Ford 550 backhoe

mb58 · Oct 16, 2014

I have a chance to buy one of these that appears to be in good shape. If everything checks out I will get it. Do any of you have good/bad experiences with the 550?

Roy Suomi · Oct 16, 2014

They're an ok backhoe.. Just watch out for the swing chain on the backhoe.. [ same backhoe as 4500 ].. Last I knew , those chains were over $600.00 a half........ It takes 2...

Ecnerwal · Oct 16, 2014

My impression when I repaired mine was that it would not be stunningly difficult (and a whole lot cheaper) to fabricate swing chains if needed from stock industrial chain and steel plate (if you could not simply transfer the ends from the original chains.)

Long ago (before what is claimed now to be the "date I joined") I posted about repairing mine (753 hoe on a 4500) with a grade 8 bolt for a pin, and a hammer and anvil to peen the thing into place.

http://search.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ford&th=37434
http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=1027923

GAJIM · Oct 20, 2014

I bought a '76 Ford 550 about 5 years ago. Great machine! Parts readily available from Case NH dealers. Strong hard working machine. Mine has the manual 6 forward / 4 reverse transmission. Be careful if it has the torque converter transmission.

Ford 550 backhoe

mb58

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Roy Suomi

Well-known Member

Ecnerwal

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GAJIM

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