Just Bought JD 855

[MPN]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[MPN]

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]

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]

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

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( a model 246 front mount Sweep (for Sale). )</font>

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?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( what would be reccomended for the Hydro static fluid? )</font>

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]

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

 

[DaveNay]

Jeff,

Do you have some more info about this company ATI? My bucket has cracks and tears around the welds where it attaches to the arms, and I would like to keep some info on hand in case I need to replace the bucket. Hopefully, I can get a reinforcing plate welded on, but you never know. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Dave

 

[DaveNay]

Nevermind Jeff....I just realized that ATI is a sponsor at TBN, and their info was only a couple clicks away.

I am not hitting on all cylinders tonight....time to put down the mouse and back away from the computer slowly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dave

 

[755inNY]

Dave,

Glad you found the info. Mine was cracked in the front corners too and the bottom was rusting away (kept outside for 15 years). I had welded the cracks, welded an 1/8 inch plate across the bottom and reinforced the bucket where the loader arms attach. It all worked for a few years but eventually the side walls started to get perforations where the inside rust met the outside rust.

ATI was great to deal with. The first bucket they sent me mated up fine with the loader arms but did not dump a far as the original. The geometry of the mounting points wouldn't allow full travel of the cylinders. I called ATI kind of expecting a "sorry but that's the way it is with after market buckets" but got an entirely different response. They were guinely concerned that it did not match exactly. I was told that the bucket was for a 70 loader (next series after the 52 I believe) and ATI had the understanding the buckets were the same. I was asked if I had the old bucket, which I did. They made arrangements with the dealer to have both their bucket and my old bucket shipped back to them at their expense. They quickly turned around the replacement (along with my old bucket). It now works like the original.

Jeff

 

[Dennisfly]

Congratulations on your new tractor! I've had a JD855 for about 3 months. Its my first tractor. It does everything I expected it do and I'm very pleased with it. I have the operating and maintenance manuals and here is what they say aboout fluids:

"The oil should be changed every 200 hours. They recommend John Deere Torq-Gard Supreme Plus-50. If this oil is used the oil and filter change interval may be extended by 50 hours. They also recommend John Deere Torq-Gard Supreme. Other oils may be used if they meet API service classification CE or CD or Mil Spec MIL-L-2104D or MIL-L-2104C. SAE 15W40 is good from -15C to +40C. SAE 5W30 is good from -35C to +10C. Artic Oil which meets Mil Spec MIL-L-46167A is good from -55C to -10C. Capacity is 4.1 qts."

"Hydrostatic drive oil should be changed every 500 hrs - John Deere Low Viscosity Hy-Gard is recommended. SAE 10W engine oils may be used if they meet API CE or CD classifications. Automatic transmissions fluids type M2C33F or M2C33G may also be used. Oils meeting Mil Spec MIL-L-46167A may be used as artic oils. Capacity is 4.5 gals."

"Gear Oil should be changed every 500 hrs. - John Deere GL-5 is recommended. Other oils may be used if they meet one of the following - Mil Spec MIL-L-2105D, MIL-L-2105C, MIL-L-2105B. MIL-L-10324A may be used as artic oil. SAE 90 or 85W140 is good from -10C to +50C. SAE 80W90 or 80W140 is good from -25C to +50C. SAE 75W90 is good from -40C to +20C. SAE 75W is good from -40C to 0C. artic oil is good from -55C to -10C. Capacity is 2.25 qts."

I'd be concerned with the grinding noise in the MFWD. There are vent plugs on the top of both sides of the axle and three drain plugs, one for the differential and one for each spindle. All 5 need to be removed to drain it. I'd do that right away and see if there is any metal in the oil. If so, you should have it looked at ASAP.

Good luck.

Dennis

 

[MPN]

Thanks for all the info so fas

 

[dwkendall]

Hi, new to TBN, but not new to tractors. about 15 years ago bought a 655 frame, 52 loader and tranny. spent way too much on extending frame to accommodate a 855 engine and repairing a beat up 24hp engine(#4 bearing race turned). bought a 7' backhoe, 3 pt blade and 47" snow blower. moved a lot of snow and dirt to build house. sadly sold it with house as a "package deal" which real estate agent and ex recommended. missing it albeit been driving my dads JD7610 during this haying season. just talked a salesman into selling me (hey right!) a junker with tranny probs. here i go again. will no doubt be asking fer advice which seems tobe very good.


DDub sends