| Manufacturer | Hesston |
| Price | 17,400(USD) |
| Model | 55-66 |
| Equipment Type | Specialty 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor, powered by a Fiat 8035.06 diesel engine, features a compact 3-cylinder design with a displacement of 2.7 L, making it suitable for efficient fuel consumption and reduced emissions. With a rated power output of 55 hp at 2500 RPM and a high compression ratio of 17:1, it delivers significant torque suitable for medium-duty agricultural tasks. Challenges may include limited power for larger implements and maintenance considerations for the liquid-cooling system, but its compact size allows for maneuverability in tight spaces.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor is powered by a Fiat 2.7L 3-cylinder diesel engine, offering efficiency and adequate torque for mid-range agricultural tasks. With a fuel tank capacity of 19.2 gallons (72.7 liters), it provides a good operational range, making it suitable for extended use in fieldwork. Pros include lower fuel consumption due to the diesel engine, while potential challenges may arise from parts availability and support, given the specific model's vintage.
| Description | Fiat 2.7L 3-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank | 19.2 gal/72.7 L |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Hesston 55-66 tractor features a 12-speed partially synchronized transmission, allowing for smoother shifting between gears, which enhances operational efficiency during varied field tasks. The inclusion of a mechanical shuttle provides quick directional changes, beneficial for loader work and tight maneuvering situations. Additionally, the 20-speed creeper gear enables precise speed control for tasks such as tilling or planting, making it ideal for delicate operations.
| Description | 12-speed partially synchronized/12-speed mechanical shuttle/20-speed creeper |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Hesston 55-66 tractor features a partially synchronized transmission with 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, allowing for efficient speed and direction changes. The synchronization of shifts in the four primary gears across three ranges (I-III) enhances operator control and minimizes wear on gear components during transitions. This design is advantageous for tasks requiring frequent adjustments to speed, such as tillage or material handling, but may pose challenges in terms of maintenance for the synchronization mechanism over time.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor features a mechanical shuttle transmission with 12 gears (4 in each of the 3 ranges: I-III), allowing for efficient speed and torque management during various agricultural tasks. The mechanical shuttle provides seamless direction changes, enhancing productivity in applications like loader work or tillage. However, operators may face a learning curve with the gear selection to optimize performance based on load conditions and terrain.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor features a creeper transmission with a total of 20 forward and 8 reverse gears, providing flexibility for various speed and torque requirements, particularly useful in tillage and precision work. The four gear ratios across three ranges allow for optimal performance in diverse field conditions, enabling efficient operation in both normal and low-speed applications. However, the complexity of the gearing system may pose challenges in user familiarity and maintenance, necessitating thorough operator training for effective use.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 features a robust chassis configuration with options for 2WD or 4WD, enhancing traction and stability in varied terrains, making it suitable for both agricultural and utility tasks. Its power steering enhances maneuverability, while the mechanical wet disc brakes provide reliable stopping performance under load, albeit with potential maintenance downsides due to hydraulic fluid exposure. The transmission options, particularly the 20-speed creeper, allow for precise speed control, making it ideal for tasks requiring high torque at low speeds, such as tilling or planting.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor offers both 2WD and 4WD configurations, catering to diverse agricultural needs. The 2WD variant, equipped with 6.50-16 front and 13.6-28 rear tires, provides better fuel efficiency on flat terrain, while the 4WD version, featuring 9.5-24 front and 16.9-28 rear tires, enhances traction and stability on uneven or slippery surfaces. However, the 4WD may yield increased operational costs and maintenance complexity, making it essential to assess the terrain and workload before selecting the appropriate drivetrain.
| 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 Hesston 55-66 tractor comes in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with substantial weight variations (4851 to 5402 pounds), affecting its stability and traction capabilities. The 2WD model has a longer wheelbase at 85.6 inches, which enhances straight-line stability, while the 4WD variant at 83.4 inches offers better maneuverability and traction in challenging terrains. Key considerations include tire size (6.50-16 front and 13.6-28 rear for 2WD), which impacts ground contact and overall performance, especially in farming scenarios involving diverse soil 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 |