John Deere 455 and X748 - Known Issues

By no means is this a comprehensive list.... just a few items I have picked up over the years. There are other common issues but these seem to be the most common.

[@davidconrad3065]

Bought a 445 brand new in 1998 and no issues till last week when the ignition went out. 200 dollar fix and I hope to get another 5 years at least.

[@heathbrockway9040]

I started watching your videos after I purchased a 2010 x748...wish I had found them before the purchase. But luckily I think I did ok.

[@mmrbeef]

Congrats on having (in my opinion at least) one of the best years of the X748! I hope you get many years of enjoyment and use out of it. Thanks for the kind words on the videos.

[@hightech346]

A man GAVE me an old 455....It was (and still is ROUGH) nothing left on the seat but the frame...Busted dash cluster broken Idler pulley on deck etc...DEAD with a new battery installed...Ran a hot wire to a new ignition switch that somebody installed..turned the key and the thing started up like a brand new machine....Then it wouldn't turn off...Pulled my fuse from my rig up wire and it still continued to run for a few minutes before finally running out of fuel....Cranked it again and ran it across the yard,..Trans seems good...Showing 1597 hours...The ignition switch started working as it should ...Will be pulling the 60 inch deck out and overhauling it soon....😎

[@JesseCase]

How lucky! To own two of the best, if not literally the two best garden tractors ever made! Beautiful machines! Well except for the fact that they aren't orange as all tractors should be, lol.

[@madurosfinancialadvisor1360]

The Universal driveshafts to connect the implements are insanely priced. Trying to find the one to connect 48c to x595, deere wants 500 just for the universal driveshaft. Be sure your implements come with the connecting hardware! I had to replace my radiator also, that was due to spillage corrosion. Be sure to clean up any spilled antifreeze during the filling process. Great video as usual.

[@mmrbeef]

Are the driveshafts still available as whole goods? How parts sees an item and how sales sees an item is different. It's stupid... But for example, when I busted the driveshaft on my broom... Over $500 through parts, $350 through whole goods. Generally whole goods have a "BM" prefix vs the "am" or other prefix.

[@madurosfinancialadvisor1360]

@@mmrbeef Thank you, very informative as usual, I'll check tomorrow

[@thatguyBrettski]

Not sure why you’d want a 48 on a 455. It was an option with the 54 on the 415. These decks were gold. Often demoed them on grass over 3” high. And they all came with appropriate drive to suit the deck. Seen plenty with well over 3000 hours.

[@1toolaholic]

on your seats, i clean, dry well, spray on armorall, do not wipe off. will soak in leaving seat vinel flexible. have had good luck with this for several years.

[@rodneybrand8521]

That's what i do joe..it works on Husqvarna too..although the seats are junk..

[@jasongartner2525]

I’ve had bunch of different John Deere’s and love old 318/322 but after having x595 and x575 have hard time using others for work now lol

[@mmrbeef]

These are my same thoughts. Love my older stuff but daily use will always go to the X748

[@PhatboyHD88]

Thank you for the video buddy..

[@MrMan5014]

I’ve seen 455’s with less than a 1000 hrs going for $8500 with just a mower and $13k-$14k with attachments…

[@wickedcoyote271]

I have found the k91’s in the 4-5 tend to leak before the k92’s. Usually the paper gasket in the front of the transaxle.

[@mmrbeef]

I thought about mentioning the K91's leaking but I have to wonder how much of that is age related. Plus based on some items I am seeing recently the input seals are starting to leak on the K92's.... at least I have seen more reports of that in the last year than in previous years.

[@wickedcoyote271]

I have a 425 that is leaking like a sieve, and an x595 that is dry as a bone. Both are 900-1000hrs. I’m thinking they havnt change the gaskets much between the k91 & k92, so you are probably right that age is the bigger factor.

[@MrApru1]

Gotta mention the diff lock shaft seal on these k91's has a tendency to pop out and cause a pretty good leak. I popped mine right back in after cleaning well.

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

@@mmrbeef I think age is a big part of it. My 445 and 455 both leaked like crazy (not anymore) but my X595 has no rear end leaks. I'm giving it a little while longer and expecting to have to change seals soon.

[@tennbuckeye]

I'm sorry, but the only good thing about the 455 is most of the engine components. The plastic side engine parts have plastic tabs that are brittle. You can reuse the metal screens. The front grill also has plastic tabs that break. Also, the author of this post never mentioned the taillight housings and lenses fall out. Oh, notice in his videos, he has totally flat land. As far as the transmissions, mine has a Tuff Torq. As a former JD employee, I feel, in my opinion, and experience, they are junk. I hate manufacturers cheap out on plastic everything. I would rather have a dent than a crack. My opinion, which always heard before and while I worked for JD is you are only paying for the color. So true. Check the Chinese content before buying anything.

[@mmrbeef]

I would agree the plastic is not the best. The newer replacement hoods and panels seem to be holding up well. A fix for the taillight housings was released many years ago with a support running from the underside of the grab handle to the housing. With those installed there are no issues with the housings. Which Tuff Torq transmission are you speaking of? I would hardly call the K90 series junk transmissions. A K46, sure I’d bite on that with hills and improper use. The K90-92’s have seen great service with the super garden tractors with extremely limited failure rates and issues to complain about. To my knowledge and experience I don’t know of a single piece of plastic inside the K91, K92, or K90 transmissions. I’ve torn dozens down into parts and it’s all aluminum or steel.

[@tennbuckeye]

@@mmrbeef I didn't mean to imply plastics were used in the transmissions. I did fail to mention the gear boxes on the 54 inch decks. They are not meant to be repaired. Sealed, and have to be replaced. Again, typical Deere shit. I worked for the manufacturer. I went rounds with the factory manager in our employee meetings. Especially about the farce Shingo Award.

[@jeremylee6668]

I paid 7500 out the door from a dealer I worked at for my x728 with the 54inch deck. It had 132 hours on it last year when I got it. How did I do? The old guy didn’t use it much

[@_P0tat07_]

I love the shape of the 4-5 tractors hoods. I just like the box shape to it. Some of the plastic looks faded, maybe they came from the factory that color but I know on my 425 the throttle and parking brake latch are more red.

[@mmrbeef]

They are just that faded from that machine sitting outside for many years. Sadly.... but it doesn't sit outside anymore!

[@curtiscarter9445]

I have a 455 that the wife was mowing with and the pto just stopped working, all of the safety switches are good, the red light won't come on on the circuit board any suggestions?

[@mmrbeef]

Did the machine overheat or the fan belt break? The PTO will stop if the engine gets too hot.

[@Rick-x1958t]

Local guy has a 1999 JD455 w/ 365 original hrs, 48" deck and snowblower with all weight attachments. Well cared for, garaged and very clean, incl deck and snowblower. Asking $7250, which I believe is high - he started at $7900 3 weeks ago. I was thinking $6K tops, or is that too high? Were the original 46" snowblowers decent, as I would be replacing a large Simplicity Commerical HD walk-behind with this to do two large stone driveways that plows cannot do. 48" deck seems rather small for this size tractor, but I can live with it, as my current tractor is 48". Thx.

[@mmrbeef]

I think the market is rapidly evolving. Prices are not reaching the highs they were even 2-3 months ago. While it’s hard to price stuff without pictures and only descriptions, ranges work best. A nice condition 455 with a 48” deck (value killer in my opinion) is probably $3,000-4,500 (large range but things like AWS, cosmetics, location etc). The blower in good condition is $1,500 for a model 46 single stage and $2,500 for a model 47 two stage (with the quick hitch and drive shafts). Both blowers are decent, not the best but functional in my opinion. The 47 can be modified to be more functional. The weights you can then figure at $50 for each suitcase weight and $100 for each wheel weight. Hope that helps with value.

[@andrewsmith9980]

seems like you know a lot about these tractors got a John Deere x 728 seems like parking brake is stuck on any suggestions. parking brake light is on and machine is moving sluggish

[@jesseamaya4594]

I hope you don't mind but I do have a question on a 455 aws. This unit is rather franensteined, Push button start and separate switch for the lift pump. Right now my deck will not lift with the lift cylinder. Have you ever heard of this or can you give me an idea where to start? Going to drop the deck tomorrow and try to catch up on some severely neglected maintenance issues.

[@Roostertailin]

I know this is off topic of 455s and X748s but I was wondering if you could make a video about adjusting valves on an Onan motor in a 316, 420, etc. There are some videos, but are rather poor quality, and I know if you made a video it would have better quality and detail. By the way this was a good video, keep up the content.

[@Natethanastysnake666]

That would be awesome if he would!

[@martincrighton9029]

Hi ya everyone....... I’m looking for any advice.........please....🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ I have a JD 455 with clam collector on the back.... I’ve been having problems with the clutch slipping well I think it is?? When the drive is put in it barely turns the blades or collector, it seems to sort of generally sort of brushes the grass with no power there but the engine is running fine and the all other hydraulics steering deck lift back forth?? Had a solenoid switch of which is opening and closing....??? ANY IDEAS GREATFULLY RECEIVED THANKS

[@dennisjd63]

I was wondering if u know I have a 455 I had it away for a while. I started it up and the hydronic levers seem stuck won't raise or lower deck. I tried everything any advice

[@lunaflight7717]

Do you know how to fix forwheeldrive on a 2018 john deere 1585 terracut cause my won't engage at times

[@parkland4530]

445. Have you seen any problems with the Power Steering Control Valve leaking? Not sure if mine is the o-rings or internal. It looks like quite a chore to remove. Also I have allot of crank case back pressure. It will blow the oil filler cap off. The drivers left spark plug tends to carbon up quite quickly as well. Thanks.

[@sheilasmith1109]

I have a 445 too! Love it, since new in 1998 also! I do my own work on it and the tranny was leaking. I replaced the seal and friend cranked one of the bolts too tight and cracked the stupid pot metal case! I replaced it & seal again and it STILL LEAKING! I’m thinking it’s coming from somewhere above! Have you had any problems like this???much thanks!

[@baconsuzy]

Our steering is completely gone. The lawn tractor now just sits there since it's nearly impossible to get to that part and you can't buy a new one to replace it anyways.

[@billcrymble858]

How to adjust reverse on 455 JD ? Reacts slowly

[@dand3975]

The reverse petal is redicilous on a 425 445 455. A Seller on e bay makes a replacement reverse petal that looks like the forward petal, this modification made my 425 more usable and Faster in reverse.

[@RightlerBrian]

I’m having some issue with my 455. The mowing is a bit uneven and seems the mower slows down every 10-20 seconds. Keeps mowing but the sound changes significantly and mows uneven.

[@petercook3143]

You have a bad bearing on the mower deck.

[@lyleswavel320]

X748 is 4×4, why do you need differential lock if you put in 4×4 and all tires are powered

[@mmrbeef]

Same principle as a limited slip or locking differential on 4x4 vehicles. Even in 4wd if you rear tire starts to spin, no power will go to the opposite wheel. One of the best examples is tilling moderately unlevel ground. As the machine rocks back and forth on the first 1-2 passes, I would have to keep my foot on the diff lock pedal to keep the machine moving, even though it was in 4wd.

[@adibsarakby6574]

Any idea why my 445 smokes only when I am going up on ramp from muffler. ??

[@bp30656]

Got a question for ya, I have a 748 with the 60 7 iron deck, I started making a high pitch whine noise when the pto is engaged. I greased the spindles but no change, is there oil in that gear box where the drive shaft hooks up,? Thanks

[@mmrbeef]

Yes, there should be oil in the gear box. Is the whine present only when the deck is hooked up? Check the oil in the gear box. 80-90W gear oil should be fine.

[@bp30656]

Yeah, when is only when deck is hooked up. Hopefully I can just add some oil and get by a while, if not they have the gearbox for $360 in stock

[@stephen732]

Where can I find the user or operator manual for the John Deere 455?

[@mmrbeef]

The Deere tech pups website should have the operators manual available for free. Technical manual do cost money.

[@harrisonfowler4461]

Holy cow. Is it the camera, or is the X748 that much bigger than the 455?

[@mmrbeef]

I think it is just looks... The X748 stock is about 100 lbs heavier. Dimension wise the X has a wheel base that is about 4 inches longer which I think plays a big role in the larger appearance. Overall length isn't much different. Operator wise one does not feel bigger than the other.... At least in my opinion.

[@ikewestfalia5174]

Can the 60inch deck from the 4X5 series be mounted on an x728. The 60 seems to built much heavier duty than the 62 inch deck. THX

[@mmrbeef]

The mounting system is different on the decks but with a welder I don’t e why you could not fab up something that fits. Even though the 54” and 62” are thinner I don’t think I would be too concerned with normal service.

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

The 60" 4x5 deck is much better built than the 62c. I have both here and my 1995 60" 455 deck looks like new, and my 2003 62c on my X595 was a rusty thin mess of damaged powder coating. Disappointing that they degraded the quality of the deck so much.

[@mattflight6946]

cool video thanks for the tips! does anyone know if the electrical connector above the deck is at all related to making the PTO work? , thanks!

[@mmrbeef]

I would need to see the connector you are describing. Sorry I can't help more.

[@mattflight6946]

@@mmrbeef I know it was ages ago i asked you, but i've got it working a few months ago! its cuz it had a new ignition switch a while back because the key barral was bad. along with the circuit board attached, it was a pin i had to move over one space for the PTO on the loom connector side. some reason it was the only difference? all good now tho !! thanks again for your time anyways , keep well :)

[@pongo963]

My question is this. I have the L120 and do you think it would be better to purchase the 748 or keep fixing things on a old Deere. I have had this for about ten years now. I use it in the winter to blow snow and summer cutting grass, spreading seed and pulling a cart. In the winter the last two years when i try to back up it is getting sluggish. I have to rock back and forth sometimes to get un stuck. Second what was the song you played at the end of your video. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@mmrbeef]

There will be a night and day difference between the L120 and X748. If you are thinking about a larger X unit take some time and go to a dealer and try out the new ones. If you are only getting stuck ever now and then with the l120, chances are you won’t ever get stuck with the x748. It is extremely hard to compare the two units since they are so far apart in functionality and price. A used X748 is going to run (prices as of 12/2019) in the 4,000-7,500 range depending on attachments and machine condition.

[@pongo963]

@@mmrbeef Thank You for your sight

[@rags8855]

This is a comparison between a toy and a tank. The 748 is an incredible small tractor. Very powerful, can plow and snowblower amazing amounts of snow, cut very tall grass etc. I own a 4120 and an x748, love them both!

[@dennisiverson6502]

X748 blowing snow and stops dead? Turn key .dead. wait a minute starts right up??

[@michaelmactavish1728]

lucky the kubota are cheaper on there parts kubota tire rods here for there 4wd are $30.00 at my dealer and $60.00 for both wich cheaper then 300.00

[@Ethan-ck6iz]

What are you talking about. Kubota doesn't even have machines that directly compete with these, and Deere doesn't make them anymore.

[@mmrbeef]

I know right, Kubota parts are always cheaper.......... This link might be helpful for you. www.dictionary.com/e/their-there-theyre/

[@jasongartner5267]

Deere still makes the x series, the diesel is x758 diesel 4wd. I have a 50 hp kubota it's not equivalent to John deere at all

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@Ethan-ck6iz yeah because there affordable plus you can add as many options you want wich deeres dont and deeres are accully takeing customers money for granted is stead saving ya money

[@Ethan-ck6iz]

@@michaelmactavish1728 So by not making a crossover between a lawn tractor and a sub-compact, Kubotas are cheaper... and what do you even mean by John Deere not allowing you to add as many options as you want? They do. mmrbeef's 4066r and x748 are basically fully loaded with options. JD's are not even that overpriced. A lot of Kubotas nowadays are either on-par, or more expensive compared to the JD equivalent. For example, the 3E is around 3 grand cheaper than the Kubota L.

[@bp30656]

Does your steering wheel on the x748 stop at different places when you stop back up and turn around?

[@mmrbeef]

With power steering systems like the ones installed in these machines the wheel will change positions all the time. This is normal.

[@bp30656]

Thanks

[@bp30656]

One more question, how do you stop pto from disengaging when you back up?

[@ageckomiller]

@@bp30656 I use a 2x4 rectangular lego wedged under the lift paddle. Fits perfect and keeps rear implement over ride on. Just get used to the blinking pto light. I wouldn't recommend rewiring as you may want to use the over ride some day.

[@rodneybrand8521]

Yeah don't wreck it..parts are expencive..and the powder coat will chip and the metal will rust..

[@pruitt3507]

Why did deere do away with the selectable 4wd?

[@mmrbeef]

The exact reason has never been known and certified. Lots of conjecture though. The most logical reason to me was the introduction of the aws/4wd X729 and X749 in 2008. There is no easy way to have MWFD on the AWS unit. By switch the X748 and X728 to the HFWD platform it allowed Deere to only need one type of 4wd transaxle for all the 4wd X units. Both MFWD and HWFD are good robust systems that have a low failure rate. Personally I prefer the HWFD over the MFWD just due to the lack of need to shift.

[@pruitt3507]

@@mmrbeef okay i was jw, i use to be in-charge at out local hospital for the grounds. They purchased 2012 jd x7-? It was gas awd. No deck bc we contracted the mowing out but had a brush, Curtis hard cab (pretty loud inside so had to wear hearing protection) and a blade for it. It worked really well. Wanted the diesel but my old supervisor didnt like diesels. But i was really happy with it

[@mherke]

Thanks for your overview of the 455. I'm about to buy a 455 with1156 hours on it for $3200. It appears from the photos to be in good shape. Do you think this is overpriced for the amount of hours? Thank you.

[@mmrbeef]

Hours can be deceiving sometimes. If its a well taken care of machine I think around $3,000 is pretty fair base on the prices I am seeing in the last 6-8 months. Good luck!

[@anthonys7534]

Tail lights fall out of the 455 easily

[@williamswann3385]

Just let me know if you know anyone who has a snow blower for my craftman tractor

[@sheilasmith1109]

What about a 445????!?

[@dand3975]

You can fix a carburator at home, can you fix fuel injection at home? 445 fuel injection 425 carburator 455 diesel.

[@petebusch9069]

The plastic is a JOKE.

[@TF856]

It seems like these tractors are awfully unreliable for the large amount of money people spend on them. Apparently the factory expects people to pay a bunch of money for those but only use them a few times out of the year. It's not worth it. They don't hold up that well. If you use it very much it won't even last a year or two. When my folks moved to Missouri 1978 they brought with them a John Deere backhoe and a Massey Ferguson skip loader. But he wanted something for clearing a long driveway of snow and also for mowing 10 acres with a finish mower. He bought a brand new John Deere 420 in 1978 or 9 and used it for about 3 or 4 years and started having too many problems and repairs on it where astronomical. He decide to get rid of it because it was nothing but a headache. He decided to use his Massey Ferguson for everything around the property. It did not do as nice of a job, but it sure did a lot more work for a lot more years than that garbage John Deere 420 did. And the Massey already had over 4000 hours on it. He already had a commercial rototiller for it and a commercial drag box. So he picked up a bush hog to put on there and also a road grading blade to go on the back with 3 hydraulic angling cylinders. The 420 was fun to drive during the short time that it ran only because it was fun to drive such a tiny little toy compared to his other commercial equipment.

[@tejeda7324]

I know that video with three years old but I counted about 128 uhhh and umms

[@mmrbeef]

I’ve never counted and I doubt I could count that high. Of course comments like this is why I’ve mostly stopped trying to help folks out.

[@tejeda7324]

@@mmrbeef facts upset you? did you or did you not say it like a million times?

[@mmrbeef]

Heavens no, I could careless about others opinions. If I cared I would have changed how I did videos. I just got tired of larger symptoms of a crappy society.

[@EivinSukoi]

Only stupid individual with deep pockets buy junk like these , most of these brand name tractors are made in China , or 100 % of parts are Chinese made and assembled in the US . I love the the old tractors, I only buy a tractor , machine , or truck that will serve me a purpose , I am happy with my old Craftsman LT 3000 , do what I ask for .

[@mmrbeef]

Interesting perspective. I suppose this is why there are different choices in the market place.

[@dand3975]

My first tractor was a Craftsman (JunkMan). 2nd was a Simplicity better quality, 3rd was a JD far superior to my Simplicity. I would not consider a owner of a onother brand of tractor "Stupid" based on the product he purchased. With proper maintenance and proper operation good and bad tractors will last a long time.

[@trustme7731]

a). Made in the USA These are the factories that make American-made John Deere tractors: Augusta, Georgia: Utility and compact utility tractors Waterloo, Iowa: AG tractors Greeneville, Tennessee: Garden and lawn tractors Horicon, Wisconsin: Garden and lawn tractors