Model 455 Question

gager2002 · Jun 13, 2005

I was working up at my church the other day, and the maintenance supervisor offer to give me the previous tractor, a JD 455 with 60" deck. Not sure of anything else, yet. Plan to pick it up this weekend. Any advice, complaints, opinions. I was told it runs great for about 2 hours and then get HOT. Also any info on what I should service as soon as I get it home... Thanks guys, in advance.
Richard

rockyridgefarm · Jun 13, 2005

It would probably blow up and tear your legs off or worse! I will come by and pick it up so you don't get hurt...

But maybe someone who has half a clue will offer even better help...

gager2002 · Jun 13, 2005

Thanks, buy maybe I'll just have to take my chances. Is this a good machine? I have never owned a real tractor, lol. Currently I have an old Mongomery Wards 18/42. How do I find the age on this one?

beenthere · Jun 13, 2005

Welcome to the forum.

"Give" like in 'free'?

Your talking about $4-6K of value there (new, they were $10K), unless there are some major problems (the overheating may just be a plugged radiator, that needs careful cleaning). Even 'major' problems should be fixable and stay under the value of a running 455, IMO.

Sounds like a good deal for you. Probably can mow 6 acres in that two hours before it heats up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Do normal maintenance, such as oil/filter change, air filter, grease fittings, check spindle bearings, take a look at the tran oil and maybe consider changing it as well as the filter.

How many hours on it, and since last maintenance. I've seen 455's running strong with 1000-1200 hours on them.

One would have to be curious as to why they are giving it away (and even a little suspicious too). /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Another thing to do is check with the Deere dealer and ask for the history on the tractor, from their computer system.

gager2002 · Jun 13, 2005

I know it sound odd, but the tractor was originally given to my church as a donation, brand new. When-I don't know exactly. We we given another tractor 2 months ago. I do a lot for my church anc they thought since my Monkey Wards was down, they would give it to me. I do know there is a hole or small crack in the radiator. I will check the hours when I pick it up. Either way, I want it, for now. I only own 1.5 acres

beenthere · Jun 13, 2005

The radiator and the oil cooler are attached pretty close together, and one of my early Deere 425's (similar but not diesel) had a warranty job done to replace something there (oil and water mixture, if I recall correctly). Just watch whether the engine is either getting hot because of lack of water, or plugged and lack of cooling. Your comment about a leak may be the former.

Sounds like a winner 'freebie' to me. Good luck with it, and hope it doesn't nickle and dime you to pieces.

BarryinMN · Jun 13, 2005

That is about the lowest operating cost mower around.

The heating may come from simply needing a good cleaning, the radiator can plug with dirt, grass etc quick.

Change out the oils & fluids & be sure to use DI water in the radiator mix. The 50/50 premix will already have it. The air filter will have an indicator on it.

Drop the deck & gease the bearings, sharpen the blades (83 ft lbs bolt torque) clean out under the belt covers. pull the drive shaft by reaching under from behind the tractor & pop it off the hydro. It has 3 fittings as well.

The 60" deck setup should have no or only rear wheels touching the ground (if rolling terrain), blades tilted slightly 1/8" lower in front, adjust the front arm to get the tilt with tire air pressure 10R 14F, lift arms have swivels to get side to side flat if necessary.

Another web site is www.weekendfreedommachines.org for lawnmowers /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Enjoy all the extra hours free because that 455 is a much faster mower /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gager2002 · Jun 14, 2005

Thanks guys, for everything. I will post up some pics when I bring her home Saturday.

I do have one more question, does anyone know the exat width of the deck? I need to know so I can get a trailer to carry home.

Dutch445 · Jun 14, 2005

That deck measures over 72" with the chute on. (72.5")
It does fold up, but I believe you have to remove a bolt that holds it down..but that should get you under 72" for transport.
You could use a 6'6" trailer, a 10' long one would be a good size.
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif