Swing Cylinder Troubleshooting and Repair on the Ford New Holland 555E

[MikePhua]

The 555E Backhoe and Its Hydraulic Swing System
The Ford New Holland 555E backhoe loader, introduced in the late 1990s, was part of a lineage that began with the iconic Ford industrial tractors and evolved through the New Holland merger. Designed for utility contractors, municipalities, and rural operators, the 555E featured a 75-horsepower diesel engine, four-wheel drive, and a robust hydraulic system powering the loader, backhoe, and swing functions. Thousands of units were sold across North America and Europe, and many remain in active service today.
The swing system on the 555E uses dual hydraulic cylinders mounted horizontally at the base of the boom. These cylinders push and pull the boom left and right, allowing precise trenching and material placement. Unlike gear-driven swing mechanisms, the cylinder setup offers smoother control and easier service access—but it also introduces unique wear patterns and troubleshooting challenges.
Terminology Notes

• Swing Cylinder: A hydraulic actuator that moves the backhoe boom laterally.
  
• Pivot Pin: A hardened steel pin that anchors the cylinder to the frame or boom.
  
• Rod Seal: A seal that prevents hydraulic fluid from leaking around the cylinder rod.
  
• Cushion Valve: A hydraulic valve that dampens cylinder movement at the end of stroke to prevent shock loading.
  

Common Swing Cylinder Issues and Field Symptoms
Operators of the 555E often report swing-related problems such as:

• Boom drifting or failing to hold position
  
• Uneven swing speed between left and right
  
• Hydraulic fluid leaking from cylinder ends
  
• Audible knocking or clunking during swing
  
• Cylinder rod movement without boom response
  

In one case, a contractor in Iowa noticed his boom would swing left aggressively but hesitate when swinging right. After inspecting the cylinder, he found a worn pivot bushing and a cracked rod seal. Replacing both components restored balanced movement.
Inspection and Disassembly Strategy
Before removing the swing cylinder, follow these steps:

• Park the machine on level ground and lower the boom
  
• Shut off the engine and relieve hydraulic pressure
  
• Inspect for external leaks, rod scoring, and bushing wear
  
• Mark hose positions and disconnect hydraulic lines
  
• Remove pivot pins using a drift and hammer or press
  
• Slide the cylinder out and secure it for bench service
  

Use a seal pick and soft jaws when disassembling the cylinder. Avoid scoring the bore or rod surface. Measure rod diameter and bore clearance to check for excessive wear.
Seal Replacement and Reassembly Tips
Seal kits for the 555E swing cylinder typically include:

• Rod seal
  
• Wiper seal
  
• Piston seal
  
• Backup rings
  
• O-rings
  

Installation tips:

• Clean all surfaces with lint-free cloths and hydraulic-safe solvent
  
• Lubricate seals with hydraulic fluid before installation
  
• Use seal drivers or plastic cones to avoid stretching or tearing
  
• Align the piston squarely and torque retaining nuts to spec
  
• Reinstall pivot pins with fresh grease and check for play
  

A technician in British Columbia rebuilt both swing cylinders on a 555E and added cushion valves to reduce end-of-stroke shock. The result was smoother operation and less wear on the boom pivot.
Hydraulic System Checks and Pressure Testing
If swing issues persist after cylinder service, test the hydraulic system:

• Check pump output pressure (should be 2,500–2,800 psi)
  
• Inspect swing control valve for spool wear or sticking
  
• Test relief valve settings and flow rates
  
• Verify hose integrity and internal collapse
  
• Monitor swing circuit temperature during operation
  

Use a flow meter and pressure gauge to confirm cylinder performance under load. If pressure drops or flow is restricted, the issue may lie upstream in the valve block or pump.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
To extend the life of swing cylinders:

• Replace hydraulic fluid every 1,000 hours or annually
  
• Inspect seals and pivot pins quarterly
  
• Clean rod surfaces and wipers monthly
  
• Avoid sudden directional changes under full load
  
• Keep a seal kit and spare pivot bushings in the service truck
  

Fleet managers often log swing cylinder service intervals and track wear patterns. One utility company in Georgia reduced cylinder failures by 50% after implementing a biannual inspection protocol.
Recommendations for Technicians and Owners

• Always test swing function under load before disassembly
  
• Document hose routing and cylinder orientation
  
• Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket seal kits
  
• Train operators to avoid slamming the boom at end of stroke
  
• Keep pressure testing tools and seal drivers in the shop
  

Conclusion
Swing cylinder problems on the Ford New Holland 555E are often caused by seal wear, bushing degradation, or hydraulic imbalance. With a structured approach to inspection, disassembly, and testing, technicians can restore smooth and reliable boom movement. These cylinders are critical to trenching precision and jobsite efficiency—and when properly maintained, they can deliver thousands of hours of dependable service.