(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Old Deere combine

D

David from Kansas

Well-known Member
Run across this old John Deere Model 55 combine in NW Kansas on a vacant farm today. Just had to check it out. Don't know a thing about it but wish it was closer to home as I would lover to see this old machine resurrected. I didn't go up on top of it, but the paint, sheet metal, and decals all looked to be really good for a 70 year old machine. Who know if it has sat outside and for how long. Amazing is that the drive tires were in good shape and holding air. Grew up on dad's 1950 model 55 which he bought new.


cvphoto139072.jpg


<video width=90% src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvvideos/cvvideo139073.mov controls>http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/cvvideos/cvvideo139073.mov</video>

cvphoto139074.jpg


cvphoto139075.jpg
 
At one time my Dad had one similar to that. On his, the unloading auger was one piece, and not hinged in the middle. Also, the gear shift lever was on the left side. Doesn't appear to be there on this one.
 
Vertical steering wheel. Mine is pretty much one of the
last ones made before they went to the slant steering and
started using their own engine in place of the Hercules.
 
Gear shift lever is on the left side. Also, the earlier 55 did not have the hydraulic cylinder to move the
variable speed sheeve. It was moved mechanically with a lever on the right side of the seat. Also had the
control for the header height on a rod that came up from the front of the operator platform to the right of the
steering pedestal. And yes, the earlier ones had a one piece unloading auger. Serial number of this machine is
36148.
 
They were made from 1947 to 1965. Dad had a 1948 model S/N 55-3375. I have two Operator's Manuals, one issued Nov of 1947 with 132 pages, later one issued Jan 1957 with 152 pages. The 1957 version lists through S/N 55-46800 which makes it valid through 1957 and it means there is most likely a third Operator's Manual edition. Lots of changes over the life cycle.
 
You're correct with 1969. I didn't look on page 2 of my list!!! Sorry. The last year on my page 1 was 1965.
 
Our 55(no decals on it) had the straight steering wheel,shifter on the left,variable speed(hyd)one piece auger and no auto header control. Dad put a scarifier on it after the first load of beans was 1/2 dirt and they docked the heck out of that load. I have had people tell me it did not have a Hercules motor but it did. The only paint on the machine was because dad had rebuilt the motor and it was painted,the head had Hercules cast in it.
 
I have both a 1969 and 1957 55. I would say almost nothing would change over unless something I'm not seeing eternally Iike maybe a straw walker. Everything else is different like all of the drives. There was a lot of differences just between a 47' and 57' 55 and even between a 47' and 48'.
 
Speaking of manuals, I have one that's tattered a little for a 47' or one of the first 1,500 built. Looking at the specs, the engine is rated at 45 hp. The next one I have is for serial number pre 12051 and I think it might be like your 48' manual. Shows the engine hp at 52. Next manual I have is for serial number 12051 and up. Serial number 12051 is when JD did some major improvements like going to a hydraulic variable speed drive and stationary cylinder. The engine hp in the manual is 56 hp. The next manual I have is for my 57' 55. I don't have it in front of my me right now so I can't tell you the serial number range but the engine hp listed in it is 64 hp still Hercules. The next manual I have is for 58 models and newer. It has the JD engine and slanted steering wheel. After that only manuals I have is for 66' and 67'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Gear oil leak
Replies
17
Views
801
Lokel Yokel
L
F
steering Cylinder on a MF50D backhoe
Replies
1
Views
299
Jim.ME
J
C
430 John Deere
Replies
7
Views
617
M-MAN
M-MAN
M
15-30 first start in 30 years
Replies
5
Views
488
henryv11
H
D
Front wheel extenders
Replies
4
Views
400
rrlund
R
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top