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Overview of the 550H Series
The John Deere 550H LT is a long-track crawler dozer introduced in the late 1990s as part of Deere’s H-series, which replaced the G-series with improved hydrostatic drive, enhanced operator ergonomics, and digital diagnostics. The 550H was designed for grading, site prep, and utility work, offering a balance between maneuverability and pushing power. With an operating weight of approximately 17,000 lbs and a net engine output of 85 hp, the 550H LT variant features extended track frames for better flotation and slope stability.
Engine and Transmission Design
The 550H is powered by a John Deere 4045T turbocharged diesel engine, a 4.5L inline-four known for its torque curve and fuel efficiency. The hydrostatic transmission allows for infinite speed control and smooth directional changes without gear shifting. This system is especially useful in finish grading and tight maneuvering, though it requires clean hydraulic fluid and regular filter changes to maintain responsiveness.
Operators have praised the hydrostatic drive for its ease of use, but warn that neglecting fluid maintenance can lead to sluggish performance or pump wear. Deere recommends changing hydraulic filters every 250 hours and fluid every 1,000 hours, depending on operating conditions.
ROPS and Sweeps Configuration
The open ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) with sweeps is a common configuration for forestry and land clearing applications. Sweeps are steel bars mounted over the cab to deflect branches and debris, protecting the operator and machine components. While this setup offers excellent visibility and access, it lacks the climate control and noise insulation of an enclosed cab.
In colder regions like Washington or Alberta, operators often retrofit soft cabs or heated seats to improve comfort during winter operations. One contractor in Goldendale, WA reported using a 550H LT with open ROPS for clearing firebreaks, noting that the machine’s balance and visibility were ideal for navigating steep terrain.
Known Issues and Inspection Tips
When evaluating a used 2001 550H LT with 3,700 hours, several areas should be inspected:
Market Value and Resale Trends
As of 2025, a well-maintained 550H LT with under 4,000 hours typically sells for $45,000 to $60,000 USD, depending on region and attachments. Machines with forestry packages or recent undercarriage rebuilds command higher prices. The H-series dozers retain value due to their simplicity and reliability, especially in owner-operator fleets.
Recommendations for Buyers
The 2001 John Deere 550H LT is a capable and versatile dozer, well-suited for grading, clearing, and utility work. With its hydrostatic drive, long-track stability, and proven engine platform, it remains a solid choice for contractors and landowners. Proper inspection and maintenance history are key to ensuring long-term performance and avoiding costly repairs.
The John Deere 550H LT is a long-track crawler dozer introduced in the late 1990s as part of Deere’s H-series, which replaced the G-series with improved hydrostatic drive, enhanced operator ergonomics, and digital diagnostics. The 550H was designed for grading, site prep, and utility work, offering a balance between maneuverability and pushing power. With an operating weight of approximately 17,000 lbs and a net engine output of 85 hp, the 550H LT variant features extended track frames for better flotation and slope stability.
Engine and Transmission Design
The 550H is powered by a John Deere 4045T turbocharged diesel engine, a 4.5L inline-four known for its torque curve and fuel efficiency. The hydrostatic transmission allows for infinite speed control and smooth directional changes without gear shifting. This system is especially useful in finish grading and tight maneuvering, though it requires clean hydraulic fluid and regular filter changes to maintain responsiveness.
Operators have praised the hydrostatic drive for its ease of use, but warn that neglecting fluid maintenance can lead to sluggish performance or pump wear. Deere recommends changing hydraulic filters every 250 hours and fluid every 1,000 hours, depending on operating conditions.
ROPS and Sweeps Configuration
The open ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) with sweeps is a common configuration for forestry and land clearing applications. Sweeps are steel bars mounted over the cab to deflect branches and debris, protecting the operator and machine components. While this setup offers excellent visibility and access, it lacks the climate control and noise insulation of an enclosed cab.
In colder regions like Washington or Alberta, operators often retrofit soft cabs or heated seats to improve comfort during winter operations. One contractor in Goldendale, WA reported using a 550H LT with open ROPS for clearing firebreaks, noting that the machine’s balance and visibility were ideal for navigating steep terrain.
Known Issues and Inspection Tips
When evaluating a used 2001 550H LT with 3,700 hours, several areas should be inspected:
- Undercarriage wear: Check track pads, rollers, and sprockets for wear. Long-track models distribute weight better but still suffer from abrasive soil conditions.
- Hydrostatic responsiveness: Test forward/reverse transitions and steering under load. Hesitation may indicate pump or motor wear.
- Electrical diagnostics: Ensure the onboard monitor displays fault codes correctly. Faulty sensors or wiring can cause false alarms.
- Blade pins and bushings: Look for excessive play or dry joints, especially on six-way blades used for fine grading.
Market Value and Resale Trends
As of 2025, a well-maintained 550H LT with under 4,000 hours typically sells for $45,000 to $60,000 USD, depending on region and attachments. Machines with forestry packages or recent undercarriage rebuilds command higher prices. The H-series dozers retain value due to their simplicity and reliability, especially in owner-operator fleets.
Recommendations for Buyers
- Request service records and verify fluid change intervals.
- Inspect hydraulic lines for abrasion or leaks.
- Test blade tilt and angle functions under load.
- Consider adding a canopy or cab enclosure for year-round use.
- Use JD Hy-Gard or equivalent hydraulic oil to maintain system integrity.
The 2001 John Deere 550H LT is a capable and versatile dozer, well-suited for grading, clearing, and utility work. With its hydrostatic drive, long-track stability, and proven engine platform, it remains a solid choice for contractors and landowners. Proper inspection and maintenance history are key to ensuring long-term performance and avoiding costly repairs.
