New Holland 555E New Owner Questions

[tacobeast]

I recently purchased a New Holland 555E and this is my first piece of heavy equipment. I had a couple questions about it and figured you guys might be able to help!

1. When driving around on a slope OR at decent speed on level ground, basically when the throttle position is moderate, it feels like the throttle goes slack, the RPMs drop and then a few seconds later it feels tight again and the RPMs rise. When off the throttle cable has very little slack and this only seems to happen in high load situations. When not driving and just digging this does not happen.

2. How do I get into the hydraulic oil reservoir so it can be filled when needed? It says vandalism proof on the cap (see attached image) .

3. What tire pressure should be in the front/rear tires?

4. I bought the service manual online but I also need the operator's manual, correct?

Thank you for your help!

 

[TractorTech]

1. It sounds like a fuel restriction. If mechanical lift pump, take cover off and inspect/clean screen. May be other restriction.
2. The hydraulic cap has a special flat, thin wrench that opens the cap under the cap vent.

 

[joecdeere]

SPECIAL WRENCH NEW HOLLAND PART#85802580 $30.02

parts page - (see item #14)
http://www.messicks.com/nh/50284?sectionId=24902&diagramId=50284_579600

 

[opnwide]

I just bought a 555e as well. My tractor didn't come with the wrench either, but my cap just kindof sits there on the Hyd fl tank. This tractor has been a big learning curve for me, but I'm slowly correcting all the crap that the PO did to this machine (like fix the fuel filter/pump and undo the shadetree bypass pump).

 

[EddieWalker]

I've had my 555E for over a dozen years now and what you are describing with the loss of power sounds like a fuel issue. The fuel tank has rust on the inside walls, that rust flakes off into the tank and then into the fuel line. Remove the line at the pump and blow air into it. Take off the glass bowl and clean out the filter inside of it. I also added a throwaway plastic inline gasoline filter to mine that now solves this problem. I just replace it a couple times a year and haven't had any problems in years.