Ford 5550 Needs Help

[KYnovice]

We bought a well-worn Ford 5550 backhoe/loader. I was tightening up a nut on "some thing" (it has a belt and is located next to radiator) when sparks flew. What is this "some thing" and what, if anything, did I fry?
The back, right side brake has a fast flowing leak. It seems the rubber "boot" is not sealing around the adjustable screw. I have no idea how to find the part or repair either of these.
We could use any info and/or parts list to help bring this baby back to health. Please help!

 

[MikeD74T]

Best advice I can offer is lock your toolbox until you get shop manuals !!! Owners manuals offer some help re adjustments etc, best is parts & service/shop manuals. Parts manual usually has exploded views with part names & numbers. Shop/service manuals have detailed instructions. I find the IT (brand) manuals inexpensive but vague. $150 for a real manual set may scare you but can save you hundreds. Look in Yesterday's Tractor, EBAY, etc. MikeD74T

 

[KubotaSam]

The thing with a belt near the radiator is the alternator. It makes the electricity to recharge the battery. The nut that sparked is probably connecting the output wire. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.(Or both batteries if your tractor has two) Then tighten the nut on the alternator. You probably did not do any damage when it sparked. Now reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
As far as the brakes are concerned I can not help with that as I do not know enough about your exact tractor. A good service manual would be a big help.