Ford 555D backhoe, good or bad??

[Equipmentoperator]

Looking at a 555d. Is this a good backhoe or should I stay away? What should I look for when looking at a used one?
 

[Mike M]

I had a 555B or C ? can't remember for sure now ? They make a good hoe as long as you get one not worn out just like anything else. They are rated to lift alot of weight on the loaders.
Many of the parts I needed I could get off the shelf of the local New Holland tractor dealer. Some special stuff they could even order.
 

[Craig2]

Only thing I didn"t like about the 555 I ran was it set kind of high and when you ran over a descent size dirt clod or rock it felt like you were gonna turn over. Case and John Deere seemed to have a lower center of gravity. Just my 2 cents.
 

[jkies]

I've had a 555 for years and it was high hour when I got it. Very little trouble with it. Sometimes wish it had 4wd & extendable hoe. One of the best things I ever bought.
 

[JF in CT]

I own an old 4500 Ind. I had the opportunity to operate a 555, with all the bells and whistles, belonging to my contractor (out in sandy MI soil compared to rocky CT). I loved everything about it but I don't think it was as good a digger as my 4500. I think they tone down the hydraulic power so as not to crack the booms. My 4500 was full of cracks and patches.

Jim
 

[RBnSC]

Never had a 555. Had 5500,5550's,and a 755 loved all of them. Brother has a 655 and it is a sweet machine to run. Now I am part owner in a 710B JD and I hate it.
Ron
 

[Pops1532]

The 555 is a very good machine. I think the 555D was the last version before they started using electronics. The hydraulics are stronger than earlier similar size models (and even some of the older bigger models too).
Check all of the pins and bushings for wear; watch the exhaust for excessive smoke when you start it and under load; check the trans (cold and again when hot); check all hyd cylinders for leaks; check the hydraulic hoses for cracks; check the boom and dipper for cracks, Make sure all the hyd valves work as they should. Basically you need to put it through it's paces. Use the hoe to dig a hole. Use the loader. Push the loader into a pile to check the trans. Make sure there's no coolant in the oil.
A machine that old is going to have some issues. Just be wary if it appears it's been neglected.
 

[scotc]

The last of the B models were actually C models with different fenders. They moved production to a new plant and stuck the B on for the first few months. It can be a pain to get parts, especially when the dealer orders parts for an early B after being told a late B.

They have enough hydraulic capacity to lift a lot more than they should be lifting. And they are great in mud, having the taller narrower tires, and an extenda-a-hoe. You can balance them on the rear tires and walk right through stuff that would have a 580SM getting chained to the dozer. 4X4 front tires are a bit of an oddball size, but with that tall sidewall you won't blow beads over the side of the rims, or bend rims, like you will with the Case machines.

They are fairly simple machines, but tearing them apart is not fun. They start with this piece, add this one, then this one, then this one, and to get to anything, you have to tear it ALL back off.

If the transmissions slips chances are it's a couple o-rings. But to get to them, you need to pull the loader, front bolster and axle, and motor, to get to them.
 

[Pops1532]