John Deere 55 lawn tractor

John Deere 55

Power

5 hp

Production

1970-1972

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Belt-driven gear

Weight

266 lbs [120 kg]

Drive

2WD

From the same series:

56

Introduction

John Deere 55 Riding Lawn Mower

The John Deere 55 is a riding lawn mower produced between 1970 and 1972. It is a compact, open-station machine designed for residential lawn maintenance and light property care.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by a Tecumseh V50 gasoline engine. This 199 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled unit produces 5 horsepower (3.7 kW). It features a vertical-shaft design and is started via a manual recoil system.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Power is delivered to the wheels through a belt-driven gear transmission offering two forward gears and one reverse gear. The drivetrain includes a mechanical clutch and a two-wheel drive system with chain final drives, providing straightforward manual steering control.

Mowing and Equipment

The machine is equipped with a 26-inch mower deck. It includes an independent mid-mounted power take-off (PTO), which allows for the operation of compatible attachments, enhancing the versatility of the unit.

Dimensions and Handling

With a total weight of 266 lbs (120 kg), the tractor is designed for maneuverability. It utilizes 4.80x4.00-8 lawn and turf tires on the rear, which provide the necessary traction for standard grass-cutting applications.

Conclusion

The John Deere 55 serves as a basic, reliable solution for small-scale mowing tasks. Its simple mechanical configuration and lightweight design make it a functional choice for residential property owners seeking a traditional, entry-level riding mower from the early 1970s.

Production Information of John Deere, 55

  • Riding lawn mower
  • Original price was $360 in 1971
ManufacturerJohn Deere

Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 55

Weight266 lbs [120 kg]
Lawn/turf rear4.80x4.00-8

Engine Specifications of John Deere, 55

  • Tecumseh V50
  • Air-cooled vertical-shaft
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power (gross)5 hp [3.7 kW]
Displacement199 cc [12.176 ci]
Starter typeManual recoil
Bore/Stroke2.625x2.25 inches [67 x 57 mm]

Transmission Information of John Deere, 55

Transmission variants 1

TypeBelt-driven gear
Gears2 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 55

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Open operator station
  • Manual steering
Final drivesChain

Power Information of John Deere, 55

Mid PTOIndependent
ClutchMechanical

Where it sits

With 5 HP, the John Deere 55 sits just below 56 (6 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 10th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the John Deere 55 have?

The John Deere 55 delivers 5 HP.

What years was the John Deere 55 produced?

The John Deere 55 was produced in 1970-1972.

What engine does the John Deere 55 have?

The John Deere 55 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the John Deere 55 use?

The John Deere 55 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.

How much does the John Deere 55 weigh?

The John Deere 55 weighs 266 lbs [120 kg].

Is the John Deere 55 4WD?

The John Deere 55 is available in 2WD.

Compare the John Deere 55 with another model