| Manufacturer | Fiat-Hesston |
| Price | 17,400(USD) |
| Model | 55-66 |
| Equipment Type | Utility Tractors |
| Factory |
VARIANTS
| 55-66 | utility 2WD |
| 55-66DT | utility 4WD |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1560
| Description | Diesel 12-speed 2WD/April 15 - 29, 1985/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1560 file/PTO performance/Drawbar performance |
| Power at rated engine speed | 45.78 hp/34.1 kW |
| Fuel use | 3.0 gal/hour/11.4 l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed | 44.84 hp/33.4 kW |
| Max power | 38.39 hp/28.6 kW |
HESSTON 55-66 POWER
| Engine | 55 hp/41.0 kW |
| Drawbar (claimed) | 38 hp/28.3 kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 45.8 hp/34.2 kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 38.39 hp/28.6 kW |
| PTO (tested) | 45.78 hp/34.1 kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 features a durable 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a displacement of 2.7 L, delivering 55 hp at a rated speed of 2500 RPM, which provides efficient power for moderate agricultural tasks. Its 17:1 compression ratio indicates better fuel efficiency, while the ignition system's 12V electric starter ensures reliable starting in various conditions. However, the limited horsepower may restrict its application in heavy-duty operations, requiring careful task selection for optimal performance.
| Description | Fiat 8035.06/diesel/3-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 165 ci/2.7 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.937x4.528 inches/100 x 115 mm |
| Power | 55 hp/41.0 kW |
| Compression | 17:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2500 |
| Starter | electric |
| Starter volts | 12 |
HESSTON 55-66 ENGINE
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor is equipped with a robust 2.7L 3-cylinder diesel engine, which provides sufficient torque for various agricultural tasks, making it suitable for small to mid-sized farms. With a 19.2-gallon fuel tank, the tractor offers extended operating time between refuels, enhancing productivity during field work. However, its smaller engine size may limit power output compared to larger tractors, which can be a consideration for heavy-duty applications.
| Description | Fiat 2.7L 3-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank | 19.2 gal/72.7 L |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 features a versatile 12-speed partially synchronized transmission with a mechanical shuttle, allowing for smooth direction changes without clutching, ideal for loader work and maneuvering in tight spaces. The optional 20-speed creeper gear enhances precision in low-speed applications, making it suitable for tasks requiring detailed control, such as tilling or seeding. However, the complexity of the transmission may challenge operators unfamiliar with multi-speed systems, necessitating training to maximize efficiency.
| Description | 12-speed partially synchronized/12-speed mechanical shuttle/20-speed creeper |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor features a partially synchronized transmission with 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, which allows for smoother shifts between gears in its three operational ranges (I-III). This design enhances operational efficiency and operator comfort, particularly in applications requiring frequent gear changes, such as plowing or cultivating. However, the limitation of only partial synchronization may pose challenges in seamless gear transitions under high load conditions or on inclines.
| Type | partially synchronized |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
| Description | Four gears (1-4) in three ranges (I-III). Shifts between gears are synchronized. |
SPEEDS 1
| Description | With 16.9-28 rear tires. |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor features a mechanical shuttle transmission with 12 forward and reverse gears, enhancing operator control and versatility during field operations. The four-gauge setup across three ranges allows for efficient speed adjustments suited for various tasks, such as tilling or hauling. However, mechanical shuttles may involve more manual effort compared to hydrostatic options, making them less ideal for operators requiring seamless direction changes in tight spaces.
| Type | mechanical shuttle |
| Gears | 12 forward and reverse |
| Description | Four gears (1-4) in three ranges (I-III) with shuttle. |
SPEEDS 2
| Description | With 16.9-28 rear tires. |
TRANSMISSION 3
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor features a creeper gear transmission, providing enhanced low-speed maneuverability with 20 forward and 8 reverse gears—ideal for precise operations in tight spaces or during delicate tasks like tilling or planting. The inclusion of four gears across three ranges allows for versatile speed management, accommodating different field conditions and workloads effectively. However, operators may need to familiarize themselves with the gear shifting dynamics, especially when transitioning between normal and creeper ranges.
| Type | creeper |
| Gears | 20 forward and 8 reverse |
| Description | Four gears (1-4) in three ranges (I-III) with normal and creeper ranges. |
MECHANICAL
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor offers versatile drivetrain options with 2WD, MFWD, and 4WD configurations, enhancing traction in varied terrains. The power steering system improves maneuverability, while mechanical wet disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, essential for safety in demanding conditions. With a choice of 12-speed and 20-speed transmissions, operators can optimize performance for both high-speed transport and low-speed applications, making it suitable for diverse agricultural tasks.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Steering | power |
| Brakes | mechanical wet disc |
| Cab | Four-post ROPS. Canopy optional. |
| Transmissions | 12-speed partially synchronized/12-speed mechanical shuttle/20-speed creeper |
HYDRAULICS
| Type | open center |
| Pressure | 2700 psi/186.2 bar |
| Valves | 0 to 3 |
| Total flow | 11 gpm/41.6 lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
| Rear Type | I/II |
| Control | position and lower-link draft control |
| Rear lift | 3920 lbs/1778 kg |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear RPM | 540/ground |
HESSTON 55-66 TIRES
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with 2WD providing a lighter footprint suitable for less rugged applications, while the 4WD enhances traction and stability on uneven terrain. The tire specifications indicate that the 2WD version is geared towards agricultural use with narrower front tires (6.50-16), optimizing maneuverability, whereas the 4WD variant features wider front tires (9.5-24), which improve weight distribution and pulling power. Choosing between these configurations depends on intended use; 2WD is beneficial for flat, compacted surfaces, whereas 4WD excels in hilly or muddy conditions.
| 2WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 6.50-16. Rear: 13.6-28 |
| 4WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 9.5-24. Rear: 16.9-28 |
DIMENSIONS
| 2WD Wheelbase | 85.6 inches/217 cm |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 83.4 inches/211 cm |
| 2WD Length | 130 inches/330 cm |
| 4WD Length | 133 inches/337 cm |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 18.5 inches/46 cm |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 14.5 inches/36 cm |
| 2WD Front tread | 55.1 to 74.75 inches/139 to 189 cm |
| 4WD Front tread | 56.9 to 73.75 inches/144 to 187 cm |
| Rear tread | 52.1 to 75.75 inches/132 to 192 cm |
HESSTON 55-66 WEIGHT
| 2WD Shipping | 4851 lbs/2200 kg |
| 4WD Shipping | 5402 lbs/2450 kg |
| 2WD Operating | 5290 lbs/2399 kg |
| Ballasted | 6570 lbs/2980 kg |
HESSTON 55-66 HEIGHT
| Steering wheel | 63.5 inches/161 cm |
| Hood | 56.5 inches/143 cm |
| 2WD ROPS | 92.5 inches/234 cm |
| 4WD ROPS | 95 inches/241 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fiat-Hesston 55-66 tractor features a 2WD option with a longer wheelbase of 85.6 inches, optimizing stability and load distribution, while the 4WD variant offers enhanced traction but with a slightly shorter wheelbase. Weighing between 4851 to 5402 pounds, it provides sufficient ballast for various field applications, but operators should consider the weight in relation to soil compaction and overall maneuverability in tight spaces. The tire specifications suggest suitability for moderate to heavy-duty tasks; however, users should assess tire condition and pressure to maintain optimal performance and prevent slippage in wet conditions.
| 2WD Wheelbase | 85.6 inches/217 cm |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 83.4 inches/211 cm |
| Weight | 4851 to 5402 pounds |
| Front tire | 6.50-16 |
| 2WD Rear tire | 13.6-28 |
ELECTRICAL
| Charging system | alternator |
| Charging amps | 33 |
| Battery volts | 12 |