Get better quality-of-cut while using less fuel. The 3955 Pull-Type Forage Harvesters deliver more tons of crop per hour while using less fuel.

forage harvester

Features

  • Built-in knife sharpener
  • Cantilever cross-drive auger
  • Electric down-stop control
  • Electrohydraulic controls for easy control

 

Key Features

intelliguard metal detector

IntelliGuard Metal Detector

The available IntelliGuard metal detector protects the cutterhead and livestock from ingestion of iron-based metal objects.

When stray metal is detected, a sensor in the lower feedroll sends a signal to a solenoid, which causes a pair of locking pawls to stop the feedrolls.

The sensor then alerts the operator to the metal location in the feedrolls by LED lights on the monitor.

A red light and alarm on the control (shown) alert the operator when metal has been detected.

Diagnostics and calibrations

The self-diagnostic system allows the operator to test the metal detector to ensure it is operating correctly.

IntelliGuard can be calibrated and adjusted for maximum sensitivity under various crop, field, and machine conditions.

If feedroll damage occurs, IntelliGuard can be recalibrated to account for the damage and still maintain the ability to sense ferrous metal.


enclosed drum design cutterhead

Enclosed-drum design cutterhead

The cutterhead is equipped with 48 individual knives on the 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester (PTFH) and 36 individual knives on the 3955 PTFH.

The segmented-knife design allows material to move away from the cutterhead more efficiently. The produces a high-quality cut (even through heavy mats) while using less horsepower.

The slotted mounting holes allow the knife to retract if rocks or other obstructions are encountered.

To replace the damaged knife, simply loosen the mounting bolts:

  • No need to replace additional knives to balance the drum
  • Saves time and minimizes repair costs

 

 

Feedrolls, Dura-Drum™ cutterhead, IntelliGuard™

Cantilever cross-drive auger

Designed to handle longer length of cut and grassy crops, the cantilever auger is standard equipment.

The cantilever auger is designed for better crop flow into the blower chamber, as the auger is only mounted on the right side.

With more dairies using longer lengths of cut or removing knives, the cantilever auger delivers crop to the blower without wrapping around the auger.


enclosed drum design cutterhead

Enclosed-drum design cutterhead

The cutterhead is equipped with 48 individual knives on the 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester (PTFH) and 36 individual knives on the 3955 PTFH.

The segmented-knife design allows material to move away from the cutterhead more efficiently. The produces a high-quality cut (even through heavy mats) while using less horsepower.

The slotted mounting holes allow the knife to retract if rocks or other obstructions are encountered.

To replace the damaged knife, simply loosen the mounting bolts:

  • No need to replace additional knives to balance the drum
  • Saves time and minimizes repair costs

upper feedroll drive
Upper feedroll drive

Full-width, fluted feedrolls control the mat of material delivered to the cutterhead.

Upper feedrolls, together with the leveling shaft, pivot in a radial arc around the outside of the cutterhead.

This forms a firm, dense mat close to the cutterhead, providing constant control and a consistently fine cut.

The feedroll indicator is included as standard equipment to allow the operator to monitor mat control from the tractor.Factory-installed feedroll drive protection is standard equipment.

 

Upper 

Lower 

Without metal detector Shear bolt—standard
Slip clutch with alert—optional
Slip clutch—standard
Direct drive—optional
With metal detector Slip clutch with alert Slip clutch

 

Shear-bolt drive self-aligns when feedrolls are reversed for easy installation of new shear bolt.

Slip-clutch alert sounds audible alarm in the cab if approaching overload capacity.

Enables operator to downshift for maximum productivity. 

intelliguard metal detector

IntelliGuard Metal Detector

The available IntelliGuard metal detector protects the cutterhead and livestock from ingestion of iron-based metal objects.

When stray metal is detected, a sensor in the lower feedroll sends a signal to a solenoid, which causes a pair of locking pawls to stop the feedrolls.

The sensor then alerts the operator to the metal location in the feedrolls by LED lights on the monitor.

A red light and alarm on the control (shown) alert the operator when metal has been detected.

Diagnostics and calibrations

The self-diagnostic system allows the operator to test the metal detector to ensure it is operating correctly.

IntelliGuard can be calibrated and adjusted for maximum sensitivity under various crop, field, and machine conditions.

If feedroll damage occurs, IntelliGuard can be recalibrated to account for the damage and still maintain the ability to sense ferrous metal.


knife adjustment

Stationary knife adjustment

Proper stationary knife adjustment must be maintained for maximum productivity, reduced fuel consumption, and extended knife life.

All it takes to adjust the stationary knife is one wrench and about 5 minutes.

With the cutterhead running in reverse, turn the adjusting rod (no more than three turns per side) until a ticking noise is heard.

Then turn the rod counterclockwise until the ticking noise stops. Another half turn and it's set. No extra tools or feeler gauges are required.

The knife rides on a special bearing material to maintain precise adjustment every time.

knife sharpener

Built-in knife sharpener

A built-in knife sharpener keeps knives properly honed and beveled for a clean, high-quality cut.

Uses tractor PTO power for sharpening, so no external power or electricity is required.

There is no need to remove knives from the cutterhead when sharpening.

The strong mounting and large shaft ensure positive stone-to-knife contact for a precise, original factory bevel. Positive contact also means less stone wear and ensures a true cylinder shape after sharpening.

The stone rides on a linear bearing for easy stone movement.

fan drive

Two-speed fan drive

The fan is equipped with a two-speed drive, 1000 rpm or 722 rpm.

The 1000-rpm setting is for hard-to-blow crops, such as haylage.

The 722-rpm setting is for easy-to-blow crops, such as corn silage.The two-speed fan:

  • Provides enough blow to reach the rear of even large-capacity wagons and trucks
  • Takes less horsepower, which means added tractor power

Changing the fan speed is simple:

  • Just interchange the two fan sheaves.
  • No extra parts to add, store, or misplace.

 

 

Allied Equipment

96a windrow pickup attachment

96A windrow pickup attachment in the field

Pairing a John Deere 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester (PTFH) with the 9-1/2-ft pickup attachment can improve harvesting. The wider pickup allows faster dry down and more productivity.

Front-mounted, easily adjusted gauge wheels allow the maximum pickup width while minimizing the transport width.

The tine-bar assembly features five bars with center support for consistent crop flow to the auger. The standard wind guard provides reduced leaf loss.

tandem axle

3975 PTFH with tandem axle

header floatation system

Header flotation system

 

The 96A windrow pickup attachment (RC024052) is available from RCI Engineering LLC.

It is recommended a tandem axle bundle be installed on the 3975 PTFH due to the increased weight of the windrow pickup. The tandem axle bundle (RC0284) is available from RCI Engineering LLC.

The hay pickup float system (code 9003 or BE24139) is also recommended.

Product highlights

  • Effective pickup width is 9-1/2 ft
  • Tine-bar assembly features five tine bars and a center support
  • Gauge wheels are in front to minimize the transport width
  • Gauge wheels are easy to adjust for selecting the proper pickup height
  • Wider pickup allows faster dry down of windrowed crops

Additional information

The 96A windrow pickup attachment is not compatible with the 3975 PTFH equipped with the short tongue option.

rci tandem axle

RCI tandem axle shown with John Deere 3975 PTFH

Pairing a John Deere pull-type forage harvester with the tandem axle bundle can improve harvesting by providing greater flotation while allowing the harvester to more accurately follow the ground contour. In addition, the tandem axle bundle gives the operator better stability when harvesting on hills and minimizes ground compaction.

Two tandem axle bundles are available from RCI Engineering LLC with the following specifications:

The tine-bar assembly features five bars with center support for consistent crop flow to the auger. The standard wind guard provides reduced leaf loss.

  • Bundle RC0284 is supplied with two (2) 31.5-15 tires and wheels.
  • Bundle RC0285 is supplied with two (2) 11L-14 tires and wheels.

NOTE: Bundles without wheels and tires are available upon request.Additional information:

  • Compatible with John Deere heavy-duty wheel spacers
  • Requires one 6-in. wheel spacer on right side
  • Increases wheel spacing 8 in.
  • Not compatible with BE24234 deflector
  • Installation time is approximately 5 hours

 

Controls

down stop control lever

Electric down-stop control lever

Electric down-stop control allows the operator to preset the desired cutting height of row-crop heads, maintaining the desired stubble height across the field. Available now as base equipment, this feature can be used with any row-crop harvesting unit.

When used with BE24139, hay pickup float system for hay pickup, the down-stop control lever should be positioned fully forward to enable the float system to operate correctly.

control console

Control console

control valve

Four-function electrohydraulic control valve

 

The four-function electrohydraulic control valve is standard equipment to allow quick and easy control of the following functions:

  • Harvesting unit lift
  • Spout rotation
  • Spout cap positioning
  • Feedroll shifting

To operate, simply move the control switch and the electric solenoid is activated, opening the hydraulic port for a specific function. From there, hydraulic oil powers the desired function.

Hydraulic tongue positioning with a five-function electrohydraulic valve block is only available factory installed as option code 4010.

Option code 4010 is included in the following value packages:

  • 3955 Pull-Type Forage Harvester 0602 and 0607
  • 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester 0602, 0607, 0610, 0611, 0612, 0613, and 0614

The stroke length is 254 mm (10 in.) for the hydraulic tongue positioning cylinder, used for both the tractor selective control valve (SCV) and the factory-installed fifth-function electrohydraulic valve.

  

Attaching Units

row crop head

Row-crop head

The three-row row-crop harvesting unit features dual power corners.

The harvesting unit has a working width of 8 ft (2.4 m) and works well in 28-in. to 34-in. (71-cm to 86-cm) rows.

Long tongue and axle extensions are required for use on the 3955 Pull-Type Forage Harvester; the 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester requires a long tongue only, but axle extensions may be desired. For 3975 Pull-Type Forage Harvester with kernel processor, axle extensions are required.

Features of the three-row row-crop harvesting unit are as follows:

  • Exclusive rubber gathering belts enable more positive feeding
  • Gathering belts and oscillating knife drives are gearbox-driven for durability
  • Knives are equipped with long-life, tungsten carbide edges
  • Left- and right-hand power corners force leaning stalks into line when operating in down crops, thus reducing material loss
  • Low-profile gathering points provide an easier path for stalks going into the feedrolls
  • Upper crop deflector is adjustable to aid in collecting down or tangled crops

row crop head

Row-crop head

The two-row row-crop narrow harvesting unit features rubber gathering belts, gear driven for reliability, that are excellent for getting down or hard-to-get-at plants.

The narrow harvesting unit has a working width of 4.6 ft (1.4 m) and works well in 28-in. to 34-in. (71-cm to 86-cm) rows.

Features of the two-row row-crop narrow harvesting unit are as follows:

  • Exclusive rubber gathering belts enable more positive feeding
  • Gathering belts and oscillating knife drives are gearbox driven for durability
  • Knives are equipped with long-life, tungsten carbide edges
  • Power corner forces leaning stalks into line when operating in down crops, thus reducing material loss
  • Low-profile gathering points provide an easier path for stalks going into the feedrolls
  • Upper crop deflector is adjustable to aid in collecting down or tangled crops

row crop head

Row-crop head

The two-row row-crop wide harvesting unit enhances the ability to chop in uneven row spacing.

The wide harvesting unit has a working width of 6 ft (1.8 m) and works well in 36-in. to 40-in. (97-cm to 102-cm) rows.

Features of the wide harvesting unit are as follows:

  • Exclusive rubber gathering belts enable more positive feeding
  • Gathering belts and oscillating knife drives are gearbox driven for durability
  • Knives are equipped with long-life, tungsten carbide edges
  • Power corner forces leaning stalks into line when operating in down crops, thus reducing material loss
  • Low-profile gathering points provide an easier path for stalks going into feedrolls
  • Upper crop deflector is adjustable to aid in collecting down or tangled crops

windrow pickup

Windrow pickup

Features of the windrow pickup are as follows:

  • 7-ft effective pickup width
  • Open-end design enables cylinder and auger to sweep in windrows
  • Small-diameter pickup cylinder allows close, clean groundwork
  • 22-in. diameter auger positioned forward for positive feeding without a compressor device
  • Retractable fingers in the auger provide excellent feeding of material to the feedrolls
  • Auger floats for automatic adjustment to the size of the windrow
  • Choice permits matching the operating speed to the ground travel speed
  • Pneumatic adjustable gauge wheels

 

Hitch and Harvest Lift Cylinders

equal angle hitch

Equal-angle hitch and PTO PowerGard driveline

The equal-angle hitch helps to smooth out vibrations when making turns with the harvester operating. It reduces wear and tear on driveline components.

The PTO PowerGard driveline provides operator safety.

The equal-angle hitch and PTO PowerGard driveline are designed for Category 3 and 4 drawbars. If a Category 2 drawbar is used, a bushing is required. Order the bushing through Parts.

harvesting unit lift

Harvesting unit lift

A built-in single hydraulic cylinder lifts the harvesting unit. This eliminates the use of cables, which could break or wear.

The lift includes a lock for transporting.

  

Full Specifications

 

Manufacturer John Deere
Model 3955
Cutterhead  
Diameter  45.7 cm 
 18 in. 
Width  47.5 cm 
 18.7 in. 
Number of knives  36  
Knife type  Small, straight, helical pattern  
Knife size  16.3x8.5 cm 
 6.4x3.34 in. 
Speed  850 rpm 
Powertrain  
PTO speed  ---  
Horsepower rating  112 kW 
 150 hp 
Overload protection  ---  
Feedrolls and housing  
Housing width  45.7 cm 
 18 in. 
Feedroll rise  15.2 cm 
 6 in. 
Feedroll opening  697 cm<sup>2</sup> 
 108 sq in. 
Upper feedroll protection  Shearbolt  
 Slip clutch optional  
   Slip clutch  
 Direct drive optional  
Length of cut  6-13 mm 
 0.25-0.5 in. 
Kernel processor  
Roll width  ---  
Roll diameter  ---  
Roll gap  ---  
Upper roll speed  ---  
Lower roll speed  ---  
Blower fan  
Number of blades  4  
Diameter  81.3 cm 
 32 in. 
Speed  722 or 1,000 rpm 
Auger  
Diameter  27.9 cm 
 11 in. 
Speed  392 or 540 rpm 
Feedroll drive  
Gearcase  Enclosed  
Shift  Hydraulic, forward, reverse, neutral  
Controls  
Height  
Tire size  
Weight  

  

Product features are based on published information at the time of publication. Product features are subject to change without notice. Contact your local John Deere dealer for more information.