455 deck height adjustment issue

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

I could use some help with my new-to-me 1999 455 AWS w/ 60" deck. I'm trying to adjust the deck height and suspect something is broken. I hydraulically raise the deck and try to adjust with the adjustment wheel as per the manual. The indicator doesn't move, the wheel binds up, and when I lower the deck it goes all the way down onto the wheels. The indicator is pegged at "all the way up". I know this is a mechanical stop. Anyone ever have this problem? Thanks.

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

:welcome:

Don't have the problem, but it sounds like the stop is on the wrong side. May need to remove the fender deck and get to that adjustment mechanism.

With the deck raised, the adjustment wheel should move easily and position the height finger where you set it. Then lowering the deck it will stop at that finger position, carrying the deck there.

Here is layout of the linkage. Possibly removing the deck and looking at the lift mechanism from underneath will help you identify the problem as well.

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

beenthere said:
:welcome:

Don't have the problem, but it sounds like the stop is on the wrong side. May need to remove the fender deck and get to that adjustment mechanism.

That would work for me!:thumbsup: However - can you elaborate on "remove the fender deck"?

Do I need to take the deck off? That might be all right because I want to take off the mulching kit and blades anyway.

When I get into it will this stop be obvious to find? If I take the deck off, I assume the stop will be easily operated and therefore easy to find.

Thanks for your help.

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

Posted a pic of the mechanism.

The fender deck follows removal of the seat, then just follow the bolts/nuts that hold it on. As mentioned, if the mower deck is off, looking at the underside to see how that height mechanism works may identify the problem.

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

Thram
I poked around in the service manual for the 455, and have these items from there, including a write-up of the adjustment procedure for the linkage. It may help to make a bit more sense out of the mechanism. For me, I wasn't aware of the warnings pointed out in the third pic, about not raising the deck too high. Something I may be guilty of and will need to look closer at mine.

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

Great. Thanks for all the help. I haven't gotten my hands on the service manual yet so I'm grasping in the dark right now.

I'm actually looking forward to getting into this - it will be my introduction to the guts underneith and my first shot at getting familiar with the tractor. I had a Cub 1863 for 13 years but this is a little more involve!

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

I'm sure you will like the 455 a lot.

Also can get some good info (no write-up procedures) from jdparts.com. Free registration that will get you into every Deere product made. Just put in the model no. and look at the complete tractor from there, including names of parts and no.s.

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

Yes, I've nosed around jdparts a bit already.

Any idea where I can get a digital version of the service manual?

On a completely different topic, am I asking for trouble if I put a FEL on this 455?

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

The 455 will handle a FEL if it is not AWS (all wheel steer). They are built like a tank. I don't see any reason you cannot do that. I don't think it is a quick on/off like the more recent models, but not bad once the frame is mounted/bolted on.

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

Well, it is an AWS, so I guess thats a "no". Is the problem a weaker rear axle assembly?

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

No, just no room for the AWS linkage, the rear tires turning, and the FEL frame.
I have the 455 AWS and I really like it. Took me some time to find it, but wouldn't part with it now.

Thram · Jun 7, 2011

I just picked mine up yesterday. 1999, 530 hrs, 60" deck, 47" snowblower, JD cab. Probably going to add a 3pt hitch so that I can put a ball on and have a place for suitcase weights front and back. Also in case I can put my hands on a hydraulic tiller.

beenthere · Jun 7, 2011

Nice find.

Suitcase weights don't need the 3 ph, but just a steel plate bolted onto the frame (unless there are other uses for the 3 ph).

KennedyDiesel · Jun 7, 2011

I have the 3ph on mine and added a 3ph weight bracket. Works very nice for snowblowing, but increases the overall length as well. I welded a receiver tube to the underside of teh bracket and use an inverted 6" ball mount and a convertaball shank only so I can back under trailer/lift/moved/drop without leaving seat. I only do this on relatively level surfaces. Need to lock coupler on ball head if moving far or rough.

For tiller I'd recommend 540 pto driven.

Yellowfever440 · Jun 7, 2011

If you cut grass at 3 inches or high that deck adjustment needle won't move very much maybe a half inch, mine is set at 3 1/4 inches and the needle just moves about a 1/4 inch