Old JD 455 mower reliability

[Gary Fowler]

I am looking a purchasing a 1997 JD 455 diesel with 60" mower and wonder if anyone has info on any problems or reliability issues with this machine

 

[Grateful11]

We had a 425, same series just a gas engine, the only problems we had were probably both flukes, first the mower gearbox smashed the wiring harness in two to the point where they had to replace the entire harness thankfully it was under warranty. It seems that one of the clips that held the wires in place was left off at the factory. The other problem was the piston came off the steering cylinder rod, internally. I was able to get fixed instead of buying a new one. That's the only problems we had in about 200-250 hours.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks, I have been told that these were the best lawn tractors ever made by JD and possibly by anyone else, but there seems to be a flaw with every thing made even though they may be minor in scope.

 

[pennwalk]

The tuff torq transmissions in the 4XX tractors sometimes develop leaks. It may be related to them getting too hot. It is usually not too hard to fix, just a pain. There are threads here about that.

It may be that long term the 90s vintage diesel engines won't like ultra low sulfer fuel. I don't know what happens if you run them on straight fuel over time. I have been adding opti lube to my tractor fuel.

Chris

 

[pennwalk]

I have also seen several high hour 4Xx tractors at auction that needed work on the power steering.

Chris

 

[buckshot721]

If is in decent shape and you take care of it, it will last along time. The 425 and 455 are one of the most sought after garden tractors Deere made. I have the 425 and I will keep it forever. I'm always on the look out for a 455, my neighbor has one with over 3000 hours on it, and won't sell it!!

 

[Eagle09]

I had a 455 for just over ten years and never had any reliability issues with it at all. I did have to replace the muffler one time, and other than the fact of it costing $320.00 I experienced no problems at all.

Good machine, cut well and comfortable to ride. The only reason I sold it was to get a zero turn which has saved me time, and I love it.

Good luck !

 

[Gary Fowler]

Well the 455 sold before I could get in touch with the guy. I now have a line on a 332 diesel for $2800 that looks in good shape. I think this 332 was replaced by the 430 and then came the 455. Does anyone know the basic differences or upgrades that came along in this process of model changes. Not much info on Tractordata.com. although it does mention that the 332 had individual left and right brakes which I like that.

 

[pennwalk]

The 425/445/455 have pedal hydro.

Chris

 

[Gary Fowler]

These mowers (330, 332, 430) for sale are very rare indeed. I find a lot of 455's for sale, but I have looked at craigslist in every major city in the Southern USA and have found nothing to compare to as far as price wise. This forum showed some folks buying 332 back in 2008 for $2000 which is less than they are selling for now so I guess they are pretty good to appreciate in value in 3 years.