Front-End Loader John Deere 955 loader upgrade????Expert Please

[Pederson6]

That's all great folks, but I was hoping for some FEL info. If he put 10,000 hrs on it did he have a FEL if so which one? The more I do learn I think the 420 or 430 have inherent issue involving leak down. Another con I remember is the Cozy cab on a 55 requires the windshield be opened to raise the hood for fuel or just to check the oil. The 420/430 has to be lifted off the mounts to allow this clearance so if the unit dies with the loader mounted your screwed. The 70a clears. I'm just wondering if the 300's would or the H160 (JD recommended but I have found no mounting frames). At the end of the day I think i'll install a quick-tach and get a 60" skid steer bucket for my 70a and live it's shortcomings.

 

[Parkanzky]

I believe he has the 70A loader. I used it over Christmas. I took a bucket full of dirt out into the woods and we ran a 15 kw PTO generator all day and I was really impressed with it.

What shortcomings of the 70A are you concerned with? I'm not very familiar with the 955, but you may be able to increase the lift capacity by shimming the hydraulic pressure relief valve. I've seen several threads on these forums about doing that on various tractors. At a minimum, get a pressure gauge and measure your current pressure. The 955 is spec'd for 2500 psi, but you might be getting less due to a tired spring in your relief valve. You would be able to shim it up and get a significant increase in capacity for a few dollars.

 

[Pederson6]

Good point. This time of year in MN is for research, to **** cold. When the snowblower comes off I will certainly be checking that out.

 

[Green955]

I have a 955 with a Cozy cab and a 420 loader. Haven't had any leak down issues. You're right the windshield has to be opened to raise the hood. Easy solution though, I cut the hood with a fine tooth hacksaw blade just a little ahead of the windshield. Screwed the small rear portion of the hood to the dash console and now I can open the hood anytime I want.