Our Tractor was delivered today

[OhSarg]

Stay away from pond edges. You may not be lucky enough to learn why. Please stay away from pond or lake edges. Good luck and congratulations.

 

[TractorGunn]

Stay away from pond edges. You may not be lucky enough to learn why. Please stay away from pond or lake edges. Good luck and congratulations.

Good advice, appreciated!

 

[sixdogs]

One thing I have yet to find in the manual is how to relieve the hydraulic pressure. It says to do this several times in differing scenarios of disconnecting and reconnecting the hoses. But it never says how to do it.

Then there is the issue of it, in several instances, running down a list of how to do certain things, and instead of finishing by telling you right there on that page what to do, it gives a section within the book to find it in. So far every single reference has been wrong.

Unreal.

So I did find the correct pages, and wrote them in by hand to supercede the wrong info.

That said, the salesman, nothing against him, but he didn't have much product knowledge. In fact, there was little effort given to show us features or operations. It's the old "We sold you the product, pocketed the money, you're now on your own."

I do, however, understand there are many makes and models there, but then again, that's his job. (BTW I sold Chevy's for years, and knew the packages and models very well.)

All this is SOP. No one ever told me anything unless I asked and there is a presumed knowledge of things in that business. If there was a nuke launcher button on it, someone might say "don't touch that" and figure you knew what he meant. Sure they want your $$ but if it was a Rolls Royce tractor, they still wouldn't say much.

In this regard, check all your fluids. The front axle will be low, because they all are. Check everything because likely no one else did.


The odds of getting in trouble with owning it decreases dramatically with each day you own it, even if you aren't using it. Somehow, machinery does so much work, and varied things, that knowledge flows from it. Just take it easy and if you aren't 100% sure you should be doing something, don't do it until you know more. At least till the training wheels are off. Stay away from edges of slopes until you bone up on rollovers.



There are times you will want to do "just a little bit more" and maybe push something beyond the comfort level. Don't do it until you know more. This is how loaders get bent or damage to you or tractor happens.

Keep kids off and away for quite a while and never, ever, ever while using an implement like a mower. Things that can go wrong do go wrong. Watch the height of the ROPS and tell the wife in advance you plan to rip off some branches. If you have a loader, it's longer than you think and you can easily clip a building. Of course, I never did.

Other than that. you could go out and scratch it so you don't feel so bad when you do. Congratulations on reading the manual and asking questions. Things will go wrong but most will go right and you should have a wonderful time. Note that we will need lots of pictures.

 

[Diggin It]

I see you got the top mount tree catcher.

 

[Maineuropa]

I bought my Deere 955 knowing about zero about compact tractor operation. After 15 years: I can say it takes a bit to learn your tractors personal space so stay away from damage able stuff like buildings, cars etc. when I kissed the house with my bucket while mowing I not only crunched the clapboards but the sheathing behind it. Since you missed even the delivery guys input you should try to locate some neighbor farmer with blue tractor experience to spend a beer or two going over your tractor and operating tips. I haven’t seen what you are trying to do with this tractor but the low load height carrying advice is critical. Consider adding beet juice to your rear tires if you plan to dig and lift a lot with your loader. Some additional implements are not only brand but model specific so consider this aspect when buying more; you will be locked into that model or have to sell it all and start over with a newer model. As I wore out my first 955, I ended up buying another for that reason.

 

[sixdogs]

I bought my Deere 955 knowing about zero about compact tractor operation. After 15 years: I can say it takes a bit to learn your tractors personal space so stay away from damage able stuff like buildings, cars etc. when I kissed the house with my bucket while mowing I not only crunched the clapboards but the sheathing behind it. Since you missed even the delivery guys input you should try to locate some neighbor farmer with blue tractor experience to spend a beer or two going over your tractor and operating tips. I haven’t seen what you are trying to do with this tractor but the low load height carrying advice is critical. Consider adding beet juice to your rear tires if you plan to dig and lift a lot with your loader. Some additional implements are not only brand but model specific so consider this aspect when buying more; you will be locked into that model or have to sell it all and start over with a newer model. As I wore out my first 955, I ended up buying another for that reason.

"kissed" the house. That describes it and look at the damage done. When you are close to building, you can do incredible damage with 1/16".

I almost caught the corner of a shed with a 100 HP loader tractor with weights all around and behemoth radial tires. Had I hit the corner I would have taken some or most of the building down. Close gets no kudos with machinery.

Also know when to stop. Look around at metal farm building and see the dents from the inside from guys getting too close with the loader bucket.

 

[FERLING]

I can't recall anything in the manual about that. It is poorly written IMHO, I got halfway through again today but chores called. I think I'm going to keep the box blade mounted, plus I have fluid in the tires, to use for added ballast until I get a ballast box. Wondering what you and others advise about this.

Box blade that is wider than width of tractor makes the best counter weight (loaded rear tires also). I have a Workmaster 50 and 8 ft box blade works great.

 

[lectro88]

One thing I have yet to find in the manual is how to relieve the hydraulic pressure. It says to do this several times in differing scenarios

To my knowledge with the equipment I own…
There is no way to relieve the pressure With The Engine Running..
So if you are attempting to add to auxiliary circuits the pump is constantly supplying pressure.
Like mentioned before by others.
Move the valve particularly pertaining to the circuit you are trying to attach to.
You should hear or see the hydraulics settle or relax.
You have to be broad shouldered and corn fed stout to plug into a live circuit.

 

[gstrom99]

"kissed" the house. That describes it and look at the damage done. When you are close to building, you can do incredible damage with 1/16".

I almost caught the corner of a shed with a 100 HP loader tractor with weights all around and behemoth radial tires. Had I hit the corner I would have taken some or most of the building down. Close gets no kudos with machinery.

Also know when to stop. Look around at metal farm building and see the dents from the inside from guys getting too close with the loader bucket.

I "kissed" the corner of my pole barn with the bucket - twice. I was going slow, and being a hydro drive it didn't knock the building over. Just a big dent in the corner trim. I took the bucket off to mow after that. I use a ZT now, so the 855 is not used for mowing any more.

 

[TractorGunn]

All this is SOP. No one ever told me anything unless I asked and there is a presumed knowledge of things in that business. If there was a nuke launcher button on it, someone might say "don't touch that" and figure you knew what he meant. Sure they want your $$ but if it was a Rolls Royce tractor, they still wouldn't say much.

In this regard, check all your fluids. The front axle will be low, because they all are. Check everything because likely no one else did.


The odds of getting in trouble with owning it decreases dramatically with each day you own it, even if you aren't using it. Somehow, machinery does so much work, and varied things, that knowledge flows from it. Just take it easy and if you aren't 100% sure you should be doing something, don't do it until you know more. At least till the training wheels are off. Stay away from edges of slopes until you bone up on rollovers.



There are times you will want to do "just a little bit more" and maybe push something beyond the comfort level. Don't do it until you know more. This is how loaders get bent or damage to you or tractor happens.

Keep kids off and away for quite a while and never, ever, ever while using an implement like a mower. Things that can go wrong do go wrong. Watch the height of the ROPS and tell the wife in advance you plan to rip off some branches. If you have a loader, it's longer than you think and you can easily clip a building. Of course, I never did.

Other than that. you could go out and scratch it so you don't feel so bad when you do. Congratulations on reading the manual and asking questions. Things will go wrong but most will go right and you should have a wonderful time. Note that we will need lots of pictures.

That's for the sage advice and input, sir!

 

[TractorGunn]

I see you got the top mount tree catcher.

That way I ain't gotta go fishin' to get hung up in trees!

 

[TractorGunn]

I bought my Deere 955 knowing about zero about compact tractor operation. After 15 years: I can say it takes a bit to learn your tractors personal space so stay away from damage able stuff like buildings, cars etc. when I kissed the house with my bucket while mowing I not only crunched the clapboards but the sheathing behind it. Since you missed even the delivery guys input you should try to locate some neighbor farmer with blue tractor experience to spend a beer or two going over your tractor and operating tips. I haven’t seen what you are trying to do with this tractor but the low load height carrying advice is critical. Consider adding beet juice to your rear tires if you plan to dig and lift a lot with your loader. Some additional implements are not only brand but model specific so consider this aspect when buying more; you will be locked into that model or have to sell it all and start over with a newer model. As I wore out my first 955, I ended up buying another for that reason.

Found out a buddy at church has a tractor, going to talk about getting together with him. Great idea on finding a person around here with the same tractor as mine. Appreciate the input, sir!

 

[TractorGunn]

Box blade that is wider than width of tractor makes the best counter weight (loaded rear tires also). I have a Workmaster 50 and 8 ft box blade works great.

My tire width IIRC is a foot narrower than my box blade, or a tad more. 6' box blade.

 

[masseyrider]

Careful with the rear attachments.
I learned the hard way as a kid.
The rear attachment swings way out when you make a turn.
It doesn't follow you like a trailer.
If it's 4-5 feet behind you when you turn it will hit anything that's in that radius.
So it's not just what's in front of you, keep an eye behind you.

 

[Eagle1]

Careful with the rear attachments.
I learned the hard way as a kid.
The rear attachment swings way out when you make a turn.
It doesn't follow you like a trailer.
If it's 4-5 feet behind you when you turn it will hit anything that's in that radius.
So it's not just what's in front of you, keep an eye behind you.

Ain't that the truth. I've hit more things behind than in front. The backhoe sticks out a long way as does the brush hog. Both are 7' or so behind the tractor.

 

[Diggin It]

^^^ Yeah, I have to remember that when I have the 800 pound Preying Mantis hung back there.

 

[kenhar]

Best advice I can give is, the only dumb question is the question that isn't asked. There is a big difference in ignorance and stupidity. Both usually get the same results. Ignorance is not knowing, stupidity is knowing better and being a dumb ass. Farming is one of the most dangerous vocations there is. The equipment and activities involved are unforgiving, almost like playing with a loaded gun. The tractor by itself isn't dangerous by itself. Put it in the hands of ignorance and it can be lethal.

 

[dpgood1]

I see no one has talked about hills. Pay attention to hills, don't go sideways, keep the bucket low if loaded, only go down facing forward and the bucket low. I use a heavy duty box blade for my counterweight.

I one time didn't have it on when I was going down my driveway with a bucket full of gravel. I ended up with a pucker factor. I lowered the bucket almost to ground level as the brakes were useless. With the brakes only on the rear and most of the weight on the front tires I was glad that I had the tractor in 4 wheel drive and had a low enough gear to slow me down.

You will learn these things, either by discovering them the hard way or paying attention to details. I have found that being an older fellow, stopping and taking a break is a really good idea. Rushing to finish can lead to undesired results.

 

[Ngfsg4u]

Yes, ballast is perhaps more important than HP in most cases. But the power you've got to the ground.

My ballast box is an old 3 point rear scoop, welded so it can’t dump and filled with rebar and concrete. Plenty of weight for my CK 27 Kioti with FEL. It has a small footprint and is easy to connect.

 

[Jaygyver]

Yeah, ballast is a biggy. When I got my new LS-235 a couple of years ago after using my JD-770 for 20+ years I definitely cleared my sinus's when --testing-- the bucket. Had I not had my seat belt on I'm pretty sure I might have launched myself over the hood. The hyd's are like 3 times faster then that little JD.

By the way, congrats on the tractor, you have the re-newed tractor model. The old ones, 230, 235 and the 240 models where identical except for the power. From what I read LS updated/combined those models and now all the MT2 series are under the same umbrella. A lot easier to figure out what tractor is which series now.
I so like the new headlights, mine looks like a big spider is looking at you. They are bright tho.