Ford 655C Digger.

[76masseyman]

May be going to look over one of the above, a 91 model. I know there'll be someone along to tell me that 'this is better than one of them etc', but this Ford will do exactly what is required of it.
I'm pretty sure that, like any machine, there will be something on it to be wary of.....
So, anyone had experience of the 655C, and what particular bits should I double check please ?

 

[nick...]

I had a 555 before my case 590sle that i started my other business with.the ford was a great machine but a bit under powered loading muck on a field but was 4600 based.the 655 will be four cylinder tough.used to get few a few pipes on the rear but a great machine.if its in good order get it bought.
Nick...

 

[76masseyman]

Cheers Nick

 

[Lincsman]

Had one for a few years, best digger made, a very much better cab than the 655, the later Italian (Hitachi) type were too much of a JCB copy incorporating all the bad bits like leg feet that slide sideways because they are hinged that way.

All the parts are available at your local NH dealer which is a big bonus over going to a JCB outlet.

No real issues to be aware of that I know of.

PS. the rear has the longest reach of any 180 ever made.

 

[Mur Huwcun]

Usual checks, front axle, prop etc. Should easily lift it self off the floor, will have the longest extender of any backhoe so check wear pads etc, the two top extender hoses are a b***h to replace!!! Check rear brake rods rubber boots (ford 5000 type) for leaks, fan belt is not an easy one to replace, gab glass is expensive if any is missing. 3cx rear buckets will fit. Radiator/oil coolers etc are quite compact at the front with the hyd tank there aswell so keep them clean.

Above front axle the main chassis connects with the axle bolster. Check that the two bolts are correctly fitted with the square spacer washers and that they're tight!! Seen them strip the threads.

Handy machine though with a diff lock, getting on now but easy to repair/maintain. Lots of Ford tractor bits fit so running gear is cheap to keep going

 

[multi power]

@Kevtherev

 

[Mur Huwcun]

Oh, yes they use ORFS (o ring face seal) hydraulic connectors which everyone does not stock and they're not the cheapest!!!

 

[Grouse]

As above - very good machines - ours was virtually indestructible - the only failure was the king post casting on the backactor - but the insurance paid for a replacement ! If she is at decent money buy it - I would take one any day over a JCB or MF / Fermec of the same era

 

[Rs chunk]

Usual checks, front axle, prop etc. Should easily lift it self off the floor, will have the longest extender of any backhoe so check wear pads etc, the two top extender hoses are a b***h to replace!!! Check rear brake rods rubber boots (ford 5000 type) for leaks, fan belt is not an easy one to replace, gab glass is expensive if any is missing. 3cx rear buckets will fit. Radiator/oil coolers etc are quite compact at the front with the hyd tank there aswell so keep them clean.

Above front axle the main chassis connects with the axle bolster. Check that the two bolts are correctly fitted with the square spacer washers and that they're tight!! Seen them strip the threads.

Handy machine though with a diff lock, getting on now but easy to repair/maintain. Lots of Ford tractor bits fit so running gear is cheap to keep going

If the 3cx buckets fit that should mean they will fit my nh95? I have a 2ft rear bucket that came with our 655 we had years ago

 

[Mur Huwcun]

If the 3cx buckets fit that should mean they will fit my nh95? I have a 2ft rear bucket that came with our 655 we had years ago

Yes they will if you don't have a quick hitch!! Both 45mm pins and same width but pin centres is different so wont work with a Q/H. Hitachi 45mm buckets and Fermec also fit!! The old 550 and 555 with fit if you can bore the pin holes out!!

 

[colhonk]

Make sure it is the Special, to get the extender back hoe, as they also came with the normal back actor and 2 wheel drive and normal front bucket. check the steering ram ball joints on the front axle. As said, best 180 ever. (apart from the too small front tyres).

 

[Kevtherev]

Good diggers.
Check front axle and prop shaft for wear.
Be careful of the main slew pins as the lock pin can come out allowing the pin to drop out.overall a good digger.
555 had exactly the same backhoe.

 

[Kevtherev]

Yes they will if you don't have a quick hitch!! Both 45mm pins and same width but pin centres is different so wont work with a Q/H. Hitachi 45mm buckets and Fermec also fit!! The old 550 and 555 with fit if you can bore the pin holes out!!

555 had bigger pins than a 550

 

[76masseyman]

Right, been and had a preliminary look, but need to go in full daylight (preferably not p!!ssing down either) with overalls on to give it a better look. It is a 655C Special.
The owner says that when its in 4wd and in full lock, the U joints at the end of the half shafts 'click' a bit !
Not that I'll need it in 4wd much, but just wondering if that could be expensive, or normal wear to expect on an 8,000hr machine.
The lever for the front bucket has a lot of play in it, but maybe this can be shimmed up ?
And finally, I couldn't find any grease nipples where the front loader arms join the bucket. Every other joint has, and are well greased, but can't even find a hole to say they were broken off.
Maybe just minor details......or not ?
Thank you to all of you so far, as I'm totally unfamiliar with these diggers.

 

[Kevtherev]

Should be nipples on the top of loader arms in a little recess.
Joints on front axle can be dear but I'd advise you do them.
Also check front pump drive from crankshaft.the front bucket levers do go sloppy plastic bushes I think?
Also check the propshaft collars for wear.

 

[Kevtherev]

There's a 555 still here semi retired one of many fords we've had

 

[Nearly]

I'm hoping to have a bid at one locally.

 

[76masseyman]

View attachment 277808
There's a 555 still here semi retired one of many fords we've had

Tidy looking machine that, credit to you.

 

[Kevtherev]

Tidy looking machine that, credit to you.

Top of piston come off about 7 years ago so I rebuilt it. Rebored out and liners fitted.
She still goes well

 

[Mur Huwcun]

555 had bigger pins than a 550

Were they imperial and later ones metric then? The front boom was as I had to widen the front quick hitch when we went from the 655C to a NH and pins were 40mm instead of inch and a half!!!