4055 fwd conversion

MRogersII

Member
I have the opportunity to buy a 4055 at a good price. The tractor is currently a quad range 2wd. I wanted to find out if it's reasonable to expect that I could convert this unit over to a fwd? I guess the bigger question is, is this a reasonable undertaking?

Thank you

Michael
 
Possible? Yes. Practical? Not really. My understanding is that it would require an extensive teardown. Then there is the matter of the output assembly of which quite a bit would have to come from a parts yard. Also, my understanding is that most row crops equipped with MFWD left the factory as Powershift equipped so you have to find a QR equipped tractor which will not be easy. Good luck.
 
When you do find a JD 50 or 55 series make sure it has the JD Designed MFWD. Most of the 50 series had a "Zsomething" front end. The later 50 series and the 55 series had a John Deere Designed MFWD. We just re-sealed and bushed a MFWD 4055. It was an incredible design in my humble opinion.

The way I tell the difference is the "Zsomething" front end has a bolt circle on the front the of the planetary hub. The JD Design does not, it just looks like the bottom of a large cooking pot with a fill/check hole.

Here is the one me and others just worked on.

Paul
a177978.jpg

a177980.jpg
 
The ZF (ZaradMachinenFabrik Friedriechshaffen) turns as sharp as the JD and is as good. Main issue is that ZF parts are way more expensive. They need to be resealed as soon as they leak, not after... Major issues with those is people ran them dry and them complain about the bill.

As far as doing the conversion, you need a new clutch housing with the clutch and the gears in clutch housing, the diff. shaft so you have the front output, plus the front axle and the front axle chassis reinforcement, plus button in the cab, harness.

Tractors sent out to Europe where only 15PS MFWD, and they can be easily identified by the parking brake lever on right hand of dash. I said that because many off them have come back to the US as quite a few are for sale in Tractorhouse all the time. But you can find some QR 4WD up to the 4450-4455. 4650 to 4755 where not sold with QR and 4WD.

I would not do it. Realistic conversion for extra traction in the mud is 4055 with HFWD. That is much easier to do, but indeed it does not pull much. Would be nice conversation piece too.
 
I would try and find one with the MFWD .The first ones weren't as good and don't sell as well.I buy and sell some tractors and if it is a good buy you might be able to resell it and make up some of the difference.It is usually around $5K difference if both are in like condition.
 
Thanks for the clarification on the ZF. My bad. My comments were based on hands on experience with the JD Design and noting the ZF looked like a 699 Massey MFWD I had apart right down to the Detroit Locker. It did not turn real great either.
The King Pins on that Massey were a nightmare, although it was my first. The King Pins on that JD Designed MFWD were a dream comparatively. Thanks for your comment. I can always learn.
Paul
 

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