Purchased 1984 Ford 555A TLB

[EddieWalker]

Congratulations. I have a 555E, which is probably too far apart from yours to be of any help. One thing that I would suggest is making sure your fuel line is clear. The metal inside the tank rusts and the pick up location is close to the bottom of the tank in mine, and it picks up a lot of debris. There is a small screen inside the glass bowl of the fuel pump that fills up fairly quickly, so keeping that clean has to be done once or twice a year. I added a cheap plastic Fram inline gasoline fuel filter to my line between the tank and the fuel pump that has really helped. I replace it a few times a year and almost all of my issues have been resolved.

I foamed my front tires, and that's been one of my better moves. Once you start getting flats, it gets worse quickly. Foam and you'll never have to deal with another flat.

 

[sandman2234]

Friend of mine over in North LA bought one of those without the cab a several years ago. It wouldn't move on it's own power, something wrong in the tranny. So he tore it apart, and got lucky, fixed it for less than he ever figured on, and got a low hour hoe in great shape. He was going to go into the backhoe for hire business but when he figured out what it weighed and that his trailer wouldn't haul it, he changed his mind (didn't want to go CDL). The only thing the hoe does now is digs holes to bury garbage for the household, so it has an easy life.
David from jax

 

[ovrszd]

Congratulations. I have a 555E, which is probably too far apart from yours to be of any help. One thing that I would suggest is making sure your fuel line is clear. The metal inside the tank rusts and the pick up location is close to the bottom of the tank in mine, and it picks up a lot of debris. There is a small screen inside the glass bowl of the fuel pump that fills up fairly quickly, so keeping that clean has to be done once or twice a year. I added a cheap plastic Fram inline gasoline fuel filter to my line between the tank and the fuel pump that has really helped. I replace it a few times a year and almost all of my issues have been resolved.

I foamed my front tires, and that's been one of my better moves. Once you start getting flats, it gets worse quickly. Foam and you'll never have to deal with another flat.

Thanks for the tips Eddie. I replaced the fuel filter and noticed some rusty gunk. I'm guessing I need to add an additional filter as well.

This machine doesn't have any chassis weights on the front. It seems fairly balanced due to the weight of the 4n1. I found some factory weights at Worthington AG parts on a salvage machine but they are 500 miles from me. I haven't contacted them about cost.

My front tires are pretty dry rotted. I'm guessing they won't hold up long. Being in the timber a lot I also expect flats. If I replace these tires I think I'll try the foam route. Thanks for the idea.

 

[ovrszd]

Friend of mine over in North LA bought one of those without the cab a several years ago. It wouldn't move on it's own power, something wrong in the tranny. So he tore it apart, and got lucky, fixed it for less than he ever figured on, and got a low hour hoe in great shape. He was going to go into the backhoe for hire business but when he figured out what it weighed and that his trailer wouldn't haul it, he changed his mind (didn't want to go CDL). The only thing the hoe does now is digs holes to bury garbage for the household, so it has an easy life.
David from jax

I've put 5 hours on this machine. The powertrain seems solid. Sure hope so. I wouldn't be as lucky as your friend.

 

[mopardude318]

WOW. Very cool machine! Nice work! Nice BIG shop!

I need a shop, working in the dirt under a pepper tree like I've been doing really sucks!! LOL

 

[ovrszd]

WOW. Very cool machine! Nice work! Nice BIG shop!

I need a shop, working in the dirt under a pepper tree like I've been doing really sucks!! LOL

Thank you for the compliments.

I have given your Oliver project many, many bonus points for the conditions you are working in!!!!!!

 

[weathda]

Subscribed for your project pictures.

Congrats on the 555. I looked at a 445A last year and it sold the day after I looked at it. Wishing now I hadn't let it get away. I have about 5 projects where I could use a "farm" backhoe.

I found a Ford 655A locally here for $10k that looks like it's in good shape. Just trying to figure out a way to convince my wife that she needs it. lol

 

[ovrszd]

That last part is the hardest....

When things warm up I'll put it to work and will post results. Buying these old machines is a risk. Hoping this one works out.

 

[sixdogs]

Subscribed for your project pictures.

Congrats on the 555.

...

I found a Ford 655A locally here for $10k that looks like it's in good shape. Just trying to figure out a way to convince my wife that she needs it. lol

I have written a number of posts on just that. You have to show her how it will both earn and save money over the length of ownership and then likely be sold for equal or more than you paid for it. If you are a careful shopper and decent mechanic it's no problem. So, it will pay to own it and that argument will hold water. You are just saving for the future of the family and retirement and that's exactly what she's trying to do. You're both on the same page.

 

[Peter 315]

Subscribed for your project pictures.

Congrats on the 555. I looked at a 445A last year and it sold the day after I looked at it. Wishing now I hadn't let it get away. I have about 5 projects where I could use a "farm" backhoe.

I found a Ford 655A locally here for $10k that looks like it's in good shape. Just trying to figure out a way to convince my wife that she needs it. lol

Give her a shovel and see how fast you get a backhoe