Market Position:
Industrial and agricultural heavy equipment sector, providing essential support for the Ford 550 and 555 tractor backhoe loader series.
Competitive Analysis:
Essential for owners and service technicians to maintain and repair these robust machines, offering an alternative to dealership service or less detailed aftermarket guides.
Key Features:
In-depth coverage, detailed diagrams, step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, and technical specifications crucial for accurate servicing.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Hydraulics, Electrical System, Steering, Braking System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Operator Station, Backhoe Attachment, Loader Attachment, Chassis, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count:
Extensive (Specific number not provided, but implied to be comprehensive for workshop use)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service & Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition/starting (diesel variants), emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and PowerShift transmission overhaul, clutch systems, differential, axle assemblies, drive shafts, PTO operation (if applicable)
Hydraulic Systems:
Hydraulic pump diagnosis and repair, cylinder seal replacement, valve body servicing, control system operation, fluid specifications, troubleshooting hydraulic performance issues
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, instrument panel, safety switches, fault diagnosis
Operator Station:
Cab removal and installation, controls, seating, HVAC system (if equipped), safety features
Attachments:
Backhoe boom, dipper, bucket, swing systems; Loader lift arms, bucket cylinder, control valves, hydraulic connections for attachments
Maintenance Procedures:
Lubrication schedules, filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt adjustments, battery maintenance, greasing points
Repair Procedures:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of major components, component replacement, seal and gasket servicing, welding and fabrication guidelines (if applicable)
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic fault finding, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, error code interpretation (if applicable)
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive from routine maintenance to major overhauls, including detailed component specifications, tolerances, and repair procedures.
Engine Model Common:
Likely Ford-based diesel engines (e.g., 4-cylinder naturally aspirated or turbocharged diesel engines). Specific engine codes would be detailed within the manual.
Horsepower Range:
Typically in the 50-70 HP range, depending on specific engine variant and configuration.
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, but designed for substantial torque for excavation and loading tasks.
Injection System:
Likely indirect injection (IDI) or direct injection (DI) systems with rotary or inline injection pumps.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Type Specification:
Requires heavy-duty diesel engine oil, likely API CD or CE classification or equivalent, with specific viscosity grades (e.g., 15W-40) detailed in the manual.
Transmission Type Standard:
Likely a manual transmission with multiple gears (e.g., 8-speed or 12-speed) or a synchronized shuttle transmission for forward/reverse operation.
Transmission Type Optional:
Optional PowerShift or hydrostatic transmission might have been available on some configurations.
Transmission Features:
Heavy-duty design for construction and agricultural applications, synchronised gear changes (on manual), power shuttle (if equipped).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Hydraulic transmission fluid (HTF) or universal tractor transmission fluid (UTTF) with specific Ford specifications likely provided in the manual.
Overall Length:
Varies by configuration (loader/backhoe attached), but typically around 7-8 meters.
Overall Width:
Varies by tire size and configuration, typically around 1.8-2.3 meters.
Overall Height:
Varies by ROPS/cab height, typically around 2.5-2.8 meters.
Operating Weight:
Typically in the range of 6,000 - 8,000 kg (13,000 - 17,600 lbs), depending on attachments and configuration.
Safety Features:
ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) as standard, seatbelts, operator presence controls, safety interlocks on backhoe and loader functions.
Active Safety:
Hydraulic lockout for boom/dipper/swing functions, parking brake, brake interlock.
Passive Safety:
ROPS, seatbelts, operator guarding, stable chassis design.
Infotainment Features:
Basic operator station; typically no advanced infotainment systems. Focus is on operational controls and instrumentation.
Driver Assistance Features:
No modern driver-assistance systems. Mechanical and hydraulic controls are standard.
Connectivity Features:
N/A. Designed for functional operation, not connectivity.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 250-500 operating hours, or annually, with specific intervals outlined in the manual.
Hydraulic Fluid Change:
Typically every 1000-2000 operating hours, or as recommended based on fluid analysis.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; often tied to major service intervals or specific operating hours.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water) meeting heavy-duty diesel engine specifications.
Hydraulic Fluid Spec:
Ford-approved Universal Tractor Transmission Fluid (UTTF) or equivalent, with specific viscosity grades (e.g., ISO VG 46) detailed in the manual.
Common Wear Items:
Hydraulic hoses and fittings, cylinder seals, pivot bushings and pins (backhoe/loader), clutch plates (if manual), starter and alternator wear.
Potential Electrical Problems:
Wiring harness degradation, faulty switches, battery terminal corrosion.
Engine Related Issues:
Glow plug failure, injection pump issues, turbocharger wear (if applicable), cooling system leaks.
Brand Heritage:
Ford's long history in agricultural and construction equipment, building on a reputation for robust and reliable machinery.
Model Evolution:
Successors to earlier Ford tractor-loader-backhoe models, evolving with hydraulic technology and operator comfort improvements.
Production Period:
Likely produced in the late 1980s and 1990s, prior to Ford's exit from heavy equipment manufacturing or sale of the division to New Holland.
