455 Questions

[coachgrd]

My new (to me) 455 comes tonite at 6 bells. I have some questions for those of you that are familiar with this tractor.

First, would all of you prefer that questions regarding this tractor be in the Lawn and Garden forum?

Secondly, although the tractor appears in great shape (475 hours) and I had the dealer change the oil, fuel filter, and sharpen the blades, I am wondering what I should do right now in terms of preventative maintainance. Any thoughts?

Lastly, I have the owners manuals and they outline the steps involved in putting on/removing the deck as well as the snow blower. Just wondering if these two jobs would fall under the heading of "ones I'll dread." I bought this off a Kubota dealer who is uncertain himself of how to do either.

Oh, and one more thing...is there a newbie primer on how to post pics on the board? I'd love to show her off when I get that first coat of wax on!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Gary

 

[Tractors4u]

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[beenthere]

I don't know what experience you have had before with mower decks and snow blowers, but if any other brands, you will think you are in heaven when you perform this (blower and deck change) task with the Deere 455. Both are a piece of cake, and your manuals will outline the procedure well. If in doubt or want to be shown, stop by your Deere dealer and ask for a demo. 54" deck or 60" deck? When mounting the deck, follow the adjustment procedures closely beginning with the correct air pressure in the tires.

The hours, 475, are not many for this tractor/engine. I'd be real surprised if you didn't fall in love with your new purchase. But much depends on how it has been cared for. Just keep in mind, anything used is something someone else didn't want to keep, for some reason or another. Perform the 500 hour maintenance suggested in the manual. Enjoy!

 

[bigpete]

Hi, Coachgrd.

It doesn't bother me a bit for you to post about your 455 in this discussion group. This is where my first posts were when I was moving up from my 445. I don't know whether you would get more, or fewer, responses in the GT discussion so bounce a few back and forth. There is also a very active Yahoo JD GT board that you may want to use, but add it to you list of resources rather than replace TBN.

I had a 60" deck and a front blade with my 445. I cannot comment on the blower specifically. I will say that once you have a blower on, you probably won't take it off too often. The front quick hitch makes it easy to drop off and pick up the front blade, so other than the addition of the PTO shaft, I would say you are in for a pleasant surprise.

As far as the mower deck, I think you had posted earlier that you had a 54" deck (?). If so, it will be a bit lighter than the 60" deck which should make it easier. I'm still fairly mobile and flexible for my mid-forties, and I never had any problems laying on my side to disconnect the mower drive shaft from the mid-PTO. That is really the hard part. Otherwise, all you do is turn the rear guide wheels sideways, lower the deck to the ground, undo the lift arm pins, remove the front draft assembly, raise the lift arms, undo the shaft, and roll the deck out from under the machine. That took a lot of typed words to describe, but it's really pretty simple once you do it a few times.

One last tip: make sure your mower drive shaft is properly reconnected. Double check it before engaging you deck after you reinstall it. If it is only partially installed, you can reek havoc on your underbelly if you engage it and it has not been reconnected completely. I've heard of a couple of poor souls doing this and cracking the tranny housing.

Enjoy!

 

[beenthere]

An easy trick with the PTO shaft connect/disconnect (400's and X models) is to reach under the transmission from the rear of the tractor. It is surprisingly easier than reaching in from left side ahead of the rear tire (I was amazed how much easier it is from the rear). Also, a better grip of the sliding collar and shaft can be initiated from the rear.

 

[bigpete]

Oh yeah....

I wanted to add that the only other things that you might look in to are the last change dates for your trans oil and cooling system. At 475, these things should have been done at least once, IMO. I always changed out my fuel filter every year (which is a pain). Same with the air filter (not such a pain). Grease those deck spindles and steering zerks routinely and you should be set. Another opinion--I like to change my oil more frequently than others. Usually 50 hours and never over 75. But that's just me....

 

[Glenn9643]

Often as you are cutting, clippings will accumulate on the rear of the screens in the side panels on each side of the tractor and underneath the steering wheel. On really hot days this can make it run hotter than normal. Brush them off periodically as you mow. When done mowing remove the radiator screen and side panels and blow the radiator out good with compressed air. If you are ever tempted to hose the deck off be sure to remove the inspection plates over the spindles/belts and get the trash/water out; otherwise it will cause rust.

 

[beenthere]

Good points. I leave the cover plates off of the deck, and keep the grass and debris off better that way. For me they are just there for looks - although sometimes a stick will get on top and cause the belt to be thrown off a pulley.

 

[gsxr1100]

Gary—It would be up to you on the filters etc. I changed mine when I first got my 455 (now have Bx22). I think the BX22 and the 455 are the same except for the BH. Granted the 455 did not have 4x4 but I NEED to have it on with the BX and my 455 went the same places with no 4x4. Sorry about that, just need to get it in! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Engine Oil
Oil is easy. I remove the tube on the drain valve since it always caused the oil to go all over.

Fuel
Fuel is only needed when the red ring floats or it is very dirt. Just remember to have a empty can right close by when you remove the fuel line after closing the shut-off valve. The fuel goes all over! I also purchased some large channel locks to help tighten the fuel filter nut back up since I could never get it tight enough by hand.

Hyd filter
Also try to keep an eye on the hyd filter since there is not “shield” covering it and it will/could get dented when going “off road” with it.

Mower
Mower is easy. I just jacked up the front end and then did all the unhook, then pulled the deck out. I reaised the front to make it easier. You do not have to do this. If not, you will have to turn the wheels right or left to make it easier. Also bigpete said it correctly, make sure you check and then re-check the shaft coupling when connecting the shaft to tractor. Sometimes the shaft does not correctly seat. I get the same issue on my BX. Just re-check it.

Snow Thrower
The thrower is only a pain when hooked up the bracket that mounts to the frame. Once you do it a few times you will know the short cuts!

 

[coachgrd]

People around the world should spend an afternoon reading the responses to simple questions like mine on this website. I am truly astounded at the generosity of all of you in sharing your knowledge. My only hope is that I can return the favor someday.

I used to fire up the computer and immediately go to aCleveland Browns message board. Not any more...this is my first stop on the information superhighway!

My 455 came last night and it was a thrill. I'll try to post some pics soon.

Thank-you all again,
Gary

 

[bigpete]

You know, Glen hit a key issue with the air intake design. With the air intake between your knees, you can routinely brush away the chaff. There is a secondary screen in front of the radiator that you should remove and blow out after each use. Don't stop there, though. The openings in the radiator can become restricted and clogged over time causing the crucial over-heating problem. Every couple of weeks during mowing season I took off the side panels and blew out the entire engine compartment--including the radiator openings-- with my compressor set above 100 PSI to ensure good air circulation and cooling. I now remember being advised by a JD mechanic that he had seen a couple of older 400 series tractors with wear and failure becasue of over-heating. In almost all cases, it was because the radiator passages were plugged with fine dust.

 

[gsxr1100]

bigpete - I agree. You should always clean from the dirty side out. Never clean from the clean sidesince it will push the dirt etc MORE into the item being cleaned (bad bad ).

 

[gsxr1100]

coachgrd ---If you have any other question post them. I had a 455 for about 3 years with FEL and it worked great! Valves were afdjusted at 500 hours and took about 40 minutes. It cost me about $12 to do the job (for seal and shipping)

 

[BarryinMN]

I have a 455 Q as well.. I bought a 54" blade & front hydraulic mount for it. Still in the box. Can I mount the front hitch assy wothout taking the 60" deck off?
thanks,

 

[gsxr1100]

I do not think you can. The mowers front metal piece has two "pins" that go into these holes. The front hitch also needs these holes. So No.

I know you can have the FEL on it with the mower; but, using it is impossibile due to the hyd system

 

[bigpete]

GSXR100 is correct. You need to remove the deck to attach the independent front hitch for a blade or blower. I can't imagine using either with the deck still on anyway.

 

[BarryinMN]

Thanks for the advise..

I looked at a loader option but seemed $$$ for performance.

So, have a new front hitch assy with a used 54" blade w hyd angle for sale.

I'll keep the 455 as an awesome mower.

Thanks,

 

[bigpete]

Barry, I loved my front hitch with blade so much I bought one to go with my 4110--even though I have the 410 loader, too. You are right about the loader on the 400 series. It just doesn't seem like a good investment for what it is capable of doing. As far as the front blade, I think you would be pleasantly surprised as to how well it will move snow with your 455. For most light to medium snow fall up to 12" to 18", that blade will make quick work of a paved surface. Much faster than a loader.