Ford 555 Hydraulic Fluid Dump

[knightgang]

I recently got a Ford 555 Backhoe. I do not know a lot about these machines, however I am mechanically inclined and I learn quickly.

While Operating the backhoe digging stumps, I all of a sudden lost all hydraulics. While investigating, it became obvious quickly that something major came loose as there was evidence of a hydraulic fluid burst on the front of the engine (both sides) and it was fatally bleeding hydraulic fluid from under the front of the machine.

I did not take time to investigate much, but I can say that from the setup, it appears that something under the reservoir let go.

What is the best access to the area of the machine where the fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump are located?

Also, is it common to have a pump fail on these machines, or would the likely issue be a line that either burst or came loose?

One other thing, the fluid drained from under the machine looked as though it had water in it, it was milky like engine oil that had a head gasket blow. I am not sure where the water may have come from, but what is the best way to flush the system and it is likely that having water in the system may have caused my failure?

Thanks

 

[davesl708]

Hi. welcome.

I am not familiar with your particular machine but look at the filter and hoses.
As to water in the tank, could be condensation built up over time. Depending on how much fluid you are changing I would flush the system with cheap fluid before putting the rated oil back in. Change filters too.

After looking at the specs on that machine I would blow the lines out with air to get the water out. Twenty-one gallons of fluid would be a little pricey for a flush.