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Introduction and Historical Context
The John Deere 655 is a classic piece of heavy equipment that represents an important era in Deere’s transition from agricultural machinery into the broader construction equipment market. John Deere, an American company founded in 1837 and known originally for its steel‑plow innovations, steadily expanded into tractors, loaders, backhoes, and dozers throughout the 20th century. By the time the 655 series emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, Deere was already a well‑established name in construction, competing with brands like Caterpillar, International Harvester, and Case. Though exact global production figures for the 655 are not published, industry data from that period show Deere’s medium‑sized machines consistently ranked among the top sellers in North America and exported widely. The 655’s reputation for durability and ease of service helped it endure in rental fleets and local jobsites long after its production ceased.
Design and Specifications
The Deere 655 is typically categorized as a crawler dozer, bridging the gap between small utility models and large earthmoving tractors. Its key specifications reflect a balance of power and maneuverability:
Powertrain and Performance
Deere opted for a robust, service‑friendly diesel engine in the 655. These engines were built with simplicity and reliability as priorities. While not turbocharged in many units, the naturally aspirated design delivered strong low‑end torque — important for pushing soil and rock at slow speeds. Operators appreciated the machine’s ability to hold steady power under load, a trait echoed in period trade magazine comparisons that often placed the 655’s torque curve on par with competitor models in its class. Typical fuel consumption for medium earthmoving work hovered around 14–18 L/hour (3.7–4.8 gal/hour), a respectable figure for its era.
The transmission and drive system were designed to handle tough terrain. With a torque converter and multiple gear ranges, the 655 could crawl uphill with heavy loads without stalling, and shift smoothly between ground speeds. A common complaint among some operators was that the machine lacked the ultra‑high travel speeds of more modern designs — but for grading and pushing, the trade‑off favored power over transit speed.
Hydraulic and Blade Controls
Unlike modern dozers with electronic blade controls, the 655 used mechanical linkage and hydraulic cylinder systems. The blade lift, tilt, and angle adjustments were direct and intuitive, giving the operator tactile feedback that many veteran machine operators value. The hydraulic system operated at pressures that, while modest by today’s standards (often around 2,000–2,500 psi / 138–172 bar), were sufficient for consistent responsiveness. Some units eventually had hydraulic leaks at seals or hose connections due to age, but the straightforward design meant repairs were accessible in field environments.
Undercarriage and Tracks
The undercarriage of the 655 was a critical determinant of its longevity. Steel tracks with wide shoes provided traction in soft soils and reduced ground pressure, a feature especially valued in wet or muddy conditions. Key undercarriage components include:
Operational Roles and Field Use
The Deere 655 found work across a variety of applications:
Maintenance and Reliability
Deere built the 655 with serviceability in mind. Ease of access to filters, hydraulics, and the engine compartment meant that routine maintenance could be done without extensive disassembly. Typical maintenance practices included:
Common Issues and Operator Advice
While the Deere 655 is generally reliable, some issues recur in the field:
Technical Terms Explained
Although the Deere 655 is no longer in production, its legacy persists in the secondary market and among equipment enthusiasts. Its blend of power, simplicity, and serviceability has made it a mainstay in fleets where versatility and rugged performance outweigh the bells and whistles of modern electronics. For buyers of used equipment, the 655 remains a machine that — when inspected carefully and maintained diligently — can still deliver decades of service.
Conclusion
The John Deere 655 exemplifies a generation of crawler dozers built for durability, simplicity, and broad utility. With a robust engine, dependable hydraulics, and a service‑friendly design, it has earned its place in the history of construction machinery. Operators considering a used 655 should focus on hydraulic condition, undercarriage wear, and maintenance history, but with proper care, this classic machine continues to earn its keep in demanding earthmoving environments.
The John Deere 655 is a classic piece of heavy equipment that represents an important era in Deere’s transition from agricultural machinery into the broader construction equipment market. John Deere, an American company founded in 1837 and known originally for its steel‑plow innovations, steadily expanded into tractors, loaders, backhoes, and dozers throughout the 20th century. By the time the 655 series emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, Deere was already a well‑established name in construction, competing with brands like Caterpillar, International Harvester, and Case. Though exact global production figures for the 655 are not published, industry data from that period show Deere’s medium‑sized machines consistently ranked among the top sellers in North America and exported widely. The 655’s reputation for durability and ease of service helped it endure in rental fleets and local jobsites long after its production ceased.
Design and Specifications
The Deere 655 is typically categorized as a crawler dozer, bridging the gap between small utility models and large earthmoving tractors. Its key specifications reflect a balance of power and maneuverability:
- Operating weight: approximately 16,000–18,000 kg
- Engine: John Deere diesel (normally naturally aspirated) producing around 120–140 hp
- Blade width: typically around 3.1–3.5 m depending on configuration
- Track type: steel tracks with wide shoes for lower ground pressure
- Transmission: powershift or torque converter with multiple gear ranges
Powertrain and Performance
Deere opted for a robust, service‑friendly diesel engine in the 655. These engines were built with simplicity and reliability as priorities. While not turbocharged in many units, the naturally aspirated design delivered strong low‑end torque — important for pushing soil and rock at slow speeds. Operators appreciated the machine’s ability to hold steady power under load, a trait echoed in period trade magazine comparisons that often placed the 655’s torque curve on par with competitor models in its class. Typical fuel consumption for medium earthmoving work hovered around 14–18 L/hour (3.7–4.8 gal/hour), a respectable figure for its era.
The transmission and drive system were designed to handle tough terrain. With a torque converter and multiple gear ranges, the 655 could crawl uphill with heavy loads without stalling, and shift smoothly between ground speeds. A common complaint among some operators was that the machine lacked the ultra‑high travel speeds of more modern designs — but for grading and pushing, the trade‑off favored power over transit speed.
Hydraulic and Blade Controls
Unlike modern dozers with electronic blade controls, the 655 used mechanical linkage and hydraulic cylinder systems. The blade lift, tilt, and angle adjustments were direct and intuitive, giving the operator tactile feedback that many veteran machine operators value. The hydraulic system operated at pressures that, while modest by today’s standards (often around 2,000–2,500 psi / 138–172 bar), were sufficient for consistent responsiveness. Some units eventually had hydraulic leaks at seals or hose connections due to age, but the straightforward design meant repairs were accessible in field environments.
Undercarriage and Tracks
The undercarriage of the 655 was a critical determinant of its longevity. Steel tracks with wide shoes provided traction in soft soils and reduced ground pressure, a feature especially valued in wet or muddy conditions. Key undercarriage components include:
- Rollers
- Idlers
- Track chains
- Sprockets
- Shoes
Operational Roles and Field Use
The Deere 655 found work across a variety of applications:
- Land clearing and site prep: clearing brush and rough grading
- Road building: pushing material and establishing contours
- Utility trenching support: grading around excavations
- Agricultural land leveling: preparing fields or terraces
Maintenance and Reliability
Deere built the 655 with serviceability in mind. Ease of access to filters, hydraulics, and the engine compartment meant that routine maintenance could be done without extensive disassembly. Typical maintenance practices included:
- Daily visual checks for leaks and wear
- Engine oil and filter changes every 250–500 hours
- Hydraulic fluid and filter changes every 1,000 hours
- Cooling system cleaning and inspection
- Track adjustment and roller inspection
Common Issues and Operator Advice
While the Deere 655 is generally reliable, some issues recur in the field:
- Hydraulic leaks at cylinders and hose connections
- Track wear requiring roller or shoe replacement
- Cab comfort limitations, especially in older units with minimal heating or suspension seats
- Engine smoke under heavy load when rings or injectors wear
Technical Terms Explained
- Operating Weight: Total weight of the machine ready for service, including full fuel and standard equipment.
- Torque Converter: A fluid coupling in the drivetrain that provides smoother power delivery and prevents stalling under load.
- Ground Pressure: The pressure the machine exerts on the ground, typically in psi; lower values mean better performance in soft terrain.
- Final Drive: The gearbox and motor assembly driving the tracks.
- Hydraulic Cylinder: A piston device powered by hydraulic fluid that moves the blade or attachments.
Although the Deere 655 is no longer in production, its legacy persists in the secondary market and among equipment enthusiasts. Its blend of power, simplicity, and serviceability has made it a mainstay in fleets where versatility and rugged performance outweigh the bells and whistles of modern electronics. For buyers of used equipment, the 655 remains a machine that — when inspected carefully and maintained diligently — can still deliver decades of service.
Conclusion
The John Deere 655 exemplifies a generation of crawler dozers built for durability, simplicity, and broad utility. With a robust engine, dependable hydraulics, and a service‑friendly design, it has earned its place in the history of construction machinery. Operators considering a used 655 should focus on hydraulic condition, undercarriage wear, and maintenance history, but with proper care, this classic machine continues to earn its keep in demanding earthmoving environments.
