Ford Backhoe identification

[Archie340]

Hello All,
I posted about this request before & had little info to offer.. Now that I have the tractor, I was able to find the info below. The id sticker under the engine cover/hood is pretty hard to read, but I believe it has the following:
model - J5011 / Unit #0?18B.
The 4cyl diesel #F0NN 6015-CB
I have some pics..
The seller says it is a mid 80's, model 550. Based on what I have found so far, it looks like a 750/755???
Your thoughts please....
THX

 

[Bern]

Based on what I see, I think you nailed it - 750-755 series. I don't have the code book in front of me, but I am 90% certain that's what it is. It could not be a 500 series, as those had 3-cylinder engines.

Sounds like the engine was replaced at one time though.

 

[John730D]

Remember, they also had the 5500, 5550, 6500, and the 7500 before the 650 and 750. Looks like a 5500/5550 to me. Anything bigger will have a turbo.

 

[Sean in PA]

John730D is correct. According to my documentation, the J50 model prefix is a 5550, which was made from 19770-1973, and was the replacement for the 5500 Industrial version of the 5000 series, which was made from 1966-1970.

J5011 is an incomplete model number though. J50 is the 5550 Industrial model designator.The first 1 indicates a diesel engine, and the second 1 indicates no PTO, but there should be an additional character at the end that should be a letter, which will tell you what kind of transmission it has.

Also, the Unit number starting with a 0 (zero) would indicate that it was made in 1970.

 

[CAROGATOR]

I have a 6500. It doe not and should not have a turbo on the 4 cyl. diesel. I got all the manuals that could be gotten for this unit except the shop manual.

 

[Archie340]

Thanks guys for the replies. I will see if I can make out the letter @ the end of the model #.. The seller was told that it was a 550 when he bought it, but I don't think he knew that much about what he had.
I did find some other numbers stamped on the frame, where the front bucket cylinders are attached. Right side "5N074A.. Left side C5NN 5N058L. Numbers I found on the right side of the trans, "C7NN 7006R" and the #9M22 under that...
The 4 cyl on mine does not have a turbo.
Are there any other things I should look for to help nail down this model??? Here are a couple more pics.

 

[Sean in PA]

According to the new Holland parts site, the 5550 was only available with a 6x6 auto reverser (torque converter) transmission, which I don't have listed in my documentation. So I would definitely be interested in finding out what the letter code is on your 5550. Thanks.

 

[Fordfarmer]

My sales literature shows the model numbers as
55521J for gas (special order) and 55511J for
diesel. No transmission options, which agrees with
what you found.

 

[Archie340]

I did my best to make out the last letter in the model number and it looks like a "T" or maybe a "J".
The seller said it is 3 speeds forward and 3 speeds reverse. I believe he is right, but I had a hard time shifting it and don't want to move it until I know what I got and can read up on how it should work.

 

[Archie340]

I did my best to identify the last digit and it looks like a "T" or maybe a "J".
The seller said it is a 3 speed forward & 3 speed reverse and that seems to be the case. But I had a hard time shifting it and want to know what I have, to read up on this machine so I know how it should work. I know it can use some maintenance and want ot do it before I use it.

 

[Sean in PA]

The main shifter should be 3 speeds, but it should have a second shifter next to the main shifter that's a little shorter that shifts between high and low, which gives you a total of 6 gears, and then a separate handle for the reverser.

 

[Archie340]

Hello All,
Thanks to all that replied!!!
I have spent some time searching all Ford backhoes that are/were for sale and had pics attached. Based on what I see, I believe I have a 5500 or 5550 model. I am still not sure of the year yet, but it was mentioned here to be a 70's model. Some of the pics of 80's models I saw, looked to be just like mine as far as shifter positions, backhoe levers, muffler position and fresh air entry in the hood. But so did some of the seventies that were for sale. Did Ford not change them much over those years????
Would appreciate further thoughts!!!
THX...AL

 

[Archie340]

Well stupid me, I should have reread all the posts before my last one!!!!!
You guys already pegged it as a 5550...I was thinking you guys had said it was a "550"...
Don't you just luv us newbies!!!!!!
Anyway THANKS AGAIN for all the shared knowledge.
I saw a repair and parts manual for 1965 thru 75 years on Ebay, so I will attempt to get those. That should get me close enough to get this Ole Girl lookin/runnin good again!!!