Running a Ford 655A tractor-loader-backhoe properly, from first start-up through storage, is laid out across 116 pages in this operator manual (OEM ID 42065510). Your Ford 655A operator manual PDF opens with safety precautions, then identifies the brake, rear axle, transmission, front drive axle, loader and backhoe controls before the operation chapters cover break-in, starting the engine, towing and transporting, weighting limitations, and loader and backhoe work. Maintenance is chart-driven. A lubrication and maintenance chart sets the intervals, while fuel and lubricant service procedures, general maintenance, hydraulic hose and tubing checks, safety decals and the pre-delivery and 50-hour service list complete the picture. Expect backhoe lift (rod) relief of 4050-4400 psi on the spec pages, and retighten loose rear wheel lug nuts to 675 lbs. ft. (914.6 Nm). Removing or reinstalling your backhoe? That job has its own section. Bookmarked and text-searchable, the pages also print cleanly as a working copy you can mark up.
What's Inside This Ford 655A Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Precautions | 4-6 | Tractor Operation, Servicing, Operating Controls, Driving, Loader and Backhoe Operation, Diesel Fuel |
| Controls and Instruments | 7-24 | Brake and Rear Axle Controls, Transmission Controls, Front Drive Axle, Loader Controls, Backhoe Controls |
| Operation | 25-58 | Break-In Procedures, Starting the Engine, Transmission Operation, Towing and Transporting, Weighting Limitations, Loader Operation, Backhoe Operation |
| Lubrication and Maintenance | 59-92 | Lubrication and Maintenance Chart, Fuels and Lubricants, Fuel and Lubricant Service Procedures, Hydraulic Hoses and Tubing, Storing the Ford 655A |
| Specifications | 93-116 | Safety Decals, Pre-Delivery and 50-Hour Service |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Injector line fitting torque | 18-22 lbs. ft. (24-29 Nm) | p. 68 |
| Rear wheel lug nuts torque | 675 lbs. ft. (914.6 Nm) | p. 87 |
| Injector retaining nuts torque | 13 lb. ft. (17.62 Nm) | p. 84 |
| Backhoe Lift (Rod) Relief Pressure | 4050-4400 psi | p. 104 |
| Backhoe Bucket (Rod) Relief Pressure | 2950-3250 psi | p. 104 |
| Engine Idle Speed | 600-700 rpm | p. 96 |
| Transmission Oil Change Interval | 300 hours | p. 70 |
| Rear Axle Oil Change Interval | 1200 hours | p. 71 |
| Hydraulic System Oil Change Interval | 1200 hours | p. 73 |
| ROPS Mounting Bolt Torque | 280-380 lbs. ft. | p. 98 |
| Rear Wheel Lug Nut Torque | 600-750 lbs. ft. | p. 98 |
| Intake Valve Clearance (Engine Warm) | 0.014 in. go - 0.016 in. no-go | p. 84 |
Ford 655A Common Problems This Manual Covers
Ford 655A engine oil pressure warning light comes on with engine running during work
Stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause, as page 14 directs. The light reads pressure only, so check the crankcase for proper engine oil level before restarting. Before working in the engine compartment, lower the loader bucket to the ground in the dumped position or install the loader lift cylinder safety bar (page 63). Never work under a raised loader without that bar installed.
Manual Section: Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light p. 14Charge indicator warning light stays on and battery not being charged while engine runs
Investigate and correct the charging fault right away, because page 14 warns the battery will fully discharge otherwise. Check that battery connections are tight and free of corrosion, and wash the terminals with a baking soda and water solution per page 85. Check electrolyte only with the engine stopped, with no flame or smoking, since the battery produces explosive gas. Add distilled water if low.
Manual Section: Charge Indicator Warning Light p. 14Transmission temperature warning light stays on after engine start or during heavy work
Check that the transmission oil level is correct first, following page 14. If the level is right, run the engine at 1200 rpm with the transmission in neutral until the light goes out. The light has a relay that lets it burn a few seconds after starting, so a brief glow at startup is normal. Keep the transmission oil on its 300 hour change interval (page 70).
Manual Section: Transmission Temperature Warning Light p. 14Tractor stops under load with engine held at 1800-2200 rpm at wide-open throttle
Reduce the load or select a lower gear ratio, because the torque converter is stalling as page 33 explains. Do not hold a stall longer than 20 seconds. If the transmission overheats, shift both the power reversing and gearshift levers to neutral and idle the engine at 1000 to 1200 rpm until the temperature warning light goes out (page 34), then resume work.
Manual Section: Transmission Stall (Torque Converter Slip) p. 33Diesel engine has air in fuel system after running out of fuel or a filter change
Fill the tank, loosen the fuel filter bleed screw and work the lift pump lever until air-free fuel flows, then tighten (page 68). Repeat at the injection pump bleed screw. Loosen the injector line fittings, open the hand throttle fully, crank until air-free fuel flows, then torque to 18-22 lbs. ft. (24-29 Nm). Crank no longer than 30 seconds. Keep the loader bucket dumped on the ground or the safety bar installed (page 63).
Manual Section: Bleeding the Fuel System p. 68Engine valve clearance out of adjustment with noisy operation or poor performance
Check valve clearance every 300 hours with the loader bucket dumped on the ground or the safety bar installed (page 63). Idle the engine 10 to 30 minutes, stop it, and remove the rocker arm cover. With the engine idling, measure each valve with a step-type feeler gauge: intake 0.014 in. go, 0.016 in. no-go; exhaust 0.017 in. go, 0.019 in. no-go (page 84). Turn the adjusting screw to correct.
Manual Section: Engine Valve Clearance (Lash) p. 84Frequently Asked Questions
Why will my Ford 655A not move after shifting gears?
The tractor may not move if the transmission is in neutral or if the power reversing shuttle lever is in the neutral lock position. Always ensure the transmission gear shift lever is in the desired gear and the power reversing lever is moved forward or rearward for travel. If the unit still does not move, check that the parking brake is released, as the tractor is free to roll even if the transmission is in gear. p. 31
How do I identify the Ford 655A serial number and model year?
The vehicle identification plate is located on the steering console on the left-hand side. You should record the tractor number, model, unit, engine, transmission, rear axle, hydraulic pump, and hydraulic lift numbers in the spaces provided in the manual for future service reference. p. 4
What is the correct valve clearance for the Ford 655A engine?
With the engine warm, the intake valve clearance should be 0.014 in. (0.356 mm) go to 0.016 in. (0.406 mm) no-go. The exhaust valve clearance should be 0.017 in. (0.432 mm) go to 0.019 in. (0.483 mm) no-go. p. 84
What is the engine oil capacity for the Ford 655A?
The engine crankcase capacity is 8.0 U.S. quarts (6.7 Imp. quarts or 7.6 liters). When performing an oil change that includes the filter, the capacity is 9.0 U.S. quarts (7.5 Imp. quarts or 8.5 liters). p. 96
How do I adjust the fan belt tension?
A correctly tightened new belt should deflect 1/2 inch (12.70 mm) when approximately 25 pounds (11.34 kg) of thumb pressure is applied midway between the alternator and crankshaft pulleys. To adjust, loosen the alternator mounting bolts, pry the alternator away from the engine, and tighten the bolts. Do not pry on the rear housing to avoid damage. p. 81
What do I get after purchasing this Ford 655A manual?
You download the Operator Manual yourself: 116 pages, searchable PDF, available immediately. Keep a copy on every device you use.
Can I print specific sections of this Ford 655A Operator Manual?
You can. Print the sections you want for your own use and keep the file as your backup.
