"Very good tractor. I'm very pleased with it."

"We bought our 2955, used, down here in Florida. It had been used in the citrus orchards and the fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides had really done a number on some of the cosmetic components. Lots of rust and a few hydraulic drips and bugs to work through. We have another JD that has a ton of plastic components and I would rather have rust any day. Farming/construction requires that equipment gets used in less than optimal conditions. As testament to that when running the bush hog I had to get up to observe something so I had to lean out on the rusty rear fender to get a better look. The metal held, no worries. On the plastic Deere, I had to get off the tractor and as there was a tree too close to use to dismount, I had to rest some of my lard a** on the fender. When I did so, the damned thing cracked and nearly sent my a** to the ground head first. Did I mention my lard a** only weighs 170lbs.? So I'd guess I had all of about 50 lbs on it and it sure as hell busted. Sure, I shouldn't have done that, but it's not like I drive the tractor home, push a button for the auto door opener and leisurely amble into a garage. Work means simply that-work i.e. get er done, whatever it takes, etc. On the other issues, hydraulics, enough power on the 2955 for pretty much anything I run out there. Leaks a bit, but heck, I can't afford a new tractor. for a machine built in the early 90's, it is a good deal. Just stay away from the plastic Deere's unless you live on a paved street. "

"I have two of these tractors both were bought new by my grandfather at the same time. Each tractor still puts in about 35 hours a week These are the only tractors we use on our cattle ranch. We primarily use them to shred mesquite/huisache. We run a disc occasionally to mark roads, and use a dirt buggy with the tractors to make tanks for the dove hunters/cattle. Most of the damage was done to the tractors when we used a root plow attachment to take out the mesquite trees. Engaging and disengaging the clutch over and over is not a great idea with this model. Its amazing how different these two tractors are from each other. when they were new i couldn't tell them apart. Now I can't believe they are the same model. they sound different, turn different, and look different. although they still both cost about the same. At nineteen years old each tractor costs on average $2500 a year for parts and service to run 35 hours a week. when the tractors were 10 years old each was about $500 a year for parts and service. Diesel is about 400 a month for each tractor at $3 a gallon. They now spend 5 days in the shop a year. These tractors have done a lot of tough work. We maintained the tractors for 19 years exactly as the service manual prescribed, and when something brakes we never let the tractors sit for more than a couple of days before fixing them. I think the tractors have another 15,000 hours before the cost of up keep becomes too much. At that point I'll retire one and use if for parts for the second. I don't drive the tractor but about 15 hours a week. Aside from working with the cattle, driving the tractor is the most enjoyable part of work. "

"I would recommend this tractor. Decent horsepower. Very stable feel and ride. Economical for the horsepower. Comfortable to spend many hours in. The only downfall I can see is the John Deere parts can be expansive. Hard to beat a deere for reliability and longevity. Proper maintenance will reduce maintenance costs. Good resale value. "