[Stradguy]

New member here

After a few months of searching I was finally able to bring home a 455 this weekend, I am located in Alabama and 455's seem to be less prevalent here. I'm guessing in 1991 it was hard to justify a $10k garden tractor to the wife when you didn't have snow to plow with it half of the year. I grew up working on Ditch Witches so Deutz diesels and Parker hydraulics are familiar to me. The machine has spent the last 20 years in a barn and was pulled out from time to time just to keep the cylinders coated with oil. She isn't pretty from all of the various items stored on her, etc over the years, however, the mechanicals are all there and solid.

The machine has an indicated 45x hours on the gauge cluster, I was told the cluster was never replaced and do believe the hours to be accurate. So far it has been interesting going over the machine, the air filter has a "green deere" logo on it, which from what I understand dates it 2000 or older? So far I have pressure washed as much as I can and have looked for any and all leaks before compiling a list of parts.
So far it looks like one leak on the transaxle, a leaky valve cover, and a few rubber hydraulic lines that are ballooning. The transaxle should be coming out this weekend for new seals.

So, on with the questions:

• Where is the best place for parts? It seems like the John Deere website allows you to buy parts from a local dealer, however, no prices are listed just "contact dealer". Is there a good online source for parts with shipping?
• I need to replace the side panels and the hood. It seems the general consensus is Flip Manufacturing is the best non OEM reproductions for body panels. Last I checked, Flip does not have any hoods in stock, is there another good OEM alternative that people have experience with? Or more importantly, has anyone had a bad experience with non OEM panels?
• I will need to replace the tires at some point, I will primarily use the tractor for mowing, however, in the next year or so I plan to fabricate a front end loader for it. What tires do people like the most? I like the look of v61s up front, but how are they on turf? Just general input on tires would be appreciated, currently it is running a 18x8.5x8 Titan Multi Trac C/X up front, and a 25-12-12 Dico Multi Trac C/X in back.
• Are you limited to Deere low viscosity fluid in the transaxle, or do people have success with other fluids?
• Soon I would like to paint the rear pan and foot rest pan. I have searched the forums on what paint people have the best luck with as far as finish, durability, and color. I have read all sorts of different options with no relatively concrete consensus. Has anyone used a paint they suggest?

I'm sure I will have more questions in the future, happy to be a part of the forums and have my own 455 to bring back.

 

[dhager4692]

Welcome to WFM. You should be getting answers shortly. Looks like you have found a good garden and are able to put in in top shape. Congratulations.

 

[Timothy]

If you need to replace all the plastics this seems like a pretty good package:

Hood/Panel/Decal/Grills AM128986 AM128983 AM116207Fits John Deere 455 UP S/N | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hood/Panel/Decal/Grills AM128986 AM128983 AM116207Fits John Deere 455 UP S/N at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I get most of the little odds and ends parts I need from one of these websites:

Green Farm Parts

Genuine John Deere parts & accessories online at Green Farm Parts. Parts for John Deere Gators, lawn tractors, farm equipment, skid steers, golf equipment & more.

greenfarmparts.com

GreenPartStore - John Deere Parts and More - Parts for John Deere Lawn Tractors, John Deere Lawn & Garden Tractors, John Deere Mowers, John Deere Attachments, John Deere Accessories

If you are looking for parts for your John Deere lawn and garden equipment you have found them. As an authorized John Deere dealer we have access to the full line on John Deere Ag and Turf parts and at competitive prices

www.greenpartstore.com

Not sure why there’s 25” tires on the back. Originally it would’ve had 26”

Nice tractor you’ve got there and it will be fun with a loader!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mjydrafter]

New member here

• Where is the best place for parts? It seems like the John Deere website allows you to buy parts from a local dealer, however, no prices are listed just "contact dealer". Is there a good online source for parts with shipping?

Welcome. Set up an account at your local dealership and the prices will populate from their inventory and also give you their inventory numbers so you know if they have something or not.

 

[Stradguy]

If you need to replace all the plastics this seems like a pretty good package:

Hood/Panel/Decal/Grills AM128986 AM128983 AM116207Fits John Deere 455 UP S/N | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hood/Panel/Decal/Grills AM128986 AM128983 AM116207Fits John Deere 455 UP S/N at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I get most of the little odds and ends parts I need from one of these websites:

Green Farm Parts

Genuine John Deere parts & accessories online at Green Farm Parts. Parts for John Deere Gators, lawn tractors, farm equipment, skid steers, golf equipment & more.

greenfarmparts.com

GreenPartStore - John Deere Parts and More - Parts for John Deere Lawn Tractors, John Deere Lawn & Garden Tractors, John Deere Mowers, John Deere Attachments, John Deere Accessories

If you are looking for parts for your John Deere lawn and garden equipment you have found them. As an authorized John Deere dealer we have access to the full line on John Deere Ag and Turf parts and at competitive prices

www.greenpartstore.com

Not sure why there’s 25” tires on the back. Originally it would’ve had 26”

Nice tractor you’ve got there and it will be fun with a loader!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The previous owner owned quite a few 300 and 400 series, I wouldn't be surprised if the wheels and tires were procured for another tractor as this one just sat in a corner unused for years. I will be putting a pair of 26" tires on the back when the time comes.
Do you have any experience with the hood in that package? Seems everyone sells the same hood minus Flip Manufacturing, as theirs has brass inserts and all the others online do not. Do you happen to know if the factory hood has brass inserts, or is it just a coarse thread screw into plastic?

 

[bo2009]

Stradguy,
Welcome to WFM. Looks like the 455 could use a little TLC.
When you visit JDParts online, regarding a particular G&T tractor, usually you can scroll down to "Introduction" and can see serial nos., yrs.
The hood decals/labels were changed in 1999 I believe. Look at the sides of the 445s in this photo. The newer one is to the top.

Even though widely recommended and used, not limited to just JD low-viscosity fluid -- especially since you're in a (usually) warmer area, you can/may choose other (JD regular viscosity?).

 

[Timothy]

The previous owner owned quite a few 300 and 400 series, I wouldn't be surprised if the wheels and tires were procured for another tractor as this one just sat in a corner unused for years. I will be putting a pair of 26" tires on the back when the time comes.
Do you have any experience with the hood in that package? Seems everyone sells the same hood minus Flip Manufacturing, as theirs has brass inserts and all the others online do not. Do you happen to know if the factory hood has brass inserts, or is it just a coarse thread screw into plastic?

I don’t have experience with that hood. The original hoods are just threaded plastic which hasn’t given me an issue. I’ve had the studs break off but never strip out. Actually I’ve never broken one off but I’ve gotten tractors with them cracked off in the past.

 

[Stradguy]

Stradguy,
Welcome to WFM. Looks like the 455 could use a little TLC.
When you visit JDParts online, regarding a particular G&T tractor, usually you can scroll down to "Introduction" and can see serial nos., yrs.
The hood decals/labels were changed in 1999 I believe. Look at the sides of the 445s in this photo. The newer one is to the top.

View attachment 288360


Even though widely recommended and used, not limited to just JD low-viscosity fluid -- especially since you're in a (usually) warmer area, you can/may choose other (JD regular viscosity?).

Thanks for the welcome
From what I can tell, mine is a 1991 so I will be replacing the side panel decals with the earlier version. There don’t look the be any real differences between the early and later 455’s aside from decals if im not mistaken.

 

[tmac58star]

I like that seat! It's actually better than some I've dealt with while building my small herd. Check out the ugly seat thread on the site for a good laugh when you have time.
Nice tractor...you did well acquiring it.

 

[charms]

Welcome to WFM!

From what I can tell from the serial number, it looks like your 455 is from 1996. Deere was still making the 430 in 1991 - 92.
I was wondering if the hours could be right if the tires had been changed already, but it makes sense that he could have swapped them onto another tractor.
I have that size of V61s on a few tractors, and really like them. With a loader you will want the 6 ply version.

 

[Stradguy]

I like that seat! It's actually better than some I've dealt with while building my small herd. Check out the ugly seat thread on the site for a good laugh when you have time.
Nice tractor...you did well acquiring it.

When a new seat goes on it, it will be a night and day transformation. I am looking forward to the cosmetic portion of this rebuild/refresh, some new panels, paint, seat, and decals will make it pop for sure.

Welcome to WFM!

From what I can tell from the serial number, it looks like your 455 is from 1996. Deere was still making the 430 in 1991 - 92.
I was wondering if the hours could be right if the tires had been changed already, but it makes sense that he could have swapped them onto another tractor.
I have that size of V61s on a few tractors, and really like them. With a loader you will want the 6 ply version.

I was having trouble understanding the serial number breakdown for year. I just went back and noticed the "How to read serial number table" portion on Tractor Data and you're right, it is a 96.

Do you have a photo of the V61s installed? How do they do on turf?

 

[charms]

Not the greatest tire picture, but at least it is a loader tractor. 26 - 12 -12 Carlisle Tru-Powers on the back.
I suppose if a person was trying to make high speed circles it could be hard on turf, but in normal use they are totally fine.

 

[Timothy]

That was my 455 with new AG tires in back. I still use all 4 of those tires on my current tractor (X495 with 45 loader) but the front ones aren’t really meant for a loader. I bought them new about a year ago without checking to see how much weight they were rated for. They’ve held up fine but squish with too much weight in the bucket.

 

[Stradguy]

Maybe this will help someone?
I think the daunting part of pulling apart a K91 isn't the actual act of opening it up and putting it back together, but rather just sourcing all of the correct parts for the reseal. I have scoured John Deere and the forums and this is what I came up with for a "reseal kit" after some lists other users have posted @weekend Mechanic . Once I open it up ill inspect the brake shoes, etc to see if within spec, but with low hours im not expecting any wear items in need of replacement. We will see


Here is a list and cost breakdown, as well as some exploded diagrams to indicate where all of the seals go.

How are people checking their brake disk specs? What are the specs, I didn't see anything in the manual.


EDIT: This is my final list from the rebuild. Ended up replacing the PTO clutch disks, seals, and springs. While the transaxle was out I replaced the axle seals and bearings for good measure. The reseal total is listed first to the right, then each individual "extra" repair is listed thereafter with a grand total below. The actual final total was about $700 with all sealants, paint, etc as well as having to repurchase a few gaskets to disassemble and reassemble after making mistakes. Just to get an idea of a realistic cost for a comprehensive reseal and repair with minimal hard parts.

Transaxle
Part Number	Description		Qty	Price
M806040	Seal, Cntrl Arm	Diff lock rod seal	1	4.84
CH15146	Packing	PTO brake plunger - small o-ring	1	1.19
M811579	Packing	PTO brake plunger - large o-ring	1	3.29
CH10571	Packing	swash plate adjustment rod packing (neutral adjustment)	1	1.19
CH17653	Hydro Shft O-Ring	Control arm packing (gaskets)	2	3.72
M810279	Packing	Rear case packing (circular gasket)	1	2.37
MIU804647 / M806307	O-Ring	Rear case packing (rectangular gasket)	2	9.90
M806131	Packing	Packing for top plug - Charge Pump	1	2.75
AM878565	Seal Kit	Charge pump seal kit	1	16.32
M806066	Packing	Motor case gasket	1	10.84
M809659	Packing	Gasket behind transmission in front	1	22.33
MIU804788	O-ring	Dipstick housing lower O-ring	1	1.86
MIU804786	O-ring	Dipstick O-ring	1	1.38
CH14765	Seal	Shaft Seal (lower PTO)	1	3.92
M806119	Seal	Seal ( Input shaft seal)	1	10.95
MIU804787 / CH10570	O-Ring	Brake shaft seal	1	1.19
M811683	Transaxle breather valve	Transaxle breather valve	1	8.08
AM116156	Transaxle oil filter	Transaxle oil filter	1	17.81
M806072	Hydraulic motor snap ring		4	11.00
MIU804646/M96859	Anti-Cavitation valve O-Rings		4	9.48
M806719	Anti-Cavitation valve backup O-Rings		2	26.81
M806073	Motor case cap		1	12.79	$ 184.01
M806150	Axle shaft seal		2	27.72
M806168	Axle snap ring		2	9.30
CH13494	Axle snap ring		2	4.60
CH13505	Wheel bearings		2	31.56	$ 73.18
M806094	PTO Clutch spring		1	9.67
AM878397	PTO Clutch Kit		1	74.65
M806354	PTO Clutch seal		1	9.60
40M7080	PTO Clutch snap ring		3	7.98	$ 101.90
AM878395	Transaxle dipstick tube kit		1	27.16
MIU804786	PTO Solenoid stud O-Ring		1	1.38
M806692	PTO Solenoid nut		1	3.78
M805273	Left notched differential gear		1	33.10	$ 65.42
				Total	$ 424.51

 

[bobstillwagon]

From the looks of your hood it could be fixed with epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth and matting if you have ever worked with fiberglass or wish to try something new. I have rebuilt some that looked worse. The epoxy and fiberglass sticks fine to the plastic of the hood. I have also repaired all of my side panels on 3 455's using the same method including adding the lower support tabs back that had broken off. For repairing cracks I put the epoxy resin and glass cloth on the back of the piece and let resin fill the crack so as not to have to do a lot of fairing on the visible side. Usually need something (clamp, etc.) to hold the panel together until the resin sets when repairing cracks. Adding tabs back takes some thought, I use wood strips for a form and use waxed paper to keep the epoxy from sticking to the wood and then use strips of fiberglass cloth to build tabs back. It also is fairly easy to predict future problem areas (tabs and corners) and cover them with resin and glass cloth (on the back side again). Also when a panel gets a new break, keeping any broken parts that fall off makes the rebuild much easier.

 

[Timothy]

I’ve also got this list of parts I replaced while resealing now if that helps anyone

 

[kdgebert]

You'll have fun with that 455 fixing it up and accessorizing. I liked my first so much, I got a 2nd one so I didn't have to swap implements around so much. I had a 40 loader and eventually sold it to a guy wanting it for a 445. It worked nice but was limited on lift capacity with forks and was easier to sell that off after picking up a 1025R for that duty. I have found the best place for parts is greenpartstore, ebay, and 247parts.com and they have great customer service. I set one of mine up with a cab and 47 blower with the other on sweeper or blade duty in winter. Then one gets the hydraulic tiller and other a mower which I pick from one with mulcher on or regular 60" mower. I've had good luck with schaeffers #315 SIMPLEX SUPREME as its compliant with many models and manufacturers. You'll also want to look up hotshotsecret.com and start feeding it diesel extreme, everyday diesel, anti-gel if yer up in North freezing territory like myself in WISC. Hotshots has tons of fluids that cater to the diesel engine but also gas. I put in Rotella T6 diesel along with hotshotsecret Stiction eliminator and FR3 treatments at various intervals. I run their stuff in all my vehicles and tractors. As for the paint, I just get the JD yellow and green from greenparts store and use the TTWT discount to always get free shipping. I've repainted the hoods and fender pans of both my 455's already and wheels as they were all needing TLC.