This 712-page Ford 555A, 555B, 655A Service Manual (OEM #40055540A) covers every system on your 1984 Tractor-Loader-Backhoe, from the diesel engine and rotary or in-line fuel injection pumps down to the last cotter pin in the front axle assembly. You get wiring diagrams for the full electrical system, hydraulic schematics covering structural members, cylinders, control valves and the hydraulic pump, plus a dedicated troubleshooting section for when the backhoe won't hold pressure. Set nozzle opening pressure between 2913 and 2987 psi (194-199 bar), and swap in vendor number 5222304 injectors on your 555A or 555B. No more guessing at clutch specs or chasing a hydraulic leak with a shop rag and hope. Bookmarked by system, so you jump straight from Engine to Steering without hunting through 712 pages on your phone in the shop.
What's Inside This Ford 555A, 555B, 655A Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Systems | 13-70 | Diesel Engine, Cooling System, Trouble Shooting, Specifications, Special Tools |
| Fuel Systems | 71-114 | Rotary Type Fuel Injection Pump, In-Line Type Fuel Injection Pump, Injectors, Air Cleaner, Trouble Shooting, Specifications |
| Electrical System | 115-180 | Wiring, Lights and Controls, Battery, Starting Motor, Charging Systems, Trouble Shooting, Specifications |
| Clutch | 181-196 | Clutch Overhaul, Clutch Linkage, Clutch Pilot Bearing, Clutch Release Bearing, Clutch Release Shaft, Specifications |
| Transmission Systems | 197-320 | 6x4 Manual Reversing Transmission, 4x4 Standard Gear Power Reversing Transmission, 4x4 Torque Converter Drive Synchromesh Transmission, Gearshift Cover Overhaul, Front End Overhaul |
| Cab, Heating and Air Conditioning | 321-388 | Cab Removal and Installation, Heater Core and Blower, Air Conditioning Compressor and Condenser, Refrigerant Charging, Controls and Ducting, Volume 2 Contents |
| Rear Axle and Brakes | 389-422 | Rear Axle Overhaul, Planetary Reduction Gear, Rear Wheel Brake, Differential, Handbrake, Specifications |
| Hydraulic System | 423-588 | Structural Members, Cylinders, Control Valves, Hydraulic Pump, Trouble Shooting, Pressure Tests |
| Steering System | 589-618 | Hydrostatic Steering System, Power Steering Pump, Steering Column Shaft, Control Valve, Steering Motor, Steering Cylinder |
| Front Axle | 619-684 | Front Axle Assembly, Toe-In Adjustment, Spindle Wheel Removal, Differential Assembly, Transfer Gear Assembly, Axle Shafts |
| Wheels and Tires | 685-690 | Tire Inflation, Wheel Nut Torque, Liquid Ballast, Tire Service |
| Separating the Unit | 691-712 | Engine Removal, Fuel Tank Removal, Transmission Disconnect, Rear Axle Removal, Torque Converter, Subframe to Front Support |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| All Models | ||
| Nozzle Opening Pressure | 2819-2887 psi. (194-199 bar) | p. 112 |
| Fuel Filter Change Interval | 600 hrs. | p. 111 |
| Clutch Disc Diameter | 13 in. (330 mm) | p. 195 |
| Spring Length Light Gr./Lavender | 1.69 in. (42.93 mm) 105 lb. (47.6 Kg) Load | p. 195 |
| Crowd Circuit Relief Reset Pressure (raise) | 3550 (245) | p. 558 |
| Crowd Circuit Relief Reset Pressure (lower) | 2650 (183) | p. 558 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 gal. (91 liters) | p. 111 |
| Refrigerant Charge | 4.0-4.5 lbs. (1.81-2.05 kg) | p. 381 |
| Steering Wheel Turns Lock to Lock | 3.7 | p. 618 |
| Front Axle Toe-in | 0-0.5 in. (0-13 mm) | p. 651 |
| 555 A and B | ||
| Injector Vendor Number | 5222304 | p. 112 |
| 555A, 555B, 655A | ||
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6.0 U.S. qts. (3-cylinder), 8.0 U.S. qts. (4-cylinder) | p. 67 |
Ford 555A, 555B, 655A Common Problems This Manual Covers
Ford 555A hydraulic cylinder drift, backhoe or loader won't hold position under load
Check the hydraulic system troubleshooting chart for loader lift and backhoe circuit faults. Inspect cylinder seals for scoring or extrusion and check control valve spools for wear. On 555A reset lift piston pressure to 3550 PSI (245 bar) per page 558 if the circuit is losing hold pressure at rest.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System General TroubleshootingEngine loses power and blows excessive black smoke under load
Work through the engine troubleshooting procedures for low power and smoke complaints, then cross-check the fuel system chart on page 107 for delivery faults. Pull the injectors and test nozzle opening pressure against the 2913-2987 PSI (194-199 bar) spec on page 111; a nozzle sticking open dumps raw fuel and blackens the stack.
Manual Section: Fuel System Troubleshooting p. 107Transmission slips or won't shift into gear under load
Follow the transmission troubleshooting sequence for slow acceleration and no-drive complaints. Check fluid level and condition first, then verify line pressure and inspect the shift linkage for worn pivot pins or a bent detent rod. Low or contaminated fluid is the most common root cause before tearing into the valve body.
Manual Section: Transmission System TroubleshootingLoader arms sag or creep down on their own when parked overnight
Inspect the loader lift cylinder seals and packing for internal bypass, since a worn piston seal lets oil migrate past the cylinder and the boom settles under its own weight. Reference the hydraulic troubleshooting chart for loader circuit diagnosis and check the control valve spool for scoring that would let it leak past in the neutral position.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System General TroubleshootingEngine hard to start or won't crank in cold weather
Check the electrical troubleshooting chart for slow crank or no-crank conditions, testing battery voltage and starter draw first. If the engine cranks but won't fire, move to the fuel system chart on page 107 to rule out air in the lines or a weak lift pump before condemning the injection pump itself.
Manual Section: Electrical System TroubleshootingHydraulic system loses pressure or power after the machine warms up
Run the hydraulic system troubleshooting procedure for slow operation or loss of power across all circuits, since a pump that's marginal cold often drops off further as oil thins with heat. Check pump output flow and cross-reference circuit reset pressures on page 558; swing circuit should hold 2500 PSI (172 bar) and a low reading points to internal pump wear.
Manual Section: Hydraulic System General TroubleshootingFrequently Asked Questions
How to adjust hydraulic pressure on Ford 555A backhoe?
To adjust the hydraulic pressure for the stabilizer circuit relief valve, loosen the locknut (2) on the relief valve and turn the adjusting screw clockwise to increase pressure or counter-clockwise to decrease it. The pressure setting for the stabilizer circuit relief valve is 2500 PSI (172 bar). p. 558
What are the torque specifications for Ford 555B engine cylinder head bolts?
The torque specification for the engine cylinder head bolts (with engine cold) on the Ford 555B is 105-115 lbs. ft. (143-156 Nm), which is equivalent to 14.6-15.9 Mkg. p. 68
What are the torque specifications for Ford 555B front axle mounting bolts?
The torque specification for the steering arm attachment bolts on the Ford 555B is 110 lbs. ft. (149 Nm). p. 652
What is the fuel injector nozzle opening pressure for Ford 555A, 555B, and 655A models?
The specified fuel injector nozzle opening pressure for Ford 555A, 555B, and 655A models is 2913-2987 psi (194-199 bar). p. 111
What is the specified clutch pedal free travel for the Ford 555A tractor-loader-backhoe?
The clutch pedal free travel for the Ford 555A tractor-loader-backhoe is specified as 1.6 inches (40.6 mm). p. 195
What format is this Ford 555A, 555B, 655A manual in?
Immediate download of the complete 712-page searchable Service Manual. Access it on any device, from a laptop at your desk to a phone in the field.
Can I print specific sections of this Ford 555A, 555B, 655A Service Manual?
Yes. The PDF has no DRM restrictions, so print any page or section you need for your shop. Works with any standard printer.
