New Holland 455 vs 456 Pull type Sickle Mower

jsborn · Nov 2, 2018

I am looking for a New Holland 455 or 456 Pull Type Sickle Mower. I have had 3 pt mowers in the past and found them difficult to attach and remove from my tractor for my ageing body.

My question is are there any major differences in these 2 models and if so what are they and which would be best? I am looking for one with a 7' bar some where in the SE USA. Any information and or any for sale would be great.

thethresherman · Nov 2, 2018

The biggest difference in the two are this; 455 used needle bearings in pivot drive and mower guards with ledger plates, 456 used tapered bearings in pivot drive and forged guards similar to the haybines. I prefer the forged guards and tapered bearings myself.

Destroked 450 · Nov 2, 2018

455 used the same pivot link system as the 450 mounted mower, they have needle bearing in the links that get loose over time, the link bars are smaller than on the 546 mower.
456 has the same pivot links as the 451 mounted mower, they use tapered bearings and much stronger link bars, other wise they are pretty much the same.
455 was built 61-68, pivot links appear to be NLA
456 is the later model built until 2013, most of the main operating parts appear to still be available.

I've had a 451 for over 30 years, rebuilt the pivot section after I first got it used and replaced the bearings 2 years ago. link bars are original, but I did have to replace the drive plates due to elongated bolt holes when the cutter bar attaching bolt got loose..

Highly recommend you get a 456.

Traditional Farmer · Nov 2, 2018

I now have 2 NH 456 mowers I cut hay with,used to have a 455,the 455 was OK but you'd be ahead to look for a 456 especially because of the parts situation.There are not very many in the South it seems.I'm in Virginia and the two I have are the only ones I've seen for sale near me.They are more plentiful up in PA but you'll spend some money as the Amish and Mennonites like them.

Oliver550Dave · Nov 2, 2018

Joe's Machinery, LLC near Willow Street, PA has an online catalog of after-market parts for both 450 and 451 mowers and their pull-type versions at good prices. They have been helpful and reliable. Not connected with them otherwise. Phone and leave message 717 464 1043

jsborn · Nov 4, 2018

Thanks to all the response With this I have decided on a 456. My next question is this. New Holland has been owned by New Holland then Sperry Corp. then Ford Motor Co. and now as I understand FiatAgri where their any changes made to the 456 mowers as the companies changed? Is the Ford 456 as good as the Sperry etc. ?

Destroked 450 · Nov 4, 2018

No changes that I know of, parts list doesn't list any production date changes.
Disc and drum mowers started to become popular in the late 80's and up with several design changes but the sickle bar mowers remained to same until they were discontinued in 2013.

New Holland 455 vs 456 Pull type Sickle Mower

jsborn

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thethresherman

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Destroked 450

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Traditional Farmer

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Oliver550Dave

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jsborn

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Destroked 450

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