Help me decide - JD 332 or 455

Lynard05

New User
Hello,

I am hoping experts here can help me out. I am considering purchasing a 332 or 455 to mow around tighter spots and small areas on our 8 acre farm.

The 332 w 46” deck has been restored, looks great and the hour meter reads 68 (obviously not original)

The 455 w 54” deck could use paint and has around 2700 hrs.

What is a normal price for these tractors? (Lots of variables, I know)

My only hesitation with the 332 is that its 900lbs and has 16hp, while the 455 around 1,000lbs has 22hp. Will this be an issue if climbing a slope/hill or am I worrying too much about that?

Any advice appreciated, thanks for your time
 
Two things I can offer you - unless super steep slope (and then you may want to have ag tires and not turf tires) it should be a non issue with either. You will get a couple good responses here, but you will get better responses if you go to the website WeekendFreedom machines.com
 
For small areas and tight spots ? I'd skip both of those. They might work better if you found a 4 wheel steer model. I like my front mount F725. Reaches under things better than a push mower. I'm looking for a larger model with 4 wheel drive ,but good used ones are hard to find. If you want a diesel engine the ones like mine a model F735 had a diesel engine as do the newer larger models.
 
I have a 332 Yanmar diesel with a 48 inch deck, but I no longer use it to mow grass...too slow. I use a Country Clipper zero turn with 48 inch deck, about twice as fast as the JD 332, plus it does a better job on mowing evenly.
 
I would go with the 455 with more power as they are both likely worn out mechanically. I have a zero turn but that is strictly for mowing grass but they are fast. You mentioned hills so forget the zero turn.
 
Though 2700 hours might be a bit much, personally, if the 455 is well maintained, I’d give it serious consideration. You’ll really like the 455’s foot hydrostatic control, and having differential lock.
 

Once you use a zero turn , you wont bother with anything else if the machine is to used to only mow lawn .
We have not even started the LX188 in two seasons . Used a Z245 instead .
Now if the lawn tractor was multi use such as snow removal , garden tillage etc . Then go ahead worth tribe 425 .
With either the garden tractor or zero turn . I wont use them until radial ATV tires are installed and filled with washer fluid .
 
Lynard05, my opinion would be the 455. Especially if it were All Wheel Steer. I have a 425 and a X485, both AWS, both handle slopes and climbing better than any ZTR I have operated. I have no weights or fluid in the tires. The hours on the 455 are what concerns me. In talking with a neighbor, who maintains several mowers for a larger school district, he told me that those yanmar 3 cyl diesels will go to 3k hours, depending on maintenance of course. After 3k, better start saving your pennies for a rebuild or replacement.

Best of Luck
Mike
 
I have a 332 and it works ok for trimming and doing smaller areas of the yard, although going back to the hand lever hydro isn't that great if your used to foot controls. The 332 has individual brakes for steering and slope issues. The 455 just has a diff lock. 332 has all steel sheetmetal versus plastic for the 455. If your not prone to running into things its a mute point.

Yes the zero turn front deck options are probably better for going around trees but you can't add a tiller, wagon, or blade later.

Check the steering play in both tractors.
 

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