Interesting, and well done. I am contemplating a nice 420 and adding a loader, hadn't considered the possible flummox with the dash shift compared to foot controls. Thank You the good information.
I have a 445 love it. My biggest complaint, as well with all newer John Deere Equipment. All the 'Plastic' being used. It's poor quality & very expensive to replace.
Hoped I could have found a 455, the diesel appealed to me, and would have been newer. Stumbled on a 1997 -445 - W/ 520 hrs. been really good worker. Added a CTC loader. Had to change the cam gear.(+125 hrs. In 2 years) Having issues with running rich and having choking and heavy dark exhaust which crept up sudden like. Parked it ASAP. Had gas in the oil, plugs fouled and dirty. Good clean filter but, pre filter dirty. Piston heads dark and dirty. Hoping new plugs 2x oil flush will do it. Cranked it still dark exhaust, only ran it for a minute or 2. Hopefully it’ll burn off the buildup??? Read this may have happened b/c of the dirty pre filter choking intake. Hopefully no internal damage has occurred. Any opinions appreciated