Deere 445, 455 Riding Mower Tribute & Ownership Tips

Hello everyone. It's springtime and everyone is getting their mowing equipment back out. I've been wanting to make a video of one of my favorite mowing platforms of all time, the JD 425/445/455, and thought it was a good time to finally do it. This video gives an overview of what this piece of equipment is, strong points, weak points, popular upgrades, and general tips for buying and owning these great old machines. Please comment on any inaccuracies or things I missed, as there's much to talk about but only so much time to cover everything in a brief video.

[@MrMan5014]

They were the best lawn/garden tractors ever made!!..I had a 455 with over 3700 hrs on it and was still chugging along like the day it was built!..I gave it to my Godson and he restored it and it looks like new again!..I bought a mid/high range 60” zero turn to replace it and it was much more convenient to mow with but it just wasn’t the same!..I missed my 455 so much, I sold my new zero turn and bought an x495 which was the next generation of the 455 and when I got it and mowed with it the first time, it was like reuniting with an old friend!..love those JD lawn tractors!..

[@hightech346]

A man gave me a very neglected 455 a few weeks ago...Seat was rotted off...Side panels gone...Covered with dust instrument panel destroyed...flat tires etc.. Put new battery in and nothing...Somebody put a new ignition switch in so a ran power to it turned the switch and the thing fired right up instantly..Then the engine would not turn off...Pulled the fuse on the rigged up wire I put in and it finally ran out of fuel...Took it across the yard and turned the switch and it did turn off as normal.....It's going to need some work but it's worth it...Trans runs good but looks like rear lock is stuck in down position or a spring is missing..60 inch deck that's going to need some pulleys, blades etc....I have a GT 245 that I rescued as well...Even it is 1 million times better than the box store stuff..I had a Husqvarna with a 24 hp Kawasaki and Hydro gear "Fast" transmission....Thought it was great until I got the 245...Also have X710...worth every penny...

[@rodneyavery3537]

I bought my 445 new in 98 I still have it. Best mower I ever had. It's still like new.

[@BobWilson84]

This is an excellent video. You are absolutely right about the 300 series and 420/430 series tractors. I also appreciate how Deere matched the row crop designs throughout different generations. Your shop is beautiful and it's clear that you work hard and take pride in your operation. Thanks for the video.

[@CTP5744]

I have a ‘98 445 AWS that I bought new and it has just over 800 hours on it. All I have ever done to it is maintenance. Also have been restoring a ‘74 140 H3. Nice video, one of the best I have seen on the 4X5 series.

[@6548ww]

I can't believe how much these old mowers are still going for $$$ when you can find in good condition 👍

[@57Dalv]

Excellent video and new subscriber. Also a fan of the 400 series as I have a 445 bought new 25+ years ago and agree with all your points. I really like the tire, valve cover, rubber boot, etc. upgrades and will do the same. Rear tires are original and I have replaced both front from dry rot so it's probably a good time to do the rears and I like the more aggressive pattern of the Carlisle. I bought used 425 for our camp and also agree the FI is better but the carb works and use that machine less and fine for the smaller yard. Thanks for a very informative video which can be helpful for others if they want to pick up one as they are truly bullet proof high quality machines. I thought of upgrading (?) to the 700 series until I realized my 400's are fine and spending close to $20k for a new lawn mower is crazy. I have a subcompact tractor with FEL for other jobs, so I couldn't justify spending that kind of cash when the old machines are fine. Thanks

[@TonyGeneseo]

Great and truthful video ! And even the downs or cons are either well known by anyone that’s done any research or simple maintenance things in my opinion. I’m a commercial landscaper in Maine and have several mowers I can use that are ridiculously expensive but my 445 is my dream and that’s what I’ve used on my property since the day I bought it ! Take care

[@jakeblaha9233]

Been mowing maintaining a 2000 445 on our small farm for over 15 years now. I'd say you pretty well hit the nail on the head. Something I learned recently is the mufflers like to get pinholes around the seams. I wonder if this is why do many grills get toasted. Also was waiting to see your remedy for the reverse safety switch on the PTO. We use a wood clothespin.

[@Michael-dx7fe]

I just picked up a 445 with a 60 inch deck for 450dollars!!1088 hours put a battery on it and she fired right!I did have the issue with no start after I pressure washed it.also it’s a 2000 model so it should have the steel cam gear

[@johnvita5510]

Thank you. I'm currently looking at a 425 for 3,250$

[@kendemers8821]

This a clean tractor, you're taking great care of it. Thanks for the video.

[@randallfawc7501]

this is really great info. Thanks for taking the time to do such a detailed vid!

[@jqentertainment6966]

Got two 2001 445s. One is AWS for just mowing and the other is for snowblowing and loader in the summer. Great machines.

[@bradandlindanicholson2004]

Very nice video! Narrated very well.

[@scottmoore5839]

Great vid, Thank you for sharing

[@bc5968]

Nice video and in depth. I do have to question what you said at about the

[@JosephLust]

Great video. I had to read dozens of forum posts to learn everything you packed into one video.

[@toddsantora4399]

I have a 455 diesel with a 60" deck. Its AWESOME.

[@warrenburke9137]

Your 445 looks mint! I have a 2001 445 and love it. Would like to find a 48” deck for it.