John Deere 4255
Power
142 hp
Production
1988-1992
Engine
6-cylinder
Transmission
John Deere Quad Range
Drive
2WD/4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 4255 Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere 4255 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1988 and 1992. Designed for heavy-duty agricultural operations, this model was manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, and Saltillo, Mexico, serving as a reliable machine within the John Deere product lineup of the era.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 7.6-liter (466 ci) 6-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. It utilizes a direct injection fuel system and delivers a net power output of 142 hp (106.0 kW) at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine is designed for consistent performance in variable field conditions, supported by a dual paper element air cleaner.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 4255 offers two transmission configurations: the Quad Range, featuring 16 forward and 6 reverse gears with high-low power shift, and the full Power Shift, providing 15 forward and 4 reverse gears. Both systems utilize a hydraulic wet disc clutch. The tractor is available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations, featuring inboard planetary final drives and differential hydraulic wet disc brakes.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The closed-center hydraulic system features a pump flow of 26.5 gpm (100.3 lpm) operating at a pressure of 2530 psi. It is equipped with 2 or 3 valves for implement control. The rear of the tractor includes a Category II hitch with a tested lift capacity of 6175 lbs (2800 kg), which can be increased to 8077 lbs (3663 kg) with the installation of an optional assist cylinder.
PTO and Operator Environment
The tractor is equipped with an independent rear PTO capable of operating at selectable speeds of 540 and 1000 RPM. A standard cab is provided to ensure operator comfort during extended hours of operation, supported by power steering for improved maneuverability.
Conclusion
The John Deere 4255 is a robust, versatile row-crop tractor engineered for demanding agricultural tasks. Its combination of high engine displacement, flexible transmission options, and substantial hydraulic capacity makes it suitable for a wide range of heavy-duty field applications.
Production Information of John Deere, 4255
- Row-Crop tractor
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | Saltillo, Mexico |
| Factories | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 4255
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.375 by 96 inches [85 by 2438 mm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 106.7 inches [271 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 92.8 inches [235 cm] |
| Width | 96 inches [243 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 105.3 inches [267 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.375 by 113 inches [85 by 2870 mm] |
| Height (cab) | 116.5 inches [295 cm] |
| Length | 158.6 inches [402 cm] |
Minimum width with standard axle.
| 2WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 10.00-16. Rear: 18.4-38 |
|---|---|
| 4WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 14.9-26. Rear: 18.4-38 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 4255
- Liquid-cooled inline
- 6-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 27 qts [25.6 L] |
|---|---|
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Air cleaner | Dual paper elements |
| Displacement | 466 ci [7.6 L] |
| Power (net) | 142.2 hp [106.0 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 19 qts [18.0 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625x4.75 inches [116 x 121 mm] |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2400 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 4255
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears (1-4) in four ranges (A-D) with high-low power shift.
| Transmission | John Deere Quad Range |
|---|---|
| 2WD Oil capacity | 64 qts [60.6 L] |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| 4WD Oil capacity | 68.8 qts [65.1 L] |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Transmission | John Deere Power Shift |
|---|---|
| 2WD Oil capacity | 53.9 qts [51.0 L] |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Type | Full power shift |
| 4WD Oil capacity | 63.4 qts [60.0 L] |
| Gears | 15 forward and 4 reverse |
- 16-speed partial power shift
- 15-speed full power shift
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 4255
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Cab standard.
- Differential hydraulic wet discs brakes
- Power steering
| Final drives | Inboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, 4255
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Hydraulic |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 4255
| Valves | 2 or 3 |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Type(optional) | 17.2 gal (Quad-Range 4WD) [65.1 L] |
| Type(optional) | 16 gal (Quad-Range 2WD) [60.6 L] |
| Capacity | 13.5 gal (Powershift 2WD) [51.1 L] |
| Pump flow | 26.5 gpm [100.3 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2530 psi [174.4 bar] |
| Pressure(optional) | 15.9 gal (Powershift 4WD) [60.2 L] |
| SCV flow | 20.6 gpm [78.0 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 4255
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 6175 lbs [2800 kg] |
| Rear lift(optional) | 8077 lbs [3663 kg] |
Advertised as 6550 pounds, the tractor was only able to lift 6175 during testing.
With optional assist cylinder. Advertised as 8470 pounds, but actual tested lift was 8077 pounds.
Electrical System of John Deere, 4255
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 925 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 120 |
Where it sits
With 142 HP, the John Deere 4255 sits between 4055 (126 HP) and 4250 (144 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 81th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 4255 have?
The John Deere 4255 delivers 142 HP.
What years was the John Deere 4255 produced?
The John Deere 4255 was produced in 1988-1992.
What engine does the John Deere 4255 have?
The John Deere 4255 is powered by a 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 4255 use?
The John Deere 4255 uses a John Deere Quad Range transmission.
Is the John Deere 4255 4WD?
The John Deere 4255 is available in 2WD/4WD.