Having a tractor is one thing; knowing how to use it is another. Most people wouldn’t even bother to buy what they do not understand. That is why this article is so important. If you’re among any of the stated groups, you need not worry anymore as I’ll be giving an in-depth guide on one of the famous John Deere tractors, 955.
The John Deere 955 tractor was first released in 1989; it was manufactured for nine years ending in 1998. John Deere 955 was manufactured by arguably the most popular tractor brand in the world, John Deere. This powerful tractor is not just a consumer tractor for small gardens; it is used for other industrial purposes.
Tractors have become an indispensable part of our lives as gardeners. Even gardeners with little hard space make use of this machine. When it comes to tilling hard dirt for planting, clearing an area, or even planting seeds, we all look to the tractor for help during these tedious tasks.
John Deere 955 Specs
Model John Deere 955
Type Compact Utility tractor
Manufacturer John Deere
Engine:
Engine Yanmar 3TN84RJ
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
Displacement 87.3 ci
Bore/Stroke 3.31x3.39 inches
Power 33 hp
Capacity:
Fuel 6.6 gal [25.0 L]
Hydraulic System 4.5 gal [17.0 L]
Front Axle 2.6 qts [2.5 L]
John Deere 955 Power:
Drawbar 23 hp [17.2 kW]
PTO 27 hp [20.1 kW]
Battery 12V, CCA 447A
John Deere 955 Tires:
Standard tires (ag) Front: 7-12. Rear: 11.2-16
Dimensions:
Wheelbase 64 inches
Length 110 inches
Width 50.2 inches (Min)
58.9 inches (Max)
John Deere 955 attachments:
Mowing deck
Front-end loader
Backhoe
Blade
JD 955 tractor is a massive tractor compared to JD 400 and JD 650 tractor brands. It is 109.8 inches long, 58.7 inches wide, and 75.6 inches high. It has a large wheelbase of 63.8 inches and weighs a massive 900 kg. Its battery is typical of most John Deere tractors at 12V.
This tractor’s size, alongside its powerful horsepower, is the two main reasons it can handle large industrial-sized projects. The tractor also sports a metal frame over the sitting area to protect the user from an accidental tip.
Features of John Deere 955 Tractor
Here, I’ll go through every significant feature of the JD 955 tractor, and it’s unique.
Engine
Do you want to know how the JD 955 tractor manages to do so much work? It is packed with a massive 33 HP Yanmar 3TN84RJ diesel engine. It has a four-stroke engine type, a three-cylinder engine, and is liquid-cooled to avoid overheating.
While its oil and coolant capacity is decent at 4.3 L and 3.8 L, respectively, what makes it stand out alongside its massive horsepower is its compression ratio of 18:0:1. If you’re wondering how to start the engine, wonder no more as it has an electric starter that can easily be turned on at the turn of a key. Its 6.6-gallon, which is identical to the JD 455 tractor, will serve you well.
Transmission and chassis
John Deere 955 has a chassis of 4×4 MFWD 4WD. It sports a hydrostatic transmission type and Sundstrand series 17 transmission model. What about its steering? It has a hydraulic power steering that gives you great control over the machine. In contrast, its differential hydraulic wet disc brake oversees this control.
It is not a very fast tractor with a forward speed of 18.3 km/hr and a reverse speed of 9.2 km/h. Its transmission oil capacity of 17 L can hold enough transmission oil for a medium-sized project.
It’s unlimited forward and reverse adjustment capabilities are especially important when working in extreme conditions like after rainfall or under mild snow.
Tires
One of the significant disadvantages of having a heavy tractor like this one is its tires. They usually are too big and hard, leaving tractor marks all over your field. The tires carry the 907 kg tractor.
Well, what if I told you the 955 is different? Although its tires are large, they are soft and will not leave tire marks across your land.
Its two front tires have ag: 7-12, while the two rear tires have ag: 11.2-16. Its wheelbase is 64 inches
PTO (Power Take-Off Shaft)
The power take-off is what provides the mechanical power your attachment uses to work. Its central and rear PTO shafts are independent with speeds of 2100 rpm and 540 rpm, respectively.
Hitch
It has a 3-point hitch with a rear lift capacity of 435 kg.
Hydraulic System
JD 955 has an open center hydraulic type with a hydraulic capacity of 17 L. Its pressure of 2500 psi and total flow of 7.2 GPM is controlled by 0 to 2 valves.
Pros of the JD 955 Tractor
If you’re tired of seeing numbers and technical jargon and want to see its advantages in simple terms, then sit back as this section will answer your questions.
- Powerful horsepower: I don’t see how I’ll talk about the pros of this beast with first stating its massive horsepower. Its horsepower is the very reason it is more than just a garden tractor and is used industrially. At 33 HP, it is capable of handling almost all your farming needs.
- Protective frame: While most tractors sport an open cabin, 955 goes one step further in providing security to its users by adding a metal frame over the open sitting area. Sometimes there may be accidental tipping of the tractor, which may cause severe injuries to the operator. But with this frame, there is an added layer of protection that will only benefit the users.
- It can handle many attachments without issues. Reliable
- Energy efficient
Cons of the JD 955 Tractor
Even the best machines have drawbacks. Here are some for JD 955.
- Difficult to start under 20 degrees
- Its low pressure and total flow rate in the hydraulic system may be a drawback to some users.
How Much is John Deere 955?
The JD 955 was sold for $18,000 in its final release year. You can get a decently used 955 now for $7,000 to $10,000. You should make sure everything is in order before purchasing or consider the damage when discussing the price.
Last words
The JD 955 tractor is one of the most powerful tractors made before the 21st century, with a Horsepower of 33. Using this rugged tractor is smooth and efficient, so why haven’t you gotten yours?
If you have a John Deere 955, tell us in the comment box how your experience has been.
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Just purchased a 95 model, took some work to get it running. It sat in a shed for a few years. I had my doubts about the six foot box blade but after getting it going, I scraped my driveway. It has got the power to be so small. The hydraulics are ok. It takes a few rpm’s to raise the scrape blade but one hell of a work horse