resurrecting John Deere 855

rattler555 · May 17, 2021

Hello All,

We recently purchased a home and inherited a 855 Deere. The tractor has not been started in likely over 7 years. I can handle mechanical tasks. I'm looking for some info on what maintenance to do prior to attempting to start the unit. Any info is really appreciated!

dusty3030 · May 17, 2021

Was it stored inside or outside?

I'd check the engine oil and transmission oil both for correct amount as well as for any moisture / water that may be in either. If it's been sitting in the rain there is a chance there could be quite a bit of water in the transmission that leaked past shift boots etc. If the engine oil is black / dark and not milky good to go. Transmission oil should be clearer / straw colored and not milky.

Check the radiator for level and color / quality of the coolant.

Check air cleaner and air intake hoses and make sure no dauber nests or any other trash blocking them or anything that made it past filter.

Check the fuel for water, there should be a clear bowl that the fuel filter sits in. Water will be at the bottom of it if there is any.

Me personally I'd try and just barely bump starter or better yet put a socket / bar and hand turn the engine via the crank pulley just to make sure engine wasn't locked and turned freely before I tried to start it.
If you can get it started / running I'd get it up to temp and make sure it drives / pulls well in forward and reverse. Check PTO that it engages. Check brakes. If it checks out then change out all the fluids and filters and enjoy! Great little tractors made by Yanmar for Deere. They are solid.

rattler555 · May 17, 2021

dusty3030 said:
Was it stored inside or outside?

I'd check the engine oil and transmission oil both for correct amount as well as for any moisture / water that may be in either. If it's been sitting in the rain there is a chance there could be quite a bit of water in the transmission that leaked past shift boots etc. If the engine oil is black / dark and not milky good to go. Transmission oil should be clearer / straw colored and not milky.

Check the radiator for level and color / quality of the coolant.

Check air cleaner and air intake hoses and make sure no dauber nests or any other trash blocking them or anything that made it past filter.

Check the fuel for water, there should be a clear bowl that the fuel filter sits in. Water will be at the bottom of it if there is any.

Me personally I'd try and just barely bump starter or better yet put a socket / bar and hand turn the engine via the crank pulley just to make sure engine wasn't locked and turned freely before I tried to start it.
If you can get it started / running I'd get it up to temp and make sure it drives / pulls well in forward and reverse. Check PTO that it engages. Check brakes. If it checks out then change out all the fluids and filters and enjoy! Great little tractors made by Yanmar for Deere. They are solid.