How to check out a 455

[dhollman]

I am planning to buy a JD 455 all wheel steer from 1995 with about 440 hours on it. Plan to use it mainly for mowing and snowblowing (Central New York).

Anyway, I haven't operated a garden tractor since I was a teenager (20 years ago!) and could use some advice on how to inspect it when I go to pick it up. Are there any particular red flags I can look for? Things I can easily check out visually? Despite the low hours, my concern would be if it were somehow abused, or under-maintained.

The seller mentioned that he spent about $400 last year on a service to replace tie rods (not sure front or rear) and replace hydraulic seals... if that is useful info.

Anyway, I'm excited to get a good used machine, any advice is welcome!

Thanks

 

[Adamski]

...The seller mentioned that he spent about $400 last year on a service to replace tie rods (not sure front or rear) and replace hydraulic seals... if that is useful info...

Hollman,

I own a 450 with just over 1,000 hours on it and I've yet to replace a rod, seal or anything else. Obviously, I replace filters regularly and it got lots of TLC throughout the years. I wonder if the 455's 4 wheel steer is prone to some maintenance issues.

I don't baby my tractor either. I use the loader to plow snow, move dirt and rocks and even have done some limited digging. I also cut grass on hilly terrain and aerate the lawn so I put plenty of stress on all parts of this 2 wheel drive, 2 wheel steer, 22 hp tractor.

Larry

 

[JB2]

Hi

You will be very happy with a 455 Deere! One of the best Garden tractors built from Deere! 440 hrs on on 455 is nothing, and if its been well maintained, it will last for years.
I also own a 95 455 AWS, which has around 1,259 hrs on it now. Was going to sell my 455AWS, as I also have a 2007 Deere X744 AWS with 48" deck, but have decided against it for now. I guess I just can't part with the 455.

The 455 is a solid built tractor. I would check out the gear box on the mower, if possible to see what the oil level is like. Also check to see if there is any oil laying around the gear box. After a certain amount of time, the oil seal in the gear box, gives out and sprays oil. I have had to replace the oil seal in the gear box on my 60" deck and my 48" decks for my 455. I have the 60" deck on the 455 currently, but picked up a spare 48" deck for the gear box.

Jason B