John Deere 955

[bigonpig]

New to tractors and looking at buying a 1998 John Deere 955. It has 1800 hours, FEL, and 72'' MMM. It looks to be in good shape, and everything seems to run/operate well, but I don't really know what to look for/inspect. Asking price is $10,000 but he will deliver it to me from about 140 miles away. Any recommendations on what to look out for/what can go wrong with these? From what I've read here, the 955 has a good reputation. Also, how is this price? I've seen other posts here where people say that's a bit high but this price is pretty comparable to similarly equipped machines on tractorhouse.com. Thanks for any info/advice!

 

[MechE1]

I do not own one, but I've watched these for years and have operated one sevaral time in the past. Seems high, esp for the number of hours on it. I would make sure it has the 70A FEL and not another. If it's well taken care of with that many hours, then it might be ok. If it's been run hard with that many hours, it could be close to the end of life expantancy for that engine. I also read somewhere that rear tires are unique size and getting difficult to find. Check some out on Machinery Finder. I'm guessing you can find one for less with less hours on it. If HP isn't that important, the 855 MFWD is also another, more pleantyful (less expensive) option.

 

[bigonpig]

MechE1,

Thanks for the input. I'm going to look at it tomorrow so will (hopefully) have a better idea about it then. The pictures show the FEL is the 70A. Any tips on how to tell if it's been run hard or not? The guy told me he's had it for 5 years, the first 3 running a grain auger but that it's been sitting in a shed for the last 2 years. Thanks again.

 

[MechE1]

I'm not aware of any way sure to detect that it's had a hard life without tearing it down. Overall condition, paint, tire tread and condition, cleanliness, oil condition can tell you a lot about the owner. Obviously, listen to the engine, injectors and hydros working. A good ear can detect a lot. It should not smoke much at all on start up, as in oil in the cylinders type smoke vs. diesel smoke/soot. On a personal note, it would be very difficult for me to spend that kind of cash on a 16 yr. old 55 series tractor with that many hours. That's a lot of hours for that engine. Sure, there are a lot of them that have more hours, but not many that are in "good" shape. The 55 series was/is a fantastic machine, but I don't see many with 2000+ hrs on them around much. I see quite a few 955's and 855's in this price range with less than 600 to 800hrs on them. Good luck.

 

[lutt]

I agree with being a little high on the price it you may get him down some if you try. But if that tractor has been serviced properly, I wouldn't be scared of the hours. Running a auger us not hard on one. I would make sure the PTO engages and disengages properly. Have him hook it up to a mower or bush hog and use it. Yanmar is a tough, reliable engine. They built those tractors for Deere for years. Yanmar builds commercial engines for many applications. Excavators, skid steers, generators , water pumps , just to name a few. My Deere is a Yanmar built tractor, reliable and tough, around 1400 hours now with no problems. I'm a chief engineer on a lower Mississippi River towboat, the deck crew uses Yanmar diesel powered pumps, they are not easy on them. Never tore one down to overhaul and I've been out here 20 years. LUTT

 

[MechE1]

bigonpig, did you go look at this machine? If so, what did you discover? Did you purchase?

 

[AugustaGJ]

The 55 Series was indeed an excellent machine! The Yanmar Engine, Kanzaki Transaxle, and Kanzaki front Axles were all bullet proof. A lot has changed with our small tractor offering since the days that we made these machines. I in fact was the Production Supervisor for this product from 1995 - 1997 in the John Deere Facility in Augusta Ga.. I still have great pride about the quality of the machines that we made for our customers when I was in that role.

Be sure to pay a fair price, but I am betting you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

 

[TCowner]

I've owned three different 855 and one 955 tractors from 1986 until 1998. I got one of the first production 855 tractors in August of 1986. The multi attachment capability was so impressive back then. You had a mid and rear pto which could be run separately or simultaneously. It really introduced the first "quick attach" loader system. I had the original #52 loader which was not quite as slick at the 70A which came a few years later, but still offered only a five minute time to attach or detach the loader.

The original 55 series tractors were manufactured at the Horicon Works factory in Horicon Wisconsin. My dealer made arrangements for me to tour the factory and pick up my 955 after the tour. They loaded it onto my trailer (it was crated) and I took it to the dealership for set up. But the 955 was a fantastic tractor. It had a noticeable louder exhaust rasp but the additional power was also quite noticeable.

The 55 series would have to go down as one of John Deere's greatest line of tractors. If you find a nice 955 I think you should not hesitate. They are as tough as they come and still have some of the innovative features that are found on the latest offering from Deere.

 

[bigonpig]

MechE1,

I did go look and then purchased the 955. It was located 120 miles away and I did not have access to a trailer so the seller arranged for it to be delivered. I just got it this morning, drove it around my place a bit, then put it away. I'm planning on doing a thorough inspection of it tonight. I'm very excited, and although it does have a higher number of hours, I am hopeful that it will serve me well. I'll post some pics later. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[MechE1]

Great news. It should run long and strong for you. I love those little '55s. Enjoy.