JD455AB crawler loader, streerinhg clutch

I have an JD455BA that has been sit in the weather for a few years and now im trying to get it going again. Everything seams to be doing well except the right side steer clutch will not disengage. What is the easiest way to break it loose? Any help is appreciated

This post was edited by shawnee74 on 03/28/2022 at 03:18 pm.

Were you using it before it set or did you acquire it in this condition?

If you would please post your complete serial number. If you want to use "x" for the six digits that is fine, I am interested in any prefix numbers and letters. With the actual numbers we can also ID the year. I don't find a 455AB in the JD parts catalogs or in their online info on non-current models. 455D is the first 455 in the parts catalogs. The first model JD information shows designated as a non-current model 455 is the 455D (no A, B, or C). Up through the 450C series they were designated as 450 loader, 450B loader, and 450C loaders. The 450B used the letter A after the 450B to designate it was a loader crawler. The 455 series would have had wet steering clutches (wet clutches were standard equipment starting with the 450C crawlers) which would be unlikely to stick. The 450B series would likely have dry steering clutches (a few at the end of the production run were built with wet clutches as the changes for the 450C began). The dry clutches are likely to stick, or swell, from extended setting.

At this point I have to believe you have a 450B with a 7450 loader. If it is, and it has dry clutches, some have broken them free by holding the steering clutch lever back and running into something immoveable with the bucket (I am not saying I recommend that, just that it has been done). There is just as much of a chance that moisture has swollen the clutch discs over time and the only fix is a teardown and rebuild of the steering clutch. And there could be some other issue.

Sorry for the confusion I wasn't correct on the model it is 455BA serial number 144143and something like a T I or 1 but it doesn't look like the other one's. And if this is supposed to be wet clutch ohoh.
Quick history of the loader, friend of mine bought it about 20yrs ago and usedit for side cash as he retired. The last time he operated it was two years ago and filled in a swimming pool and sime yard cleanup. Fast forward to February 2022 and he passed. Well another friend of both buys it and hires me to operate and maintain it. I have tried the pulling on handle with the brake adjustment out so to only putting pressure on clutch but its stuck.

(quoted from post at 18:17:28 03/28/22) Sorry for the confusion I wasn't correct on the model it is 455BA serial number 144143and something like a T I or 1 but it doesn't look like the other one's. And if this is supposed to be wet clutch ohoh.
Quick history of the loader, friend of mine bought it about 20yrs ago and usedit for side cash as he retired. The last time he operated it was two years ago and filled in a swimming pool and sime yard cleanup. Fast forward to February 2022 and he passed. Well another friend of both buys it and hires me to operate and maintain it. I have tried the pulling on handle with the brake adjustment out so to only putting pressure on clutch but its stuck.

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As I posted, any info I can find from JD says the 455 designation did not appear until the D series of the 450 model, when they separated the dozers as 450D and the loaders as 455D. I have to believe the serial number is 450B A 144143 T. That breaks down to be a 450B crawler, with a loader (A) on it, 1973 build year (144143), at the JD Dubuque Tractor Works (the T). That is early enough that it should have dry steering clutches. 1973 series numbers started at 142295 and ended with 164046.

There is a good chance the discs have swollen as well as stuck. A teardown is the fix. Dumping kerosene or any other such product in the clutch housing, as some may suggest, can lead to disc failure as well, even if it does happen to free the clutch.

One of the members here runs a web site, he can help you with all your questions and parts .
http://www.jd crawlers.com
Lavoy Wilcox | Horace, ND | 701-361-1006, Days

How many hours would be a good estimate,
for changing the right steering clutch.
Just rough idea.

If it is a 450B tractor the steering
clutch and brake can be serviced without
removing the final drive. It can be done
from the top, of course the seat, fuel
tank ext must be removed. I did mine quite
a few years ago but no loader just a six
way blade. If you attempt it get a manual.

(quoted from post at 16:59:37 03/29/22) How many hours would be a good estimate,
for changing the right steering clutch.
Just rough idea.
<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto121518.jpg>

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No doubting the 455BA on that tag. You have one of John Deere's mysteries with ID tag stamping that doesn't match their published information. The tag format is correct for a 450B series. The tags had a different format starting with the 450C. I checked again and find no parts catalog, operator's manual or service/technical manual for a 455BA. If you have manuals for it, I would be interested in the part/publication numbers on them. Otherwise, I would say you would use the 450B parts catalog and manuals.

Time to change the steering clutch will depend some on shop facilities and help available. Not having specifics of if you plan to do it, what you have for shop facilities and help, or if you are just asking what a dealer might say, I would ball park 40 hours. The hydraulic tank and battery box come off along with the fuel tank and seat. A dealer set up and familiar with doing them should be less. Just a WAG.