The John Deere 4455 is a robust and versatile row-crop tractor produced by John Deere during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was manufactured in the United States and Mexico and offered significant power and performance for various agricultural applications. With its powerful turbocharged diesel engine, advanced transmission options, and reliable hydraulic system, the 4455 became a popular choice among farmers and agricultural professionals. Its well-designed cab and operator-friendly features also contributed to its appeal. The tractor’s quality construction and durability made it a dependable workhorse on the farm, earning a reputation for its reliability and efficiency in the field.
| John Deere 4455 Specs |
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| Model Years | 1988 – 1992 |
| Series | 4055 Series |
| Type | Row-Crop tractor |
| Production |
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| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Factories | Waterloo, Iowa, USA; Saltillo, Mexico |
| Original Price | $60,000 (1992) |
| Power |
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| Engine (Net) | 156.9 hp (117.0 kW) |
| PTO (Claimed) | 140 hp (104.4 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 128.59 hp (95.9 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 148.14 hp (110.5 kW) |
| Engine Detail |
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| Brand | John Deere |
| Displacement | 466 ci (7.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625×4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm) |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection |
| Air Cleaner | Dual Paper Elements |
| Compression Ratio | 16:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2400 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 27 qts (25.6 L) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) |
| Mechanical |
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| Chassis | 4×2 2WD, 4×4 MFWD 4WD |
| Final Drives | Inboard Planetary |
| Steering | Power |
| Brakes | Differential Hydraulic Wet Disc |
| Cab | Sound Guard Cab standard. Four-post ROPS on Mexican-built models |
| Transmission |
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| Transmission Type | John Deere Quad Range (Partial Power Shift) |
| Gears | 16 Forward and 6 Reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic Wet Disc |
| 2WD Oil Capacity | 64 qts (60.6 L) |
| 4WD Oil Capacity | 68.8 qts (65.1 L) |
| Capacity |
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| Fuel | 65 gal (246.0 L) |
| Hydraulic System | 13.5 gal (51.1 L) (Powershift 2WD) |
| Hydraulic System | 15.9 gal (60.2 L) (Powershift 4WD) |
| Hydraulic System | 16 gal (60.6 L) (Quad-Range 2WD) |
| Hydraulic System | 17.2 gal (65.1 L) (Quad-Range 4WD) |
| Hydraulics |
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| Type | Closed Center |
| Pressure | 2530 psi (174.4 bar) |
| Valves | 2 or 3 |
| Pump Flow | 26.5 gpm (100.3 lpm) |
| SCV Flow | 20.6 gpm (78.0 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch |
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| Rear Type | IIIN/II |
| Rear Lift | 5504 lbs (2496 kg) or 7281 lbs (3302 kg) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
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| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Clutch | Hydraulic |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 (1.375) |
| Serial Numbers |
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| Location | Serial number plate on the rear of the 4455, above the PTO shaft. |
| 1989 | 1001 |
| 1990 | 5001 |
| 1991 | 10001 |
| 1992 | 20001 |
| Electrical |
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| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Charging Amps | 120 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery CCA | 925 |
| Battery Volts | 12 |
| Tires |
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| 2WD Standard Tires (Ag) | Front |
| 4WD Standard Tires (Ag) | Front |
| Dimensions |
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| 2WD Wheelbase | 106.7 inches (271 cm) |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 105.3 inches (267 cm) |
| Length | 158.6 inches (402 cm) |
| Width | 109 inches (276 cm) |
| Height (Steering Wheel) | 92.8 inches (235 cm) |
| Height (Cab) | 116.5 inches (295 cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 14,145 lbs (6416 kg) |
| Operating Weight | 15,275 lbs (6928 kg) (4WD Powershift) |
| Rear Axle (Rack-and-Pinion) | 3.625 by 109 inches (92 by 2768 mm) or 3.625 by 119 inches (92 by 3022 mm) |
| Front Tread | 60.5 to 88 inches (153 to 223 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 62 to 116 inches (157 to 294 cm) |
| John Deere 158 Loader |
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| Usage | For use on tractors with two-wheel drive. |
| Loader Weight | 1771 lbs (803 kg) |
| Height (to Pin) | 156 inches (396 cm) |
| Clearance, Dumped Bucket | 127 inches (322 cm) |
| Dump Reach | 28 inches (71 cm) |
| Clearance, Level Bucket | 149 inches (378 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 14° |
| Breakout Force (Lift) | 5300 lbs (2404 kg) |
| Lift to Full Height (at Pin) | 4160 lbs (1886 kg) |
| Bucket | Capacity |
| Opt | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m) |
| Opt | 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m) |
| Opt | 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m) |
| Opt | 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
| Bucket | Width |
| Opt | 60 inches (152 cm) |
| Opt | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Opt | 84 inches (213 cm) |
| Opt | 96 inches (243 cm) |
| John Deere 265 Loader |
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| Usage | For use on tractors with two-wheel drive. |
| Loader Weight | 2619 lbs (1187 kg) |
| Height (to Pin) | 157 inches (398 cm) |
| Clearance, Dumped Bucket | 123 inches (312 cm) |
| Dump Reach | 25.6 inches (65 cm) |
| Clearance, Level Bucket | 150 inches (381 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 43° |
| Breakout Force (Lift) | 5730 lbs (2599 kg) |
| Lift to Full Height (at Pin) | 3920 lbs (1778 kg) |
| Bucket | Width |
| Opt | 61 inches (154 cm) |
| Opt | 73 inches (185 cm) |
| Opt | 85 inches (215 cm) |
| Opt | 97 inches (246 cm) |
| John Deere 280 Loader |
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| Usage | For use on tractors with four-wheel drive. |
| Loader Weight | 2795 lbs (1267 kg) |
| Height (to Pin) | 178 inches (452 cm) |
| Clearance, Dumped Bucket | 152 inches (386 cm) |
| Dump Reach | 26 inches (66 cm) |
| Clearance, Level Bucket | 173 inches (439 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 41° |
| Breakout Force (Lift) | 6220 lbs (2821 kg) |
| Lift to Full Height (at Pin) | 4580 lbs (2077 kg) |
| Bucket | Width |
| Opt | 85 inches (215 cm) |
| Opt | 97 inches (246 cm) |
| John Deere 840 Loader |
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| Clearance, Dumped Bucket | 149 inches (378 cm) |
| Dump Angle | 60° |
| Rollback Angle | 40° |
| Bucket Width | 96.5 inches (245 cm) |
John Deere 4455 overview
The John Deere 4455, part of the 4055 Series, is a versatile row-crop tractor that was manufactured from 1988 to 1992 in the USA and Mexico. It boasted a powerful turbocharged diesel engine with a net horsepower of 156.9, making it well-suited for a wide range of agricultural tasks.
Advantages:
Powerful Engine: The tractor’s 466-cubic-inch, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine provided ample power, ensuring it could handle heavy loads and challenging terrain.
Transmission Options: The 4455 featured a 16-speed partial power shift transmission or a 15-speed full power shift transmission, allowing for flexibility in speed and control.
Hydraulic System: With a closed-center hydraulic system, it offered strong lifting capacity and efficient operation of implements.
Sound Guard Cab: Equipped with a Sound Guard cab, the tractor provided a comfortable and quieter working environment for operators.
Durability: John Deere’s reputation for build quality and reliability was evident in the 4455, making it a durable choice for long-term use.
Disadvantages:
Cost: The initial purchase price of the John Deere 4455 was relatively high, which might be a deterrent for smaller farms or budget-conscious buyers.
Size and Weight: The tractor’s size and weight could be a limitation in terms of maneuverability in tight spaces.
Common Problems:
While the John Deere 4455 was known for its reliability, like any machine, it could experience some common issues over time. These might include problems with the hydraulic system, transmission, or electrical components. Routine maintenance and timely repairs were essential to keep it in optimal condition.
Safety Features:
Safety was a key consideration in the design of the John Deere 4455. It featured a Sound Guard cab that provided protection from noise and environmental factors. Additionally, it had a differential hydraulic wet disc brake system, ensuring secure stopping and control. Safety decals and warnings were prominently displayed for operator guidance.
Other Features:
The tractor came with inboard planetary final drives for added durability.
It offered both 2WD and 4WD (MFWD) options, increasing its versatility for different farming operations.
The tractor’s electrical system included an alternator with a charging capacity of 120 amps for reliable power supply.
In summary, the John Deere 4455 was a robust and powerful row-crop tractor with a strong engine, versatile transmission options, and a comfortable cab. While it had a higher initial cost, its reliability, durability, and safety features made it a popular choice for farmers and agricultural professionals during its production years.
