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Overview of the John Deere 2955
The John Deere 2955 is a versatile utility tractor from the late 1970s to early 1980s that earned a reputation for reliability and solid performance. Equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine, it was designed for farmers and contractors needing dependable power and maneuverability on small to medium-sized farms. Its compact size and hydraulic capabilities made it a popular choice for tasks such as tillage, loader work, and mowing.
Despite its age, many 2955 tractors are still in operation today, a testament to the rugged engineering and the availability of replacement parts. Owners often praise its strong frame, ease of maintenance, and functional hydraulics.
Engine and Powertrain
The 2955 features a John Deere 4.4L (264 cubic inch) 4-cylinder diesel engine. This powerplant delivers approximately 65 horsepower, which was competitive in its class at the time. The engine is naturally aspirated, known for fuel efficiency and simplicity.
Key features include:
Owners have reported occasional issues with the transmission’s Power Shift units, especially if maintenance was neglected. Regular fluid changes and adjustments help maintain performance.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system on the 2955 is designed to handle loader attachments, implements, and three-point hitch operation effectively. It features a gear-type pump providing good flow rates for its time.
Important points:
Chassis and Mobility
The tractor’s chassis is compact but sturdy, with a wheelbase around 90 inches. It typically comes with adjustable rear wheel spacing, allowing adaptation to different row crop widths.
Features include:
Maintenance and Common Issues
The John Deere 2955’s mechanical simplicity means that owners can often perform maintenance without specialized tools.
Common maintenance tasks and tips:
Historical and Practical Context
The John Deere 2955 came at a time when farmers increasingly demanded utility tractors that could handle multiple roles efficiently. Its Power Shift transmission was ahead of its time in utility tractors, influencing later models.
Stories from farmers recount how the 2955 was a reliable “workhorse” during planting and harvest seasons, sometimes outlasting larger machines thanks to its simplicity and solid construction.
In recent years, the 2955 has found new appreciation among vintage tractor enthusiasts who restore and use it for light farming or as a collectible. Its parts availability remains good thanks to Deere’s long-standing support and the tractor’s popularity.
Terminology Explained
A farmer from Iowa shared how he inherited a John Deere 2955 from his father. The tractor sat unused for years, with a sticky transmission and leaking hydraulics. By replacing the hydraulic seals, cleaning the injectors, and servicing the Power Shift pack, he restored the tractor to working order. Today, he uses it for light loader work and as a backup machine, appreciating its simplicity compared to newer high-tech tractors.
Closing Thoughts
The John Deere 2955 remains a respected model in the world of utility tractors. Its combination of durability, user-friendly mechanics, and adaptable features allowed it to serve farmers reliably for decades. Whether in active service or lovingly restored, the 2955 stands as a symbol of dependable agricultural machinery from an era that valued straightforward, rugged design.
The John Deere 2955 is a versatile utility tractor from the late 1970s to early 1980s that earned a reputation for reliability and solid performance. Equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine, it was designed for farmers and contractors needing dependable power and maneuverability on small to medium-sized farms. Its compact size and hydraulic capabilities made it a popular choice for tasks such as tillage, loader work, and mowing.
Despite its age, many 2955 tractors are still in operation today, a testament to the rugged engineering and the availability of replacement parts. Owners often praise its strong frame, ease of maintenance, and functional hydraulics.
Engine and Powertrain
The 2955 features a John Deere 4.4L (264 cubic inch) 4-cylinder diesel engine. This powerplant delivers approximately 65 horsepower, which was competitive in its class at the time. The engine is naturally aspirated, known for fuel efficiency and simplicity.
Key features include:
- Mechanical fuel injection system, enabling straightforward repair and tuning
- Reliable cooling system designed for prolonged operation
- Solid low-end torque suitable for heavy pulling and loader work
Owners have reported occasional issues with the transmission’s Power Shift units, especially if maintenance was neglected. Regular fluid changes and adjustments help maintain performance.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system on the 2955 is designed to handle loader attachments, implements, and three-point hitch operation effectively. It features a gear-type pump providing good flow rates for its time.
Important points:
- Hydraulic lift capacity sufficient for most mid-sized implements
- External hydraulic remotes available for auxiliary control
- Rear PTO (540 RPM) standard for powering mowers, balers, and other PTO-driven equipment
Chassis and Mobility
The tractor’s chassis is compact but sturdy, with a wheelbase around 90 inches. It typically comes with adjustable rear wheel spacing, allowing adaptation to different row crop widths.
Features include:
- 4WD option available for improved traction in challenging terrain
- Mechanical drum brakes for dependable stopping power
- Power steering for easier maneuvering in tight spaces
Maintenance and Common Issues
The John Deere 2955’s mechanical simplicity means that owners can often perform maintenance without specialized tools.
Common maintenance tasks and tips:
- Regular oil and filter changes to extend engine life
- Checking and replacing hydraulic fluid and filters to preserve pump life
- Inspecting Power Shift transmission fluid and filter regularly
- Monitoring cooling system hoses and radiator for leaks or clogging
- Transmission Power Shift pack wear causing slipping or shifting difficulty
- Fuel injector nozzle clogging affecting engine performance
- Hydraulic leaks, often from seals or hoses due to age
Historical and Practical Context
The John Deere 2955 came at a time when farmers increasingly demanded utility tractors that could handle multiple roles efficiently. Its Power Shift transmission was ahead of its time in utility tractors, influencing later models.
Stories from farmers recount how the 2955 was a reliable “workhorse” during planting and harvest seasons, sometimes outlasting larger machines thanks to its simplicity and solid construction.
In recent years, the 2955 has found new appreciation among vintage tractor enthusiasts who restore and use it for light farming or as a collectible. Its parts availability remains good thanks to Deere’s long-standing support and the tractor’s popularity.
Terminology Explained
- Power Shift Transmission: A type of transmission allowing gear changes under load without clutching, using hydraulic clutches and bands.
- PTO (Power Take-Off): A rotating shaft on the tractor used to power implements like mowers or balers.
- Hydraulic Remotes: External hydraulic connections that enable the operation of auxiliary implements requiring hydraulic power.
- Three-point hitch: A standardized method to attach implements to the tractor, providing lift and control.
- Mechanical Fuel Injection: A system that injects fuel into the engine cylinders mechanically rather than electronically, common in older diesel engines.
A farmer from Iowa shared how he inherited a John Deere 2955 from his father. The tractor sat unused for years, with a sticky transmission and leaking hydraulics. By replacing the hydraulic seals, cleaning the injectors, and servicing the Power Shift pack, he restored the tractor to working order. Today, he uses it for light loader work and as a backup machine, appreciating its simplicity compared to newer high-tech tractors.
Closing Thoughts
The John Deere 2955 remains a respected model in the world of utility tractors. Its combination of durability, user-friendly mechanics, and adaptable features allowed it to serve farmers reliably for decades. Whether in active service or lovingly restored, the 2955 stands as a symbol of dependable agricultural machinery from an era that valued straightforward, rugged design.
