455 to 495?

KennedyDiesel · Oct 18, 2006

I think I have this right that the 495 replaced the 455 right?

I have a 455 and love it. Been thinking of upgrading to a newer machine though. For those who have had both, which do you prefer? I really like the layout and size of the 455 and am quite tempted to find a very late model low hours unit and hand mine down to my Dad...

bigtiller · Oct 18, 2006

You're right, the 495 replaced the 455. There really isn't much difference between the two. Of course newer is better. The biggest thing I disliked about the 495 was when mowing a lot of dust and clippings was sucked past my legs with the air flow going through the radiator. After a couple hours mowing I looked like I had been bailing hay. Have you looked at the 2210 or 2305? They are the same size as the 495 and are about the same price but they are a lot more tractor with 4x4 and 3PH standard.

KennedyDiesel · Oct 20, 2006

I'm looking for a lawnmower for the most part and really liked the low, planted feeling of my 455. The 495 looks a bit awkward due to the increased height and apparent higher C-O-G...

The larger mini CUTs wil not maneuver like my 455.

KennedyDiesel · Oct 20, 2006

Looks like I need to go look at the 740 and 748 as well...

bigtiller · Oct 20, 2006

The center of gravity is basically the same in this size of tractor. If the 455 can do it, the 495 can do it and so can any other tractor with this same wheel base. If maneuverability is most important, take a look at the all-wheel-steer models. With a 62 inch deck they will leave a 6 inch uncut radius.

jeffinsgf · Oct 21, 2006

I might be guilty of the same "older is better" bias that I accuse some of the WFM crew of, but I wouldn't trade a 455 for a 495. I'd put some money into a restoration of the 455, or look for a very late model 455 that had been babied. The later will cost you 5500 to 6000 on MachineFinder or EvilBay, either one. To me, the 455 was the perfect blend of the guts of the old 318, 400, 430 lines with the convenience of foot pedal drive and that sweet Yanmar diesel. Sorry, wish I could offer you a true side-by-side, but I have just looked at the 495's -- I bought a 455 late last Fall, and have beeen loving it since.

ovrszd · Oct 21, 2006

jeffinsgf said:
I might be guilty of the same "older is better" bias that I accuse some of the WFM crew of, but I wouldn't trade a 455 for a 495. I'd put some money into a restoration of the 455, or look for a very late model 455 that had been babied. The later will cost you 5500 to 6000 on MachineFinder or EvilBay, either one. To me, the 455 was the perfect blend of the guts of the old 318, 400, 430 lines with the convenience of foot pedal drive and that sweet Yanmar diesel. Sorry, wish I could offer you a true side-by-side, but I have just looked at the 495's -- I bought a 455 late last Fall, and have beeen loving it since.

What he said!!! Love my 455!!

jcmseven · Nov 3, 2006

I really do not think there is enough difference to trade unless you just want to. I have had a 485 and a 595 and my nieghbor has a 455. I think the 485 and the 455 were pretty similar, but the diesel engine in the neighbor's has more useable power. The 595 is in another league altogether. The MFWD really helps out this tractor. I know on this forum and on the JD forum, the 2210 and the 2305 get some pub, but to me, the performance of the 595 is a match and it is soooo much more comfortable to use, especially for mowing. It does not come with some of the nice extras standard, such as rear PTO, but it is so nice otherwise, I could overlook that point in that machine. To me, if you were going to trade I would go with a 595/748 or keep what I had.

John M