Thoughts on a 855

[Buckeye Chuck]

Hi, looking around for my first tractor a guy down the road has a 1988 855 4wd with a 70a front loader, belly mower and back blade. It has truff tires that will need replaced, the bucket on the loader has some heavy rust inside of it and the steering seems to have some play with 1800 hrs on it. His asking price is 7.5K which I think is alittle too much. It also has some dings in the front and a chip out of the fiberglass hood. Any and all comments are welcome.

 

[RoyJackson]

That should be a metal hood on the 855. Plastic hoods didn't come around until the 4x00 series tractors.

The x55 series have held their prices quite well. Only you can determine if you want to pay the asking price. Obviously, offer less...but if the seller doesn't budge on his asking price (and you're not willing to pay) then you need to walk away.
Most buckets get rusty quickly...not a problem if it's just surface rust. Use a screwdriver to probe the rusted areas. I'm going to guess you'll find solid metal.
As far as the hours...1800 is high, no doubt. I doubt if you'd have any engine problems, but things like wheel bearings may be in need of replacement.
Only thing I've read (on TBN) negative about any of the x55 series Deeres is that parts are beginning to be harder to find. Outstanding tractors, otherwise.
Good luck!

 

[JD755]

Actually the hood on x55 are plastic. The side panels and grill are separate metal pieces, but the tilt up hood is plastic. It is the only plastic piece on the tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

Actually the hood on x55 are plastic. The side panels and grill are separate metal pieces, but the tilt up hood is plastic. It is the only plastic piece on the tractor.

I stand corrected!!! Surprised, but corrected!

 

[JD755]

That's OK Roy. Interestingly when down the hood is latched into place with a magnet. They do that by gluing a thick piece of steel to the underside of the hood that lines up with a magnet mounted in front of the instrument panel.

I guess then the hoods on your 670 and 790 were metal?

 

[RoyJackson]

I guess then the hoods on your 670 and 790 were metal?

That's correct...

 

[jd3020u]

I've heard (but never checked) that the 33'' turf tires are hard to get also? Might be a little high for an early version. -fuel tank in front of the steering or the radiator

 

[Peiffer Rental]

I though the 55 hoods were fiberglass, as the hood on my 420 L&G of same vintage..

 

[JD755]

I though the 55 hoods were fiberglass, as the hood on my 420 L&G of same vintage..

People here generally refer to anything that is not metal as plastic. That includes fiberglass, composite, or something else. The hood is fiberglass.

 

[techwrtr2]

I've heard (but never checked) that the 33'' turf tires are hard to get also? Might be a little high for an early version. -fuel tank in front of the steering or the radiator

I have found this to be true, and if you do find them they are not cheap. I've just kept my R4's on the rear during the summer as the turf tires are well worn and one of them leaks.

I very much like my 855 and consider it one of the best tools I have. I certainly use it more than just about anything. I need to have time where I don't need the tractor so I can perform some badly needed maintenance and repairs as I don't live where the tractor does so after work is out of the question.