JOHN DEERE 5055E (01) PDF Document

The JOHN DEERE 5055E tractor is designed solely for use in customary agricultural or similar operations. This includes tasks like pushing, pulling, towing, actuating, and carrying a variety of interchangeable equipment designed for agricultural work. Any use in another way is considered contrary to the intended use. The tractor is not intended to be used as a recreational vehicle.

To reduce the risk of accidents while operating your JOHN DEERE 5055E, follow these precautions:

General Operation:

• Use the tractor only for its designed agricultural jobs.

• Ensure you are mentally and physically capable of operating the machine safely.

• Never operate the machine when distracted, fatigued, or impaired.

• Read the operator’s manual thoroughly before operation.

• Follow all instructions for any attached implements or trailers.

• Ensure the area is clear of people before starting or moving.

• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from all power-driven parts.

Driving Concerns:

• Never get on or off a moving tractor.

• Keep all children and nonessential personnel away from the tractor and equipment.

• Keep all shields and guards in place.

• Reduce speed when turning, applying individual brakes, or operating on rough ground or steep slopes.

• Couple brake pedals together for road travel.

Towing Loads:

• Be careful when towing and stopping heavy loads, as stopping distance increases with speed and weight.

• Consider the total weight of the equipment and its load.

• Hitch towed loads only to approved couplings to avoid rearward upset.

Parking and Leaving the Tractor:

• Before dismounting, shut off SCVs, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and lower all implements to the ground.

• Securely engage the park mechanism (park pawl and park brake).

• If leaving the tractor unattended, remove the key.

Fuel is highly flammable. Follow these steps to handle it safely:

1. Do not refuel the machine while smoking or near an open flame or sparks.

2. Always stop the engine before refueling. Fill the fuel tank outdoors.

3. Keep the machine clean of accumulated trash, grease, and debris to prevent fires. Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.

4. Use only an approved fuel container for transporting flammable liquids.

5. Never fill a fuel container in a pickup truck with a plastic bed liner. Always place the fuel container on the ground before refueling.

6. Touch the fuel container with the fuel dispenser nozzle before removing the can lid. Keep the dispenser nozzle in contact with the container inlet while filling.

7. Do not store fuel containers where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as near a water heater or other appliance.

In case of a fire, your safety is the number one priority. Follow these steps:

1. Stop the machine immediately at the first sign of fire (smell of smoke or sight of flames).

2. Get off the machine immediately and move safely away from it. Do not return to the machine.

3. Call the fire department.

If you attempt to use a portable fire extinguisher, do so with extreme caution, keeping your back to the wind with a clear escape path. If the fire cannot be extinguished quickly, move away. If your extinguisher has no instructions, follow these general guidelines:

1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

To avoid crushing injury or death during a rollover:

• If your JOHN DEERE 5055E is equipped with a foldable rollover protective structure (ROPS), keep the ROPS in the fully extended and locked position.

• ALWAYS USE a seat belt when you operate with the ROPS in the fully extended position. To fasten:

– Hold the latch and pull the seat belt across your body.

– Insert the latch into the buckle and listen for a click.

– Tug on the seat belt to ensure it is securely fastened.

– Snug the belt across your hips.

• If you must operate the machine with the ROPS folded (e.g., to enter a low building), drive with extreme caution. DO NOT USE a seat belt when the ROPS is folded.

• Return the ROPS to the raised, fully extended position as soon as the machine is operated under normal conditions.

The light switch on the Open Operator Station (OOS) model has four main operating positions to control various lights. Always use flashing warning lights on public roads to alert other drivers.

• Warning position (B): Warning lights flash, instrument panel illuminates, and turn signal arrows on the instrument panel flash. This is for driving on roads during the daytime.

• Low-beam headlights position (C): Dims headlights to low beams for meeting other vehicles.

• Full beam headlights position (D): Used for traveling on public roads at night or when visibility is limited.

• Field light position (E): Activates the rear-facing field light and high beam headlights.

CAUTION: Never use work lights when driving on roads as they could blind or confuse other drivers.

The table below shows which lights are active in each switch position:

Note: When a turn signal is activated, amber and red lights on the turn-side flash, while opposite side lights shine steady.

Proper engine break-in ensures long-term performance and life. Your JOHN DEERE 5055E’s engine is factory-filled with John Deere ENGINE Break-In Oil.

Initial Operation:

1. Warm up the engine at a slow rpm. Check the coolant temperature gauge, engine information, and charging warning indicators.

2. During the first 20 hours, operate the engine at heavy loads with minimal idling. Avoid prolonged periods of engine idling or sustained maximum load operation. If the engine idles for longer than 5 minutes, stop the engine.

3. Frequently check engine oil, coolant, and transmission/hydraulic fluid levels. Watch for any fluid leaks.

Important Notes:

• If air temperature is below -10°C (14°F), use an engine block heater.

• If the engine has significant operating time at idle, constant speeds, or light loads, or if makeup oil is required in the first 100 hours, a longer break-in period is recommended.

• Do not add makeup oil until the level is BELOW the ADD mark on the dipstick. If makeup oil is needed, use John Deere Engine Break-In Plus oil whenever possible.

• Do not fill oil above the crosshatch pattern or FULL mark. Oil levels within the crosshatch are acceptable.

Follow this service schedule during the initial break-in period for your JOHN DEERE 5055E:

During the First 10 Hours of Operation:

• Perform daily or 10-hour service checks as outlined in the Maintenance section.

• Tighten wheel hardware. Check torque before operating, twice during the first ten hours, after fifty hours, and periodically thereafter to avoid damage.

After the First 50 Hours of Operation:

• Tighten wheel hardware again.

• Check alternator/fan belt tension and tighten air intake and cooling system hose clamps.

After the First 100 Hours of Operation:

• Replace the transmission-hydraulic filter element.

• Change engine oil and filter.

Before starting your JOHN DEERE 5055E each day, park the tractor on level ground and perform the following checks:

1. Check engine oil level: Clean the dipstick, reinsert it fully, then withdraw it to check the oil level. The level should be between the upper and lower marks. Do not operate if the oil is below the minimum mark.

2. Check coolant level: Check the radiator expansion tank. If the engine is cold and the level is below LOW, add coolant until it reaches the LOW mark. When at operating temperature, the level should be at the FULL mark.

3. Lubricate (every 10 hours in wet/muddy conditions):

• Front axle pivot pins.

• Rear axle bearings.

4. Lubricate (after pressure washing):

• Hood latch.

• Operator seat slide rails.

5. Clean dust unloading valve: Squeeze the valve to remove deposits. Never run the engine with the valve removed.

6. Check rocker arm cover ventilation hose: Ensure the hose is not pinched and that the end is free of dirt.

Follow these steps to safely start the engine on your JOHN DEERE 5055E:

1. Push the hand throttle forward off the idle position to about 1/3 of full throttle. The engine will not start if the throttle is pulled down completely.

2. Depress the clutch pedal and turn the key switch fully clockwise to the START position to engage the starter. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

Important Precautions:

• Machine Runaway: Never start the engine by shorting across starter terminals. Start the engine only from the operator’s seat with the transmission in NEUTRAL or PARK.

• Cold Engine: Do not run a cold engine at full throttle.

• Starter Operation: Do not operate the starter for more than 20 seconds at a time. If the engine doesn’t start, wait at least two minutes for the starter motor to cool before trying again. If the engine fails to start after four attempts, refer to the “Troubleshooting” section.

The JOHN DEERE 5055E is equipped with pre-heaters as a standard starting aid. Do not use starting fluid (ether) on engines with glow plugs or air intake heaters, as it is highly flammable and could explode.

1. To activate the cold weather starting device, turn the key to the ignition ON position.

2. Allow the engine ECU to complete its cycle. If needed, a count down timer will appear on the instrument cluster, indicating the time required for heating the grid.

3. IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to start the engine until the count down timer reaches zero.

4. Once the countdown is complete, depress the clutch pedal and turn the key to the START position.

5. If the engine runs rough, turn the key to the STOP/OFF position and then back to the ON position to reactivate the starting device until the engine runs smoothly.

6. Idle the engine until it warms to operating temperature.

The exhaust filter system on your JOHN DEERE 5055E has several indicators to inform you of its status. Here is a summary of what they mean and the recommended actions:

A parked exhaust filter cleaning is required when the system indicators show a high level of soot buildup and engine performance is reduced. This process must be performed in a suitable, safe location.

CAUTION: Comply with “Clean Exhaust Filter Safely” procedures. Park the vehicle away from flammable materials and ensure no other vehicle functions are used during the cleaning process.

1. Stop the tractor in a safe location, place the transmission in the park position, disengage the PTO, and set the engine idle to a low 900 RPM.

2. Position and hold the exhaust filter cleaning switch in the “parked cleaning” position for 3 seconds, then release it.

3. The engine speed will automatically ramp up to 1800 RPM, and the park cleaning symbol on the switch will blink.

4. During the process, the high exhaust temperature indicator will illuminate. The cleaning process will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

5. The information display will show a percentage value of the cleaning process, which goes from 1 to 100 for a preparation stage and then 1 to 100 for the cleaning stage.

6. When cleaning is complete, the park cleaning symbol on the switch will turn off. The high exhaust system temperature indicator will remain on for another 30 seconds.

7. After the high exhaust temperature indicator turns off, you can continue normal vehicle operations.

NOTE: The process can be canceled at any time by manually advancing the throttle, engaging the transmission, or stopping the engine. If the process is repeatedly disregarded, a service exhaust cleaning procedure by a John Deere dealer will be required.

The PowrReverser™ transmission provides twelve forward and twelve reverse speeds.

• Range Shift Lever (A): Provides three speed ranges (A, B, C).

• Gear Shift Lever (B): Provides four travel speeds (1, 2, 3, 4).

• FNR Lever (C): Controls travel direction (Forward or Reverse).

FNR Lever Operation:

With the tractor stopped, select the desired travel direction (forward or reverse) with the FNR lever. You can change direction while moving without depressing the clutch pedal.

Range Shifting:

The tractor must be at a complete stop to shift ranges.

1. Stop the tractor and lower the engine to idle speed.

2. Depress the clutch pedal FULLY.

3. Select the desired speed range (A, B, or C).

4. Slowly release the clutch pedal to gradually take up the load.

5. Increase engine speed once the shift is complete.

Gear (Speed) Shifting:

You can change gears while the tractor is in motion.

1. Depress the clutch pedal FULLY.

2. Select the desired speed (1, 2, 3, or 4).

3. Slowly release the clutch pedal to gradually take up the load.

Important: After starting the engine, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed one time before the tractor will move when the FNR lever is engaged.

The SyncShuttle transmission provides nine forward and three reverse speeds.

• Range Shift Lever (A): Provides three speed ranges (A, B, C).

• Gear Shift Lever (B): Provides three forward speeds (1, 2, 3) and one reverse speed (R).

• Clutch Pedal (C): Must be fully depressed for all shifts.

Range Shifting:

The tractor must be at a complete stop to shift ranges.

1. Stop the tractor and lower the engine to idle speed.

2. Depress the clutch pedal FULLY.

3. Select the desired speed range (A, B, or C).

4. Slowly release the clutch pedal to gradually take up the load.

5. Increase engine speed once the shift is complete.

Gear (Speed) Shifting:

You can change gears while the tractor is in motion.

1. While the tractor is in motion, depress the clutch pedal FULLY.

2. Select the desired speed (1, 2, 3, or R).

3. Slowly release the clutch pedal to gradually take up the load.

Important: To prevent unnecessary clutch wear, never “ride” the clutch by resting your foot on the pedal.

The differential lock is used to improve traction when one wheel starts to slip.

CAUTION: Do not operate the tractor at high speed or attempt to turn with the differential lock engaged.

IMPORTANT: To prevent drivetrain damage, do not engage the differential lock when one wheel is spinning and the other is stopped.

1. When one wheel starts to lose traction, engage the differential lock by depressing the pedal. The tractor wheels must be turning before engagement. If possible, engage the lock before entering slippery conditions.

2. The lock remains engaged as long as there is unequal traction. When traction equalizes, the lock should disengage automatically by spring action.

3. If the lock does not disengage, depress one brake pedal and then the other to help release it.

4. If tires repeatedly slip, get traction, and then slip again, hold the pedal down in the engaged position until you are through the difficult area.

The Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD) is used to provide better traction.

CAUTION: MFWD greatly increases traction, which can increase the possibility of a tip-over on slopes. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with MFWD engaged.

IMPORTANT:

• To extend tire life, only engage MFWD when needed. DO NOT engage when driving on hard surfaces.

• To prevent transmission damage, DO NOT engage or disengage MFWD on the go.

Engagement and Disengagement:

1. To engage: Pull up on the MFWD lever.

2. To disengage: Push the lever back down.

3. If the lever resists disengagement: This means the power train is under load. To relieve the load, you can:

• Reduce speed and drive the tractor straight ahead for a few feet.

• Stop the tractor, then operate in reverse for a short distance before changing back to a forward direction.

The stopping procedure varies slightly depending on your transmission type.

For PowrReverser™ Transmission:

1. Pull the hand throttle back to the low idle position.

2. Put the gearshift lever or PowrReverser™ lever in NEUTRAL.

3. Push the gearshift lever to the Park position (P).

4. Lower all equipment to the ground, put all SCV levers in NEUTRAL, and disengage the PTO.

5. Allow the engine to idle for one to two minutes to cool down.

6. Turn the key switch to the OFF position.

For SyncShuttle Transmission:

1. Pull the hand throttle back to the low idle position.

2. Put the gearshift lever in the NEUTRAL position.

3. Place the gearshift lever in Park (P).

4. Lower all equipment to the ground, put all SCV levers in NEUTRAL, and disengage the PTO.

5. Allow the engine to idle for one to two minutes.

6. Turn the key switch to the OFF position.

CAUTION: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent operation by untrained personnel.

Follow these steps to safely attach an implement:

1. Ensure the drawbar will not interfere. If necessary, move it ahead or remove it.

2. CAUTION: To prevent unexpected movement, place the draft sensing lever in the forward or OFF position before attaching the implement.

3. Back the tractor up to the implement so the hitch points align. Engage the parking brake and stop the engine before leaving the seat.

4. Slip the draft links over the implement hitch pins and retain them with quick-lock pins.

5. To remove the center link from its transport hook, lift the center link locking clip and rotate the tab to the rear.

6. Attach the center link to the implement’s top mast.

7. Adjust the center link and lift links as necessary to level the implement.

8. CAUTION: After attaching the implement, slowly raise and lower it using the position control lever to check the full range of operation for any interference, binding, or PTO separation.

Measuring wheel slip helps you determine if your tractor has the correct amount of ballast. The ideal wheel slippage is 8-12 percent for MFWD tractors.

1. Draw a visible mark (e.g., with chalk) on one rear tire.

2. With the tractor working under load, mark a starting point on the ground where the tire mark meets the ground.

3. Drive forward and mark the ground again where the tire mark completes 10 full revolutions.

4. Raise the implement and return to the second mark on the ground, remarking the tire at that point.

5. Drive back along the same path (with the implement raised) and count the number of tire revolutions it takes to reach the starting point.

6. Use the return tire revolution count to find your estimated % slip from the chart below.

7. Adjust ballast or load to achieve the correct slippage.

If your tractor will not be used for several months, follow these steps to minimize corrosion and deterioration:

1. Service the engine air cleaner.

2. If coolant is over 2 years old, flush the cooling system and refill with a 50% antifreeze mixture.

3. Change the engine oil and filter.

4. Drain the fuel tank. Remove the fuel tank fill cap and add 4 L (1 gal) of fuel, then reinstall the cap.

5. Remove the alternator/fan belt after it has cooled.

6. Remove and clean the battery. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep it charged.

7. Tie or block the clutch pedal in the disengaged position.

8. Coat exposed metal surfaces (like adjustable front axles) with grease or a corrosion inhibitor.

9. Use tape to seal the air cleaner inlet, dust unloader valve, exhaust pipe, and all fill caps.

10. Cover the dash with opaque material to prevent gauges from fading.

11. Raise the tires off the ground and protect them from heat and sunlight.

12. Thoroughly clean the tractor and touch up any scratched or chipped paint.

13. If storing outside, cover with a waterproof material.

14. For Cab models, rotate the air conditioner compressor pulley several turns once a month to prevent seizure.

To prepare your tractor for use after storage:

1. Check tire inflation pressure and lower the tires to the ground.

2. Remove all coverings.

3. Unseal all openings that were sealed during storage.

4. Install the battery.

5. Remove ties or blocks that were securing the clutch pedal.

6. For Cab models, check that the air-conditioning compressor pulley moves freely and is not seized.

7. Install the alternator/fan belt.

8. Check levels of engine oil, transmission/hydraulic oil, and engine coolant, adding fluids as needed.

9. Drain a small amount of fuel from the tank to purge any condensation.

10. Fill the fuel tank.

11. Perform all appropriate services as dictated by the elapsed storage period.

12. Check instruments and indicators by turning the key switch to the RUN position.

13. Ensure the gearshift lever is in neutral and the PTO is disengaged. Pull the hand throttle back, depress the clutch, and crank the engine until oil pressure rises, then turn the key off.

14. Connect the fuel shut-off solenoid wiring.

15. Depress the clutch pedal and start the engine. Operate at a slow idle for several minutes to warm up carefully, and check all systems before placing the tractor under load.

Here are some common engine problems and potential solutions for your JOHN DEERE 5055E: