2550 Radio Install help

[blainesdad]

I recently just purchased a John Deere 2550 cab model tractor. My first cab tractor ever! I am trying o install a new kenwood CD player in it to replace the amazing cassette player that was in it. Only problem I am having is finding a 12 volt constant in the ceiling. Does anybody know if there is a constant "hot" wire up there or do you know where I can find one or what is the easiest route to run one up there? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JD3520Turbo]

Did the radio that came out of it have a memory in it? Or was it older than that?
There should be one up there. If you have pics of the old radio and what wiring you have to work with, that would help.

 

[Tx Jim]

It's been a long time since I've thought about the wiring in a 50 series SGB(cab) but they had digital clocks as an option and I think the dome light will have full time electricity. I would even think the radio wiring had a memory wire. Without the aid of a service manual I'd suggest to remove the 3 screws under the overhang at the curved front and then remove the 2 bolts in the roof and raise roof. It will be hinged at the rear and have a rod at the front to prop roof up at an angle. Then take a test light and look for a "hot wire"

 

[jd110]

The radios that Deere used in the era when 2550's were made had no memory that required a constant hot wire. The only place you will find a constant hot in the roof area is at the dome light as TxJim suggested. The memory wire for your new radio will work fine if connected there and it won't overload the circuit.

 

[blainesdad]

Thank you guys for the information, I was wondering about the dome light and was thinking that might be an option. I will take the test light to it this evening. To reply to previous comments, the radio that was in it was ancient tape player that had no memory and the wiring harness only had the switch hot wire and ground wire plus the two speaker hookups in it.
Thank you guys so much for your advice it has been a HUGE help.

 

[Tx Jim]

The radios that Deere used in the era when 2550's were made had no memory that required a constant hot wire.

JD must have added a memory wire on the 55 series because my 4255 factory radio has a clock built into it.

 

[blainesdad]

JD must have added a memory wire on the 55 series because my 4255 factory radio has a clock built into it.

Possibility, the radio that came out of mine reminded me of something that my dad had mounted in his truck when I was a boy...and played 8 tracks...lol

I bet that 4255 is a dandy. I wish I had a need for a tractor that big...ha ha

 

[Tx Jim]

JD 40,50 & 55 series are some of the best tractors that the JD logo was attached to. I owned my 4255 since Feb,14,1993 and that's a long time.

 

[blainesdad]

JD 40,50 & 55 series are some of the best tractors that the JD logo was attached to. I owned my 4255 since Feb,14,1993 and that's a long time.

No argument here. I'd even say that the German built 20 and 30 series which are basically the same tractors are as well. Me and my dad have the following in them...

Dad-
820 that my grandfather bought new in 1970 with 2800 hours on it
2040

Me-
1530 first tractor I owned, sold it to buy 2155
(2) 2155's currently
2355-MFWD open station that I recently just sold
2550-MFWD cab that I just bought

I hope to in the future be able to find another cab model 2755 MFWD as well. The best tractors ever built in my humble opinion.

 

[Tx Jim]

The hyd's on the Mannheim,Germany built tractors isn't as durable as the Waterloo built tractors but all the models you mentioned are good utility tractors.