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The JD 555 and Its Role in Mid-Size Earthmoving
The John Deere 555 track loader was introduced in the late 1970s as part of Deere’s push to expand its compact and mid-size crawler lineup. Designed for versatility on farms, construction sites, and municipal yards, the 555 combined a rugged undercarriage with a loader frame capable of handling moderate digging and grading tasks. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder diesel engine producing around 70 horsepower, paired with a torque converter and planetary final drives.
John Deere, founded in 1837, had already established itself as a leader in agricultural machinery. By the time the 555 was released, Deere had sold tens of thousands of crawler tractors globally. The 555 filled a niche between the smaller 450 series and the heavier 655, offering a balance of maneuverability and breakout force. Its popularity extended into the 1990s, with many units still in service today on ranches and small construction outfits.
Heat Build-Up on the Left Side After Final Drive Work
A recurring issue reported by owners involves excessive heat on the left side of the transmission and final drive housing after maintenance. In one case, the left track began dragging shortly after the pins and bushings were turned and the final drive was re-sealed. Brake adjustments temporarily restored movement, but after 45 minutes of operation, the left clutch housing reached 169°F—nearly 60°F hotter than the right side.
Terminology:
Brake Band Adjustment and Clutch Drag
The JD 555 uses mechanical steering clutches and brake bands to control track movement. If the brake band is too tight, it can drag against the drum, generating heat and reducing efficiency. Conversely, if the steering clutch slips under load, it creates friction and heat without transmitting full torque.
Adjustment tips:
Bearing Preload and Shaft Alignment
Inside the clutch housing, a shaft connects the brake and clutch assembly to the final drive. If the bearing on this shaft is over-tightened during reassembly, it can create excessive preload—compressing the bearing beyond its design tolerance and causing heat buildup.
Terminology:
Transmission Filter and Fluid Inspection
Before disassembling the final drive, it’s wise to inspect the transmission filter and fluid. In this case, the filter was cut open and found clean, suggesting no internal clutch debris. However, draining the final drive and checking for metal particles or burnt oil can reveal whether the issue lies deeper.
Inspection steps:
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
The JD 555 is a durable machine, but its mechanical steering system requires regular attention. Brake bands, clutch packs, and bearings should be inspected annually, especially after major service. Using infrared thermometers to monitor housing temperatures can help catch problems early.
Maintenance checklist:
Conclusion
The John Deere 555 track loader remains a trusted workhorse, but its mechanical steering system demands precision during service. Heat buildup on one side after final drive work often points to brake drag, clutch slip, or bearing preload. With careful diagnostics, proper adjustment, and preventive care, the 555 can continue serving reliably—whether it’s grading a ranch road or loading gravel in a quarry. When old iron runs hot, it’s usually trying to tell you something. Listen closely, and it’ll keep working hard for years to come.
The John Deere 555 track loader was introduced in the late 1970s as part of Deere’s push to expand its compact and mid-size crawler lineup. Designed for versatility on farms, construction sites, and municipal yards, the 555 combined a rugged undercarriage with a loader frame capable of handling moderate digging and grading tasks. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder diesel engine producing around 70 horsepower, paired with a torque converter and planetary final drives.
John Deere, founded in 1837, had already established itself as a leader in agricultural machinery. By the time the 555 was released, Deere had sold tens of thousands of crawler tractors globally. The 555 filled a niche between the smaller 450 series and the heavier 655, offering a balance of maneuverability and breakout force. Its popularity extended into the 1990s, with many units still in service today on ranches and small construction outfits.
Heat Build-Up on the Left Side After Final Drive Work
A recurring issue reported by owners involves excessive heat on the left side of the transmission and final drive housing after maintenance. In one case, the left track began dragging shortly after the pins and bushings were turned and the final drive was re-sealed. Brake adjustments temporarily restored movement, but after 45 minutes of operation, the left clutch housing reached 169°F—nearly 60°F hotter than the right side.
Terminology:
- Final Drive: The last stage in the drivetrain that transmits torque to the tracks.
- Clutch Housing: The enclosure containing the steering clutches and brake components.
- IR Thermometer: A non-contact tool used to measure surface temperature.
Brake Band Adjustment and Clutch Drag
The JD 555 uses mechanical steering clutches and brake bands to control track movement. If the brake band is too tight, it can drag against the drum, generating heat and reducing efficiency. Conversely, if the steering clutch slips under load, it creates friction and heat without transmitting full torque.
Adjustment tips:
- Brake pedal should engage just before bottoming out
- Free play must be verified with the loader off and tracks suspended
- Clutch pack should release fully when steering lever is neutral
- Brake band wear should be checked every 500 hours
- Steering Clutch: A multi-disc clutch that disengages one track to allow turning.
- Brake Band: A friction band that wraps around a drum to stop track rotation.
Bearing Preload and Shaft Alignment
Inside the clutch housing, a shaft connects the brake and clutch assembly to the final drive. If the bearing on this shaft is over-tightened during reassembly, it can create excessive preload—compressing the bearing beyond its design tolerance and causing heat buildup.
Terminology:
- Preload: The axial force applied to a bearing during installation to eliminate play.
- Master Pin: The removable link in a track chain used to split the track for service.
Transmission Filter and Fluid Inspection
Before disassembling the final drive, it’s wise to inspect the transmission filter and fluid. In this case, the filter was cut open and found clean, suggesting no internal clutch debris. However, draining the final drive and checking for metal particles or burnt oil can reveal whether the issue lies deeper.
Inspection steps:
- Drain final drive fluid into a clean pan
- Use a magnet to check for ferrous particles
- Smell for burnt oil indicating clutch or brake friction
- Check fluid level and viscosity against OEM specs
- Ferrous Particles: Metal shavings from steel components, often a sign of wear.
- Viscosity: The thickness of the fluid; affects lubrication and cooling.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
The JD 555 is a durable machine, but its mechanical steering system requires regular attention. Brake bands, clutch packs, and bearings should be inspected annually, especially after major service. Using infrared thermometers to monitor housing temperatures can help catch problems early.
Maintenance checklist:
- Adjust brakes every 250 hours
- Inspect clutch pack thickness and spring tension
- Check bearing preload during reassembly
- Use high-quality gear oil in final drives
- Keep exhaust stack covered during storage to prevent condensation
- Spring Tension: The force applied by clutch springs to maintain engagement.
- Condensation: Moisture accumulation inside housings, leading to rust and corrosion.
Conclusion
The John Deere 555 track loader remains a trusted workhorse, but its mechanical steering system demands precision during service. Heat buildup on one side after final drive work often points to brake drag, clutch slip, or bearing preload. With careful diagnostics, proper adjustment, and preventive care, the 555 can continue serving reliably—whether it’s grading a ranch road or loading gravel in a quarry. When old iron runs hot, it’s usually trying to tell you something. Listen closely, and it’ll keep working hard for years to come.
