Farmtrac 555DTC w/loader

Tim D · Dec 9, 2006

Seriously considering the purchace of a Farmtrac 555DTC w/loader. Nearest dealer is 50 miles and the next is 95 miles. I am wanting this tractor for loader work, clipping pasture, and running a square baler. I was originally considering a Farmtrac 665 wloader but dealer said this tractor would do as much with less H.P. but having the 4WD. My question is this, are these tractors reliable and will they last for many years with good maintenance? I am mainly wanting to hear from owners who have several hours put on these machines. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

shvl73 · Dec 9, 2006

That looks like one of the Escorts made units. I believe they made some of the Ford tractors for years.

sbrace · Dec 9, 2006

I have the 555 (2WD) and Im pleased with it. The 555 appears to be the same tractor as the Ford 3910.

Jerseyguy · Dec 9, 2006

I purchased my Farmtrac 555 - 2WD June '05 and have about 24 hrs on it used mainly for field mowing with a Enrossi sickle bar and Woods 84" rotary mowers. My dealer is about 45 miles from me. He sold me on the Farmtrac due to the tractor being identical to the Fords manufactured during the 1980's. The only options I purchased was a block heater and one rear remote for use with the hydraulic lift for the sickle bar mower. I am very satisfied. There have been two warranty repairs - a leaking hydraulic pump suction "O" ring at the reservoir (field repaired) and a bad water pump shaft seal (dealer site repair). I did not have the rear tires filled - would do that if I ever get a loader for it.

KrumpsBrother · Dec 10, 2006

I own a Farmtrac and have been very pleased with it.

The 665 gets you a flat operator platforrm with better ergonomics. Plus the 12x12 synchro tranny w/shuttle shift will make loader work easier. For mostly shredding and pulling a small square baler the 555dtc would be a fine choice. I'd prefer the 665 for the added weight, hp and features.

What's the price difference between the two?

I made the mistake of buying to small a tractor (49 hp Montana) and ended up trading in after a year to a Farmtrac 675 DTC.

KB

Tim D · Dec 10, 2006

The prices I were quoted are $21800 for665 w/loader, $26000 for 665DTC w/loader and $20650 for 555DTC w/loader and a fiberglass canopy top.

bluechip · Dec 11, 2006

Tim,
sent you a PM

KrumpsBrother · Dec 11, 2006

Tim D said:
The prices I were quoted are $21800 for665 w/loader, $26000 for 665DTC w/loader and $20650 for 555DTC w/loader and a fiberglass canopy top.

20650$ sounds like a good price for the 555dtc. I was qouted $25650 for the 665dtc in Oct. Went with a 675dtc w/loader for 29K.

It has the UK Perkins engine which is also used on Massey Fergusen and Kioti's. At 258 cu inches it has lots of power and should last a long long time. The electrical system is solid state and simple with one small fuse box. The 12 x12 tranny and front axle are Italian designed Indian built by Carroni(sp). I believe the tranny is shared with the larger Mahindra's. It's very smooth and shifts easily as well as the shuttle. The hydraulic system runs the loader a bit slow, but ok with 1800 rpms. Plastic parts are kept to a minimum thruout the tractor.

Only issue I've had was a blown o-ring at the hydraulic pump. Mechanic fixed it at the farm. The o-ring was pinched.

Have you looked at the 675's? What's your acreage and terrain? What size rotary cutter do you plan on using?

KB

Tim D · Dec 13, 2006

Acreage is 30 owned and 45 rented and all is flat to steep. Mainly wanted the FWD for manure, snow removal and pushing brush piles. Going to use 6foot cutter.

KrumpsBrother · Dec 14, 2006

Tim D said:
Acreage is 30 owned and 45 rented and all is flat to steep. Mainly wanted the FWD for manure, snow removal and pushing brush piles. Going to use 6foot cutter.

555dtc sounds like the ticket, but the shuttle shift of the 6 series would be much nicer for the foreward/reverse changes. Keep us posted.

KB