Ford 550 digger

[marshfarmer]

Went to look at a550 today. Torque converter. The lever on the dash didn't seem to do anything although apparently the machine drove there. Is there a separate oil reservoir for this? If so where? Otherwise do the linkages snap? It was just a quick view with no tools so I couldn't begin to follow the lever etc. But it seemed totally non functioning. Any help gratefully received

 

[curly]

We have a Ford 550 digger 1986,we have had it for 20 years at least & no real problems.
Sometimes though the lever does need to be pushed, forwards or backwards, twice & with a bit of a jerk or force to get it to move due to slop in the linkage.
The gearbox dipstick & fill point is under an oval shaped plate on the cab floor between the brakes & the seat

 

[Kevtherev]

Ball joint under diesel tank pops off usually ?

 

[marshfarmer]

Thanks. Is the torque converter level checked through this plate then? Will investigate ball joint. Cheers

 

[Mur Huwcun]

If it’s not the lever moving freely due to the ball joint popped off does the 550 have a dump valve pedal? The switch on the pedal on my 655 stuck a couple of times leaveing it with no drive.

 

[Sharpy]

Not being cheeky, but was the gearstick in a gear? Pretty sure it has to be in neutral to start (assuming the safety switch hasn't been bypassed).

 

[marshfarmer]

Probably bypassed as there is just a switch to start it. Yes was in gear, you could push the lever right up to steering column so ball joint sounds plausible. What's the purpose of two hour clocks. There was a very big difference between the hours on them

 

[Lincsman]

Probably bypassed as there is just a switch to start it. Yes was in gear, you could push the lever right up to steering column so ball joint sounds plausible. What's the purpose of two hour clocks. There was a very big difference between the hours on them

Isnt one a speedo with miles?

 

[Sharpy]

Probably bypassed as there is just a switch to start it. Yes was in gear, you could push the lever right up to steering column so ball joint sounds plausible. What's the purpose of two hour clocks. There was a very big difference between the hours on them

I was referring to the 1 2 3 4 gearstick, not the shuttle lever. Also, as above, there is one rev couter/hr meter and one speedometer/ odometer.

 

[Mr Charisma]

I have a strimech quick hitch for the front loader if anyone needs one

 

[Lincsman]

If funds allow, a 655C is a far better machine.

 

[marshfarmer]

Came home with a hi lo gearbox one in the end. Low range is hard to select and will jump out. Is there any adjustment to be had anywhere?

 

[gloria1]

We have a Ford 550 digger 1986,we have had it for 20 years at least & no real problems.
Sometimes though the lever does need to be pushed, forwards or backwards, twice & with a bit of a jerk or force to get it to move due to slop in the linkage.
The gearbox dipstick & fill point is under an oval shaped plate on the cab floor between the brakes & the seat

Hi i have just bought a ford 550 digger ..Could you tell me how to side shift the backhoe from one side to the oher?,do you just push it or is there some locking mechanism to fix it in place,Thank you.

 

[76masseyman]

Hi i have just bought a ford 550 digger ..Could you tell me how to side shift the backhoe from one side to the oher?,do you just push it or is there some locking mechanism to fix it in place,Thank you.

My one is a couple of years newer than yours, but I think it’s very similar.
On the rear controls there is a T shaped lever in the middle. Pull it up to release the rear clamps ( only comes up about half an inch )
Then I put my rear bucket on the ground straight behind me and push down, then lift up. I find this helps release pressure on the clamps. Then swing the back actor to one side or the other. I tend to put the bucket in the ground and use the hydraulic rams to pull the carriage across. I have seen some use the arm to push the carriage across.

 

[Lincsman]

Grease the frame before moving it, then do the side it was on after its moved, makes it so much easier.

 

[gloria1]

Many thanks that all makes sense.

 

[fermec860]

If funds allow, a 655C is a far better machine.

Have some bolts that hold back end on if anybody interested

 

[Couch]

Hi.
My dad has a ford 550 digger. When he goes forward a little way the brake's just come on on the front! What do you think is causing?

 

[gloria1]

I don't think the 550 has any front brakes only on rear wheels,.if the front wheels are locking up more likely wheel bearings and hubs jamming

 

[76masseyman]

Hi.
My dad has a ford 550 digger. When he goes forward a little way the brake's just come on on the front! What do you think is causing?

Is it a 4 wheel drive machine and the front end been left in gear ?