John Deere 955

seemynewname · May 30, 2016

Can you add a mid mount mower (6') to a JD 955 equipped with loader AND backhoe. One for sale with a loader (JD 70A) and backhoe (JD 7) plus a parts tractor that has the mid mount mower and 3 point hitch but no loader or backhoe mounted. Can they be combined? Wish I had photo's but a friend is buying the combo and I'm not familiar with the way the deere backhoe mounts.

buickanddeere · May 30, 2016

Don't know why anybody would want to belly drag a mover through the dirt while performing backhoe and loader work? Nor why they would try to cut grass while rutting the lawn with the extra weight of the attachments and risk snagging everything in the yard with the loader or backhoe?

seemynewname · May 31, 2016

It isn't whether you could mow with a backhoe on, that would be an idiot move and likely impossible since it is usually either the 3 point hitch, or shared hydraulics, that raises and lowers the mower on many compact tractors. I also wouldn't leave the belly mower on while doing anything but mowing - though that ability seems to be a selling point on some models.

What I want to know, and am unable to go look at myself, is whether the BACKHOE FRAME allows the mower to be used. I do know that the loader frame is not an issue, that is easily found in online literature, but as for the backhoe frame ......... I even know what can be done on later model John Deere and Kubota models (mostly no)

Can't even find an example for sale that has a loader-backhoe-mower combo. So, my question remains.

BTW - I wouldn't even leave the loader on while mowing, though many do, and suffer from more rutting/scuffing from the front tires while turning.

buickanddeere · Jun 3, 2016

Can't hurt to ask. We see some odd things done from time to time .

seemynewname · Jun 3, 2016

I've read enough threads to agree 100%, though 'odd' might be an understatement.

BTW - I finally found one locally, with the backhoe, that I could take a peek at (but only from a distance). Unless the side supports come off with the backhoe I don't see that a mid mount mower would clear them. I could be wrong, but wish someone would confirm that. :-(

pmsmechanic · Jun 3, 2016

So why not fix up the parts tractor or buy another one and not have to worry about switching implements. That's my long term plan.

seemynewname · Jun 4, 2016

The parts tractor is literally that, missing a number of components. It's only redeeming factor is the mower deck and mounts (seems those are hard to come by). It would be easier to look for another tractor with a mid mount mower. and most likely cheaper in the long run, or so I tell my friend. He is set on having a backhoe and I can't convince him to splurge on a used BX25. Not only would it be more suitable for his needs (mostly landscaping) but I think he will be disappointed with a 6' mower on the lumpy bumpy soil we have around here.

If it was my decision I would buy both tractors, since the parts tractor is liable to be almost nothing with some bargaining, sell the parts tractor and buy a used lawn tractor for the mower part. Once again can't get him to go for it, wants a tractor equivalent of a multitool.

paulfun9 · Jun 4, 2016

If it helps any at all. I had a woods backhoe with sub-frame on the 755 and 855 and that didn't interfere with the mid mount mower hardware. You had to drop the backhoe to install the mower but for 99% of backhoe work you wouldn't want a mower hanging there anyway.

seemynewname · Jun 4, 2016

I grabbed a couple of images off this site so you can see what I think the problem might be. Unless the mower mounts lower than I think I don't see enough clearance under the frame. It may well be a mute point, since it seems that the purchase is going to be made in a few weeks. Guess I will find out then, assuming he can get a deal on the parts tractor. He has already made an offer for the 955 with hoe and is just waiting to have time to pick it up. Plans to try to get both if he can confirm that the mower will fit - might just try it on the spot.