The John Deere 655 Crawler Loader Still Holds Its Ground

[MikePhua]

A Snapshot of the 655’s Origins
The John Deere 655 crawler loader was introduced in the early 1980s as part of Deere’s push to expand its mid-size track loader lineup. Designed to fill the gap between the smaller 555 and the heavier 755, the 655 offered a balance of power, maneuverability, and durability. With an operating weight around 30,000 pounds and a bucket capacity of roughly 2.25 cubic yards, it was well-suited for general construction, site prep, and light demolition.
John Deere, founded in 1837, had already established itself as a leader in agricultural and construction equipment. By the time the 655 rolled out, Deere had refined its hydrostatic drive systems and integrated operator comfort features that made the machine competitive against offerings from Caterpillar and Case.
Terminology Notes

• Hydrostatic Drive: A propulsion system using hydraulic pumps and motors to deliver variable speed and torque without shifting gears.
  
• Loader Frame: The structural assembly that supports the lift arms and bucket.
  
• Track Tensioner: A hydraulic or spring-loaded mechanism that maintains proper track tension.
  
• Ripper Attachment: A rear-mounted tool used to break up compacted soil or pavement.
  

Engine and Powertrain Details
The 655 was powered by a John Deere 4276D diesel engine, a naturally aspirated inline-four that produced approximately 110 horsepower. Known for its torque and fuel efficiency, the engine was paired with a dual-path hydrostatic transmission that allowed smooth directional changes and precise control.
Key features included:

• Full hydrostatic drive with infinite speed control
  
• Independent track control for tight turns and pivoting
  
• High-torque final drives with planetary reduction
  
• Mechanical fuel injection for field serviceability
  

A contractor in Alberta ran a 655 for over 9,000 hours in clay and gravel without a major engine rebuild. Regular oil sampling and filter changes helped extend the engine’s life well beyond expectations.
Undercarriage and Track System
The 655’s undercarriage was built for rugged terrain:

• Sealed and lubricated track chains (SALT) to reduce wear
  
• Bolt-on track pads for easy replacement
  
• Heavy-duty rollers and idlers with replaceable bushings
  
• Hydraulic track adjusters for quick tensioning
  

Operators often praised the machine’s ability to climb slopes and maintain traction in muddy conditions. A crew in Georgia used a 655 to clear a floodplain and noted that the track system outperformed wheeled loaders in soft soil.
Loader Performance and Attachments
The 655’s loader arms were designed for strength and visibility. The standard bucket offered breakout forces exceeding 20,000 pounds, making it capable of handling dense material and debris. Optional attachments included:

• Multi-purpose 4-in-1 bucket
  
• Ripper bar with three shanks
  
• Forks for material handling
  
• Cab-mounted auxiliary hydraulics for custom tools
  

A demolition firm in Maine retrofitted their 655 with a custom grapple and used it to sort debris from a collapsed warehouse. The machine’s lift capacity and visibility made it ideal for the task.
Cab and Operator Experience
While not luxurious by modern standards, the 655’s cab was functional and well laid out:

• Adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support
  
• Mechanical levers for loader and travel control
  
• Clear sightlines to the bucket and tracks
  
• Optional ROPS and FOPS for safety
  

Operators appreciated the simplicity and tactile feedback of the controls. A veteran in Oregon described the 655 as “a machine that talks to you through the levers,” noting how intuitive it felt compared to newer electronic systems.
Maintenance and Serviceability
The 655 was built for field service:

• Hinged engine panels for easy access
  
• Centralized grease points for loader pivots
  
• Spin-on filters for fuel, oil, and hydraulics
  
• Modular final drives and transmission components
  

Recommended service intervals included:

• Engine oil and filter every 250 hours
  
• Hydraulic fluid every 500 hours
  
• Track inspection every 100 hours
  
• Cooling system flush every 1,000 hours
  

A municipal crew in Wisconsin tracked service intervals using a paper log and reduced unscheduled repairs by 30% over two seasons.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a land clearing firm in New Mexico brought a 655 out of retirement to assist with a wildfire recovery project. Despite sitting idle for five years, the machine started after a battery swap and fluid check. It ran for 300 hours without incident, clearing brush and pushing debris. The operator said, “It’s old-school iron, but it still earns its keep.”
Conclusion
The John Deere 655 crawler loader may be decades old, but its design, durability, and simplicity continue to make it a valuable tool in the field. For operators who appreciate mechanical reliability and straightforward controls, the 655 remains a testament to Deere’s engineering philosophy. Whether clearing land, loading trucks, or reclaiming sites, this machine proves that old-school doesn’t mean obsolete—it means proven.