John Deere 455 Grain Drill
The John Deere 455 is a front-folding, pull-type box grain drill in the 25-, 30-, and 35-foot class. It is widely regarded as a durable high-acreage conventional-tillage drill with accurate double-disc seed placement and narrow transport width.
John Deere 455 specifications
| Production years | 1992-present |
|---|---|
| Drill type | Front-folding pull-type box grain drill |
| Working width | 25, 30, or 35 ft |
| Row spacing | 6, 7.5, or 10 in. |
| Number of openers/rows | 25 ft: 30/40/50; 30 ft: 36/48/60; 35 ft: 42/56/70 |
| Opener type | 13.5-in. offset double-disc openers |
| Seed and fertilizer boxes | Plain grain or 3-position combination grain/fertilizer box; grass-seed attachment available |
| Weight (approximate) | 9,000-10,800 lb, depending on width and spacing |
What the 455 is used for
The 455 was built for wheat, barley, oats, alfalfa, grasses, and cover crops on prepared or lightly worked seedbeds. Its wide folding layout suits operators who need more field capacity than a 15- or 20-foot drill while retaining a road-manageable transport width.
Owners still value the 455 for its large box capacity, active hydraulic down-pressure option, and straightforward fluted-feed metering. It is best regarded as a conventional or minimum-till drill, not a true heavy-residue no-till machine.
Why the John Deere 455 stands out
The 455 is notable for combining wide working widths with front folding, double-disc openers, 2 x 13-in. press wheels, and well-supported John Deere parts access. A properly adjusted machine delivers consistent depth and seed placement, and clean, complete examples retain strong appeal in small-grain regions.
Buying a used John Deere 455
Inspect every opener for disc diameter, blade contact, bearing looseness, seed-boot wear, and damaged seed tubes. Check press-wheel bearings and arms, hydraulic fold and lift cylinders, active down-pressure components if equipped, drive chains and sprockets, fluted-feed cups, box bottoms, divider seals, and corrosion in any fertilizer compartment. Confirm the exact width, spacing, opener count, and options from the serial number and operator manual.
John Deere 455 frequently asked questions
What working widths were available on the John Deere 455?
The 455 was offered in 25-, 30-, and 35-foot working widths.
Is a John Deere 455 a no-till drill?
No. It is primarily a conventional-tillage or minimum-till box drill; its double-disc openers are intended for prepared and lightly worked seedbeds.
What row spacings were offered?
Common factory row spacings were 6, 7.5, and 10 inches.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used grain drills vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.