Ford 555 2.50 star(s) (4)

Ford 555 1978
Model Year: 1978

I bought this unit used. It had an aftermarket turbocharger added, I don't see how it could run without one. It is 2 wheel drive. Front steering assembly is weak point on this unit. It was in poor shape when I bought it but I have managed to keep things functional. Even with the turbo, unit is under-powered, but have found that using diesel additive helps a lot. After years of use, all pivot points are loose, and were that way when I bought it. All the cab instrumentation is nonfunctional. Lighting system still works. Transmission has a bad knock in first gear, but has been that way for years. Despite all this, the unit keeps on running. We use it for hauling firewood, digging trenches, snow removal, road maintenance, etc.

Pros: Keeps on running.
Cons: Not for designed for hard use.

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Ford TLB 555
Model Year: 1980

Purchased used in 2003. Unknown as to origin or prior history. I am a private homeowner and have used it solely for personal needs on my 6 acre property. Actual use has been minimal over the past 10 years. ROPS is a bit rusty but still about as solid as one could expect. Have replaced the seat and cabin rug and couple of tires. Last summer it showed water in the oil so tore down engine and found broken head gasket. Replaced gasket, reassembled engine but unable to readjust lifters (as recommended). Used it this year to dig 9'x15'/10' deep hole for septic tank to service a 3400 sq. ft. shop building erected last year. Now it seems that the oil in the pan is growing again. Oil does not look muddy or otherwise unusual. Water in radiator is staying level and no other fluids are depleting. Don't understand why oil is growing in volume or where extra fluid is coming from. Currently having problems with the shuttle movement as well (see new member post). Unable to stop leaks in fuel tank from tiny rust holes in bottom of tank and cannot locate a reasonably priced replacement tank. Tractor is simply old, I guess, and probably ready for junk heap.

Pros: Ease of operation. Shuttle system convenient when working properly.
Cons: Somewhat unreliable. Parts are hard to find.

1978 Ford 555 Backhoe
Model Year: 1978

We bought this used in 1996. The previous owner was a commercial contractor. From what I understand this model did not come from the factory with a turbocharger. It had one when we bought it, and I do not know how it could do anything without one. It is very underpowered for moving around, but the hydraulics have plenty of power to move dirt. Structurally, it has many weaknesses, and has had its share of welding on the loader bucket arms. The backhoe assembly mount bolts break off with any amount of backhoe work. However, despite all its problems, I have gotten a lot of work out of it, and it keeps on running.

Pros: Purchase price, durability.
Cons: Design flaws.

Ford 555 Backhoe
Model Year: 1978

Very underpowered, even though after market turbo is installed. Leaks a lot. No instrumentation works at this point. Service manual leaves out a lot. Held together at this point with baling wire and prayers. Backhoe mount bolts consistently loosen and break with any degree of backhoe work. Hard to identify good qualities on this machine except that it still runs, which counts for something!

Pros: It still runs!
Cons: Most everything about it