it is to separate the loader from the tractor should the need arise?
10) And lastly, kind of a general question on buying older, used tractors. For the most part, a tractor's age is defined by its hour meter. However, I imagine things like hoses, belts, hydro connectors, seals in the rams or engine & drive train may be more prone to physical age on a low-hour tractor than actually wearing out from use. If I were to buy a 20-year old tractor with 644 hours on the meter, should I be prepared to rebuild rams, replace hydraulic hoses, or replace injector pumps? Or will these items continue performing for a long time?
That's a lot of questions, but I appreciate any feedback you can provide.
Thank you,
Kyle Sands <>< Brandon, MN
