Ford 550 backhoe transmission issue

94cummins12v

New User
Hey guys have a ford 550 backhoe that I've had for 4 years that haven't had any major issues with. Having transmission problems now, had the 4 speed shuttle shift power reversing transmission that doesn't want to move very well. Ran great untill it sat for 8 months doing various minor repairs to it. It will go into forwards and reverse but acts bearly moves. Found a clogged cooler at the radiator so I bypassed it and changed the fluid and filter ran great after that for a few days. Fires it up same issue moves forward and back but barely even if I pin it, changed the filter again and ran great. Sat for a few days same issue barely will move so I put 2 bottles of seafoam hydratrans tune and would run great again. Sat for about 2 months and it's doing it again, changed the filter with no improvement. Lift the machine up and tired spin both directions under power but barely moves the machine. Does anyone have any advice? Thinking maybe clogged pick up screen from sitting. Is there anyone here that knows these transmissions well?
 
The gear box is just a 4 speed with no reverse. forward/reverse is clutch packs one for each direction. Seals and plates wearout. Not hard to fix other than splitting unit. Torque converter has sprag clutch that goes bad witch means rebuild or rebuilt to fix. Has pump similar to automatic trans witch do wear out.
 
Yes I understand how they work however your response isn't helpful. Looking for knowledgeable advice as far as possible pinpoint to the issue. Already have narrowed down to possible pump or pickup screen. Looking for advice/diagnostics from someone who knows these transmissions
 
Buy,borrow or get a service manual for the machine- get a pressure gauge and check pump pressure and clutch engagement pressures and go from there. I have a reverser apart in a John Deere hoe right now. All work on basically the same principal. It worked perfectly in reverse,no forward. Seal ring on clutch drum was broken. As the other poster stated, they are not complicated,but they won't fix themselves.
 
I think this weekend I'll replace the fluid and check the pressure. I can only see 1 test port through that access plate on the bottom front. Does anyone offer a rebuild kit for these?
 

Sounds like the suction screen is partially plugged, not sure if there's a access plate on the bottom of the trans or not.
Have you check the oil to see if it's milky from water and needs changed.
 
First time I noticed this I changed the
fluid and filter and it performed great.
Sat for a couple weeks and would barely
move again. Changed the filter and ran
great again. Let it sit for a couple weeks
same deal would barely move. Added some
seafoam hydra trans tune and shifted great
again. Just fired it up the other day after
sitting for 2 months and it won't move now.
There is no access to the screen withought
pulling the trans or cutting an access from
below, which I'm tempted. But I want to
look at the screen with a bite scope 1st
 
Clean the suction screen,if the suction screen is blocked or restricted the pump will be starved of oil and may freeze up.
AJ
 
You are correct I looked up the manual I could see no cover,I had forgotten as it must be thirty years since I worked on one,I have the shop manual and the parts manual in digital form and you are welcome to a copy of each if you provide a link to a file hosting site that I can upload them to as they are too big to email,you can then download them and use them straight away,there is an old trick you can try when the pump is suspected to have lost its prime,overfill the compartment for a test and see what happens,if it drives drain the excess oil again straight away and hopefully ??.
AJ
 
I cant find a host site either,post your email and I will split the file and send it to you in 8 parts, you will be able to join it again,download a small split/join program called hjsplit from the net.
AJ
 
Right that worked so now I split the manual into two parts,you have to download both parts before you can join them.
AJ
Manual Pt1
 
Part two,then download the joining program HJsplit from the net free.when you have downloaded HJsplit click on it then join,click on input file and browse till you find part one of the manual, click on it and then join,that's it both parts will automatically join,anyone else that's wants a copy you are welcome to it.
AJ
Part2
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top