Is the John Deere 555G Track Loader Worth Buying in As-Is Condition

[MikePhua]

The JD 555G and Its Place in Deere’s Track Loader Lineage
The John Deere 555G was introduced in the late 1980s as part of Deere’s G-series track loaders, designed to bridge the gap between compact dozers and full-size excavators. With a direct drive or torque converter transmission, the 555G offered versatility for grading, land clearing, and light excavation. Deere’s industrial division, supported by dealers like Erb Equipment, maintained strong parts availability and service support for this model well into the 2000s.
The 555G features a 4-cylinder diesel engine, hydrostatic or mechanical transmission depending on configuration, and a robust undercarriage. Its popularity in the Midwest and Southern U.S. made it a common sight on farms, construction sites, and municipal yards.
Evaluating a Non-Running Unit with Drive Issues
A 1989 model surfaced with one track not functioning, a missing fuel cap, and a history of sitting idle for several years. The undercarriage was reportedly in 70% condition, and the machine showed no major hydraulic leaks. After swapping in a truck battery, the engine cranked and briefly ran before shutting off—likely due to contaminated fuel. The seller asked $4,000, prompting questions about whether the machine was worth buying or parting out.
Initial observations:

• Black engine oil, clean hydraulic fluid, green coolant
  
• No movement from the drive system
  
• Shaft from the pump not turning, suggesting internal failure
  
• 6,800 hours on the meter
  

Terminology:

• Final drive: The gear reduction unit that transmits torque from the transmission to the track
  
• Direct drive (DD): A mechanical transmission with clutch engagement
  
• Torque converter (TC): A fluid coupling that allows smoother gear transitions and better torque multiplication
  

Assessing Repair Costs and Risk Factors
Final drives for the 555G can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on condition and source. If the issue lies in the pump shaft or transmission output, repairs could escalate. However, the machine’s value in working condition is estimated between $8,000 and $12,000, making a $4,000 purchase potentially worthwhile for a mechanically inclined buyer.
Repair considerations:

• Drain and flush fuel system, replace filters
  
• Inspect pump shaft and yoke for wear or breakage
  
• Test hydraulic pressure and drive engagement
  
• Source used or remanufactured final drive from salvage yards
  

One technician noted that transmission repairs typically occur between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. If the machine is a TC model, repairs may be simpler and more forgiving under load. Direct drive units require more precise clutch work and are less desirable for novice operators.
Parting Out vs. Restoration
The 555G is popular enough that parting out could recoup the initial investment, but this process may take years. Salvage yards report steady demand for components like hydraulic cylinders, track frames, and engine parts. However, selling piecemeal requires storage space, time, and marketing effort.
Part-out value estimates:

• Engine: $2,000–$3,000
  
• Bucket and linkage: $800–$1,200
  
• Final drives (if functional): $1,500–$2,500 each
  
• Cab components and controls: $500–$1,000
  

Restoration offers the benefit of owning a usable machine for farm work or side jobs. With 100 hours of annual use, even a $2,000 repair investment could be justified over several seasons.
Negotiation Challenges and Seller Behavior
The seller’s shifting stance—initially asking $4,000, then reconsidering after the machine was restarted—complicated the transaction. Despite the machine still not moving, the seller implied it was now worth $8,000–$10,000, citing potential repairs. This behavior reflects a common pattern where neglected equipment suddenly gains perceived value once interest is shown.
Buyer strategies:

• Offer firm cash with a deadline
  
• Document machine condition and repair estimates
  
• Walk away if terms become unclear or inflated
  
• Revisit after time passes and seller motivation changes
  

One buyer noted that showing cash often forces clarity, but some sellers become evasive or indecisive. In this case, the buyer pivoted to inspecting a Caterpillar 955K as an alternative.
Conclusion
The John Deere 555G is a capable track loader with strong parts support and a reputation for reliability. A non-running unit with drive issues priced at $4,000 presents both opportunity and risk. For mechanically skilled buyers, restoration could yield a valuable machine for years of use. For others, the uncertainty of internal damage and seller indecision may warrant walking away. In heavy equipment, the real value lies not just in steel and hydraulics—but in knowing when to dig in and when to move on.