Cold morning, unfamiliar 5550, and a lube chart you half remember: that is the gap this Ford 5550 operator manual PDF closes, 84 pages of Ford's own publication 42555010 for the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe. Lubrication and maintenance takes up roughly a quarter of the book, from the service-interval chart through fuel and lubricant procedures, hydraulic hose inspection, and storage. Loader and backhoe operation fills another large stretch, covering break-in, attachments, and the weighting limitations that keep the rear end planted. Air the 8.25-20 fronts to 85 psi and the 16.9-28 rears to 22, then set intake valves at 0.014 in. and exhaust at 0.017 when the interval comes around. Nobody at the yard remembers this machine. The bookmarked, keyword-searchable file does, and it tells you which fluid to order the first time, sitting in your download folder minutes from now.
What's Inside This Ford 5550 Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Precautions | 2 | Safety Starter Switch, Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings, Brake and Power Steering System, Flasher Warning Lamp, Backhoe Transport Chains |
| Controls and Instruments | 3-12 | General, Loader Controls, Backhoe Controls |
| Operation | 13-38 | Break-In Procedures, Starting the Engine, Loader Operation, Backhoe Operation, Loader Attachments, Backhoe Attachments, Weighting Limitations |
| Lubrication and Maintenance | 39-66 | Lubrication and Maintenance Chart, Fuels and Lubricants, Fuel and Lubricant Service Procedures, Hydraulic Hoses and Tubing, Storing the Ford 5550 |
| Specifications | 67-84 | Pre-Delivery and 50-Hour Service |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Front Tire Pressure (8.25-20) | 85 psi | p. 43 |
| Rear Tire Pressure (16.9-28) | 22 psi | p. 43 |
| Engine Valve Clearance (Intake) | 0.014 in. | p. 76 |
| Engine Valve Clearance (Exhaust) | 0.017 in. | p. 76 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.023-0.027 in. | p. 76 |
Ford 5550 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Ford 5550 won't move in either direction, shuttle acts low on fluid on slopes
Check the transmission oil level with the tractor on level ground and the engine at low idle. Top up before working on any incline; a low level uncovers the pickup when the machine tilts. Follow the maintenance chart on page 46 for change intervals, and confirm the 50-hour service on page 73 was actually completed.
Manual Section: Transmission TroubleshootingBackhoe boom drops and one function quits, hydraulic oil spraying from a burst hose
Shut down the engine immediately and lower the loader and backhoe to the ground. Never feel for leaks with bare hands; pressurized oil penetrates skin. Review the hydraulic hose and fitting warnings on page 8 before replacing the line, then refill and check the oil level before restarting. Make hose inspection part of every 50-hour service.
Manual Section: Safety Precautions p. 8Loses power under load with black exhaust smoke, bogs down and dies
Check the air cleaner element first; a starved engine smokes black under load. Drain water from the fuel filters and service both per the schedule on page 46. If power stays down after clean air and fuel, have valve clearance checked against the page 66 specs: 0.014 in. intake, 0.017 in. exhaust.
Manual Section: Lubrication and Maintenance p. 46Engine cranks but won't fire in cold weather, thermostart seems to do nothing
Verify the battery connections are clean and tight, then follow the cold weather starting procedure on page 20, using the thermostart or ether spray primer as directed instead of cranking longer. On gasoline models, remove the spark plugs and regap to 0.023-0.027 in. per page 66 if hard starting continues.
Manual Section: Engine Starting (Warm and Cold) p. 20Steering feels heavy and front end wanders during loader work with a full bucket
Check tire pressures cold before the first load of the day. Inflate the 8.25-20 fronts to 85 psi and the 16.9-28 rears to 22 psi per the chart on page 43; underinflated fronts squirm badly under a loaded bucket. Inspect rims and valve stems for slow leaks while you are down there.
Manual Section: Lubrication and Maintenance p. 43Frequently Asked Questions
What are the torque specifications for the Ford 5550 wheel lug nuts?
The rear wheel lug nuts should be tightened to a torque of 650-700 lbs. ft. (89.7-96.6 kgm). The front wheel nuts should be torqued to 305-335 lbs. ft. (42.2-46.3 kgm). p. 69
What are the replacement specifications for transmission fluid and filter on a Ford 5550 tractor loader backhoe?
The transmission oil should be changed every 1200 hours, and the transmission oil filter should be changed every 600 hours. The transmission uses M2C41 oil. p. 54
What is the correct fan belt tension for the Ford 5550?
A correctly tightened fan belt will deflect 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.35 to 12.70 mm) total movement when a 60-90 pound (27.2-40.8 kg) force is applied midway between the pulleys. p. 59
What is the engine valve clearance for the Ford 5550?
The intake valve clearance should be 0.014 in. go to 0.016 in. no-go (0.356 mm to 0.406 mm). The exhaust valve clearance should be 0.017 in. go to 0.019 in. no-go (0.432 mm to 0.483 mm). p. 66
What is the hydraulic system capacity on a Ford 5550?
The hydraulic system has a capacity of 41 U.S. gallons (34.2 Imp. gals.) (155.2 liters). p. 75
Is this Ford 5550 manual a download or a disc?
Instant PDF download. You get the full 84-page searchable Operator Manual immediately after payment. Open it on your laptop, tablet, or phone right in the shop.
Can I print this Ford 5550 manual?
Yes, printing is unrestricted: a single page, a chapter, or the lot, on letter or A4.
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