JD 755's, 855's, 955's

sqdqo · Jan 13, 2010

I am struggling with trying to find an adequate 20-30hp 4wd hydro tractor that I can afford. I need an FEL, front mnt snowblower and either a belly mount or 3 pt mower. I have a limited budget and cannot afford a shiney new tractor. My heaviest uses are tugging firewood logs with the 3pt., some quite large & heavy, and lifting the logs with the bucket for cutting (saves greatly on the back), also lifting the large cut pieces to the splitter height. I have a 1/2 mile of road in the U.P. of Mich to keep open in the winter and snow depths here are considerable. I have been looking at the JD 755's, 855's and the 955's which I'm sure are the most capable but getting expensive for me. I would like to hear anyone's experienced opinions. I realize these are not large tractors but would welcome any advice on these or other brands worth mentioning.

kennyd · Jan 13, 2010

The x55 series machines are great! They are well built, last a long time with proper maintenance and hold their value well.

beenthere · Jan 13, 2010

What's your budget? Need a place to start.

Seems the 4000 series that include the 4200, 4300, and 4400 would be in a good range for size. Expect those to come in the 10 - 12k dollar range sans the blower. Add 3k for that.

RoyJackson · Jan 13, 2010

The biggest concern would be the ½ mile of drive. None of those machines (maybe the 955 could...) can handle a front mount snowblower big enough to clear that drive assuming you could even find a front mount blower.
Of those three listed, the 955 would be the best choice. But they're not easy to find and all the x55 series tractors hold their value quite well. The 955 is around 33 HP, if I recall correctly.
I suggest you look into a gear machine the size of the 870 through 1070. The easy machine to find would be a 790...also a geared tractor. Unless your mowing requirements demand a hydro, the gear tractors would handle all your tasks for a lower price.
BTW, old tractors don't necessarily mean cheap tractors.

jxhopper · Jan 13, 2010

As a reference... I just purchased a 1998 955 with 72" MMM. The tractor is in excellent shape with 569 hours. The MMM was well - used though. I am going to rebuild and repaint the deck since it is winter now. New wheels, bushings, blades, etc.

I paid $7500.

Kevin M · Jan 13, 2010

I love my 755, I just wish I could find a nice cab for it! I don't think I would trade it for a new one!

twarr1 · Jan 13, 2010

The 955's are great machines. The tire sizes are odd and relatively hard to find. And it's a little light for the 33 horsepower, but overall it's very capable. I don't know if they made these in 2WD, but I would recommend the MFW.

Also, not to be picky, but you said in your post
"My heaviest uses are tugging firewood logs with the 3pt...."

PLease don't do that, use the drawbar, it's below the COG, the 3 pt genrerally is not.

Happy tractor hunting!

sqdqo · Jan 13, 2010

I use the 3pt to get the head end off the ground. Pulls much easier and lessens snags considerably.

bobsjd · Jan 13, 2010

Hi

I just traded my 1987 JD755 and got a nice new JD 3720 with a cab. I got tired of freezing when snow blowing my 800' driveway. As far as I was concerned the 755 was still in fine condition, just wanted an upgrade. The week before the new one came I blew over 15" of snow with it some of it 2 and 3' drifts. As for a 1/2 mile I think the machine would have no problem I think you would get really cold.

I did look at a jo dale cab for it, but decided to go for the new machine.

I only hope the new one will last as long, time will tell.

I know my old one was purchased the next day from the dealer

Bob

sqdqo · Jan 13, 2010

I've been using an atv with a blower. The blower does the job but is too light and I have had considerable breakage due to ice, sticks etc. I do get cold especially when the wind is blowing but I am sure I can get along ok.

Tunguska · Jan 14, 2010

Hope you find the tractor you want.

I'd like to throw in my 2 cents with Roy as far as at least considering a gear tractor. I have nothing against the hydros (I don't have much experience with them) but I love my 870. Sounds like I do the same things you want to do, minus the mowing. I've seen them for sale from $6-$12K, depending on features and condition.

I also drag logs with the 3PH. In the picture it's at full height but when I'm dragging the front of the log (as you noted) is only an inch or 2 off the ground. This little guy will pull some big timber. I'm convinced it thinks it's a 3020!

JDGreenGrass · Jan 14, 2010

Look at the "older" JD770 models.

Beefy little tractor and if you can find one in good shape you will be happy. Although, the mid-pto is optional.

By the way, it is the same tractor as a JD790, just an older model year. New, it is now the 3005 that retails for about $11,000.

These tractors do preserve their resale value.

Dennisfly · Jan 14, 2010

I love my 855. It is 24 HP with MFD and a loader. I do everything you describe except the snow blowing. Here in Virginia we don't get the snow that you do. I use a back blade and the loader for snow which works well on the 6 or 8 inches that we usually get here. It is hard to start when it gets cold (it has an air heater instead of glow plugs). I bought the factory block heater for about $30.00 and 30 minutes of heat makes it start easy.

Depending on model, condition, and accessories I would think you could find something in the $8500 range with loader

wcpeabody · Jan 14, 2010

I have a 770 (24 hp). I live on 10 acres with a 600 ft driveway and help maintain a .7 mile long road with a couple of other guys with similar size tractors. I find it to be a nice compromise between old & new and also between big and little. I paid about 7500 2 years ago (it had about 630 hours on it). It came with a back blade & 4 foot rotatory cutter & FEL.

If I were you I would not rule out the 770, 870, 970, 1070. I really like my 770 and if I see and 870 for the right price I would buy it in a heartbeat.

FYI - Not sure where you are located but we do our winter maintenance with blades and not blowers. Mainly due to cost of the blower. Last year we got right around 100 inches of snow in about 3 weeks. It was a lot of seat time to keep ourselves for getting banked in by the snow banks. Last year was quite a but more snow then we usually get and if I lived somewhere that much snow on a regular basis I would try to find a blower.

Bill

RWEST · Jan 14, 2010

Great machines, but, clean ones are getting harder and harder to find

Front-mount blowers show up sometimes on e-bay - just be sure it comes with the mounting kit!! I have the 3 point blower on mine, and couldn't imagine what it would be like driving backwards with my head turned around like an owl for 1/2 mile...

jxhopper · Jan 14, 2010

Dennisfly said:
I love my 855. It is 24 HP with MFD and a loader. I do everything you describe except the snow blowing. Here in Virginia we don't get the snow that you do. I use a back blade and the loader for snow which works well on the 6 or 8 inches that we usually get here. It is hard to start when it gets cold (it has an air heater instead of glow plugs). I bought the factory block heater for about $30.00 and 30 minutes of heat makes it start easy.

Depending on model, condition, and accessories I would think you could find something in the $8500 range with loader

The 955 I just purchased has glow plugs that worked rather well the other day. Started at about 2 degrees after about 2-3 minutes of the glow plugs. It started slow but it did start. I was impressed.

There's a youtube of a 955 with a front mount blower straight up launching some snow. It's impressive. Here in the south we don't get snow, so I don't have to worry about that at all.

dfkrug · Jan 14, 2010

jxhopper said:
The 955 I just purchased has glow plugs that worked rather well the other day. Started at about 2 degrees after about 2-3 minutes of the glow plugs. It started slow but it did start. I was impressed.

All these x55s are direct-injection engines with a single heating element
in the air intake plenum. No glow plugs. Since the heater comes on
automatically and shuts off after a period, you may have had to turn
the starter key fully several times to get it to start at that low temp.

Those 955s were excellent tractors.