The 555E was a good backhoe, as evidenced by the fact that the new B95B is essentially the same machine with the exception of inevitable evolutionary changes and a curved backhoe boom. The problems I've seen with E-Series are relatively minor, mostly leaking cylinders, occasional brake master cylinders and an unfriendly engine side panel design that was good for our parts business but bad for the end user. Power-wise the 555E was fair. Good digging and lifting power but lacking the pushing ability found in the 575E, which was turbocharged, They were Ford New Holland's first entry to use a modular design that employed a strong frame that housed the engine, transmission and rear axle which were joined with u-joints as opposed to the "buckle up" style used on prior units. This allows for easier removal of transmission, rear axle and brake work. You didn't mention the machine's configuation (ie: cab, 4WD, Extendible dipper, etc.) but chances are it won't bring the $14K it was offered for unless it is exceptionally clean, as the TLB market has been somewhat soft of late.
