🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

550/555 Tractor Backhoe Loader

Product Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Application:

Essential documentation for owners, operators, and technicians of Ford 550 and 555 series tractor backhoe loaders used in construction, agriculture, and landscaping.

Manual Value:

Provides the necessary information to maintain, diagnose, and repair these heavy-duty machines efficiently, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Manual Completeness:

A comprehensive resource covering all aspects of service and repair, making it invaluable for independent mechanics and owners performing their own maintenance.

Market Segment:

Competitive within the utility and compact backhoe loader market of its era, often compared to similar models from manufacturers like JCB, Case, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Drivetrain, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Chassis, Operator Station, Backhoe Attachment, Loader Attachment, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Procedures

Estimated Pages:

High (typically 500+ pages for comprehensive backhoe loader manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Specifics:

Detailed diagrams, specifications, disassembly/assembly procedures for engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication, cooling, and fuel systems.

Hydraulics:

Detailed coverage of the hydraulic pump, reservoir, filters, control valves for loader and backhoe, cylinders, hoses, and troubleshooting hydraulic system issues.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles, differentials, drive shafts, planetary gears, wheel bearings, and associated lubrication.

Steering:

Hydrostatic power steering system components, steering cylinder, tie rods, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Service brake system (typically wet disc or drum), parking brake, hydraulic brake actuation, and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, ignition system (if applicable for glow plugs), and wiring diagrams.

Operator Station:

Seat, controls, instrumentation, ROPS, operator comfort features, and their maintenance/repair.

Loader Attachment:

Hydraulic circuits, cylinders, linkages, bucket, quick attach systems, and associated repairs.

Backhoe Attachment:

Swing tower, boom, dipper (stick), bucket cylinders, slew systems, stabilizers, and related hydraulic/mechanical components.

General Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks, from routine servicing to major component overhauls.

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides to identify and resolve common operational issues and malfunctions.

Routine Maintenance:

Lubrication points, filter changes, fluid level checks, belt adjustments, tire pressure, cleaning procedures.

Engine Repair:

Engine tune-up, component replacement (e.g., fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, glow plugs), cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch adjustment/replacement (if applicable), gear selection mechanism repair, transmission fluid and filter service, powershift component troubleshooting.

Hydraulic System Repair:

Hydraulic pump testing and replacement, control valve troubleshooting and rebuilding, cylinder seal replacement, hose replacement, troubleshooting system pressure issues.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, testing of charging system, starting system, lighting, and component diagnosis using multimeters.

Front And Rear Axle Service:

Axle disassembly, bearing replacement, seal replacement, differential service.

Backhoe And Loader Rebuild:

Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of all backhoe and loader components, including cylinders, pins, bushings, and control linkages.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repairs or adjustments.

Depth:

Complete rebuild procedures, torque specifications, clearances, assembly sequences, and specialized tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital creation, optimized for clarity and searchability. Likely includes text-based search functionality.

Searchable:

Likely searchable text, allowing users to quickly find specific topics or keywords.

Printable:

Yes, designed for printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Diagram Clarity:

High-quality, clear diagrams and illustrations that are essential for understanding complex procedures and component locations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Model Variants:

Likely covers multiple Ford/New Holland diesel engine options commonly fitted to these models (e.g., Ford 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder naturally aspirated or turbocharged diesel engines).

Typical Horsepower Range:

Varies by specific engine and model year, generally in the 50-70 HP range for the tractor and engine powering the hydraulics.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical engine fasteners and components will be provided.

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Injection System:

Typically indirect injection (IDI) or direct injection (DI) rotary or inline fuel injection pumps.

Fuel Pump Type:

Likely Bosch VE, Simms, or CAV rotary injection pumps, or potentially inline pumps depending on the engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Likely Manual Shuttle Transmission (e.g., 8x8 or 16x16) or optional Powershift transmission.

Optional Transmission Type:

Powershift or hydrostatic transmission variants may be covered depending on the specific production run.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specialized hydraulic/transmission fluid specifications will be detailed.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Specific fluid capacities for the transmission and hydraulic reservoir will be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Varies significantly with backhoe configuration, but typically 6-8 meters with backhoe deployed.

Digging Depth:

Typically 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) for the backhoe attachment.

Loader Lift Height:

Approximately 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) at the pivot pin.

Operating Weight:

Typically in the range of 6,000-8,000 kg (13,000-17,500 lbs) depending on configuration and attachments.

Loader Lift Capacity:

Typically in the range of 1,000-1,500 kg (2,200-3,300 lbs) at the pivot pin.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Systems:

ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure), seat belts, hydraulic lockout systems for backhoe and loader, operator presence controls.

Safety Components:

Warning lights, safety decals, robust structural components, brake interlocks.

💡 Technology Features

Operator Station Features:

Basic operator station with mechanical controls for steering, transmission, loader, and backhoe functions. May include basic instrumentation for engine parameters.

Advanced Features:

Minimal to no advanced driver assistance systems typically found in modern vehicles. Focus is on core mechanical and hydraulic functionality.

Diagnostic Ports:

Basic diagnostic capabilities might be present, but primarily relies on mechanical checks and visual inspection; advanced electronic diagnostics are limited compared to modern machinery.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 250 or 500 operating hours, depending on operating conditions and oil type.

Hydraulic Fluid Change:

Generally every 1000-1500 operating hours, or annually.

Engine Oil Grade:

API CG-4 or CH-4 rated 15W-40 or 10W-30 diesel engine oil (specific recommendation in manual).

Hydraulic Fluid Type:

Ford/New Holland compatible hydraulic/transmission fluid (e.g., NH 134, ISO VG 46, or universal tractor transmission fluid - UTTO).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with heavy-duty additives, typically a 50/50 mix with water.

Gear Oil Grade:

Specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, SAE 85W-140) for differentials and final drives will be specified.

Common Wear Items:

Hydraulic hoses and fittings, bucket teeth and cutting edges, pins and bushings on backhoe/loader linkages, fuel injectors, alternator, starter motor.

Electrical Problems:

Wiring harness corrosion, faulty switches, alternator/starter issues are common in older heavy equipment.

Hydraulic Leaks:

Leaking hydraulic hoses, seals in cylinders, and worn control valve packings are common due to age and usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Tractor Legacy:

Ford has a long and reputable history in agricultural and industrial tractor manufacturing, with backhoe loaders being a significant product line.

Series Development:

The 550 and 555 series represent a development of Ford's compact and utility backhoe loader designs, evolving from earlier models with improved hydraulics, drivetrains, and operator comfort.

Design Philosophy:

Designed for durability, ease of maintenance, and versatility in various job site conditions.

Production Period:

These models were predominantly produced from the late 1980s through the 1990s, before the acquisition of Ford's tractor division by Fiat and subsequent formation of New Holland.