John Deere 550G LT & 400G LT My biggest concern is the transmissions (which is more reliable/durable/least exspensive to work on) But any real world info is appropriated. I'm strongly concidering buying one of these dozers Both are bare back used in construction/never seen the forest. To be used on the farm: roads, pads, cleaning up behind the PC 150 excavator. 400G LT 2600hrs Serial# T0400GC772596 "High/low 3 speed direct drive shuttle shift" 550G LT 2900hrs Serial# T0550GH815545 powershift non Torque converter Only reason I'm concidering the 400 is it's in excellent condition! with great records. Both machines are original owner. The 550 doesn't have any records. All oil samples on the 550 came back "green" except the hydraulic fluid has copper at 201 ppm. I assume a new pump and loop system flush is in its future for the 550
In my opinion (you know what they say about opinions ) the 550 transmission is more reliable so long as there was no water contamination (which would kill the clutches). The 550 would be far less expensive to work on. The transmission can be pulled in 1.5 hrs out the back. The 400 would take all day (and then some) starting at the radiator cap working your way back. Yes, copper would be from the hydraulic pump.
Thanks I did read the 400 is an old design like a tractor that would need to be "split" to pull the trans. Compared to the 550 trans Is that the biggest downside to the 400 trans other than the 550 is less effort to operate/shift ? Here is a pic of the 550 trans oil sample.
Here are the powershift transmission contamination levels so you can compare.
Thank you. One would think Pap'e would supply that info with the sample results....