Ford 555D Is a Workhorse Backhoe That Still Earns Its Keep

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of the Ford 555 Series
The Ford 555D backhoe loader was produced between 1993 and 1995, marking the final iteration of the 555 series before Ford’s construction equipment division transitioned under the New Holland brand. The 555 line had already earned a reputation for reliability and straightforward mechanics, and the D model refined that legacy with improved hydraulics, better operator ergonomics, and a more powerful engine. It was designed for contractors, municipalities, and utility crews who needed a versatile machine capable of trenching, loading, grading, and lifting—all without the complexity of newer electronic systems.
Ford’s construction equipment history dates back to the 1960s, and by the time the 555D was introduced, the company had sold tens of thousands of backhoes globally. The D-series was among the last to carry the Ford name before the CNH merger reshaped the brand landscape.
Core Specifications and Mechanical Features
The 555D is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter Ford diesel engine, delivering approximately 72 horsepower at 2,200 rpm. It uses a power shuttle transmission with four forward and four reverse gears, allowing smooth directional changes without clutching. The machine is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Key specs:

• Engine: Ford 4.2L 4-cylinder diesel
  
• Horsepower: 72 hp
  
• Transmission: 4F/4R power shuttle
  
• Operating weight: ~14,000 lbs
  
• Fuel tank capacity: 24 gallons
  
• Hydraulic system: Open center, gear pump
  
• Hydraulic flow: ~24 gpm
  
• Loader lift capacity: ~6,000 lbs
  
• Backhoe digging depth: ~14 feet
  

Terminology note:

• Power shuttle: A transmission that allows shifting between forward and reverse without using the clutch, ideal for loader work.
  
• Open center hydraulic system: A system where fluid flows continuously until a valve is activated, common in older machines.
  

Hydraulic System and Attachments
The 555D’s hydraulic system is driven by a gear-type pump, providing consistent flow for loader and backhoe operations. The system is simple and robust, with fewer electronic controls than modern machines. The backhoe features Ford’s Xtra-Vator design, offering strong breakout force and smooth swing control.
Common attachments:

• Standard loader bucket (1.0–1.25 cubic yards)
  
• 24–36 inch backhoe buckets
  
• Hydraulic thumb (aftermarket)
  
• Quick coupler for bucket swaps
  
• Ripper tooth for compacted soil
  

Suggestions for hydraulic upgrades:

• Install inline pressure gauges for diagnostics
  
• Replace hoses with abrasion-resistant types
  
• Use synthetic hydraulic fluid in cold climates
  
• Add auxiliary hydraulic lines for thumbs or augers
  

A contractor in Ohio retrofitted his 555D with a hydraulic thumb and used it for demolition cleanup, noting that the machine’s stability and control rivaled newer models costing twice as much.
Operator Comfort and Cab Features
The 555D was available with either an open ROPS canopy or an enclosed cab with heater and defroster. Controls are mechanical, with dual levers for backhoe operation and a joystick-style loader control. Visibility is excellent, and the seat is adjustable with suspension.
Cab features:

• Four-post ROPS or enclosed cab
  
• Mechanical levers for backhoe and loader
  
• Adjustable suspension seat
  
• Analog gauges for fuel, temperature, and oil pressure
  
• Optional heater and fan
  

Suggestions for comfort upgrades:

• Install LED work lights for night operations
  
• Add sound-deadening mats to reduce cab noise
  
• Replace seat with air-suspension model
  
• Mount a 12V outlet for charging tools or phones
  

Terminology note:

• ROPS: Roll-Over Protective Structure, a safety frame that protects the operator in case of rollover.
  
• Xtra-Vator: Ford’s proprietary backhoe design offering enhanced digging geometry and smoother control.
  

Common Issues and Maintenance Tips
While the 555D is known for reliability, several issues can arise with age:

• Hydraulic leaks from cylinder seals and hose fittings
  
• Transmission hesitation due to worn clutch packs or dirty fluid
  
• Electrical corrosion in fuse box and starter solenoid
  
• Cooling system clogging from debris or scale buildup
  

Maintenance recommendations:

• Change hydraulic fluid and filters every 500 hours
  
• Inspect loader and backhoe pins quarterly
  
• Flush cooling system annually and replace thermostat
  
• Use dielectric grease on all electrical connectors
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly in dusty environments
  

A fleet manager in Alberta reported that after switching to synthetic engine oil and upgrading the cooling fan, his 555D ran cooler and started more reliably in sub-zero conditions.
Parts Availability and Restoration Potential
Despite its age, the 555D remains well-supported through aftermarket suppliers and salvage yards. Many components are shared with other Ford and New Holland models, making sourcing easier.
Parts commonly available:

• Engine rebuild kits
  
• Hydraulic cylinders and seal kits
  
• Transmission components
  
• Electrical switches and gauges
  
• Loader and backhoe pins and bushings
  

Restoration tips:

• Use OEM part numbers when ordering replacements
  
• Rebuild cylinders with high-quality seals to prevent leaks
  
• Replace wiring harness sections with marine-grade wire
  
• Sandblast and repaint frame to prevent rust
  

A retired operator in Georgia restored a 555D for his farm, replacing the loader pins and repainting the machine in Ford blue. He uses it weekly for trenching and gravel work, calling it “the most dependable piece of iron I own.”
Conclusion
The Ford 555D backhoe loader is a testament to practical engineering—simple, powerful, and built for real-world work. Its mechanical systems are easy to service, and its performance still holds up decades after production ended. For operators who value reliability over electronics, the 555D remains a smart investment. Whether digging footings or loading gravel, this machine proves that old iron still has plenty of bite.