John Deere 4955
Power
225 hp
Production
1988-1992
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
John Deere Power Shift
Weight
18,370 lbs (20.8R42 duals) [8332 kg]
Drive
2WD/4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 4955: Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere 4955 is a high-horsepower row-crop tractor produced in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1988 and 1992. It represents a significant model in the John Deere lineup, bridging the gap between the 4850 and the later 4960 series, and was designed for heavy-duty field operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 7.6-liter (466 ci) liquid-cooled, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It delivers a net power of 225.3 hp (168.0 kW) at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine utilizes a 16:1 compression ratio and requires a 12-volt starting system, with maintenance intervals supported by specific valve clearance settings of 0.015 inches for intake and 0.020 inches for exhaust.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Two transmission options were available: the John Deere Power Shift, providing 15 forward and 4 reverse gears, and the Quad-Range, offering 16 forward and 6 reverse gears. Both systems utilize a hydraulic wet disc clutch. The tractor was configured with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, featuring inboard planetary final drives and power steering as standard equipment.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system is a closed-center type capable of producing 2530 psi (174.4 bar) of pressure. The main pump flow is rated at 29.5 gpm (111.7 lpm), with an additional 20.6 gpm (78.0 lpm) available for Selective Control Valves (SCV). The rear hitch is a Category III type, with a tested lift capacity of approximately 7,486 lbs, which can be increased with an optional assist cylinder.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
The 4955 features the Sound Gard cab as standard, providing a protected environment for the operator. The operating weight of the unit, when equipped with 20.8R42 dual tires, is 18,370 lbs, which can be ballasted up to 24,665 lbs for increased traction. The wheelbase measures 118.5 inches for 2WD models and 117.1 inches for 4WD variants.
Conclusion
The John Deere 4955 is a robust, high-performance tractor suited for large-scale agricultural applications requiring significant power and draft capability. Its combination of proven engine technology and versatile transmission options made it a reliable workhorse for professional farming operations during its production years.
Production Information of John Deere, 4955
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 4955
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.94 by 118 inches [100 by 2997 mm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 118.5 inches [300 cm] |
| Operating weight | 18,370 lbs (20.8R42 duals) [8332 kg] |
| Height (cab) | 118.8 inches [301 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 117.1 inches [297 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.94 by 108 inches [100 by 2743 mm] |
| Ballasted weight | 24,665 lbs [11188 kg] |
| Width | 118 inches [299 cm] |
Minimum width with standard axle.
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 4955
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled inline
- 6-cylinder
- Turbocharged diesel
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Intake valve clearance | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Displacement | 466 ci [7.6 L] |
| Power (net) | 225.3 hp [168.0 kW] |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625x4.75 inches [116 x 121 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 32 qts [30.3 L] |
| Oil capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 4955
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | John Deere Power Shift |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 15 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Transmission | John Deere Quad-Range |
|---|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
- 15-speed full power shift
- 16-speed partial power shift
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 4955
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Sound Gard cab standard.
- Differential hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Power steering
| Final drives | Inboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, 4955
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Hydraulic |
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 4955
| Pump flow | 29.5 gpm [111.7 lpm] |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Pressure | 2530 psi [174.4 bar] |
| QuadRange Capacity | 26.9 gal [101.8 L] |
| PowerShift Capacity | 18.5 gal [70.0 L] |
| SCV flow | 20.6 gpm [78.0 lpm] |
| Valves | 2 or 3 |
| PS MFWD Capacity | 20 gal [75.7 L] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 4955
| Rear Type | III |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 7486 lbs [3395 kg] |
| Rear lift(optional) | 8274 lbs [3753 kg] |
Advertised as 9710 pounds, the tractor was only able to lift 5504 during testing.
With optional assist cylinder. Advertised as 10560 pounds, but actual tested lift was 7281 pounds.
Electrical System of John Deere, 4955
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 925 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 120 |
Where it sits
With 225 HP, the John Deere 4955 sits just above 4960 (222 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 91th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 4955 have?
The John Deere 4955 delivers 225 HP.
What years was the John Deere 4955 produced?
The John Deere 4955 was produced in 1988-1992.
What engine does the John Deere 4955 have?
The John Deere 4955 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 4955 use?
The John Deere 4955 uses a John Deere Power Shift transmission.
How much does the John Deere 4955 weigh?
The John Deere 4955 weighs 18,370 lbs (20.8R42 duals) [8332 kg].
Is the John Deere 4955 4WD?
The John Deere 4955 is available in 2WD/4WD.