There is really not much difference in the 3 of them,,and I would not let a friend buy one,,just saying...
 

I agree with Tim on not much difference between 40-55 series. I'm not fond of the slave/master cylinder clutch control on the cab tractors. Check PH of coolant plus how hyd's operate when tractor gets to operating temp(200°F).
 
Oh they are a nice size tractor..and were originally meant to be the replacement for the 4020,,but they develop issues that are tuff to deal with,,They are basically the old 2020 tractor with a larger engine, same poorly designed hydraulic system..
 
Don't be scared by the comments below.....If the tractor has been properly maintained, it should be good for 10000 plus hours. If not, then you take your chances, just like any other poorly maintained machine.
2955 will have a clutch fan and a hand operated diff lock, probably a better cold weather starter as well. Good tractor.
Ben
 
It depends on what your going to do with it. There are several JD 2950 and JD 2955 around here that have been chore and loader tractors their entire lives. With proper maintenance they work well. Great hay making and feeder wagon tractor.

Now if your wanting to do heavy tillage/field work then they can give trouble. The dry clutch is a weakness in them. I also have seen rear differential issues to with the MFWD tractors doing heavy tillage.

The positive is the motor. Smooth running and pretty good on fuel. The negative is the hydraulic. If they start to give trouble repair them at once. Do not try running it for awhile. You will ruin the entire system.

Change the hydraulic oil real regularly and at the first flake of brake lining replace all the brake parts ASAP!!! The brake job is cheap compared to what the hydraulic repair can be if the brake material goes throughout the tractor.

I personally disliked the hand parking brake. IF you do not set it HARD then it is easy to drive off with it on. On the majority of them the parking brake warning system usually quits working. The contact switch is troublesome on a chore/livestock tractor.

A neighbor has both a JD 2950 and JD 2955 both MFWD with loaders. He is a cattle guy. Those two tractors have over 12K in hours and are still going strong. He is a real maintenance nut so that really helps on them.

The JD 3055 and JD 3155 both had a wet clutch IRC. This would be step up.
 
The 55 series (50 series in Europe) have the engine running at 2200 rpm. They have more torque at low rpms. Their Rotodiesel injection pump is newer with axial outlets.
Also the 55 series were offered with a 40Kph (25Mph) gearbox, and the last ones had electronic hitch control.
The 55 also have a much sturdier front axle support and engine plates. That was to accomodate a front hitch. Also the three point hitch capacity is higher on the 55, with a much reinforced rockshaft housing.

Our 3040 (2940 ) had 18000 hours when we give it to our pastor and he sent it to Africa. The clutch was original. But it was a two wheel drive tractor. Clutch was always engaged at low idle, pedal never used as a foot rest. And then those clutch last a very long time.

The hydraulic system and brakes are much less of an issue in Europe because 303 quality oil is not available anywhere. You can only get hygard equivalents which is much more expensive. Transmission pump is more difficult to change than on Waterloo tractors and of course tractors with cab are in general more difficult to fix.

Sure TimS, a 3155 is a glorified 2020. But how different is that from a 4455 being a glorified 4010?

To me, the maintenance cost of the waterloo or the manheim tractor is almost the same. Aftermarket parts are in general more available for the manheim tractors.

In general on paper the 55 are better, but I think for numbers of hours without repairs, the late 40 series are better.
 
Ooh yes it is the same as a glorified 4010,, but they started out with a better design ..
 
Oh well, I know you do not love them and that is legit: Everyone has opinions.
Next time I go to my hometown in northern France I will take some pictures of my neighbourgh tractor. It is a 2030 bought new around 1974. It was main tractor on that dairy / small acreage farm, plowin tilling, hauling grain and feed for cattle (with a Brimont 9 metric tons trailer (with hydraulic brakes on the trailer indeed).
The clutch is still factory. That tractor did so much loader work that the clutch pedal is worn 1/4 inch or more. It has 26000 hours on original (slow) working tach.
Funny, one of the clutch finger broke at 15000 hours and was welded back almost in the field by the local blackmith from the tiny round hole in the tranny. When heavy plowing, that farmer always removed the clutch plug inspection cover right under the dash, which has a kid I remember because I was told to not put my finger in there.

The shifter cover is wear trough on the left from the right of the left leg resting on the transmission. I always wondered how many jeans and boots get worn out to create such wear on those tractors.

The motor was gone trough twice in the first 5000 hours because deere dealer did not said to use conditioner and liners erroded. But the one in there has 21000 hours now and starts / runs like new.
Tractor is indeed well greased and maintained in general. This helps.
 
Ooh yes there are some success storys with them,,and I unloaded a "bunch" off the trucks at our old dealership 2030's..2440's..2630-40's..they are not new to me,,I have dealt with near everything that can happen to them over the years..around this area you can't hardly give a 28-29 away..and again they all have had a lot of birthdays...
 

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