3550 questions

[dirtclod0]

Nephew got a used 2015 3550 (no cab) shuttle shift with backhoe attachment. Previous owner was moving and said the manuals were already moved so they would send them later. So I'm in the dark as to minor service and what is normal when it comes to operation. Hoping someone here has some answers.

I'll start with the steering. It's weak and slow...especially with any amount of weight on the loader.

I also noticed this tractor won't hold on a hill when it is in gear and the engine is shut off. Got to lock the brake. Is this normal on this model? With all the hills here in Ky., I've always felt better having both holding it back. I've used another model Mahindra with shuttle shift and don't remember it rolling while in gear.

Where is the serial number plate on the 3550?

I've got more questions, but in the interest of simplicity, I'll get to the others later.

I would appreciate your advice.

 

[jb1390]

Nephew got a used 2015 3550 (no cab) shuttle shift with backhoe attachment. Previous owner was moving and said the manuals were already moved so they would send them later. So I'm in the dark as to minor service and what is normal when it comes to operation. Hoping someone here has some answers.

I'll start with the steering. It's weak and slow...especially with any amount of weight on the loader.

I also noticed this tractor won't hold on a hill when it is in gear and the engine is shut off. Got to lock the brake. Is this normal on this model? With all the hills here in Ky., I've always felt better having both holding it back. I've used another model Mahindra with shuttle shift and don't remember it rolling while in gear.

Where is the serial number plate on the 3550?

I've got more questions, but in the interest of simplicity, I'll get to the others later.

I would appreciate your advice.

Steering - I've never noticed steering issues on my machine, unless it has a lot of weight on the loader. I run a large counterweight, or the backhoe when doing heavy loader work.

As far as diagnosing that - first step would be to lift the front of the machine up, and make sure that steering feels good with no load. If that is super smooth, then I'd start looking at hydraulics etc, and performing pressure checks. The steering has its own hydraulic pump, separate from the main hydraulic pump, though they use the same intake line from the transmission.

Won't hold on hill - Mine's a hydro, so not apples to apples (mine does require the brake). My old deere was shuttle shift, and I had to leave that one in park. Since the way it shifted was hydraulically applying either the forward/reverse clutch, when the engine was off (no hydraulic pressure), the clutch was disengaged. Hence, engine isn't connected to wheels, and wouldn't hold on a hill. I suspect that's what's going on here - though I'm not familiar with the shuttle shift design on this particular model.

 

[wwdiii]

My 3550 is HST drive. I can't comment on Shuttle. I will say this, I ordered a tractor service manual for mine. I has more info about Engine rebuilding than anything else and doesn't answer the normal questions I have. The manual that came with the FEL is pretty good. The regular owners manual for the tractor will have some info, but each attachment, FEL, bachhoe etc has its own manual. Best info for me is this site and YouTube.