Great video Tim, that is a great tractor. The thing I like about the old tractors is anyone with basic mechanical knowledge can work on them and fix them. They're simple ya don't need a college degree in computers to fix them. That's why they quit building them that way.
Yes, lock in to the dealers, that is why there is a growing tractor/farm equipment hacking community. YOU own it, and are NOT able to diagnose it due to software lock! That is changing slowly, but not without a legal fight. Best wishes all, stay safe
I owned an 855 for more than 20 years and loved it. Was heavy duty and felt like a tractor. Changing the attachments was a bear though because they were all so heavy duty. I went to a 2520 , for ease of changing attachments, which I had for 10 years and never really liked it after the 855.. I went to the 2025r a couple years ago and found, for me, it did not have enough power, I use a TKV-20 material collection system on hills and it would just bog down from the weight. After only one year I had to trade up to the 2038R and I can again say that I love my John Deere. The 2038 gives me the power I need with the benefit of easy change attachments. There truly is no one size fits all and points out that before choosing the tractor for you, it is so important to rely on opinions from others who have been there. I wish TTWT had been here back when I traded the old 855 and started down the road of several “wrong” tractors for me..
The 755 was my dream tractor when I built my new house in 1992. I have 5 acres and a 800 foot driveway. I live in Western New York not far from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Could use the snow plow and rototiller even today. Never got the tractor, but I ended up with 2 more daughters instead. Good piece of equipment. God Bless. 🇺🇸
Wow! Now you're speaking my language! I truly love this era of tractors and their functionality is still very relevant today. I have two 755s and use them all the time. Great to see Mike there with you Tim as I enjoy the Dirt Perfect Channel too! Great discussion and great video. Looking forward to the episode where you put that old one to work!
@@e.cfarmphotography1095 my favorite was the 40 series,specifically the 4440 and 4640. Dont know why deere ever stopped making them they are bulletproof.
@@lucaslex9327 yes the 4640s the 3650s, 4955s, 7810s, 6910s, and 6030 series are the beast tractors they made or at least made and got solid in England
I bought my 855 four wheel drive hydrostatic with backhoe and loader back in 89 and it is still the only tractor I own and work year around. I've looked at the new supposedly comparable tractors and they just don't compare in any way, shape or form to the old 855. Just compare the frames and you will see that John Deere threw away quality to run with worthless gadgetry. Up here in the bush country of northern Canada the 855 is comparable to a De Havilland Beaver bush plane while the new tractors are comparable to a Learjet. You are not going far with the Learjet but the Beaver will get the job done and take you everywhere you want to go. There is a good reason that the 855's hold their value so well and those who use their tractors to work, know what works and what just plays. Father TRUTH, His Spirit LOVE, the Son the FORM of God - the Christ - God Himself in flesh. Jesus is LORD - Love one another. Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:17-18.
Those tractors are real workhorses that have stood the test of time. A friend of mine bought a used one in the 90’s and it’s still going great. Blessings!
Hey Tim, Enjoy watching some of your videos. We really appreciate the Bible verses at the end of each video. We wanted to make you aware that the 55 series compact tractors were designed and built by John Deere at it's Horicon Works according to TractorData.com and "John Deere Tractors and Equipment: Volume 2." It has the Japanese Yanmar engine in it, but the tractor is John Deere. Thanks
Yes, mistake on my part. I did not realize this until other commenters pointed it out. Had no idea all these years that Deere was making the 55 series of compact tractors. My family had 750 and 770, but assumed the 755 was same as 750 with hydro transmission. Thanks.
Absolutely amazing. Love the old stuff. I have a 1970 140H3 that is built like a tank. I heard from a JD rep at GIE that they used the same hydros as a skid steer.
I owned the Yanmar version, and it was very reliable. It is still in use today. I used to have a part conversion list so that I could use JD 755 parts for my Yanmar.
Great Video although I’m waiting on the attachment trial by fire. I have an 855 with cab and loader and I use it daily and not sure if I want to sell and pickup a new one exactly for the quick attach function. Can’t wait for next video. Do 1 and 2 bottom plow test if you can!
Hi Tim & Christy, thanks for having Mike bring his 855 on. I have an 855 made approx. '88 (MFWD) and it is a fun tractor with simple operation, so to see this episode was a real treat! If you could feature a video sometime on the attachments Mike and others have done especially if they added skid steer ability/attachments and if there's a possibility of showing us either what Mike (or others) have done to create a power beyond hydraulic system for themselves for these now commonplace attachments that can (hopefully) be adapted to older models.
I have long felt the 55 series, and the 755-855 were some of the best residential landscaping tractors made. Large enough to handle true cat 1 implements, small enough to keep in a residential garage or storage shed. Old enough to be quite affordable, but new enough that parts and service was still available.
Those are still 10k around here in well worn condition. It’s more like 12k if good. Or the ones that don’t sell in an hour are priced like that. That’s why I don’t own a 7/855 yet.
Thanks for the comparison. The 55 series is hard to beat when you are looking for an older SCUT. Something you could address is parts availability. While many common parts are still available for these units they are becoming harder to find (particularly for the transmission). Of course I nerd out on all the old stuff!! Thanks again.
I heard the comment about adjusting the transmission linkage to cure the tractor from creeping. I would definitely be interested in hearing more about how that is done. My 1st 855 did not creep at all. I sold it and bought another 855 that was set up with a backhoe and Power Beyond. It is a great machine, but would really like to cure the creeping.
There's a procedure to adjusting a series of turnbuckles. You have to make sure they and related linkages aren't worn to much or you won't get it into adjustment. I helped a neighbor fix his and it was very similar to my 318 and 430 garden tractors. We ended up replacing a lot of the linkage knuckles and turnbuckles.
I found this video enjoyable. However, I found the price information amazing. That tractor is over 30 years old, yet it has retained 60% of its new value. Cars do not come close, and don’t even get me started on Campers / RV’s.
OMG, OMG, OMG you have Logger Wade on your channel .... no,, no, that's, um, .... hold on Tim don't tell me , um letsdig18? No, dang it, hold on it'll come to me ..... O' shoot that just Mr. Dirt Perfect.... 😂😂😂😂 Great video and good questions about the quality vs, expense of tractors. thanks.
Good info. I'm in the early stages of looking for a used subcompact tractor. The testament of the belly mower being a pain to install/remove was great information. Thank you!
Terry, I have an 855. I never used a belly mower, but I did have a 60" PTO finish mower that attached to the draw bar and center link. That worked really well. If you can find an 855 you can't go wrong.
Sweet video! I have 2 JD F1145 front mowers that according to Deere is the 855 compact tractor turned around backwards. Shares the same transmission and engine components as the 855. I’m very impressed with the engineering that went into these, very stout and reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate to own an 855, but on the other hand, I like the front print of the 1 series for landscaping and tight quarters.
I bought a 955 w FEL (33hp) in 1990. Great little tractor. A friend of mine was looking for one and could only find a couple of beat up 955's for sale at rental centers in 1999. I sold mine ($12k) to him and bought the comparable hp JD 4400 (FEL, BH). The 4400 was much larger and less agile...but more competent with the extra 300 lbs of weight and better FEL lift capacity. I also have a 2001 JD 4600.
I have a 1998 855 I bought back in 2006 with only 310 hrs. Since I have owned the tractor it now has 1031 hrs., I installed a Curtis cab on it from a 455, I believe. I knew if the front of the cab would fit over the 855 hood I could make the rest of the cab work. The 855 is one heck of a tractor, still runs strong. Thanks for the video.
Wow, I have had both an 855 and a 955. I sold my 955 with a bucket and mowing deck two years ago for $8500. I now have a 4066r. I have made the comment that I did things with my 955 that I haven’t with the 4066r. That 955 could do some work. I used the 25A flail mower on it as well as a 6ft bush hog. I had someone say they couldn’t believe it could run them until they saw it for themselves. I used to tell people that it was the 4WD that made it a very worthwhile tractor. The 2WD limited it’s ability, especially on hills.
Great to see you collaborate with dirt perfect. I really enjoy his channel as well. Also cool to learn about those tractor models. Sounds like those were great machines and still could be for the right person
OLDER MACHINES ARE BUILT TO MUCH STRONGER STANDARDS, AND HAVE NO EMISSION NONSENSE, MUCH BETTER THAN THE NEW MACHINES.. WHEN THE GUY IN THE VIDEO CALLED THE 855 AN ANTIQUE, I LAUGHED . VERY STUPID STATEMENT, THE 55 SERIES TRACTOR ARE BULLETPROOF RELIABLE MACHINES, SAME WITH THE 50 SERIES GEAR TRANSMISSION MACHINES..
You can keep the new tractor. I've ran both and I'll keep my 855. It just about always starts and if it doesn't I can troubleshoot it without the dealer. As for the numbers jd can say what it wants to but they 855 is stronger all day long and it'll take anything you throw at it.
Nice to see an old vs new video!! I started out on a John Deere 650 hope to own one one day again and graduated to a ford 1310 now love the old stuff but if somebody like in the automotive world had an idea to offer aftermarket parts for the oldies I think that would be awesome as the older these get the harder it is to find parts for them....great video!!
I’ve been watching Dirt Perfect about as long as I’ve been watching you guys.Both on my favorite channels list :) it was fun to see and hear about the 855 model.I can’t wait to see them compared in the field.. Hope Mike picked up his Pepsi cans before he head back home lol...
I have a old JD 855 for regular use mowing yard, tilling garden, raking driveway. When I was a kid i use to go to JD Dealer and get all the brochure. I studied then religiously, I always dreamed about have a 855 deere. 20 years later i got one. I have had it for 6 years. Now i am 36 I really would like a 2038R. Just really hard to justify the price tag.. But some day..
I have a 1990 JD770 with just under 1200 hours. The good news is that it still runs just about as good as 30 years ago. The bad news is my wife remembers when I bought it in 1990 I told her this would last me the rest of my life:(
Really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to part 2! I looked around for a 855 and couldn't find one that didnt need rebuilt before buying my 3032. Correct if if im wrong, i thought i had read where the x55 series was built in the US and the x50 series was built in Japan.
I wouldn't (and haven't) buy a tractor made past the 90s, and I'm a millennial. Too many expensive and fragile electronic parts. There's a reason the price for the old tractors is so high, it's because they are easier and cheaper to maintain.
I'ld like to see that 855 or 755 in the field vs a 1023 or 1025. Lift capacity, dead pull capacity, 3point lift capacity, ext. I think people would be surprised. They didn't have all the bells and whistles just brute force and power to the ground.
Enjoyed the episode, I have a 755 John Deere compact tractor that I bought new exactly 30 years ago the 60" belly mower just wore out with less than 1k hours on it, just ordered a finishing mower for the rear only because they don't make new belly mower replacement for this tractor, I was hoping to find a new old stock belly mower but with no luck decided on a rear finishing mower, I have no intention of getting rid of it !!!!
5:28 it’s like like today’s electric vs hydraulic power steering. Electric mostly goes numb but they can be tuned for some feel but nothing like hydronic where there is a direct connection.
I have both and to tell you the truth it's not fair to compare the 1025r to a 855 for starters the 1025 is a subcompact not a compact! It's a glorified x748/758 lawn and garden tractor!
my 87 yanmar was aprox 10k new, one of my brothers asked me what the biggest difference between it and the JD, i said price, which i was right. the JD would be more.
Tim now u just need to invite let’s dig 18 over and really show off the John deer’s. Tell him to get rid of that Volvo junk😜😄. I really would like to see how that pans out.🤪
No feedback on the electrical types there could be a mechanical vibrator driven by the electric feedback and you could sense resistance then. Oops cat out of the bag.... :-)
I have had an 855 since new 27 years now. Its never been given any special treatment, always stored out side. Abused may times. The only part ever put on it was a new fan belt at 26 years.
Had a 855 with a loader, tiller, plow, 3 point blade and snow blower and the hard cab. Sold it all for 6k and regret it til this day. Bottom line was happy wife and husband not so much
I have a 855, its been a good tractor. I hope to get some videos of it in action in the spring. Implements can be a bear to attach but its a solid tractor. 3pt can actually lift just over 1000 pounds!!
Looks like the reason the 855 was relevant for so long is because it was very well thought out. It would be cool to have an older machine without all the lawyer stuff built into it. Much easier to troubleshoot and fix. But it is nice having a newer machine too.
Haha I wondered if Mike was going to meet up with you Tim when he said he was “going to be comparing new with old” in one of his wifes videos Mrs Dirt Perfect! watch out Tim Mike is an extremely competitive person (I don’t know if he managed to get his head through your doors lol) and bet he has done some upgrades he hasn’t told you about lol. I am so happy to see you guys together in a video, I have been watching videos from lots of youtubers within a couple hundred miles of you like “Captain Kleeman” a super nice guy and letsdig18 who is awesome on a track hoe, Dirt Perfect (mike) and Mr millennium Matt, ''DigginLife21'' (Todd ) Andrew Camarata and more! Its like one great big youtube family all link together. Awesome to see any collaboration and thankyou so much for your videos Tim. Big love Emma in UK
I have an 855 4WD in very good condition still. I added a skidsteer quick attach adapter to the loader to make changing between the bucket, forks, grapple etc. much easier.
I bought a 955 12 years ago, about 2 years later I had an opportunity to buy a second unit. Larer I found a couple of 755’s then an 855 and then a 655. The I bought a POS 3046R. Out of all the 55 series, none of them have ever dripped I drop of oil on the floor. My POS 3046R has about a 3’ dia puddle under it after setting for a month. The only time I use it is to move it out of the way to get one of my 55’s out😂. All the hydraulics suck on the POS. I use my 55’s for all my tillage tools and front end loader work because the hydraulics are so worthless and scary on the POS. The cab is nice but that is as far as it goes. I’ve added beet juice, 2 wheel weights per wheel and 4” spacers to try to make the tractor feel as stable as the 955. I cascaded my wheels and tires down so my 655 has 755 wheels and tires on it, etc. l agree 100% with the man with the 855👍👍
What is leaking? Hydraulic leaks on new machines are not unusual...no matter what brand. I think the cable driven loader joystick is too tight on the cab 3R. Maybe that is what you mean? The open station doesn’t have the cable driven stick...so probably feels better.
Great video but I have to disagree with the comments that the 855 is totally a Yanmar tractor. The 655-955 were initially designed and built at the Horicon Works plant in Horicon Wisconsin. Later production was moved to Augusta GA. I had the opportunity to tour the Horicon plant in 1989 and can attest to the tractors being manufactured from start to finish at that plant. I had actually purchased a 955 at the time of the tour. Of course Yanmar was the supplier of the engine and I am sure there were sourced components that could have included some common parts with Yanmar but I think it is safe to say that the 55 series tractors were John deere designed and assembled.
@@TractorTimewithTim I am pretty certain that the gear drive 50 and later 70 series were Yanmar built with a few John Deere specs. I was always impressed with the 55 series tractors as I actually had gotten one of the first 855's when they first went into production in the summer of 1986. When the 955 introduced in the fall of 1989 I just had to have one so I traded. These tractors were so versatile with their ability to have the front loader, the mid mount mower and a three point hitch all on the tractor, and usable, at the same time. Deere offered a mid mount hydraulic control option that changed the mid mower from a three point hitch control lift to using the dual hydraulic controls that operated the loader. Of course the loader bucket would curl when the mower was raised. The 55 series tractors were built extremely well and I think would still hold up well against today's tractors. The mfwd axles don't turn as well as our new tractors and of course there is no tilt steering, the ROPS doesn't fold and front lighting was pretty minimal. The fender mounted lights helped considerably but I don't recall any halogen option either. I comparison between a 955 and a 2032r would be interesting. I think even those who like the latest gadgetry would be impressed with the power and performance of the 955. But what I found interesting in your video Tim was the how expensive the tractors were and we didn't know it. I would bet that the 2032r when factored for inflation is probably a little less than what we paid back in 1989. Keep these type of videos coming Tim.
Great video, but one correction needed. The 55 series, including the 855, is not a Yanmar tractor, it is a John Deere tractor with a Yanmar engine. The 50 and 70 series were Yanmars (950, 970, etc). The 55 series were designed in Horicon, stampings made and welded and painted in Horicon, along with final assembly. How do I know this? I worked there and retired from the Horicon factor engineering department.
Correct. Unfortunately, I was not aware of that when we shot the episode....in fact, my dad had a 750 and 770....if he had understood the 55’s were made in USA, he likely would have got one instead!
We got our first ever John Deere in 1987.. We paid $14,900 for it brand new, with 4WD, model 52 Loader, and 60” Belly Mower. We kept it for 12 years, and got $14.000 for it on Trade-In towards a John Deere 4200, with model 420 Loader, and 72” Belly Mower... We got to use the 855 for 12 years, for $900!!!! I do miss the mechanical Hydros.. The new 4200 with loader, belly mower, cost us $23,900. Then I got rid of that and I now have a 3720 Cab that I’ve had for 15 years now. I do miss the simplicity of the old tractor.
@@TractorTimewithTim I know, but Mr. Perfect apparently commented and you pinned it, all before 7:00 am ET. Maybe some YT trickery. 😉 A TTWT video is a good way to start my morning before I'm awake enough to read my devotional. BLESSINGS!
Your comment about the 55 series being Yanmar tractors is wrong. They had Yanmar engines but were built by Deere in Wisconsin. The 50 series gear-drive tractors were Yanmar built.
You are correct. My comment was wrong. Had no idea of the history at the time of this shooting. I have since done a fairly complete history of JD compact tractors.
Tim, I have a 1999 John Deere 4300, Hydrostat, 4x4, 430 loader, 48 backhoe, turf tires it started my business it has been the one peace of equipment we have never traded in to replace, when it was 8 years old the hour meter quit at 5000hrs it would have 10-12000 on it now, I keep looking at new but just can't do it it works to good.
Last year, I picked up a 755 with loader and backhoe for $6500. Problem is, it wasn’t running! The previous owner was an elderly gentleman who seemed trustworthy enough. So, I took the plunge. Fast forward a week, I learned all about Diesel engines. I tightened up the loose glow plugs, changed out the aftermarket fuel filter for an OEM version, gave the system a good bleed, and after sputtering for a few minutes, she fired right up. Since then, always starts on the first turn. Next problem was to change out the broken bolt on the hydrostatic drive gear (removing the pump was a PITA)! Bought a 60” mower deck from a 50 series that I am going to try and retrofit to the 55. But I don’t think it’ll be too difficult. Anyway, I love this thing! Great little tractor!!
I was fortunate enough to have my mother and step father owning the 755, 855, and 955. Hands down the 855 did the lions share of the total amount of work that got done. I agree, the mower deck sucked but so did the post hole digger. (Attatching and unhooking them I mean)The backhoe controls were very jumpy and at first the hydraulic pump was just barely adequate for the loader. One direction only.....up or down......curl or uncurl bucket. Pick one cuz you couldn't do both at the same time. This seemed less of a problem with the 855 and 955. Implements used the most over 30 years.....weightbox w/ ball and tow hooks, box blade, rototiller, brushhog, post hole auger, and a tow behind 15 foot 3 deck mower w/ rear discharge, front mounted snowthrower(rear mounted one kinda sucked, and a large rear mounted snow blade. I too have racked up thousands of hours operating this series. Awesome tractors.
Wow Tim,.....this video brought back some memories!!! I grew up on the farm, and have run many different types of tractors. When John Deere came out with this 55 series Compact tractors, I purchased a 1986 John Deere 855 Hydro 4WD with a loader and 5' bucket, ballast box, 6' rear blade, and a 6' belly mower. It was a wonderful tractor to run and service. Then I got a hankerin' for the next size bigger, because I wanted a big snow blower and a little more lift height and capacity on the loader. So I traded my rig in for a 1993 John Deere 955 Hydro 4WD with a John Deere 2-stage 666 snow blower (66") on the rear 3-pt hitch, a loader with a 5' bucket, rear ballast box, and a 6' belly mower. Loved running it with the 4WD and Hydro. Probably had at least a dozen people or more, run it at various times. Kids and Women found it very user friendly. Unfortunately, I had to sell it to get some money for my divorce settlement in 2002.
Good to see an old 855 John Deere (which is made by Yanmar). I have a Yanmar YM220 (non grey market) which is roughly a John Deere 750. Of course John Deere stopped Yanmar from selling tractors under their own name and there are only a few of the non-grey market Yanmars out there. You can get parts from John Deere; however, sometimes the dealers are a little less helpful if you say Yanmar. Bought a replacement headlight bulb for my Yanmar from the local John Deere dealer. Bulb came in a John Deere box which had a Yanmar box inside with the bulb.
I used to mow grass with a JD 950 with a 7' flail mower. It was a standard shift with turf tires, turned out to be as wide a possible (Side Slopes = Less Pucker Factor).It had no extras headlights, three point hitch, differential lock and a volt meter. The fuel gauge was on the cap for the tank. You know the ones with the cork for a float and apiece of steel twisted with a pointer on the end to let you know how much fuel you have. lol High Tech back then! No DEF, DPF or BS just what you need. I miss that tractor I don't need one that big but wish I had it.
WOW, GREAT SHOW SEEING 855 AND 1025R HOW JOHN DEERE HAS CHANGED 855 LOOKS LIKE SMALL 2950 THE FRONT DOES. ( nothing runs like a deere ) THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH STAY SAFE TAKE CARE 🙏
I got a 955 American model until 7 years ago. Bought it from a guy who told me that the hydrostatic was broken. Took it home, looked at all the different connections and greased the hell out of it. Previous owner never used a grease gun, he really did not know what that was a grease gun. After that, I could do wheelies with it, drifting on wet grass on the turf tires. Great tractor ...
Does a 1025R have a computer in it and if so what does it do. That is one thing I like about older machines no computer! It runs by all mechanical means.
Thanks for having me Tim really enjoyed the visit and awesome video as always 👍😁
I'm glad to see you haven't been persuaded to a newer one quite yet, but that cab in the winter could be a strong argument!😃
If only Volvo made tractors
U can probably get 3,500$ easily for that jd, I love the old 55 series John Deere’s. I wish I had one😕.
I'd love to see side by side comparisons of tractor tasks between the 1025r and 855 with various attachments! That would make for a cool video!
955 owner here. Absolutely love it!! Its the reason I found your channel Tim. Looking for compact tractor information.
Great video Tim, that is a great tractor. The thing I like about the old tractors is anyone with basic mechanical knowledge can work on them and fix them. They're simple ya don't need a college degree in computers to fix them. That's why they quit building them that way.
Yes, lock in to the dealers, that is why there is a growing tractor/farm equipment hacking community. YOU own it, and are NOT able to diagnose it due to software lock! That is changing slowly, but not without a legal fight.
Best wishes all, stay safe
I owned an 855 for more than 20 years and loved it. Was heavy duty and felt like a tractor. Changing the attachments was a bear though because they were all so heavy duty. I went to a 2520 , for ease of changing attachments, which I had for 10 years and never really liked it after the 855.. I went to the 2025r a couple years ago and found, for me, it did not have enough power, I use a TKV-20 material collection system on hills and it would just bog down from the weight. After only one year I had to trade up to the 2038R and I can again say that I love my John Deere. The 2038 gives me the power I need with the benefit of easy change attachments. There truly is no one size fits all and points out that before choosing the tractor for you, it is so important to rely on opinions from others who have been there. I wish TTWT had been here back when I traded the old 855 and started down the road of several “wrong” tractors for me..
2025R Gen 2 is my first tractor. I was shocked when it wouldn't climb the hill in my yard in high range. I mow with a JD X738.
The 755 was my dream tractor when I built my new house in 1992. I have 5 acres and a 800 foot driveway. I live in Western New York not far from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Could use the snow plow and rototiller even today. Never got the tractor, but I ended up with 2 more daughters instead. Good piece of equipment. God Bless. 🇺🇸
Wow it’s like watching my 2 favorite channels at once, glad you guys finally met up!
Thanks appreciate that had a blast with Tim and the family
Wow! Now you're speaking my language! I truly love this era of tractors and their functionality is still very relevant today. I have two 755s and use them all the time. Great to see Mike there with you Tim as I enjoy the Dirt Perfect Channel too! Great discussion and great video. Looking forward to the episode where you put that old one to work!
That 855 is a real john deere, not the plastic crap it is turning into. Coming from a John deere fan too, not a hater
i agree john Deere has really gone down hill especially in big tractors once they stopped making the 30 series they went down hill
@@e.cfarmphotography1095 my favorite was the 40 series,specifically the 4440 and 4640. Dont know why deere ever stopped making them they are bulletproof.
@@lucaslex9327 yes the 4640s the 3650s, 4955s, 7810s, 6910s, and 6030 series are the beast tractors they made or at least made and got solid in England
@@e.cfarmphotography1095 are you in England?
@@lucaslex9327 yep
I bought my 855 four wheel drive hydrostatic with backhoe and loader back in 89 and it is still the only tractor I own and work year around. I've looked at the new supposedly comparable tractors and they just don't compare in any way, shape or form to the old 855. Just compare the frames and you will see that John Deere threw away quality to run with worthless gadgetry.
Up here in the bush country of northern Canada the 855 is comparable to a De Havilland Beaver bush plane while the new tractors are comparable to a Learjet. You are not going far with the Learjet but the Beaver will get the job done and take you everywhere you want to go. There is a good reason that the 855's hold their value so well and those who use their tractors to work, know what works and what just plays.
Father TRUTH, His Spirit LOVE, the Son the FORM of God - the Christ - God Himself in flesh.
Jesus is LORD - Love one another.
Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:17-18.
Old Iron never dies. It's amazing to see your tractor all decked out with the lights and cab and his No Frills tractor. Should we do a pulling test?
Really enjoy the Dirt Perfect channel. Nice to see you both!
Those tractors are real workhorses that have stood the test of time. A friend of mine bought a used one in the 90’s and it’s still going great. Blessings!
Actually these were John Deere made tractors. The 50 series was the Yanmar made tractors.
I love my 755. I’ve been waiting on some videos with the old stuff Tim.
Hey Tim, Enjoy watching some of your videos. We really appreciate the Bible verses at the end of each video. We wanted to make you aware that the 55 series compact tractors were designed and built by John Deere at it's Horicon Works according to TractorData.com and "John Deere Tractors and Equipment: Volume 2." It has the Japanese Yanmar engine in it, but the tractor is John Deere. Thanks
Yes, mistake on my part. I did not realize this until other commenters pointed it out.
Had no idea all these years that Deere was making the 55 series of compact tractors. My family had 750 and 770, but assumed the 755 was same as 750 with hydro transmission. Thanks.
Absolutely amazing. Love the old stuff. I have a 1970 140H3 that is built like a tank. I heard from a JD rep at GIE that they used the same hydros as a skid steer.
I owned the Yanmar version, and it was very reliable. It is still in use today. I used to have a part conversion list so that I could use JD 755 parts for my Yanmar.
That 855 needs restored. It has earned it.
Really like my 855 its likely best small tractor ever built.
Thanks guys for sharing, please share more.
Great Video although I’m waiting on the attachment trial by fire. I have an 855 with cab and loader and I use it daily and not sure if I want to sell and pickup a new one exactly for the quick attach function. Can’t wait for next video. Do 1 and 2 bottom plow test if you can!
Hi Tim & Christy, thanks for having Mike bring his 855 on. I have an 855 made approx. '88 (MFWD) and it is a fun tractor with simple operation, so to see this episode was a real treat! If you could feature a video sometime on the attachments Mike and others have done especially if they added skid steer ability/attachments and if there's a possibility of showing us either what Mike (or others) have done to create a power beyond hydraulic system for themselves for these now commonplace attachments that can (hopefully) be adapted to older models.
I have long felt the 55 series, and the 755-855 were some of the best residential landscaping tractors made. Large enough to handle true cat 1 implements, small enough to keep in a residential garage or storage shed. Old enough to be quite affordable, but new enough that parts and service was still available.
Those are still 10k around here in well worn condition. It’s more like 12k if good. Or the ones that don’t sell in an hour are priced like that. That’s why I don’t own a 7/855 yet.
2 awesome channels right here.
Thanks buddy
Thanks for the comparison. The 55 series is hard to beat when you are looking for an older SCUT. Something you could address is parts availability. While many common parts are still available for these units they are becoming harder to find (particularly for the transmission). Of course I nerd out on all the old stuff!! Thanks again.
It's like watching the kids play with their toys! 😀
I heard the comment about adjusting the transmission linkage to cure the tractor from creeping. I would definitely be interested in hearing more about how that is done. My 1st 855 did not creep at all. I sold it and bought another 855 that was set up with a backhoe and Power Beyond. It is a great machine, but would really like to cure the creeping.
There's a procedure to adjusting a series of turnbuckles. You have to make sure they and related linkages aren't worn to much or you won't get it into adjustment. I helped a neighbor fix his and it was very similar to my 318 and 430 garden tractors. We ended up replacing a lot of the linkage knuckles and turnbuckles.
I also have a 1992 855 with a very slight backwards creep. Would love to see a video of adjusting it.
My 1996 Ford NH 1520 has a little creep mostly when the oil is cold. I should look into that.
That's why it's always a good habit to set the parking brake. I learned that lesson the hard way....
Here's a link to the hydro adjustment:. www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttalk&th=1824835
I found this video enjoyable. However, I found the price information amazing. That tractor is over 30 years old, yet it has retained 60% of its new value. Cars do not come close, and don’t even get me started on Campers / RV’s.
OMG, OMG, OMG you have Logger Wade on your channel .... no,, no, that's,
um, .... hold on Tim don't tell me , um letsdig18?
No, dang it, hold on it'll come to me .....
O' shoot that just Mr. Dirt Perfect.... 😂😂😂😂
Great video and good questions about the quality vs, expense of tractors. thanks.
Good info. I'm in the early stages of looking for a used subcompact tractor. The testament of the belly mower being a pain to install/remove was great information. Thank you!
Terry, I have an 855. I never used a belly mower, but I did have a 60" PTO finish mower that attached to the draw bar and center link. That worked really well. If you can find an 855 you can't go wrong.
Sweet video! I have 2 JD F1145 front mowers that according to Deere is the 855 compact tractor turned around backwards. Shares the same transmission and engine components as the 855. I’m very impressed with the engineering that went into these, very stout and reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate to own an 855, but on the other hand, I like the front print of the 1 series for landscaping and tight quarters.
I bought a 955 w FEL (33hp) in 1990. Great little tractor. A friend of mine was looking for one and could only find a couple of beat up 955's for sale at rental centers in 1999. I sold mine ($12k) to him and bought the comparable hp JD 4400 (FEL, BH). The 4400 was much larger and less agile...but more competent with the extra 300 lbs of weight and better FEL lift capacity. I also have a 2001 JD 4600.
I have a 1998 855 I bought back in 2006 with only 310 hrs. Since I have owned the tractor it now has 1031 hrs., I installed a Curtis cab on it from a 455, I believe. I knew if the front of the cab would fit over the 855 hood I could make the rest of the cab work. The 855 is one heck of a tractor, still runs strong. Thanks for the video.
Wow, I have had both an 855 and a 955. I sold my 955 with a bucket and mowing deck two years ago for $8500. I now have a 4066r. I have made the comment that I did things with my 955 that I haven’t with the 4066r. That 955 could do some work. I used the 25A flail mower on it as well as a 6ft bush hog. I had someone say they couldn’t believe it could run them until they saw it for themselves. I used to tell people that it was the 4WD that made it a very worthwhile tractor. The 2WD limited it’s ability, especially on hills.
Great to see you collaborate with dirt perfect. I really enjoy his channel as well.
Also cool to learn about those tractor models. Sounds like those were great machines and still could be for the right person
OLDER MACHINES ARE BUILT TO MUCH STRONGER STANDARDS, AND HAVE NO EMISSION NONSENSE, MUCH BETTER THAN THE NEW MACHINES.. WHEN THE GUY IN THE VIDEO CALLED THE 855 AN ANTIQUE, I LAUGHED . VERY STUPID STATEMENT, THE 55 SERIES TRACTOR ARE BULLETPROOF RELIABLE MACHINES, SAME WITH THE 50 SERIES GEAR TRANSMISSION MACHINES..
You can keep the new tractor. I've ran both and I'll keep my 855. It just about always starts and if it doesn't I can troubleshoot it without the dealer. As for the numbers jd can say what it wants to but they 855 is stronger all day long and it'll take anything you throw at it.
JOHN DEERE 💪💪👍👍
Wonder how the stump grinder attachment would compare to my bandit zt1844 stump grinder?
Nice to see an old vs new video!! I started out on a John Deere 650 hope to own one one day again and graduated to a ford 1310 now love the old stuff but if somebody like in the automotive world had an idea to offer aftermarket parts for the oldies I think that would be awesome as the older these get the harder it is to find parts for them....great video!!
It's pretty cool to see a couple of guys, hanging out, laughing, talking tractors and not dropping F-Bombs every other word and none at all.
Thanks Bob. Agreed. Not sure why the F-bomb thing is so popular. It simply makes folks seem unintelligent.
I’ve been watching Dirt Perfect about as long as I’ve been watching you guys.Both on my favorite channels list :) it was fun to see and hear about the 855 model.I can’t wait to see them compared in the field.. Hope Mike picked up his Pepsi cans before he head back home lol...
Thanks and yes I did 😁
I have a old JD 855 for regular use mowing yard, tilling garden, raking driveway. When I was a kid i use to go to JD Dealer and get all the brochure. I studied then religiously, I always dreamed about have a 855 deere. 20 years later i got one. I have had it for 6 years. Now i am 36 I really would like a 2038R. Just really hard to justify the price tag.. But some day..
I have a 1990 JD770 with just under 1200 hours. The good news is that it still runs just about as good as 30 years ago. The bad news is my wife remembers when I bought it in 1990 I told her this would last me the rest of my life:(
Really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to part 2! I looked around for a 855 and couldn't find one that didnt need rebuilt before buying my 3032. Correct if if im wrong, i thought i had read where the x55 series was built in the US and the x50 series was built in Japan.
I wouldn't (and haven't) buy a tractor made past the 90s, and I'm a millennial. Too many expensive and fragile electronic parts. There's a reason the price for the old tractors is so high, it's because they are easier and cheaper to maintain.
I'ld like to see that 855 or 755 in the field vs a 1023 or 1025. Lift capacity, dead pull capacity, 3point lift capacity, ext. I think people would be surprised. They didn't have all the bells and whistles just brute force and power to the ground.
Enjoyed the episode, I have a 755 John Deere compact tractor that I bought new exactly 30 years ago the 60" belly mower just wore out with less than 1k hours on it, just ordered a finishing mower for the rear only because they don't make new belly mower replacement for this tractor, I was hoping to find a new old stock belly mower but with no luck decided on a rear finishing mower, I have no intention of getting rid of it !!!!
I got my start on an 855. FWD with a loader, It sure felt like a big tractor at the time.
my grandpa had the 750 jd. and an old farmall h. I bought the 1025 r because of my experience with the 750 power and dependability. love my 1025 r
Dirt is the man
5:28 it’s like like today’s electric vs hydraulic power steering. Electric mostly goes numb but they can be tuned for some feel but nothing like hydronic where there is a direct connection.
That 'ol 855 will still be running long after that 1025r hits the scrap yard
It will be a long time before either of them hit the scrap yard.
I have both and to tell you the truth it's not fair to compare the 1025r to a 855 for starters the 1025 is a subcompact not a compact! It's a glorified x748/758 lawn and garden tractor!
I traded in my John Deere 855 for a new Bobcat CT2040 and regretted it ever since. Should have kept the 855!
my 87 yanmar was aprox 10k new, one of my brothers asked me what the biggest difference between it and the JD, i said price, which i was right. the JD would be more.
You should make a video with dig drive diy
Yep!
Dirt Perfect with a Logger Wade shirt on TTWT. It could only get better if they had a Buck Billy Ray sticker somewhere!
Tim now u just need to invite let’s dig 18 over and really show off the John deer’s. Tell him to get rid of that Volvo junk😜😄. I really would like to see how that pans out.🤪
955 the best always started in the cold not plugged in.
955 still goes up against anything made today!
@@boomer1049 very true it will do the same as the rest of the new today.
The bigger tires it should ride better. More ground clearance is good for row crop work
No feedback on the electrical types there could be a mechanical vibrator driven by the electric feedback and you could sense resistance then. Oops cat out of the bag.... :-)
I have had an 855 since new 27 years now. Its never been given any special treatment, always stored out side. Abused may times. The only part ever put on it was a new fan belt at 26 years.
Had a 855 with a loader, tiller, plow, 3 point blade and snow blower and the hard cab. Sold it all for 6k and regret it til this day. Bottom line was happy wife and husband not so much
This is an interesting collab never thought I’d see dirt perfect here.
Why not?
Really enjoyed it Tim is a awesome guy
We had a 650 and now have two 1070s. Those older Deere compacts were very good tractors and the new ones are just as good
Really nice 👌 😍💋 💝💖❤️
I have a 1998 955 I mow 7 acres plow both my driveways and 3 of my neighbors the plow is a beast also have a loader I would not trade it
Awesome video. I would love to see the 855 pull the TS10
Ha! I think that would be asking a bit too much!
I also have an 855. Very curious what it would do with a TS10
I’ve been looking for a long time to find a loader for the 855 it’s probably easier to find with it already on the tractor
John Deere forgot they make tractors by putting plastic toy car bodies on them.
I have a 855, its been a good tractor. I hope to get some videos of it in action in the spring. Implements can be a bear to attach but its a solid tractor. 3pt can actually lift just over 1000 pounds!!
Looks like the reason the 855 was relevant for so long is because it was very well thought out. It would be cool to have an older machine without all the lawyer stuff built into it. Much easier to troubleshoot and fix. But it is nice having a newer machine too.
Yes, there are advantages to both!
Haha I wondered if Mike was going to meet up with you Tim when he said he was “going to be comparing new with old” in one of his wifes videos Mrs Dirt Perfect!
watch out Tim Mike is an extremely competitive person (I don’t know if he managed to get his head through your doors lol) and bet he has done some upgrades he hasn’t told you about lol.
I am so happy to see you guys together in a video, I have been watching videos from lots of youtubers within a couple hundred miles of you like “Captain Kleeman” a super nice guy and letsdig18 who is awesome on a track hoe, Dirt Perfect (mike) and Mr millennium Matt, ''DigginLife21'' (Todd ) Andrew Camarata and more! Its like one great big youtube family all link together. Awesome to see any collaboration and thankyou so much for your videos Tim. Big love Emma in UK
i have a 87 yanmar, its a taller tractor or at least the rear tires but 22hp. its the 226d which i may have mentioned on another vid.
Subscriber to both channels. Very cool to see you two get together!
Yikes! Holes in the rops on that 855. Liked the video though
They dont make anything like they used to. Lets see a test of the 1025r in 20 years.
Good seeing you guys together! Mayhem shall ensue!
Great job on the video thank you for all the content
Wow, I never expected this episode! I have been watching DP for a while now, but I have been watching TTWT since early 2017.
Thanks Gerald
I have an 855 4WD in very good condition still. I added a skidsteer quick attach adapter to the loader to make changing between the bucket, forks, grapple etc. much easier.
Them 55s the 1 series does not come near the 55s will go for ever
I bought a 955 12 years ago, about 2 years later I had an opportunity to buy a second unit. Larer I found a couple of 755’s then an 855 and then a 655. The I bought a POS 3046R. Out of all the 55 series, none of them have ever dripped I drop of oil on the floor. My POS 3046R has about a 3’ dia puddle under it after setting for a month. The only time I use it is to move it out of the way to get one of my 55’s out😂. All the hydraulics suck on the POS. I use my 55’s for all my tillage tools and front end loader work because the hydraulics are so worthless and scary on the POS. The cab is nice but that is as far as it goes. I’ve added beet juice, 2 wheel weights per wheel and 4” spacers to try to make the tractor feel as stable as the 955. I cascaded my wheels and tires down so my 655 has 755 wheels and tires on it, etc. l agree 100% with the man with the 855👍👍
What is leaking? Hydraulic leaks on new machines are not unusual...no matter what brand.
I think the cable driven loader joystick is too tight on the cab 3R. Maybe that is what you mean? The open station doesn’t have the cable driven stick...so probably feels better.
Great job Tim. I love the 55 iron!
Great video but I have to disagree with the comments that the 855 is totally a Yanmar tractor. The 655-955 were initially designed and built at the Horicon Works plant in Horicon Wisconsin. Later production was moved to Augusta GA. I had the opportunity to tour the Horicon plant in 1989 and can attest to the tractors being manufactured from start to finish at that plant. I had actually purchased a 955 at the time of the tour. Of course Yanmar was the supplier of the engine and I am sure there were sourced components that could have included some common parts with Yanmar but I think it is safe to say that the 55 series tractors were John deere designed and assembled.
Interesting. That is news to me. Did that apply to the 50 and 70 series gear drive tractors as well??
@@TractorTimewithTim I am pretty certain that the gear drive 50 and later 70 series were Yanmar built with a few John Deere specs. I was always impressed with the 55 series tractors as I actually had gotten one of the first 855's when they first went into production in the summer of 1986. When the 955 introduced in the fall of 1989 I just had to have one so I traded. These tractors were so versatile with their ability to have the front loader, the mid mount mower and a three point hitch all on the tractor, and usable, at the same time. Deere offered a mid mount hydraulic control option that changed the mid mower from a three point hitch control lift to using the dual hydraulic controls that operated the loader. Of course the loader bucket would curl when the mower was raised.
The 55 series tractors were built extremely well and I think would still hold up well against today's tractors. The mfwd axles don't turn as well as our new tractors and of course there is no tilt steering, the ROPS doesn't fold and front lighting was pretty minimal. The fender mounted lights helped considerably but I don't recall any halogen option either.
I comparison between a 955 and a 2032r would be interesting. I think even those who like the latest gadgetry would be impressed with the power and performance of the 955. But what I found interesting in your video Tim was the how expensive the tractors were and we didn't know it. I would bet that the 2032r when factored for inflation is probably a little less than what we paid back in 1989.
Keep these type of videos coming Tim.
Great video, but one correction needed. The 55 series, including the 855, is not a Yanmar tractor, it is a John Deere tractor with a Yanmar engine. The 50 and 70 series were Yanmars (950, 970, etc). The 55 series were designed in Horicon, stampings made and welded and painted in Horicon, along with final assembly. How do I know this? I worked there and retired from the Horicon factor engineering department.
Correct. Unfortunately, I was not aware of that when we shot the episode....in fact, my dad had a 750 and 770....if he had understood the 55’s were made in USA, he likely would have got one instead!
We got our first ever John Deere in 1987.. We paid $14,900 for it brand new, with 4WD, model 52 Loader, and 60” Belly Mower. We kept it for 12 years, and got $14.000 for it on Trade-In towards a John Deere 4200, with model 420 Loader, and 72” Belly Mower... We got to use the 855 for 12 years, for $900!!!! I do miss the mechanical Hydros.. The new 4200 with loader, belly mower, cost us $23,900. Then I got rid of that and I now have a 3720 Cab that I’ve had for 15 years now. I do miss the simplicity of the old tractor.
How are you guys awake and working on TH-cam before the sun even rises?! Nice tractors, BTW.
Uh, this is not live.
@@TractorTimewithTim I know, but Mr. Perfect apparently commented and you pinned it, all before 7:00 am ET. Maybe some YT trickery. 😉
A TTWT video is a good way to start my morning before I'm awake enough to read my devotional. BLESSINGS!
@@PatrickKQ4HBD oh, I see. Yea, both of us monitor comments nearly 24/7.
Your comment about the 55 series being Yanmar tractors is wrong. They had Yanmar engines but were built by Deere in Wisconsin. The 50 series gear-drive tractors were Yanmar built.
You are correct. My comment was wrong. Had no idea of the history at the time of this shooting. I have since done a fairly complete history of JD compact tractors.
Tim, I have a 1999 John Deere 4300, Hydrostat, 4x4, 430 loader, 48 backhoe, turf tires it started my business it has been the one peace of equipment we have never traded in to replace, when it was 8 years old the hour meter quit at 5000hrs it would have 10-12000 on it now, I keep looking at new but just can't do it it works to good.
The man behind the screen stayed behind the screen.
Last year, I picked up a 755 with loader and backhoe for $6500. Problem is, it wasn’t running! The previous owner was an elderly gentleman who seemed trustworthy enough. So, I took the plunge.
Fast forward a week, I learned all about Diesel engines. I tightened up the loose glow plugs, changed out the aftermarket fuel filter for an OEM version, gave the system a good bleed, and after sputtering for a few minutes, she fired right up. Since then, always starts on the first turn.
Next problem was to change out the broken bolt on the hydrostatic drive gear (removing the pump was a PITA)!
Bought a 60” mower deck from a 50 series that I am going to try and retrofit to the 55. But I don’t think it’ll be too difficult.
Anyway, I love this thing! Great little tractor!!
I was fortunate enough to have my mother and step father owning the 755, 855, and 955. Hands down the 855 did the lions share of the total amount of work that got done. I agree, the mower deck sucked but so did the post hole digger. (Attatching and unhooking them I mean)The backhoe controls were very jumpy and at first the hydraulic pump was just barely adequate for the loader. One direction only.....up or down......curl or uncurl bucket. Pick one cuz you couldn't do both at the same time. This seemed less of a problem with the 855 and 955. Implements used the most over 30 years.....weightbox w/ ball and tow hooks, box blade, rototiller, brushhog, post hole auger, and a tow behind 15 foot 3 deck mower w/ rear discharge, front mounted snowthrower(rear mounted one kinda sucked, and a large rear mounted snow blade. I too have racked up thousands of hours operating this series. Awesome tractors.
Wow Tim,.....this video brought back some memories!!! I grew up on the farm, and have run many different types of tractors. When John Deere came out with this 55 series Compact tractors, I purchased a 1986 John Deere 855 Hydro 4WD with a loader and 5' bucket, ballast box, 6' rear blade, and a 6' belly mower. It was a wonderful tractor to run and service. Then I got a hankerin' for the next size bigger, because I wanted a big snow blower and a little more lift height and capacity on the loader. So I traded my rig in for a 1993 John Deere 955 Hydro 4WD with a John Deere 2-stage 666 snow blower (66") on the rear 3-pt hitch, a loader with a 5' bucket, rear ballast box, and a 6' belly mower. Loved running it with the 4WD and Hydro. Probably had at least a dozen people or more, run it at various times. Kids and Women found it very user friendly. Unfortunately, I had to sell it to get some money for my divorce settlement in 2002.
I enjoy Dirt Perfects channel. I have 2 youtube hoodies, TTWT(I wish it had the small logo on the front) and DP .
Thanks! You don’t like the large logo on the front?
@@TractorTimewithTim Not really
Good to see an old 855 John Deere (which is made by Yanmar). I have a Yanmar YM220 (non grey market) which is roughly a John Deere 750. Of course John Deere stopped Yanmar from selling tractors under their own name and there are only a few of the non-grey market Yanmars out there. You can get parts from John Deere; however, sometimes the dealers are a little less helpful if you say Yanmar. Bought a replacement headlight bulb for my Yanmar from the local John Deere dealer. Bulb came in a John Deere box which had a Yanmar box inside with the bulb.
I used to mow grass with a JD 950 with a 7' flail mower. It was a standard shift with turf tires, turned out to be as wide a possible (Side Slopes = Less Pucker Factor).It had no extras headlights, three point hitch, differential lock and a volt meter. The fuel gauge was on the cap for the tank. You know the ones with the cork for a float and apiece of steel twisted with a pointer on the end to let you know how much fuel you have. lol High Tech back then! No DEF, DPF or BS just what you need. I miss that tractor I don't need one that big but wish I had it.
WOW, GREAT SHOW SEEING 855 AND 1025R HOW JOHN DEERE HAS CHANGED 855 LOOKS LIKE SMALL 2950 THE FRONT DOES. ( nothing runs like a deere ) THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH STAY SAFE TAKE CARE 🙏
I got a 955 American model until 7 years ago. Bought it from a guy who told me that the hydrostatic was broken. Took it home, looked at all the different connections and greased the hell out of it. Previous owner never used a grease gun, he really did not know what that was a grease gun. After that, I could do wheelies with it, drifting on wet grass on the turf tires. Great tractor ...
Does a 1025R have a computer in it and if so what does it do. That is one thing I like about older machines no computer! It runs by all mechanical means.
No computer.