Dan B
New member
Hello Everyone, my name is Dan & we live in Savannah, GA. I have a 1989 JD 855, Hydrostatic Drive Compact Tractor, with 60" mowing deck and 875 hr. It has been has been a pretty good tractor for us for approx 20 yr. It has had some problems over the years, but nothing I have not been able to sort out till now. I am now challenged with the PTO's Mid and Back inop. We can not cut grass (not good in Savannah in the Summer). I have gone through all of the simple electric checks, Seat switch and the time delay control module check, but no luck. I can see the PTO engagement lever on the left side of the Rear housing moving to engage (roll pin is good on shaft), but neither PTO will work. Suspect some type of hydraulic mechanical problem in rear transmission drive unit . . ? ? Forward & Reverse Hydrostaic Drive seem normal, but have noticed slight lack of hydraulic power steering boost (extra force required to turn frt wheels when stopped - higher Engine RPM seems to help). Last time used, I noticed the PTO did not want to engage - eventually sort of engaged, but I suspected not quite fully. It was 100 degrees outside but there seemed to be a lot of hotter than normal airdraft coming up from under the tractor. After cutting 2 acres, I parked the Tractor. Couple days later I checked over all fluids and everything checked good, except no PTO's ? I now have a JD 855 Technical Manual on order, should be here in about 5 days 7/20/12, but I would really appreciate any help from someone who may have had a similiar proplem. I am a licensed Aircraft Mechanic and work with a lot of cars, but I have always been a little hesitant to go into the hydrostatic rearend of the 855. Noting that it is challenge to find reasonable Tractor Dealership repairs on these type of problems, I hoping someone can give me some general guidance on where to look and start on this problem. As a quick note there is no burnt smell to the Hydraulic fluid. Fluid & Filter were changed at approx 500 hr. As I am not looking forward to cutting 2 acres with a Lawnmower for long, PLEASE HELP FAST ! Thanks Everyone, Savannah Dan 7/15/12 
