John Deere 855

[Snojetter]

Hi folks - I found a John Deere 855 that looks really nice cosmetically, low hours (644 - that's around 30 hours a year!), has a 70A loader,and good-looking R1 tires. I've done a fair amount of research on the the 855 and 955 tractors, as these looked to me like a really nice size machine for my small acreage, and can save me several thousands over buying new. In my reading, I really couldn't find any negative comments or experiences from owners, so that's a very positive thing. I do have several questions that I thought I would rapid-fire at all you fine folks who have experience with these little tractors. Here goes:

1) Tractor data says the 855 has position control on the 3-point hitch. Is this true? Having position control is an important feature in my search.

2) Are there things you would recommend I check specifically on this tractor that might be of concern from a wear, or maintenance (or lack of maintenance) standpoint? In other words, did this series of tractor have any gremlins or week points that plagued it during it's production run? (Based on the positive comments, I would assume the answer is very little.)

3) What current tractor models from any of the manufacturers would the 855 or 955 compare to?

4) Any parts availability issues? (Being a Deere, I assume "no" but could be wrong about that.)

5) And related to parts availability, are parts costs considered "normal" or would repairs and maintenance come at a premium?

6) What might be considered a reasonable service life out of a tractor like this before one might start expecting to experience significant repairs? At 644 hours, I would think this one is like a "teenager." Obviously, how quickly repairs are needed depends largely on how hard the tractor is worked...but just in general, when is a tractor of this size considered "old?"

7) How would you rate the 70A loader as matched to this tractor? Will you overload the hydraulics before you stress the loader frame, loader-to-tractor sub-frame, or the front axle?

8) The 70A bucket looks weird to me...something about it's shape doesn't jive with buckets I see on the new tractors. Is it shallower, or taller...or what is it?

9) I'm not expecting a modern quick-attach loader, and I don't really expect to remove it much at all. But how easy or difficult would you say it is to separate the loader from the tractor should the need arise?

10) And lastly, kind of a general question on buying older, used tractors. For the most part, a tractor's age is defined by its hour meter. However, I imagine things like hoses, belts, hydro connectors, seals in the rams or engine & drive train may be more prone to physical age on a low-hour tractor than actually wearing out from use. If I were to buy a 20-year old tractor with 644 hours on the meter, should I be prepared to rebuild rams, replace hydraulic hoses, or replace injector pumps? Or will these items continue performing for a long time?

That's a lot of questions, but I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Thank you,

Kyle Sands <>< Brandon, MN

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

Think you should go for it. And post a pic or two.. will help answer some of your questions. Good tractors,

 

[JLwoodworks]

Welcome Kyle. I'll try and answer what I know to the best of my knowledge.

First, this may help answer questions.

TractorData.com John Deere 855 tractor information

1. Yes on position control

2. I'm not aware of anything specific.

3. I think it may be similar to a b series Kubota, and 2 series John Deere.

4. I didn't have any part issues at all.

5. Prices seem to be normal. And some things, like the fan belt or hydraulic fluid, are just normal tractor supply items.

6. My tractor was a 90 with around 1100 or so hours on it when I let it go. And I feel it wasn't even middle aged yet. Kept clean and maintained it should last a long time. I always keep my tractors indoors. I feel it makes a huge difference

7. The loader on this tractor is quite impressive for the size. You will hit the relief valve before you do any damage to it.

8. The bucket is a strange shape. But I believe they traded added width and keep it the same capacity shrank the other dimensions. Mine had a 5 foot wide bucket. I've seen brand new tractors that were larger with a smaller bucket on them. Like Mahindra.

9. The loader is so fast and easy to remove that I would do it most every time I mowed

10. Some of these items are of course relative to the condition of the particular tractor. Like I said before stored inside versus Outdoors can have a huge impact. Anything you got used I would make sure to do a full service and change all of the filters and fluids. I did have to do some new seals on one of the curl cylinders. I also replaced the fuel filter housing . And a fan belt.
One thing of note is Tractor Supply does not carry the hydraulic connectors. My 855 used orb connections instead of npt.

Jason

 

[Snojetter]

Jason - thank you for your observations. That's exactly the type of real-world experience I was looking for!

beenthere - I talked with the dealer today. Lots of prospective buys on this tractor, so I may be a little late as I cannot get up to look at it for a couple days (and I can't bring myself to buy it sight-unseen). With all the activity on it, the dealer may be thinking he priced it too low. And of course, he won't negotiate on the price either...I can't blame him, that's for sure...

 

[TractorGuy]

I'm not going to try and answer all your questions but I will pass along my opinion on the 855 I own. I bought it 4 years ago with the hour meter busted at 2600+. All I have done is normal maintenance and run it and I guarantee it has run more hours per year than any talked about here. Mine is a 2WD with no loader. It was faded out with a very worn seat and worn out rear tires and I paid $2600 for it. I have repainted it and put a set of mud grip tires on the back that have worked fairly well. While it has been a workhorse it lacks the traction to pull a box blade of any size so it is limited for road grading. I do use a grader blade with it but it takes hours to accomplish much due to lack of traction. I have a 4' brush cutter, 4' disc harrow, 5' grader blade, 30" dirt scoop, 5' landscape rake, and most recently a 6' finish mower. It will pull all of them.

Not sure how much difference 4WD and tractor tires would make but it should make the little tractor more suitable for grading work. I hope one day to get a 40-50 HP cab tractor but not sure I will ever sell or part with my 855. It will pull a 6' finish mower and doesn't seem to know it's working so it is great for mowing. I have drug logs and trees with it so heavy I had to steer with the brakes and as long as you have dry dirt it WILL pull.

The reputation of these little tractors have kept the prices high and I could not justify paying what I have seen others sell for. That said if you found a low hour 4WD 855/955 with loader and no problems for under $8000 I would jump on it.

 

[Snojetter]

Well, this tractor wasn't under $8K, but it definitely was as nice and clean in person as it looked in the pictures. It does have MFWD, and the loader and hydro operated smoothly when I tested it. I take delivery sometime this week! I know it wasn't a killer deal, but considering how well-cared for it appears, I think I found a good unit worth the asking price. And I'm sure it'll have a relatively easy life under my watch, probably accumulating well under 100 hours per year. Now to fund a landscape rake, box blade, and whatever else I can find to put it to work.

 

[Mechanos]

One thing to look out for is the front axle. It is considerably smaller and lighter duty than the one used in the 955. Because of this, the 855 was notorious for stripping all the teeth of the ring & pinion in the front differential.

 

[Snojetter]

One thing to look out for is the front axle. It is considerably smaller and lighter duty than the one used in the 955. Because of this, the 855 was notorious for stripping all the teeth of the ring & pinion in the front differential.

Is this issue due to overloading the bucket...or does it occur because of a specific way the tractor is operated regardless of the weight on the front end?

 

[kebo]

Is this issue due to overloading the bucket...or does it occur because of a specific way the tractor is operated regardless of the weight on the front end?

I've read on the forum here that this problem typically shows itself when you have a bucket loaded with material and back out of the pile with a lot of throttle, like when you are just trying to work it fast. The teeth on the ring and gear are weakest in the reverse direction. Just take your time in that situation and you should be ok.

 

[Mechanos]

I've read on the forum here that this problem typically shows itself when you have a bucket loaded with material and back out of the pile with a lot of throttle, like when you are just trying to work it fast. The teeth on the ring and gear are weakest in the reverse direction. Just take your time in that situation and you should be ok.

Agreed that it can be compensated for with more careful operation. The intent of my original post was to make the issue known as past operators of the machine may not have been so kind and the damage may already be done.

 

[Snojetter]

This tractor doesn't look abused, by any means. The PO was definitely good about keeping the tractor clean and protected. I've added one hour to the clock moving rocks, dirt, and a little firewood. It's the perfect size for my little property. The wife approves, as does my father-in-law...

 

[JLwoodworks]

That's definitely a well kept tractor. Congrats. I wish I could have afforded to keep mine along with the new tractor. That thing was also the best mower I've ever had.

 

[buildinit]

That looks awesome. I'm sure you will have that forever.

I have a 955 with 3700 hours on it. I've also added a grapple and tooth bar to the 70A loader and standard 54" bucket and love them both. I had to beef up the upper section of the bucket with 5" channel to keep it from bending.

Otherwise the tractor has been a beast, and I only have Turf tires.

I run a 7' King Kutter rake, 5' KK hog, 6' blade, 5' breaking disc that weighs about 700 lbs, and a few other items.

 

[Spanner]

Your tractor does, indeed, look 'clean'.

As above, drive it with care and reverse slowly. Do nothing 'fast'.

The thing to note is the size of the loader bucket. These tractors have a bigger bucket than older tractors twice their size. (e.g. MF35 etc.)
You don't have to fill it all the time. Mulch and soft stuff is fine. Rocks and sand - half a bucket-load is fine.)

 

[Snojetter]

Thankfully I don't charge myself by the hour, so nothing I ever do has to be done quickly. I tend to be slow and methodical in my operations, so I think we should be able to keep the wear and tear to a minimum. I've had plenty of loader experience logging with my grandfather to appreciate a heavy load on a short wheelbase tractor. Anytime I hang weight out in front of a tractor, it's slow and steady for me. Even with ballast, an extreme turn of the wheel or a little slope can change the tractor's balance and start to bring up a rear wheel. Good thing a by-product of slow and steady is less wear-and-tear.

 

[Spanner]

:thumbsup:

 

[Shady oak]

I have a 955 with 2000 hrs. The Yanmar seems bullet proof, and has more than enough power for anything the tractor itself can drag around. It weighs in at a ton, which is my only regret. The rear lift is rated at 957 I think, and that's easily exceeded. (With care) I don't run at full throttle unless working hard, or PTO. I try and match the throttle to the job. The original fuel filter mounting brackets must have broken easily, the new ones are far heavier. I did rebuild my hydraulic lever to take out slop. And yes, the bucket is weird, sort of shallow. Btw, I have yet to add an ounce of engine oil between changes.

 

[techwrtr2]

I love my 855. The only complaint I have about it is the lift capacity, but considering the front axle....

A rule I have with my 855 as well as my older Satoh is operate in 2wd as much as possible. If you can do the work in 2wd, do it that way. If you aren't driving that axle, it's less likely to fail.

 

[Snojetter]

A rule I have with my 855 as well as my older Satoh is operate in 2wd as much as possible. If you can do the work in 2wd, do it that way. If you aren't driving that axle, it's less likely to fail.

That's exactly the way I've been running this tractor. Only needed 4wd for some dirt work in the ditch, otherwise 2wd has been sufficient.

I received the operator's manual in the mail a week ago (the original owner did not have it at the time of the sale) and I read that the tractor could be shifted from from 2wd to 4wd on-the-fly. That surprised me...I don't think that I ever would have done that. And I'm leery enough that I probably won't do it even though the manual says it's perfectly acceptable. I guess I just feel that there's no chance for a problem if I shift when the wheels are stationary. Of course, I was also surprised that the tractor doesn't have a clutch pedal!

 

[Mechanos]

That's exactly the way I've been running this tractor. Only needed 4wd for some dirt work in the ditch, otherwise 2wd has been sufficient.

I received the operator's manual in the mail a week ago (the original owner did not have it at the time of the sale) and I read that the tractor could be shifted from from 2wd to 4wd on-the-fly. That surprised me...I don't think that I ever would have done that. And I'm leery enough that I probably won't do it even though the manual says it's perfectly acceptable. I guess I just feel that there's no chance for a problem if I shift when the wheels are stationary. Of course, I was also surprised that the tractor doesn't have a clutch pedal!

No need for a clutch on a hydrostatic machine. Also, you may have be rolling in order for the gears to mesh and allow you to shift into 4wd. Generally you have to back up just a little to "unload" the gears to allow you to shift back into 2wd.