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Brian, the factory where your 755 was built depends on the year. When the tractors first went into production (July 1986) they were built in Horicon, Wisconsin. Production was transferred to Georgia later though I don't recall the year.

Build location for Deere 655-955
Tractor Projects
Replies 8 Post by Terry Weivoda

Doug, I installed the brush guards for the warning lamps. They do a very good job of protecting the warning lamps. However, I also installed the forward facing work lights that attach to the top of the brush guards. So now I have a new problem. My warning lights are protected from tree branches but the lights are not. I need to design a similar guard for the work lights.

Brush guards for hazard lights
John Deere Tractors
Replies 4 Post by Terry Weivoda

Tim, There is no luckier man in America than you. Perhaps your wife could write a book on the proper care and treatment of a husband with property to care for. I can see it now. Her book signing tour takes her to the Oprah Winfrey show. She tells women all accross America that the way to married man's heart is through a compact utility tractor. The divorce rate drops to almost zero. There is hope for all of us and your wife is leading the way.

Birthday present
New Holland Tractors
Replies 9 Post by Terry Weivoda

I too am glad to have the CTB back in business. I access it in the morning with my coffee before work and at work in the middle of day if I get a chance. Dennis, Thanks for putting this board together. I found it by accident two years ago and the communication between we tractor enthusiasts has been great. I've said it before here and I will say it again. There is more useful information here than most of what you get from the manufacturers. I suspect that Deere, Newholland and Kubota might prefer the board did not exist as problems with their tractors occur and demands for warranty work increase. Keep up the good work Webmaster.

First class message board
Tractor Projects
Replies 2 Post by Terry Weivoda

My new 4400 JD is being delivered today. I traded my 4600 for the 4400 with 430 loader and 72" midmount mower. I ordered the tractor to make sure I got all of the updates and that it hadn't been sitting on the dealers lot for a year. I ordered the tractor with turf tires, folding ROPS, block heater, 55 amp alternator, 3rd hydraulic valve and telescoping draft links. I really liked the 4600 and the smooth running four cylinder engine. I decided to go back to the smaller tractor (I had a 4300 prior to the 4600). For my property which includes nearly 2000 trees the smaller tractor is a bit handier. Some of my fellow compact tractor message board members may have noticed that I have been critical of John Deere and you may be wondering why I bought another. Let me explain. I was critical of the turf tearing MFWD axle until the problem was resolved. I was disappointed that Deere took so long to ackowlege a problem with the axle but the new axle works great. I also have been critical of Deere with respect to some of the creature comfort issues especially when compare to the Boomer line from NewHolland. Now that Deere has the telescoping draft links for the three point a major point has been resolved. I still don't like the cheesy third hydraulic control valve lever that is mounted in the fender. The tractor could use a swivel seat and telescoping steering wheel. The MFWD control lever should be moved as well. I was extremely close to a deal on a TC33D NewHolland. That is an excellent tractor. But what swayed me to the Deere was the implement attaching system and the hydro control. I frequently remove my mower for cleaning and blade sharpening and I thought Deere's design was a little better. I also thought the time to attach and detach the loader was less on the Deere. But perhaps the biggest issue for me was the foot operated hydro control and the inability to use the turning brakes. I just like the individual pedals on the right and the turning brakes on the left. I like the rear discharge mower option on the NewHolland. In the end it was a close call and I'm sure I would have been happy with the TC33D. Supposedly Deere is going to address the creature comfort issues when the rumored 4000 ten series is released. Deere better address those issues because I wouldn't rule out a future Boomer if the hydro control is changed.

New JD 4400 delivered today
John Deere Tractors
Replies 3 Post by Terry Weivoda

I had a similar problem a few years ago with State Farm. When I approached State Farm about insurance on a new 855 they told me they would cover it under a homeowners policy if I only used the tractor to maintain my property. They told me I would have no coverage if the tractor left my property so no coverage while trailering. They would sell me a policy that treated the tractor just like a car. I believe it was nearly $600 for tractor and attachments with a $250 deductable. I shopped elsewhere and found a local Minnesota company that insures farms and they wrote a farm policy that covers the tractor and all attachments for about $100 a year over the wind, fire, liability etc. policy. It includes coverage if the tractor is trailered or down to the neighbors for coffee.

TC33D price insurance
New Holland Tractors
Replies 7 Post by Terry Weivoda

I agree with JonB. I keep my tractors in the shed or the garage unless they are in use. I know they're painted but if it sits out in the rain there are parts that start to rust. Tires that are in the sun for months also start to deteriorate. My dealer offered me a better deal on a 4400 that has been on his lot for 10 months. I paid extra to get all of the updates (and the telescoping three point and 55 amp alternator) on the new production models but just as important to me was that I didn't want a tractor that has been outside for that long. My new 4400 is scheduled to be built May 4. I don't even like the fact it will be unprotected on a truck for a week during its transport from Augusta GA to Minnesota. My wife thinks I'm somewhat out of control on this issue. But if you are going to spend $25,000 on the tractor and equipment it needs to receive the best care.

Wanting to take a leap
New Holland Tractors
Replies 13 Post by Terry Weivoda

A lady I work with purchased the 4300 I traded last spring for the 4600 as a birthday present for her husband (candidate for wife of the year wouldn't you agree). Before she purchased the tractor she asked me if I had any problems and I mentioned the turf tearing problems with the old MFWD axle. She mentioned it to the dealer who told her that if for any reason she wasn't satisfied with the old axle Deere would replace it. Now that she and her husband have had an opportunity to use it they decided to get the new axle installed. The dealer told her that there is a problem with the new axles that affects the front attachments such as the snowblower and front mounted broom. The dealer recommended she wait until Deere decides whether another change to the axle is forthcoming. Has anyone heard of this problem? I have a new 4400 on the way (build date of May 6 I believe) and would like to know if there might be a delay.

Problems with Deere 039s redesigned MFWD axle
John Deere Tractors
Replies 7 Post by Terry Weivoda

Rita, I have a 2000 Deere 4600 hydro (has new style MFWD axle) that I am trading on a new 4400 next month. My dealer doesn't mind if I sell myself. The tractor has a loader and a 6' Deere belly mower. I am in SOutheastern Minnesota. E-mail me if you are interested.

Looking for a good used low hrs 4wd in the midwest
Operating and Attachments
Replies 4 Post by Terry Weivoda

Jon, did I read your post correctly? It sounded like you said the tractor was important but the wife was more important. Come on man! You've been watching Oprah again right? Perhaps getting touch with your feminine side? The only way for a marriage to thrive is if there is complete and total honesty. Be truthful with her. It is the tractor (and attachments)first, then the children followed by the wife. Believe me, she will appreciate your candor. By the way, no more episodes of Oprah. She has yet to have a show with a theme of; "Men who love their tractors more than their spouses. What can women do to understand their addiction." When she has this show then it will be ok for us to watch. Until then, stay away from Oprah.

Wife vs Tractor
New Holland Tractors
Replies 31 Post by Terry Weivoda

Norman, I agree with you completely. If the dealer just wants more money now it would no different than you going to him ten days later and saying you want to spend less. I suspect his position would be a little different and that he would insist upon the contract price. The point in my previous post only concerned the question of there was just an arithmetic error. I agree. In your case the signed contract is the price you agreed upon. He is bound by it. If his attitude with respect to servicing your tractor changes then you can remind him of the many JD dealers looking for business.

You won 039t believe this
John Deere Tractors
Replies 14 Post by Terry Weivoda

It appears that I may have irritated Kay and Ted with my criticism of Deere's dealer rep who had no clue as to the availability of the telescoping draft links for the three point hitch. Sorry, but I think I am right on this one. Kay is concerned that I purchased a tractor with no knowledge of the product. Nothing could be further from the truth. I owned 5 JD compact utility tractors prior to my 4600. I know this product. I was extremely critical of JD on the turf scuffing issue when my 4300 ripped huge chunks of turf while turning. Again, at first, JD reps didn't seem to know much about this problem. My dealer's rep new almost nothing about the problem up until the new design axle when into production. I agree with Ted's suggestion that we should take our complaints above the dealers and their area reps rather than just talk about on this board. I will do that. But this message board serves a useful purpose in allowing compact tractor advocates to disucss their experiences, good or bad. Where JD has responded appropriately to customer issues I have been complimentary. I praised JD for the new axle replacement on my 4600. I thought it took too long but stated on this board that JD did it right with the new axle. It is my long standing experience with JD compacts that allows me to be critical. I've been on the NewHolland Boomer tractors and I like them. I don't think it is "whining" when I ask for some information on parts/whole goods availability on my $24,000 tractor. It would one thing for the rep to miss the availability date by a week or maybe a month but this guy said it would not available until 2001. Maybe some members of this message board accept that as a routine way of doing business. I don't. I plan on keeping up my criticism of Deere when they fail to repond to the needs of the customer.

John Deere Reps Out of the loop
Tractor Projects
Replies 17 Post by Terry Weivoda

There was a posting on a Yahoo Club (4000 series JD) stating that Deere will be releasing telescoping draft links for the three point hitch in February. The part # for existing tractors are: 4200-4400 LVB25072 4500-4700 LVB25073. I haven't had a chance to inquire with my dealer but will later today. In any event, it is welcome news. Now, if Deere can just move the 3rd. hydro valve lever to a more convenient location, redesign the DSCV lever, add the swivel seat feature, telescope the steering, and move the MFWD control lever the gap with NewHolland will close to the point of being too close to call which is the better tractor. But again, I welcome the move by JD on the three point. A little late, but a good move.

4000 Series Telescoping Drafts Links
Tractor Projects
Replies 3 Post by Terry Weivoda

Ken, thanks for the post. I was interested in the Northern splitter a couple of months ago. I called the Northern Customer Service number to try to get more information than what you see in the 2" square ad in their catalog. I was a given the number for the manufacturer. I was told by the representative that the hydraulic pump on my 4600 was to small (about 10 gpm) and that I wouldn't be happy with the performance. I had a chance to buy a used one that was in new condition for $200 but let it go because of my conversation with the manufacturer. I've said it before. We get more useful information from this message board than we get from the manufacturers, dealers, etc.

3 pt log splitters
Operating and Attachments
Replies 9 Post by Terry Weivoda

Jeff, I have a 6' John Deere front blade that fits the 420, 430 and 460 loaders, BW14677. The blade is for sale and is like new with only about 5-10 hours of use. It is manual angling but hydraulic can be added. Let me know if you might be interested.

Loaders What would you change
Loaders Back Hoes
Replies 31 Post by Terry Weivoda

Hey, I admit it. I am a member of the fat guys (big boned) club. I have my mother's thighs. I can't help it. But the DSCV control on the 4000 series must have been designed by engineers with a 26" waist and a pair of thighs to match. Whenever I look back to check the 7' rear mounted blade on the 4600 my right leg pushes against the control valve lever and the loader mounted front 6' blade drops usually to the point of digging into my driveway. Anyone else have this problem? In my opinion that stick is too close to the seat. Anyone agree?

Deere Engineers Anorexic
Tractor Projects
Replies 5 Post by Terry Weivoda

Cliff, there is a dealer in Wisconsin who has a web page set up for access to the DX compacts. http://www.cngco.com/dx-compacts.html

Case-New Holland Compact Tractor Purchase Incentives
New Holland Tractors
Replies 10 Post by Terry Weivoda

I drove the TC40D back in July and was highly impressed. I think the two-speed hydro powershift is the future of hydrostatic transmissions. The Supersteer MFWD is the best although the Deere with the the new designed axle is quite close. The controls and three point hitch are far superior to Deere. The 3rd hydraulic control valve feel like it was designed as part of the tractor on the NewHolland not that flimsly lever that not only comes apart in your hand about three times a year and in an awkard position on the Deere. The visibility to the front of the tractor is better on the NewHolland especially with the front loader. I never had the opportunity to attach and detach the loader on the NewHolland but I think Deere's may be a little better. Of course now we have to pull a pin on some flimsly latch that is designed to keep the loader from falling off. The only thing that keeps me from stealing the money from my wife to pay for the trade is the concern about the ability to change attachments. I would like to see the TC40D with the mower and loader mounted at the same time. That 84" mower seems like it might be a tight fit. With respect to the question of power the slight reduction in power from the 4600 to the TC40D would not be a problem. I just think the NewHolland has the features I am looking for right now. Its too bad that Deere doesn't steal some of the engineers and design folks from NewHolland. I just don't understand what Deere is doing right now. I used to live in what was exclusively Deere country when it came to compact utility tractors. Now there is getting to be as many NewHolland tractors as Deere. A local dealer has had three of his 4400 tractors traded on TC33Ds in the past three months. If only Deere would have asked its customers what was important in a compact utility tractor before they produced the 4000 tractors I don't think NewHolland would have captured such a percentage of the market. A user friendly three point hitch, hydraulic and MFWD controls that fit the operator instead of the Augusta Works design team's profit goals, and a MFWD axle like the newly designed one would have erased most of the difference (I still like that two-speed powershift hydro on the NewHolland). I keep asking my dealer if there is anything new coming from Deere to hold off my move to the NewHolland and the response is they have heard nothing.

TC40D deal
New Holland Tractors
Replies 7 Post by Terry Weivoda

I agree with Micky on a few points but respectfully disagree on one. The 400 series is due for a change since the first models arrived in 1992. But the big change I see with John Deere in the inability to evaluate what the customer wants/needs and getting the tractor to the production line in a reasonable time. In 1983 Deere blew away the competition in the lawn and garden class with the production of the 318 and 420. In 1985 they introducted the 430 the first garden tractor with a liquied cooled diesel. These tractors were the first with a true high quality power steering system. In my opinion this feature, perhaps more than any other, is what drove the sales "through the roof". Ask any Deere dealer about their sales in the 80s of these tractors. There was little competition. Finally, some of the other manufacturers jumped on board and instaled power steering. But this feature was new to the garden tractor class and the customer loved it. In 1986 Deere scored again with the 655-855 and in 1989 with the 955. Again, little competition in the size tractor. No one else offered the comfort, handling and the big feature of implement compatibility/change over. You could install the loader in 3 minutes and leave the belly mower on. You could also add the tiller with this combo. It all worked together. Again, tremendous sales with this tractor. Deere knew what the customer was looking for and beat the competition. Those were the good old days. Now, Deere tries to play catch up. As good as the 55 series tractors were it was time for some improvements. Turning radius needed some improvement along with more power and greater hydraulic capacity. Creature comforts like tilt steering and better seat suspension had to be included. But rather than John Deere taking the lead they waited until NewHolland releases the Boomer line. Ford/New Holland offered similar power had improved in the areas that Deere needed. Their Supersteer MFWD axle was much better than what Deere offered. 2 years after the Boomer arrived the new 4000 tractors are produced. There are some improvements over the 55 series but the poor MFWD axle design tarnished what should have been a giant leap to the front of the line. But again, Deere was late. John Deere has had a great reputation of being the leader. Not so anymore. They still build good products, but perhaps not the best anymore. I suspect that the corporate structure and the constant pressure to maximize profits and stock prices limits the companies ability to put money into new products. But if Kubota has figured out that the customer wants a tractor in the sub-compact size with 4 wheel drive how is it that Deere has not. I believe there are thousands of customers waiting for Deere to introduce the replacement for the 400 series garden tractors. But with Deere sitting back and waiting to see what the competition does I believe that you will begin to see 425s, 445s, and 455 John Deeres on the trade in lots at Kubota dealers. Please forgive me for this lengthy post. I am just a dedicated Deere customer who is a bit disappointed and frustrated with the direction the company is going.

What to get JD445 JD4100 or wait for new JD BX clone
Operating and Attachments
Replies 39 Post by Terry Weivoda

Kenny, Thanks for the suggestion. I checked the MFWD driveline and discovered the culprit. The telescoping plastic housing that protects the MFWD driveshaft was loose. There is hoseclamp that fits around the plastic housing that keeps the telescoping housing in place. The hoseclamp was loose and allowed the housing to vibrate. I suspect the hose clamp was not tightened properly when my replacement axle was installed back in late July. Again, thanks for the suggestion. You probably saved me the expense and time involved with transporting the tractor to the dealership. I would have been without the tractor for a few days as well. Hats off to the Webmaster for putting this message board together.

JD 4600 Severe Vibration
John Deere Tractors
Replies 5 Post by Terry Weivoda