All 666 pages of this 1975-1982 Ford 550, 555 service manual pdf focus on one thing: getting your Tractor Backhoe Loader back to factory condition. Open the file to find high-quality hydraulic schematics, complete wiring diagrams, and extensive troubleshooting charts for the entire drivetrain. You also get hundreds of exploded views to guide your power reversing transmission rebuilds and planetary reduction gear overhauls. Verify your fuel injector nozzle opening pressure hits exactly 2850 psi (197 bars) and confirm the solenoid coil voltage drop sits at 0.5 volts. Your machine is down, so get the right numbers instead of relying on forum guesses. Download the bookmarked file, jump straight to any system by keyword, and bring the exact factory answers right to the shop floor.
What's Inside This Ford 550 & 555 Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foreword | 2 | - |
| Production Date Codes and Serial Numbers | 3-4 | Tractor Number, Model, Unit, Engine, Transmission, Rear Axle |
| Safety Precautions | 5-7 | Personal Considerations, Equipment Considerations, Hand Tools, Electricity, General Considerations, Operational Considerations |
| Service Techniques | 8-10 | Service Safety, Hoses and Tubes, Bearings, Pressure Testing |
| Engine System | 11-70 | Engines, Cooling System, Trouble Shooting, Specifications, Special Tools |
| Fuel Systems | 71-110 | Fuel Injection Pump, Carburetor, Injectors, Air Cleaner, Trouble Shooting, Specifications |
| Electrical System | 111-196 | Wiring, Lights and Controls, Battery, Starting Motor, Charging System, Ignition System, Specifications |
| Clutch | 197-212 | Clutch - Description and Operation, Clutch Linkage, Clutch Removal and Installation, Clutch Pressure Plate and Cover Overhaul, Clutch Pilot Bearing, Clutch Release Bearing |
| Manual Reversing Transmission | 213-236 | Manual Reversing Transmission - Description and Operation, Introduction to Overhauling the Transmission, Gearshift Cover Overhaul, Front End Overhaul, Rear End Overhaul |
| Power Reversing Transmission | 237-296 | Power Reversing Transmission - Description and Operation, Introduction to Overhauling the Transmission, Gearshift Cover Overhaul, Front End Overhaul, Rear End Overhaul |
| Rear Axle and Brakes | 297-328 | Rear Axle - Description and Operation, Rear Axle Shaft Assembly Overhaul, Planetary Reduction Gear Assembly and Axle Housing Overhaul, Rear Wheel Brake Assembly Overhaul |
| Steering and Front Axle | 329-390 | Steering - Description and Operation, Component Overhaul, Front Axle - Description and Operation, Toe-In Adjustment, Final Planetary Drive and Wheel Hub Bearings - Overhaul |
| Hydraulic System | 391-594 | General Introduction, Structural Members, Cylinders, Control Valves, Hydraulic Pump, Miscellaneous - Pump Driveshaft, Reservoir, Oil Cooler |
| Separating the Unit | 595-614 | Engine Removal and Installation, Transmission Removal and Installation, Rear Axle Removal and Installation, Specifications, Special Tools |
| Cab and Air Conditioning | 615-666 | Cab Removal and Installation, Cab Heating System - Description and Operation, Cab Heating System - Overhaul, Air Conditioning Sytem - Description and Operation |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Injection Nozzle Opening Pressure | 2850 psi (197 bar) | p. 109 |
| Solenoid Coil Voltage | 0.5 volts | p. 136 |
| Clutch Disc Diameter | 13 in. (330 mm) | p. 211 |
| Transmission Oil Temp for Stall Test | 160°F (70°C) | p. 287 |
| System Relief Valve End Cap Torque | 30 lb-ft (40 N·m) | p. 110 |
| Circuit Relief Valve Locknut Torque | 45 lb-ft (61 N·m) | p. 327 |
| Hydraulic Pump Capacity (Vickers) | 28.9 gpm @ 2200 rpm, 2500 psi | p. 591 |
| Hydraulic Pump Capacity (Webster) | 27.0 gpm @ 2200 rpm, 2500 psi | p. 591 |
Ford 550 & 555 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Ford 555 hydraulic system loses pressure during backhoe operation, bucket won't lift after warm-up
Test system relief valve pressure before tearing into the pump; factory spec is 2450-2600 psi (169-179 bar) per page 590, or 2500 psi on monoblock valves. Confirm main system pressure holds at 2200 ± 50 psi (151.67 ± 3.45 bar) as specified on page 591. If pressure drops only after warm-up, suspect worn pump gears or scored valve spools rather than a simple seal leak.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System Troubleshooting (General Loader/Backhoe) p. 590Engine hard to start in cold weather or stalls intermittently after running
Work through the engine troubleshooting procedures to rule out fuel delivery and glow plug faults before pulling injectors. Test injector nozzle opening pressure against the 2850 psi spec on page 109; a low reading means a worn nozzle. If cranking is slow, check solenoid coil voltage against the 0.5 volt spec on page 136 before condemning the starter.
Manual Section: Engine System TroubleshootingTransmission slips under load or won't engage gears when climbing a slope
Run the stall test described on page 287 with transmission oil at 160°F (70°C) before condemning the clutch packs. Check line pressure on page 286; it should read 95-115 psi (6.6-7.9 bar) at 800-1000 rpm and climb to 145-170 psi at 1500 rpm. Low pressure points to a worn charging pump or leaking clutch piston seals.
Manual Section: Power Reversing Transmission Troubleshooting p. 286Backhoe swing cylinder leaks oil around the piston rod during digging operations
Pull the swing cylinder and check the rod packing gland for scoring or extrusion. Torque the packing nuts to 200 lbs. ft. (271 Nm) per the hydraulic system specifications on page 592 during reassembly. If the rod itself is pitted or scored, replace it rather than reusing it against new seals.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System Troubleshooting (General Loader/Backhoe) p. 592Clutch pedal feels spongy or clutch slips even with pedal fully released
Measure clutch pedal free travel; spec is 1.6 in. (40.6 mm) per page 612. If travel is off, adjust the linkage drop rod before condemning the clutch. If slip continues with travel correct, pull the cover and inspect the 13 in. (330 mm) disc on page 211 for glazing, torquing cover bolts to 23-29 ft. lb. (31.18-39.32 Nm) on reassembly.
Manual Section: Clutch p. 612Frequently Asked Questions
How to reset the transmission on a Ford 555 backhoe?
To adjust the power reversing lever linkage, cycle the lever to forward, neutral, and reverse, checking for excessive free travel (more than 1/2" or 12.7 mm). If out of adjustment, loosen the connecting lever clamping bolt and adjust the vertical control rod length to 14.38" (365.3 mm) center to center of the end pivots. p. 256
What are the torque specs for the Ford 550 crankshaft bolt?
The torque specification for the crankshaft pulley-to-crankshaft bolt on a Ford 550 is 150-180 lb. ft. (203-244 Nm). p. 69
What torque specs are required for Ford 550 front timing gear bolts?
The torque specification for the camshaft drive gear-to-block on a Ford 550 is 100-105 lb. ft. (136-142 Nm). p. 69
How to reset Ford 555 hydraulic system pressure?
To reset the Ford 555 hydraulic system pressure, adjust the system relief valve by turning the adjusting cap counterclockwise to decrease or clockwise to increase the pressure, aiming for a relief pressure setting of 2500 psi (172 bar). p. 560
What format is this Ford 550, 555, 550/555 Tractor Backhoe Loader manual in?
A 666-page Service Manual in searchable PDF format, available the moment you complete checkout. View on computer, tablet, or phone, with no shipping wait.
Can I print specific sections of this Ford 550, 555, 550/555 Tractor Backhoe?
Yes, print as many copies as you want, and there are no restrictions. Many mechanics print the section they need and bring it to the shop floor.
Does this Ford 550, 555, 550/555 Tractor Backhoe Loader manual include wiring?
Complete wiring diagrams are included, covering all electrical circuits, harness routing, and connector pinouts for the Ford 550, 555, 550/555 Tractor Backhoe Loader.











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