455G vs. 555G

[1466IH]

Does anyone know if there are any differences between these two crawlers other than horsepower? Are the trans finals and u/c's the same? I have been looking at the two and want to buy one with the hoe attachment and it seems like there are quite a few more 455's with it than there are 555's. If the finals and such are heavy enough would it be safe to buy a 455 and do some i/p work to bring up the hp?

[jhubert]

I agree that it seems there are more 455G's than 555G's with the hoe, partly because I have one. I think around 25hp, about two tons, and longer undercarraige are about the only differences I know of. I believe all of the 5's are torque converter units and only the later years of 4's are that way. My machine is direct drive.

[1466IH]

Ok now is the direct drive any better or worse than the converter machines

[jhubert]

Couldnt tell you but it works good so far. Ive put almost 300 hours on it.