Used Deere 455

[DmansPadge]

I have been keeping my eyes open for something to mow my 3 not so manicured acres. Mostly been looking at commercial ZTRs but I came across this in the local classifieds and it sparked my interest. What do you guys think? What would a good price be? Not sure on the hours yet. Here is the writeup and the pic is attached. Thanks.

1995 455 John Deere Lawn Tractor 22 HP liquid-cooled Yanmar diesel, 60" deck, hydraulic deck lift, hydrostatic transmission, cruise control and power steering. This machine has been well maintenanced, shop kept and in very good condition.

 

[beenthere]

I agree with the "best machine built" both tractor wise and engine wise.

If hours are in the 500 range (often more than that) then $5500-6500. If 1200 hours or more, then $4500-5000. I finally found one (but with 54" deck and 450 hours and all-wheel-steer) 800 miles away that I bought for $5500.

They are well worth the investment. Deere changed the style with the x-series and lost a lot of great features that the 400 (425, 445, 455) series had in their design. IMO.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I've had my 455 for 4 years now, and it has been a wonderful addition to the Deere herd. There's nothing in its class made before or since that I would trade it for.

 

[Gittyup]

Looks to be in good shape. I'd say get it, if priced right.

I have a 425, 17 years old now. Still runs like new. My total repair costs: $75 for an ignition module. Awesome tractor! Great mower, excellent traction, plows snow like a dream, pulls heavy loads. Outstanding stability - don't think I could turn it over. I love it as much now as the day it was new.

 

[LBrown59]

I have been keeping my eyes open for something to mow my 3 not so manicured acres. Mostly been looking at commercial ZTRs but I came across this in the local classifieds and it sparked my interest. What do you guys think? What would a good price be? Not sure on the hours yet. Here is the writeup and the pic is attached. Thanks.

1*1995 455 John Deere Lawn Tractor 22 HP liquid-cooled Yanmar diesel, 60" deck, hydraulic deck lift, hydrostatic transmission, cruise control and power steering. This machine has been well maintenanced, shop kept and in very good condition.

I agree with the "best machine built" both tractor wise and engine wise.

2*If hours are in the 500 range (often more than that) then $5500-6500. If 1200 hours or more, then $4500-5000. I finally found one (but with 54" deck and 450 hours and all-wheel-steer) 800 miles away that I bought for $5500.

1*The price would depend much upon the hours on it. 2* I was looking for one of these JDs from back in 2006.
Couldn't find one at a reasonable price so jumped on this for 5250* including a belly mower in 2007.
The front blade & the tiller are off of 1 0f my other tractors.

 

[Allsystemz]

I agree with everyone here, there's nothing in its class that comes close to the 455.
Wouldn't trade mine in for anything (except for a X748)

 

[DmansPadge]

Thanks for your replies. I heard back from the guy the other day. 1850 hours. He said the deck is an 8 on a 1-10 scale. New bearings, blades, etc. Said to run like a top with regular maintenance and last year a new water pump and belts. No existing problems. He wants $3150. I think the price is probably pretty fair. My hangup is how much I would be satisfied with that versus a commercial ZTR. I have always loved the conventional tractor (especially a diesel) but the ZTRs are quick. On the other hand, you have that free hand to hold the beverage of your choice on the tractor style mower! I'm sure the 455 with a 60" deck could make good time mowing. I wish I could compare it to a 48"-60" ZTR on my 3 acres, that during the growing season, gets cuts every 5 days or so. Any thoughts? LB, definitely not looking to go any bigger. I already have the B2620 for any tractor chores. Although you did good buying that machine. If I had turfs on my tractor I might consider a finish mower and use my walk behind or rider to clean up around the house, garage, etc. The R1's are just too hard on my soil for a manicured look. Any ideas on the overall width of the machine with the 60" deck? How about weight? Thoughts welcome... and I appreciate it.

 

[Allsystemz]

Thats a great price even with those hours.
But if you have a B2620 and this would be strictly a mower then i would get a ZTR.
Nothing cuts faster.

 

[jeffinsgf]

It's all personal preference, but I absolutely hate a ZTR. I sold one to buy my 455. I mow 3/4 of an acre in about 40 minutes, catching the grass. That's fast enough for me. I guess it's just too many years with a wheel in my hand instead of two levers.

 

[Gittyup]

That tractor should weigh about 1600 lbs with the mower deck. Price is about right for the hours. Looks to be taken care of.

I cut about 2 acres, with more than 60 trees, shrubs, and flower beds to mow around. I can do it in about 1.5 hours, if moving pretty quickly. 2 hours, if taking my good ol time. I have a 425, all wheel steer with a 54" deck. Next best thing to ZTR. It's very fast. The AWS does make a huge difference, as I have no trimming to do when finished. No real advatage for AWS if cutting open spaces.

The ZTR might be a little bit faster, but not by much. And you have the utility of an agile tractor that can do more things than just cut grass: tow a trailer, snow plow, till, plow a garden, leaf collect/mulch, hall a sprayer.

I put a regular tow hitch receiver on mine and attach one of those hitch-carry-alls where I place a sprayer that runs off the tractor battery. Works great. The tractor also has hydraulics (not sure the one you are considering has the aux ports). I use the hydraulics to operate a hydraulic dump trailer. All in all, a tractor is just way more useful. But, it is a personal perference.