Ford 550

[thahn1608]

I have almost $12,000 invested in mine including purchase price. It is a brand new machine though - complete with rebuilt engine. I would sell it if the right offer came along, but I have no intentions of selling it. $7500 for a great working machine would be a deal, but if it has a lot of slop in the pins then you might be looking at something that hasn't been greased much. The side to side motion will be a little slow on the stopping because of the relief valve so don't worry about that - it's built that way. Be sure to check the hoe for welded cracks or patch repairs if is that sloppy. It might have stress cracks that aren't apparent at first blush. Check the cutting edge of the bucket as well. If it isn't straight then it will have to be replaced to get that level even cut for fine excavation - about $400 repair at the shop. The bucket will tell you details of how the machine was used. If it has a lot of dents from rocks then it has had a hard life probably digging and banging against bedrock. If it looks relatively smooth then it might have had an easier life. Feel free to ask any questions or concerns you have.

 

[Diamondcutter]

I just bought a 550. I read all of the above post. My tractor does leak a lot of oil from the belly. Is there any possibility of helping slow down the leaking with some sore of transmission sealer? I can't afford 40 hours of shop time to puput in a new seal. It drains my transmission in about 3 or 4 hours of work. Any suggestons?

 

[TractorTech]

Not much way around it, but to reseal. However, 40 hours is excessive. 20-25 hours more reasonable. What will cost you is once apart, the proper repair is to reseal the forward/reverse clutch packs, seals and sealing rings. What you may end up addressing is excessive wear on the clutch discs and/or other worn parts that should be replaced. The transmission pump where the seal is leaking may need to be replaced as well. The condition of the pump can be determined with a pressure test before it is split.
Just a few things to consider, but you could just split the tractor install the seal and go.

 

[Diamondcutter]

I poured in some Barr's transmission stop leak and it seems to be helping. Didn't completely stop but it definately slowed down. Might that stuff cause things to get worse down the road?

 

[Chrisofman]

Hey Guys! I just picked up a 1978 550. typical leaks all over but not severe. I will address them one by one and get her right. Right now my biggest issue is I have no working block heater and its 15f outside.... If it snows I wanna use it but wont start. Do you guys recomend trying to replace the block heater or install a kat inline on the lower radiator hose. Reading reviews on this thing they are both positive and negative. I looked into the dipstick kind but they had 80% negative reviews. Where is a good website to go to for parts for this machine?

thanks

 

[TractorTech]

The block heater is the way to go. New Holland still makes one for that and there are after market block heaters as well.
Messicks is a good sight and dealer as it has availability and price. Make sure put the model number in the Ag. section for the 550.
86578375 Block Heater from Messicks $85.59 in stock.

 

[Chrisofman]

Tractor Tech, I have been told that the correct heating element for the 550 is 86590140 not 86578375. I have a 1978 550.... which one is right.

Thahn,
Hows your machine doing today? any new issues to speak of? I actually have fluid coming from the sight whole plate but at this point have intention of ever splitting the case unless it really really bad. I mean I drove the machine home took me an hour. Parked it in the driveway and I have maybe a tablespoon of fliud on the ground from the sight plate.

 

[TractorTech]

Chrisofman, 86590140 is a single element while 86578375 is a dual element. I didn't see that one right off. Either way, a heater for a Ford Basildon series engine (like yours) from 1975 to 1999 and a few later New Holland units with the same engine will work.
I did see the 86590140 on ebay for a Ford 2600-3600 with a current bid of $6.00 with 11 hours to go and $4.00 shipping. It will work as it is also 1.5".

 

[Chrisofman]

I just ordered on from Messick's oh well. I check ebay and did not find the one you were talking about.

 

[Chrisofman]

Anyone have the original owners manual for this machine?