Just Bought JD 855

MPN · Jan 3, 2004

New to Forum, I just bought a 1988 JD 855 766 hrs., heated cab, FEL model 52, 60" Front Snowblower never used, 72" MMM, and a model 246 front mount Sweep (for Sale). I have ordered from my local JD dealer a tech manual and operator manual I will not recieve these for two weeks, I would like to change all fluids and I live in Northern Alberta I was thinking of using Shell Rotella 100% synthetic 0/40 any thoughts, what would be reccomended for the Hydro static fluid? The tractor has a few problems that I was made aware of before buying, one the fiberglass hood is missing the front piece that is not sold separately from JD I am looking for a used hood as a new one from JD is $750.00 Can. Is there any compact tractor wreckers? Two there is a grinding noice in the front Diff when it is working hard, any thoughts on what this may be? The previous owner said it was like that when he got it but did not use FWA alot so he did not fix it. Also is there anything I should look at such as common problems?

DaveNay · Jan 3, 2004

Hi MPN!

I will have to plead ignorance on what fluids to use up there in your neck of the woods, but I just wanted to welcome you to TBN, and especially welcome another 855 owner. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Dave

ChadS · Jan 6, 2004

Welcome MPN,

I am a fairly new 855 owner also. For your hood, there is a salvage yard in PA that specializes in Deere compacts - I just saw it FarmShow magazine last month. I will look it up for you..

The front differential is pretty tough but I would be careful with it until I figured out the cause of the grinding... Deere recommends their hydro/trans fluid (low viscosity super HyGuard I believe) and I think I will stick with it for now. Deere also makes engine block heaters and transmission heaters for this unit.

Hope this helps,
Chad

jrlichina · Jan 6, 2004

I use Rotella synthetic in my Power Stroke Diesel and it makes a huge difference in the winter. I live in Wisconsin and right now the temp is -8 so it gets real cold here at times. The synthetic allows the engine to crank much faster than conventional oil. This allows for better/faster starts. I do use my block heater with a timer set to turn on 2 hours before I need to leave in the morning. Then it's like summertime, instant start and instant heat! If you operate it a lot in the winter I would invest in the block heater and a hydraulic oil heater if they do have one for the 855. The heated fluids helps reduce wear and tear on the engine during starts and warmups.

tdenny · Jan 6, 2004

MPN,

Welcome aboard and I hope you enjoy your 855. Mine's great. I'm not sure about fluids up north but as far as hood parts I'd keep an eye on ebay. Just do a search for John Deere 855, 755, or 955 and you'll find lots of things you may want. It's also a great place to get manuals for many items. I have seen front grilles, hoods, and various other parts for any of the 55's out there quite often.

MikeInIdaho · Jan 6, 2004

At what temperature would you install the hydraulic oil heater? Thanks.

MPN · Jan 7, 2004

Thanks for all the info so far, i am sure I will have more questions the more I work with the Tractor. Chad that salvage yard # would be great.

ChadS · Jan 8, 2004

MPN,

The information listed in FarmShow is:
Weaver's Repair, Compact Tractor Parts
9507 Forest Ridge Rd.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717)477-9332

The article says that they specialize in parts for Deere, Ford, and Kubota compacts.
Hope this helps,
Chad

Currmudgeon · Jan 14, 2004

Sounds a lot like mine, but I don't have a cab. I guess if I lived in Alberta, I'd want one, too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

( a model 246 front mount Sweep (for Sale). )

Indiana's probably too far to ship and certainly too far to drive, but whatcha want for it? This is powered from the mid PTO?

( what would be reccomended for the Hydro static fluid? )

I don't have my manual in front of me, but I seem to remember JD calling for Low Vis. This is a thinner oil than regular Universal Tractor Fluid.

I've been perfectly happy with mine, so far. I've only put about 50 hours on it since I bought it.

755inNY · Jan 14, 2004

MPM,

Congratulations on the 855. FYI, the bucket for the 52 loader is no longer available from John Deere. If the one on your machine is worn or needs replacement, you may want to start looking around. I ended up getting mine from ATI. Their "standard" 54" replacement has a little larger struck capacity and it uses both thicker and more steel than the original. Result is about 90 pounds more weight. They will make a custom bucket that exactly matches the original but it costs more.

Jeff