John Deere 3255

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The John Deere 3255 is a robust and versatile utility tractor designed for various farming tasks. Manufactured in Mannheim, Germany between 1991 and 1993, it is powered by a reliable six-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine, producing 102.6 horsepower at 2400 RPM and a maximum of 104.5 horsepower at 2198 RPM. This tractor's transmission is a TSS High-Low, offering 16 forward and 8 reverse speeds, supported by a closed-center hydraulic system with a capacity of 50 liters and a flow rate of 20.5 GPM at 1450 psi. The 3255 comes with a choice of two operator stations: a four-post ROPS or an optional Sound-Gard body and cab, making it suitable for various weather conditions. It features power steering for ease of maneuverability and hydraulic wet disc brakes for effective stopping power. The tractor's lifting capability is solid, with a hitch lift capacity of 6965 pounds and a maximum force exerted of 6430 lbs at the hitch points. It is equipped with power take-off (PTO) speeds of 540 and 1000 rpm. The four-wheel-drive (MFWD 4WD) setup along with an operating weight of 11,730 pounds, allows for substantial traction and stability across different terrains. Additional notable features include a maximum torque rise of 35.9%, fuel efficiency metrics, and detailed drawbar performance data under varying load conditions.
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Key Specifications

Category: Utility

Power Output: 102.6

Transmission: TSS High-Low

Drive Type: MFWD 4WD

Operating Weight: 11730

Fuel Type: Diesel

John Deere 3255 vs. Similar Tractors

Power Output
Above Average
Greater than 82% of similar tractors.
Hitch Capacity
Above Average
Greater than 82% of similar tractors.
Operating Weight
Average
Greater than 65% of similar tractors.

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer
John Deere
Model
-
Cooling Type
Liquid-cooled
Cylinder Orientation
Inline
Valve Configuration
-
Fuel Type
Diesel
Induction Type
Turbocharged
Cylinders
6
Displacement (ci)
359
Bore (in)
4.193
Stroke (in)
4.331
Rated RPM
2400
Power Output (hp)
102.6

Transmission

Type
TSS High-Low
Forward Gears
16
Reverse Gears
8
Total Gears
-

Dimensions

Length (in)
-
Width (in)
-
Height (in)
-
Operating Weight (lb)
11730

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type
Independent
PTO Speed 1 (rpm)
540
PTO Speed 2 (rpm)
1000
PTO Speed 3 (rpm)
-

Miscellaneous

Chassis
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Drive Type
MFWD 4WD
Steering Type
Power
Coolant Capacity (qts)
18
Front Tire Diameter (in)
28
Front Tire Width (in)
13.6
Rear Tire Diameter (in)
38
Rear Tire Width (in)
18.4
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in)
-
Tire Type
Agricultural
Manufacture - End Year
1993
Hitch Type
-
Hitch Category
Category 2
Hitch Position
-
Hitch Capacity (lb)
6965 lbs
Operator Station Type
Four-post ROPS or Sound-Gard body and cab (optional)
Starter Type
Electric
Brake Type
Hydraulic wet disc
Hydraulic System Type
Closed center

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: May to October 1991

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

  • Maximum Power: 104.5 HP (77.9 kW) at 2198 rpm
  • Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power: 5.95 Gal/hr (22.53 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.391 lb/hp.hr (0.218 kg/kW.h)

Drawbar Performance

  • Power at Rated Engine Speed in 7th (4IL) Gear: 89.2 HP (66.9 kW) with a drawbar pull of 8465 lbs (37.66 kN) and a speed of 3.95 mph (6.36 km/h)
  • Fuel Consumption at Rated Speed: 0.455 lb/hp.hr (0.277 kg/kW.h) with a fuel efficiency of 15.13 Hp.hr/gal (2.98 kW.h/l)

Torque and Engine Performance

  • Maximum Torque: 305 lb.-ft. (413 Nm) at 1402 rpm
  • Torque Rise: 35.9% through varying engine speeds

Hydraulic Performance

  • Maximum Force Exerted: 6430 lbs (28.6 kN) at hitch points
  • Pump Delivery Rate at Maximum Hydraulic Power: 20.5 GPM (77.5 l/min) at a delivery pressure of 1450 psi (100 bar)
  • Hydraulic Power at Max Delivery: 17.3 HP (12.9 kW)

Overall Efficiency

  • Fuel Efficiency at Standard PTO Speed (1000 rpm): 17.56 Hp.hr/gal (3.46 kW.h/l)
  • Fuel Consumption: 5.95 Gal/hr (22.53 l/h) at 2198 rpm



NTTL. (1991). Nebraska OECD Tractor Test 1346 for John Deere 3255 Diesel. Lincoln, NE: Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/2717