Ford 3550 Loader Tractor

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

I came across this tractor, but I incorrectly took down the stamped number that was on the left side. After doing some research, it apparently was the Transmission Production Code and it went like this: 2L02C or 2L026 (with the last number being difficult to read) and then the next line shows H70DD3 or H70D03. I'm not sure if that will help. I would need to go back to look for the serial number on the right side, but won't be able to do that until next week. I also took down the metal plate stamp on the Loader arm. Here are the photos:

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

It is a struggle to upload photos, so any advise on this would be greatly appreciated. Anyway, can someone tell me what kind of loader it is? Is it the Ford 735 as it should be according to Tractordata.com: http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/7/176-ford-3550.html I was told it was a diesel tractor, not gas tractor.

My next question, can the loader be taken off and placed on my Ford 3600 Narrow Orchard Diesel tractor?

801 Powermaster · Apr 18, 2019

It looks like the 735 loader I am putting on my 1978 3600. If it is. there is a lot of parts to swap. So far I have swapped the Power steering column, cast iron oil pan and heavy duty solid front axle and getting ready to paint the tractor and front grill shell that also needed swapped along with vertical exhaust. If you don't get the whole tractor for doing the swap I would pass on the loader. I am taking two and making one.

Ultradog MN · Apr 18, 2019

I can't ID the loader but do know that
it would be pretty tough to install it
on a 3600 without a lot of torch and
welder work and then your front end
would be pretty flimsy for it.
If as 801 Powermaster suggests, you
bought the whole tractor and changed the
bolster, axle, steering and cast iron
pan - and they would be bolt on swaps,
you would essentially have a 3500 which
Ford did make.
The photo shows a 4400 I used to have.
The axle and bolster on a 3500 and 3550
were the same as this one though they
steered a little different.

Andy Wickiser · Apr 18, 2019

Yes, it'a 735-series loader (for each loader series there are
several variations, 19-639 is associated with the 735)

<a href="https://www.messicks.com/nh/55913">Messicks 19-639</a>

<a href="https://www.messicks.com/nh/4185019">Messicks 735
Series</a>

Sean in PA · Apr 18, 2019

2L02C found on the left side is the code for the date of assembly of the transmission. It decodes to November 2, 1972 during the afternoon (4:00 PM to midnight) shift. The tractor itself was probably assembled a few weeks later.

In addition to the same flat spot on the right side, also look on the under side of the right hand hood panel, above the battery, to see if the foil sticker is still there. That will have the model number, serial number and the date codes for the assembly of the tractor itself (Unit Number) plus the dates for the assembly of the engine, transmission, rear axle, as well as hydraulic pump and hydraulic lift, if it has a 3 point lift.

According to the parts site, 19-639 is a 735 series loader with self leveling, float and diverter valve. That knob on top of the control valve should be the diverter valve. It is a push/pull knob, and one position should divert the flow to the loader and the other position should divert to the backhoe. If the backhoe is no longer there you shouldn't ever need to touch that diverter valve if the loader is working.

Check Break · Apr 18, 2019

(quoted from post at 23:22:34 04/17/19)
My next question, can the loader be taken off and placed on my Ford 3600 Narrow Orchard Diesel tractor?

If what you have is what I've always called a "vineyard" model, then you'd have a narrow and unstable tractor. I wouldn't use it on anything but flat ground. Your finished product would have dry brakes and a very weak front end, unless as suggested, you swapped the front bolster, axle and steering onto your tractor. At that point, you'd have a very funny looking animal with a standard width front end and narrowed rear end.

Destroked 450 · Apr 18, 2019

I don't think the loaders subframe will fit on your narrowed tractors axle housing

wpmiller9887 · Apr 18, 2019

Thanks everyone......if I am to get that tractor, it would stay as is and won't be swapping anything to my 3600. The engine has been flooded and needs to be rebuilt - I was told that the damper did not close in the muffler and water entered the engine. If the engine is flooded, does the damage stays in that area, or does it spread to the other parts of the tractor? I may get the 3550 for $300 - but I have no idea how much (in parts only) it would cost me to get the engine rebuilt. May be too much of a hassle and I should move on to shop for something else.

Ford 3550 Loader Tractor

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