DIfference in Transmissions from JD 2050 Series to JD 2055?

Just wondering the nuances of transmission between the '80s John Deere 2050s and '90s 2055s. Gear sticks seem to be in slightly different positions on the tractors, just wondering if one was better than the other.
Thanks,
Aspiring Farmer

Also, any pointers on what to look for on these models in terms of buying used equipment would be much appreciated. My own farm is still much in the future, but I would like to learn the important things to look for when purchasing one of these old beauties. I do a lotta lookin' on external_link, but I know that going to drive it and check it out in person is essential. Any tips would be great!
Thanks again,
Aspiring Farmer

Not sure the difference between those two but I will say from experience to steer clear of the 2050,3050,2055,3055ect.These lite frame tractors have dry clutches, rotory pumps, dry brakes and every one I have been around has had numerous engine problems. Your better off with the heavy frame style tractors like the 4040,4240,4250 or the 55's as long as it has the 466 engine. The 404 engines were good too but they have very little low end torque. These tractors were built much better and will hold up a lot longer.

Yes the German built John Deere tractors have dry clutches and rotary injection pumps, but they did not have dry brakes and there were very few engine problems. I have 3 John Deere 2955's with over 12,000 hours each and absolutely no problems.

I think the difference is the way the shift levers are bent. They just stick out at a different angle. The 2050/55 series are good tractors but they are utility tractors not heavy duty row crop tractors.

Aspiring Farmer
There were no JD models 2050 or 2055. Smallest Mannheim model was 2150/2155
I think the main differences are different shift rails/levers and different shifter covers. I think JD moved levers forward to aid in getting on/off tractors(no shift levers in the way)
The trans case AL32849 is the same for the following Mannheim tractors with collar shift trans. & same part # AL64570 with TSS transmissions.
4172 - 940, 1040, 1140 Tractors (European Edition) - 21Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4173 - 1640, 1840, 2040 Tractors ( -429999) European Edition - 21Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4174 - 2040S, 2140 Tractors ( -429999) European Edition - 21Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4182 - 2150 and 2255 Tractors (North American Edition) - 15Jul10
4184 - 1640, 2040, 2040S Tractors (430000- ) - 21Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4185 - 2140 Tractor (430000- ) - 21Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4187 - 2350 and 2550 Tractors (North American Edition) - 16Jul10
4188 - 2750 Tractor (North American Edition) - 16Jul10
4190 - 840 Tractor (s.n. -599999) European Edition - 16Jul10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4212 - 1550, 1750, 1850, 1850N Tractors (European Edition) - 25Jun10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4213 - 1350 Tractor (European Edition) - 30Jun10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
4215 - 2755 (GPT) and 2855N Tractors (North American Edition) - 01Jul10
4216 - 2355 and 2555 General Purpose Tractors (North American Edition) - 01Jul10
4217 - 2155 and 2355N Tractors (North American Edition) - 01Jul10
4223 - 2250, 2450, 2650 Tractors (Collar Shift Transmission) (European Edition) - 30Jun10 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
5037 - TRACTORS BUILT IN SPAIN 2030,2130 (50000-) - 12Apr04 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
5040 - TRACTORS BUILT IN SPAIN 2035,2135 (50000-) - 12Apr04 ( FR DE IT ES SV )
7058 - TRACTORS 1641,1641F - 30Aug01 ( FR DE IT ES SV )

Sorry about that I misworded it...I was referring to the two series as
a whole (I realize the two smallest are the "21s". Also, does the
2155 have power steering?

Yes, I must say I agree. The first tractor I ever drove was a 2955 with over 14,000 hours... and the tach had been broken for a few years.

(quoted from post at 09:11:25 02/28/12)
Also, does the 2155 have power steering?

Click to expand...

YES

Only advice I'll give you is find a good alternative parts source. It's already getting hard to get parts for the 1020-2020. Deere is discontinuing parts for them. They'll tell you they can get parts for them if you want them to through A&I.

Wow thank y'all for the responses. Now that I know that the gear shift positioning is relatively the same, what are the subtle differences between 2155 and 2355? I know that the 2155 is 3 cylinder and no telescoping steering wheel, (from the book "John Deere Equipment Volume 2 from 1960-1990 Volume 2) and it seems that the 2155 is lacking in a lot of areas compared to the slightly larger 2355. However, if the 2155 is a good piece, I would almost rather have the smaller model for navigating tight vegetable rows.
Again, Many Thanks,
Aspiring Farmer

The difference maybe if the tractor is TSS or cheaped out with collar shift. More to worry about than design is how it's been operated and serviced.

The difference maybe if the tractor is TSS or cheaped out with collar shift. More to worry about than design is how it's been operated and serviced.

Buick and deere...Take a look at this tractorhouse link. I know looking at something online without going to see in person and test it is foolish but for fun I do like to look.
here goes:
John Deere 2155

The biggest thing to watch for is antifreeze in the oil, which is a sign of wet-sleeve cylinder liner pitting. The wet sleeve engines were prone to cavitation erosion which causes pitting through of the cylinder liners. That happened to my 2350 and I did an inframe. That said, these are very good tractors, just have to watch the liner pittng as for any wet sleeev engine. I use a coolant additive now that is supposed to minimize the pitting.

Alright I'll be sure to watch for that. Thanks for the advice.
Aspiring Farmer

Aspiring Farmer
I'm not b&d but the tractor in the ad you posted looks nice. It has a later model quick attach loader worth $3000-$3500. 55 series JD tractors are some of the best tractors JD put their leaping Deere logo on. I know I've owned a JD 4255 since '93. If you'll look at the photo of the gearshift levers you can see that they are located very close to the dash for easy entry/exit unlike the earlier JD utility tractors

Looks too pretty , with too few hours and having a loader for that price. Than again if located in a price depressed area......?

Thanks for the input on the model...if y'all have time and don't mind, take a peek at these 2355s. They are much closer to my area, although a few look a little rough....
JD 2355

A 2555..
JD 2555

A little rough looking...
JD 2350

and finally...
JD 2355