Why Buy a John Deere 425, 445 or 455?

[@patricks.7951]

I bought mine from a family member for $550 a few years ago, it was my first lawn tractor. I had no idea how good of a price that was until I started to look for a nicer one with lower hours. It has since been retired from mowing duties and it's my dedicated snow plow now.

[@rayhadley1590]

Great video. I sure like the way you start it, "Stay Safe, BE Well". Anyway, I bought my 425 AWS 10 years ago, it's been the best investment ever. BUT, I had a guy overhaul it this spring and before he got done with it, he passed away. Now, I just cannot get it wired back correctly. Not sure what I'm doin wrong. (I'm NOT a mechanic). Lol Could you take a few pictures of the wiring from battery, along the left side to that main plug from the switch? They want $150 per hour to work on it and I just don't have that kind ofmoney

[@hybridssuck]

Awesome video man! Worked at John Deere years ago, started out working on the lawn care equipment. That line of lawn tractor was a BEAST! Very solid.

[@greybeard804]

You sound like the perfect person to ask this question to: ;-] Someone just gave me a 455. Engine is perfect! Runs great. Dies if I try and move it, OR, ingage a PTO. Frozen brake? Not with the PTO..... ?

[@greybeard804]

A bogged down die... not electrical.

[@randyc5650]

@@greybeard804 Sounds like a combination of common problems. The seat safety switch kills the engine when you get off the seat. It is located under the seat. Unplug the switch and temporarily bypass it by bending a piece of heavy wire and stick it into the connector. If it stops killing the engine, replace the switch. Clear the trouble of the engine killing when you move it first. The seat switch might clear both troubles. Vibration could cause the switch to go open and could be caused by either moving the tractor or activation the PTO. Good luck.

[@chrishughes4652]

Great video about a “tank” of a garden tractor, I have a x740 and love it

[@JDqs-kg5sp]

Now you just need the rear PTO and the 450 tiller. I use the 450 tiller on my 445 AWS and it does a great job. Thanks for the videos!

[@jbmortensen]

I have a John Deere 445 and now a compact tractor (Yanmar 186D) to take care of my acreage. The Yanmar has a rotary cutter to rough cut mow about 7 acres 1x to 2x a year as a dedicated task (no loader). But, the 445 gets used the most! It is so handy to turn it on, hop on and go and has a little buck loader. The 445 is rock solid stable on my slopes here. It is a great garden tractor and then some!

[@cdcd5260]

Nice video. I have a 1990 425 that i inherited from my grandpa. Love the plow, but sold the snow thrower since it doesn't snow enough here. Haven't seen anyone else w/ the roof & doors (mine are a little different) but it's a great feature.

[@MikeOrazzi]

Nice info. I picked up a 316 a few years ago, It's a solid machine. I'm tempted to get another one in the 400 series.

[@johnserrano9689]

Awesome video man. My 88' Deere 1050 tractor is a top shelf tractor. The finish cut mower leaves the fields looking even better looking than a golf course. I got lucky since to mount the mower I have to drop my quick attach Backhoe so that alone saves alittle over 1000 pounds. Having a hard time figuring out why the lawn has gullies in it tho seems like after I cut the grass the 52" tall tires are compressing the sod and leaving large bar like depressions?! Looks identical to my AG tires. At 63-6500 pounds as is I'm starting to think my tractor MIGHT be a little too heavy for the lawn 😱..... Which is why Deere themselves saw the massive need/uses for the exact tractor line you're covering. My 1050 is obviously way to God dam big and far too heavy even when dry to even drive across my lawn. Last year I had to drive across my lawn to pull a 120' tall poplar tree back& over in the front couple acres of our land after a strong storm, it had rained obviously, but I physically couldn't get down in there any other way without dropping other big trees. If it wasn't for the tree threatening our power lines I wouldn't care. But needless to say after a single crossing of our lawn which is well established, there were 2 big tracks running across, had to fill them in and re-seed after it. This is exactly why Deere, Kubota and the others make their smaller tractors aluminum housing rear ends now. Their buyers don't want the super heavy duty, 16" ground clearance, big tall deep lug AG tire, over 6000 pounds destroying the LAWNS in which they're using said Tractor to mow. Look at Deeres modern 3000series tractor, the "E" model is light duty and light weight, yet the "R" model is heavier and heavier duty. It is there for each customers needs to be met. The old models in this video I want, I looked for a couple years around here, only found an Ariens HT16 garden tractor with snowblower, mower deck. It's very simple and nice and all, but you know how it is when you know your needs and want this or that one. Our driveway has a wonderful 300' plus long straight away, then a big section up top to serve as our "parking lot" with the wife having prime parking for the Tahoe upfront, and across it in the back is where me work truck is lol anyways I needed the HT16 with the blower and it's the best setup money can buy. Even my big tractor which will handle even the 2' deep snow falls no issue ever, but then you're stuck with huge piles that take 4 years to melt. The garden tractor/snowblower setup is far more manueverable than a blower for the big Deere, yet power thru super heavy dense snow say 18" deep, yet throwing it where I want over 50' away....speaks for itself. And this is another point where my tiny garden tractor legit out-works the big tractor lol just a far better tool for the job simple as that

[@jesseamaya4594]

Old post I know but gotta put my bit in. I have both a 1025r with grapple and backhoe and was just given a 455 that has issues.(gas in tank, VERY poor maintenance) I got the fuel issues sorted out and am now tackling things like deck bearings and just general service as well as replacing the deck lift cylinder. I have already mowed with the 455 and can say that it is superb at mowing.( all wheel steer) Definitely prefer the ride to the zero turn but for really heavy stuff and general clean up the 1025 with a grapple and brush hog is where its at. hit it first with the 1025, clean it up then maintain it with the 455 with the 60 deck. And oh yeah, I worked at a dealership, Damm X series with just a mow deck and 4 wheel drive and gasser was ONLY about 2 grand below the 1025R with belly mower.Ouch.

[@Sam-pw8zh]

I would love to find a cab for my 425. That snowblower is a beast.

[@shermanlofton9038]

I think you are very knowledgeable I have a 345 john deere 1996 18 hp kawasaki. Less than 700 hrs . With all the extras .

[@susanrice2316]

i have the JD 425 AWS , it is my second one i have owned . I plow gardens with it and have a Reugg 3 point hitch also . also a 54 inch power angle blade . they are a great machine . thanks for your videos , they have helped me trouble shoot some problems . thanks again !!!

[@tesser5250]

You are welcome, glad you find the vids helpful!

[@troydicou1179]

Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. I’m considering a 455 with 40 loader.

[@abelauclair8976]

love your videos. somehow i keep finding new old ones i have never seen. lol. love from maine.

[@StumblingBumblingIdiot]

Really nice video man! I have a 425 and keep contemplating whether i want to buy a new one or not. Everything I keep hearing and watching basically says KEEP the 425! Other reason I was looking is because I want the snowblower attachment and it is really hard to find them costing as much as a whole new tractor! Anyway, thanx for the video and reinforcement for me to keep my 425 :)

[@jimbennett1519]

Well it is apparent you’ve got the same passion as I do for these machines haha my wife thinks it is an illness but it really is a passion. I have a 425 and am restoring a diesel 455 which is very close to being done. All new paint and all. I also have the snowblower and a 30 loader These machines are incredible and for new folks you should mention how readily available parts are. These have been so good I purchased a 2038R to go with my family😜. I really enjoy your videos,keep up the good work and Thank You

[@tesser5250]

Thank you, Jim, I always appreciate your comments! Yes, I think we share the same "virus", but thankfully not the bad one...!😃

[@kevincris2589]

Hey bud hope you are doing well since you havent posted in a while. Would love an update of the deeres

[@tesser5250]

@Sheila Smith FYI - I received an alert that you left a message, but KZbin seems to have removed it...

[@williamnelson2942]

New to the 445 ,has the plastic cam gear. Now being changed out. Wasn’t cheap,but already doing work I wouldn’t touch otherwise!! ? ....does the piranha tooth bar increase the usefulness of the bucket for digging/scooping etc.Thanks for posting videos. They are most informative also interesting.

[@tesser5250]

I am sure you will love your 445! Yes, the Piranha really expands the versatility of the bucket - digging, clawing, clearing, grading, etc. Plus, I feel it increases torsional rigidity to the bucket. In some of my other videos I specifically cover the Piranha. Good luck!

[@thomaswilliams2253]

Thanks for the video! Luckily, I own a 425, 445, and 2 455s so I am a convert to the 4x5 tractors. They are very solid, very powerful, and now that new plastic is available through the auction site they are the perfect tractors to own. Terry, I would like you to be the test case for the new third lever that allows independent control of the hitch that is available from Auxiliary Hydraulics. You would make great videos about it, and then I could buy one and have a great guide to get it right. Think about it.......😁 Tom

[@tesser5250]

Thanks, Tom! I am not familiar with that hydraulic device, but I'll check it out. BTW, those panels can also be repaired, in fact I covered it one of my other videos...

[@thomaswilliams2253]

You could repair them, if you had them! I didn’t...

[@beunbad]

What auction site do you get the panels?

[@harolddenton6031]

Good looking 445. I am looking at a 2001 444 one right now in northeast Tennessee with around 1000 hours on it but tye guy wants 4200.00. I think that is about 1 grand too much for the garden tractor.

[@harolddenton6031]

Also found a x730 deere riding tractor with 975 hours on it for 5500.00. Is that a decent price?

[@johncabeceiras6715]

Hi, i order my piranha toothbar thank you so much for you help .stay healthy.

[@uuulaalaa]

My cheap tractor gave up on me today looking to upgrade to sumthing like this but at almost 3k its a lil much for me right now

[@tesser5250]

Sorry to hear your tractor has failed you. Hopefully you can find an affordable replacement.

[@HilltownCT]

Very valuable video! Thank you for the post.

[@tesser5250]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@mikebracht9261]

I miss your videos. I hope all is well with you.

[@kevinpulliam6622]

I have x475 equivalent to 425. It is very capable.

[@tesser5250]

Yes, all the X-Series machines are great tractors, too...

[@jetmuchacho]

They go for $10,000-$20,000 here in Alberta. Good luck.

[@grassrootsphotographysean4474]

I mate, would you buy one of these with 3000 hours? trying to decide if I should or not.. thanks from NZ..

[@jimknowlton342]

Unfortunately the attachments are insanely expensive and the cat 0 3 point is limited in aftermarket parts.

[@caspere.8461]

Attachments for any John Deere tractor are insanely expensive, new or old. New or used attachments.

[@jamesgariano7508]

Hello, I'm looking for one of these to do snow removal with a blower or blade. Would you say there is a big difference between the 445 and 425 for this ? Thank you for your advice.

[@jimgroome4970]

Thanks so much for the info

[@generalnone1931]

Hi, first I wish to thank you for the great informative videos. I'm look to purchase a 425 JD, manufactured in March of 1997. Probably with a plastic cam gear. The current owner bought the tractor with 800 hours on it and has put on an additional 500. Is there any way of determining if the cam gear is the original plastic gear without taking the engine apart to view the gear? If not, can the cam shaft be replaced WITHOUT removing the entire engine, perhaps by loosing the mounting bolts and tilting the engine up in the front and replacing the shaft. I know it would be better to change many parts if the engine is taken off the frame, but I would prefer the simpler replacement if possible. Thank you.

[@tesser5250]

If the 425 is a 1997, it almost certainly is a plastic cam gear model, but if you check the serial number with your local JD dealer, they can confirm either way. I can't think of a way of changing the cam gear without taking the engine out (which is not so difficult - have you seen my video removing the engine from my 445?). Also, are you sure it was not changed by the original owner?

[@generalnone1931]

@@tesser5250 Yes, I have seen your video and I agreed that the engine is easier then most engines to work on. The owner does not know if the original owner had the cam gear replaced, that's the issue. If I take the engine out, I would then do a complete over-haul, but I figuring that would cost about $500 to $600, if I did the work myself. I'd like to not have to spend that much money on the tractor since he is look for $2750 for the tractor and there is a good possibility that the cam shaft will have to be replaced. Thank for your great feedback.

[@greybeard804]

Someone just gave me a 455. Engine is perfect! Runs great. Dies if I try and move it, OR, ingage a PTO. Frozen brake? Not with the PTO..... ?

[@greybeard804]

PS: Thanks for the video!....

[@tesser5250]

Sounds like a lack of power. Any other symptoms? How is the engine running? Is compression good?

[@greybeard804]

@@tesser5250 Engine runs great. I have flow back to the pump.

[@greybeard804]

Ooops, Steering doesn't work. In the pump area, I think. Been sitting for 13 years.

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

What size PTO implements can it use? Could it run a 6" post hole auger? Great video

[@tesser5250]

I have several cat 1 implements for my 445 3pt hitch, but I do not have a rear pto fitted. However, if I did have a rear pto, I am sure the 445 could handle a 6" auger. Glad you like the vid.

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

@@tesser5250 thanks. I am restoring an old Case 530ck, but it has a dedicated backhoe with no pto either, so it has no function as an ag tractor.

[@s.meredithclark1164]

I purchased a 425 recently at estate sale, without snow blower or cab, I would like to add those improvements, what model snow blower do you have and could you comment on the brand of cab ? Thx. Appreciate your knowledge on the subject.

[@tesser5250]

Ok, so JD offered two snowblowers for the 4*5 Series: a 47" two-stage and a 46" one-stage. I have the one stage and have always found it fine for the tons of snow in my region. Both blowers require the 4*5 front hitch quick-attach required for all the JD front end attachments. If you check all my cab videos, you will see that is a Curtis cab sold by JD specifically for 4*5. Curtis is a large cab manufacturer in MA. Good luck with your 425!

[@user-ms8sb2vs8b]

Do you have any 445 engines for sale?

[@Texashogmeister]

Do the John Deer Dealers still work on these machines?

[@happydays2741]

All the hydro lines go through a manifold under the steering pump. I need to change a hose and can't seem to get the hoses out from under there?

[@tesser5250]

Other than when fitting shut off valves, I have not had to touch the hydraulic lines on my tractors. I'm away right now and can't even look at mine to offer a suggestion how best to get at the manifold. Good luck with finding a solution.

[@s.meredithclark1164]

Does the 425 garden tractor with carburetor have a inline fuel shut off valve between the tank and the gas filter?

[@tesser5250]

I do not think so but can't be certain. Unable to check at this time.

[@limitlessworx5724]

Whats model number on that front end loader and all brackets , thank u

[@tesser5250]

That is a Little Buck Loader. I have other videos giving full details. Check them out.

[@limitlessworx5724]

@@tesser5250 k I will thx

[@jodys.6274]

So I have a 445 with a 3 point hitch (category 0). I bought a quick hitch (cat. 1)for it before I knew about the different categories. I have a mower,blower and a Little Buck loader for it. I also use it for doing field work for small deer food plots. small disc and drag etc. So the quick hitch won't work with the cat 0. Question is should I modify the cat.0 to a cat.1 or should I try to find a cat.1- 3 point for it? I would like to use cat.1 equipment on it and with the quick hitch. Whats your thoughts?

[@tesser5250]

For years I've been using cat 1 equipment with my cat 0 hitch, without problems. I used to redrill and add cat 0 pins but recently found some stepdown 1 to 0 pins that make things much easier. I mention them in one of my videos on my 3pt boom pole...

[@jodys.6274]

@@tesser5250 The pins are not the problem. The issue is the distance between the arms of the 3 point hitch. My cat.0 is 20 inches wide. The cat.1 quick hitch is 27 inches wide where it attaches to the 3 point. Cat. one implements require a 27 inch wide 3 point.

[@tesser5250]

Sure, all my attachments are cat 1, some will fit inside the cat 0 arms and with others I've turned the pins out so the hitch arms work on the inside...

[@jbmortensen]

Hi Tesser52. Really enjoyed your videos. Looking at a 445 to be my daily mower and "tractor" combination instead of a SCUT. Would a 445 be strong enough to go up 15° hills mowing parts of my pasture area? With ag tires and weights, could it perform well generally in pasture areas dragging a small 4' harrow and either pulling a pull behind rotary cutter or attach with a light duty 3pt rotary cutter to clip my 3 acre pasture a couple times a year? I would also use it weekly as a mower for the 1.5 acre yard. Or, do I need a SCUT or CUT tractor? Thanks!

[@tesser5250]

Based upon my experience I would say a good 445 could easily handle all the tasks you define. I have a meadow that is considerably steeper than 15 degrees that I have been mowing for 20 years with ease. Plus, I pull a heavily loaded dump trailer and use my 3pt hitch for a heavy bucket scoop, grader, middle, rake, and middle buster, etc. Good luck!

[@jbmortensen]

@@tesser5250 Recently bought one. What do you think about my question on the diff lock in this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDWZ3atp62rgKs

[@tesser5250]

Link does not seem to be working...

[@jbmortensen]

Tesser52 So it should rebound back up automatically?

[@tesser5250]

Sorry, I meant the video link you posted is not working...

[@yuriygermanovich6373]

Hello, would you recommend the snow blade or snow blower for moderate snow removal?

[@tesser5250]

Where I am located I much prefer a blower, since you can completely clear an area and spread it around as you go. With a blade you end up with mounds of packed snow and ice that continue to build with each snowfall, consume space, and take ages to melt down in a bad winter...

[@tesser5250]

... obviously, a blade is less expensive, easier to attach and maintain and simpler to use. Also, if you are plowing snow from stone and gravel surfaces, a blade is less vulnerable...

[@TNYankee2020]

Thanks. Love my 01 445. Do you have a part number for your seat?

[@tesser5250]

I don't have number. It is an after market seat available on Ebay, from an oem manufacturer that supplies JD...

[@TNYankee2020]

@@tesser5250 Thanks found it.

[@ericmick6679]

Hello I have a 445 with curtis cab, and the four way plow. It has apx 450 hours original, your 445 with bucket loader, would you be intrested in a possible trade, mine always garaged and in very nice shape. Please let me know my name is Eric thank you for your time.

[@tesser5250]

Hi, Eric, sounds interesting, but not for me. I am satisfied with both of mine, the way they are configured. But if I hear of anyone who could be interested I will let you know. Where are you located?

[@ericmick6679]

@@tesser5250 R I the ocean state, thank you stay safe.

[@jbmortensen]

What kind of oil are you running in your 445?

[@tesser5250]

Normally Deere 10w30