Is It Worth Buying an Old Ford 550 Backhoe

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of Ford Backhoes
Ford’s entry into the backhoe loader market began in the 1950s, with the company leveraging its agricultural tractor platform to create versatile digging machines. By the late 1970s, the Ford 550 had become a staple in construction yards and farms across North America and parts of Europe. Manufactured by Ford Industrial Equipment Division, the 550 was part of a broader strategy to compete with JCB, Case, and Massey Ferguson in the compact earthmoving segment. Its popularity stemmed from simplicity, mechanical reliability, and widespread parts availability.
The Ford 550 featured a 3-cylinder diesel engine, mechanical transmission, and chain swing mechanism for the backhoe. Though primitive by today’s standards, it was robust and easy to repair. Ford later transitioned to the 555 series, introducing hydraulic swing cylinders, improved operator ergonomics, and optional four-wheel drive. The 550 remains a viable option for private landowners and small contractors, especially in regions where newer machines are cost-prohibitive.
Terminology Annotation

• Chain Swing Mechanism: A system using chains and sprockets to pivot the backhoe arm, common in older models before hydraulic swing cylinders became standard.
  
• Center Pivot Backhoe: A backhoe mounted at the center of the rear frame, offering limited lateral movement compared to side-shift designs.
  
• Quick Attach Bucket: A front loader bucket that can be removed and replaced without tools, allowing for rapid switching between attachments.
  
• Slop: Excessive play or looseness in pivot joints, often caused by worn pins and bushings.
  
• Bottle Baby: A machine that requires starting fluid to ignite, often indicating poor compression or injector issues.
  

Critical Inspection Points Before Purchase
When evaluating a Ford 550, especially one built in 1978, buyers should focus on mechanical integrity rather than cosmetic condition. Key areas to inspect include:

• Engine cold start behavior. Request that the seller not pre-start the machine. A cold start reveals compression health and injector performance.
  
• Hydraulic responsiveness. Operate the backhoe and loader until the system is hot. Weak hydraulics under heat suggest pump wear or internal leakage.
  
• Cracks and welds. Examine the boom, swing tower, and loader arms for structural damage. Cracks near the stabilizers or lower pivot pins are common and may be repairable, but extensive welds can indicate past abuse.
  
• Swing mechanism wear. Chain swing systems often develop backlash. Test side-to-side movement with the boom extended and observe how much play exists.
  
• Pin and bushing wear. Excessive slop in the dipper stick, bucket linkage, and stabilizers can be costly to repair, especially if line boring is required.
  
• Transmission and engine mating area. Leaks in this region may require splitting the machine—a labor-intensive task without proper equipment.
  

Comparing the Ford 550 and 555
The Ford 555 introduced several upgrades over the 550:

• Hydraulic swing cylinders replaced the chain system, improving reliability and control.
  
• Enhanced boom and swing tower design reduced stress fractures.
  
• Optional four-wheel drive improved traction in muddy or uneven terrain.
  
• Increased horsepower and hydraulic flow improved digging and lifting performance.
  

While the 555 is a generational leap forward, the 550 remains a simpler machine with fewer components to fail. For buyers prioritizing ease of maintenance over modern features, the 550 may still be a practical choice.
Anecdote from the Field
In rural Estonia, a landowner purchased a Ford 550 to assist with house construction and land clearing. Despite limited experience—his only prior machine being a Soviet-era tractor—he found the Ford intuitive and repairable. After discovering a crack above the stabilizer, he consulted local welders and reinforced the area. The machine continued to serve reliably for years, proving that even aging equipment can be a valuable asset with proper care.
Parts Availability and Support
Although Ford no longer manufactures backhoes, New Holland inherited the legacy and continues to support many older models. In the U.S., parts for the 550 are readily available through agricultural and industrial suppliers. In Europe, sourcing may require cross-border shipping, especially from Finland or Sweden, where these machines are more common. Online parts diagrams and exploded views are accessible through New Holland’s digital catalogs, aiding in identification and ordering.
Advice for First-Time Buyers

• Avoid rare models unless you have access to parts and technical support.
  
• Prefer machines with visible maintenance history and minimal structural damage.
  
• Don’t be discouraged by minor leaks or cosmetic flaws—focus on core systems.
  
• Two-wheel drive may suffice for dry, flat terrain but will struggle in mud or snow.
  
• Consider building a basic cribbing system and acquiring a pallet jack for future repairs.
  

Conclusion
The Ford 550 backhoe, though over four decades old, remains a viable tool for private landowners and small-scale construction. Its mechanical simplicity, durable frame, and widespread legacy make it a candidate for restoration and long-term use. While newer models offer comfort and efficiency, the 550’s charm lies in its ruggedness and accessibility. With careful inspection and realistic expectations, buying an old Ford backhoe can be a rewarding investment in self-sufficiency and mechanical learning.