Introduction
John Deere 455 Garden Tractor
The John Deere 455 is a garden tractor produced in Horicon, Wisconsin, between 1992 and 2001. Designed for residential and light commercial landscaping, it features a liquid-cooled diesel engine and a hydrostatic drivetrain, positioning it as a durable utility machine for maintenance and groundskeeping tasks.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled overhead valve (OHV) diesel engine with a displacement of 881 cc. It delivers 22 hp (16.4 kW) at a rated speed of 3350 RPM. The fuel system utilizes electric indirect injection supported by glow plugs for reliable cold-weather starting, and the engine is protected by a dry-type air cleaner.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 455 utilizes a shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission (Tuff Torq K91) that allows for infinite forward and reverse speed control. The machine features two-wheel drive as standard, with wet disc brakes and a mechanical rear differential lock to improve traction. An optional four-wheel steering system is available to enhance maneuverability in confined spaces.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is driven by a gerotor pump providing a flow rate of 4.65 gpm at 1000 psi, supporting two mid-mount hydraulic valves for implements. It features an independent rear PTO (540 RPM) and an optional independent mid PTO (2000 RPM), both operated via an electro-hydraulic clutch. The tractor must be stationary to shift between PTO configurations.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
The tractor is available with an open operator station, with a heated 'Cozy' cab offered as an option for year-round operation. The base 2WS model weighs approximately 965 lbs, while the AWS version weighs 1060 lbs. It is designed to accommodate various mower decks, including 48-inch, 54-inch, and 60-inch options.
Conclusion
The John Deere 455 remains a robust choice for users requiring a compact yet powerful machine for mowing, landscaping, and light utility work. Its combination of a liquid-cooled diesel engine, hydrostatic transmission, and flexible PTO options makes it suitable for demanding groundskeeping environments.
Production Information of John Deere, 455
- Original price was $10,995 in 1995
- Garden tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 455
- 5-bolt flange rear axle
| 2WS Weight | 965 lbs [437 kg] |
|---|---|
| 2WS Wheelbase | 50.4 inches [128 cm] |
| Height | 51.2 inches [130 cm] |
| Width | 48 inches [121 cm] |
| AWS Wheelbase | 49.4 inches [125 cm] |
| AWS Weight | 1060 lbs [480 kg] |
| Height (cab) | 74 inches [187 cm] |
| Length | 75 inches [190 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 18x8.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x8.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf rear(optional) | 16x7.50-8 |
| Lawn/turf rear | 26x12.00-12 |
| Lawn/turf rear(optional) | 23x10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 455
- Liquid-cooled horizontal-shaft OHV
- 3-cylinder
| Fuel system | Electric indirect injection |
|---|---|
| Compression | 21.6:1 |
| Oil capacity | 3 qts [2.8 L] |
| Displacement | 881 cc [53.8 ci] |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.83x2.83 inches [72 x 72 mm] |
| Power | 22 hp [16.4 kW] |
| Pre-heating | Glow plugs |
| Air cleaner | Dry type |
| Coolant capacity | 3 qts [2.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 3350 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 455
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Tuff Torq K91 |
|---|---|
| AWS Oil capacity | 6 qts [5.7 L] |
| 2WS Oil capacity | 7 qts [6.6 L] |
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Oil type | John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD J20D |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Transmission variants 2
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 455
- Two-wheel drive
- Wet disc brakes
- Open operator station. Cozy cab available with optional heater.
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
|---|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
Power Information of John Deere, 455
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electro-hydraulic |
| Mid PTO | Independent |
| Clutch | Electro-hydraulic |
| Mid PTO Type | 2000 |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Rear PTO optional. Tractor must be off for shifting between rear, mid, or both PTOs.
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 455
| Type | Gerotor |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 4.65 gpm [17.6 lpm] |
| Pressure | 1000 psi [69.0 bar] |
| Mid valves | 2 |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 455
| Rear Type(optional) | 0 |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 650 lbs [294 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 455
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 470 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery Group | 45 |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 22 HP, the John Deere 455 sits between 430 (20 HP) and X495 (24 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 96th percentile of 1990s models in our database (1093 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 455 have?
The John Deere 455 delivers 22 HP.
What years was the John Deere 455 produced?
The John Deere 455 was produced in 1992-2001.
What engine does the John Deere 455 have?
The John Deere 455 is powered by a 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 455 use?
The John Deere 455 uses a Tuff Torq K91 transmission.
How much does the John Deere 455 weigh?
The John Deere 455 weighs 965 lbs [437 kg].
Is the John Deere 455 4WD?
The John Deere 455 is available in 2WD.