Newbie 550 ID confusion

I'm considering buying a 550, but would benefit from some additional information. The serial number is 88948-583 (specification # 45-0366) which, I think, dates it to 1960. Does the 583 indicate it is an industrial model? It is painted 'industrial yellow', but Oliver green is showing through where it's worn. It has a FEL powered by internal hydraulics. I've read that internal hydraulics might be slow for a FEL, but wonder if they were larger capacity on industrials? Also are the front spindles beefier on industrial models? Transmission is 6 forward, 2 reverse (i.e. no shuttle).

I'd also appreciate opinions on a fair price. I'm located near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sheet metal is good, it has 3ph and pto, rubber is in pretty rough shape on all 4 corners, 3,700 hrs showing. The FEL is an aftermarket Allied 300(?). No power steering. Starts and runs well with no smoke, no visible leaks.

Thanks in advance for you advice.

Hello, I also own a 1973 550 with an Allied 300 loader. Am located in NW Minnesota. Mine is also run off of the interal hydraulics. It seems to work fine. The bucket dump is fast and the main lift cylinders are a bit slower. I previously owner a 8N with a Dearborn loader which was run off of a front mount pump. Not much difference in speed between the two. My 550 does have power steering though. Much easier to turn the wheel. With the 8N I usually tried to do my turning while in motion so it was not so hard. Very difficult to turn the wheel when stopped with a load on the bucket.
I bought mine from a local dealer. Nice condition, new rubber all around, and a previous owner who could only praise the machine. Paid $5700 (maybe a bit high, but it is the one I wanted).
Have more Pics if you need them.

Thanks for the photo and info. Glad to hear that the internal hydraulics do an adequate job of powering the allied loader.

I would like to see any additional photos you have

paddledwh@hotmail.com

Thanks again.

greg_sheppard at apl dot com

Thanks for the info. It does have a fixed tread front axle. I look forward to anything you can find about the 583 final drive.

Thanks again.