info on 455 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

Mickey · 04-09-2008, 11:15 PM

Son is needing to replace/upgrade hie old 316 and is looking at a couple 455 models. One has 170 hrs and the other 400. Not very many hrs for a machine close to 10 yrs old. These have 60" mowers. He is still dickering on price and they are in the $4800-$5000 range.

He like the idea of the Yanmar 3cyl diesel engine. His 316 has a very tired engine and the rest of the machine is in decent condition. Getting a newer bigger model with the diesel appeals to him thinking the diesel will last a lot longer than a gas engine. He has seen a fair number of 425's with water cooled Kawi's but has been reading of quite a few problems with these engines.

Anyone have any comments I could pass along?

Machine

PaulChristenson · 04-09-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey

Son is needing to replace/upgrade hie old 316 and is looking at a couple 455 models. One has 170 hrs and the other 400. Not very many hrs for a machine close to 10 yrs old. These have 60" mowers. He is still dickering on price and they are in the $4800-$5000 range.

He like the idea of the Yanmar 3cyl diesel engine. His 316 has a very tired engine and the rest of the machine is in decent condition. Getting a newer bigger model with the diesel appeals to him thinking the diesel will last a lot longer than a gas engine. He has seen a fair number of 425's with water cooled Kawi's but has been reading of quite a few problems with these engines.

Anyone have any comments I could pass along?

Yeah tell him to move up a bit more and get the 855...

JDFANATIC · 04-10-2008, 07:28 AM

Mickey, the 455s were nice tractors and with the kind of hours you are talking about will last a good long time. The 425s get a bad rap for the plastic cams in the early models, although many had machines with those cams and had no issues, leading many to suspect maintenance factors. As with any machine, the service history is key. I'd look for a machine with one.

Mickey · 04-10-2008, 02:27 PM

Thanks for the comment JD. I'm sure one of the 4xx machines would last a long time and one with the Yanmar diesel could last you for ever when the only task is keeping the grass cut. My 318 had close to 2k hrs on it when it was stollen. Engine was tired but rest was good for many more yrs. That's where my son is with his 316. The old Onan is really tired and swaping out egines would cost 30%-40% of something a lot newer with a better engine.

JDCOMPACTMAN · 04-10-2008, 09:06 PM

GO WITH THE 455. BULLET PROOF

gunmaker · 04-12-2008, 09:09 AM

I've had my 425 since 93, and it now has 800+ hours on the meter. I have maintained it above and beyond the requirements JD recommends, and other than a couple of 'normal wear' items she has never let me down. I just replaced the water pump at 800 hours, and the first battery lasted me 12 years with a battery tender hooked up. I think this was a great series of tractors, and wish now that I'd gone with the 455 instead of the 425, but only because I now prefer diesel.

Mickey · 04-12-2008, 01:26 PM

Keep those comments coming.

Here is one 455 he was looking at. Long way away and asking price is more than he had in mind but. Son has brother in law nearby that could go take a look. Shipping cost runs about $600.

This thing sure looks like new.

2000 JOHN DEERE 455 Riding Lawn Mowers For Sale At TractorHouse.com

Mickey · 05-15-2008, 11:54 AM

Think my son has found the one. 455 in Ohio with a little under 300 hrs. From the pics it looks good. Dealer has given my son the name of the original owner and they have spoke. Getting same story from both. Owner planted a lot of trees and was feeling he needed a zero-turn mower. Owner said the dealer has had this for some time and in the small town where they are located there is no interest in diesel for the city folks.

Getting down to the small details, is sale tax going to be charged & final price. Son has offered $5k and dealer was asking $5200. Son has got a quote for $675 to deliver door to door.

Could be in 2 weeks my son could be sitting on a 455 and be ready to say good bye to the 316.

Thanks to those that offered comments.

JDFANATIC · 05-15-2008, 04:41 PM

Be sure to post some pics when he gets it.

Mickey · 05-15-2008, 10:58 PM

Well, he did buy it. Got it for 5 but was told he had to pay the tax, you can call it a sales tax or use tax but it all works out the same.

Looks like it is goning to be about 2 weeks before taking delivery.