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The Ford 5100‑series machines occupy an interesting place in Ford’s industrial equipment lineage. Although the 5100 was originally designed as a general‑purpose agricultural tractor, many units were later paired with loaders and backhoes, effectively transforming them into versatile construction machines. This hybrid identity explains why owners often encounter questions about components such as swing chains, cylinders, and axles—parts that were engineered for industrial duty but installed on platforms that began life in farming.
The swing chain system, in particular, is a defining feature of older Ford backhoes. It is simple, durable, and surprisingly effective, but it requires periodic inspection and occasional replacement. The following article expands on the mechanical logic behind the swing system, the historical context of the Ford 5100/5500 family, and practical guidance for replacing a damaged swing chain.
Development Background of the Ford 5100 and 5500
Ford’s industrial tractor line evolved rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s. The 5100 was marketed primarily as an agricultural tractor, while the 5400 and 5500 were engineered as utility and industrial variants. The 5500, in particular, became a popular base for loader‑backhoe configurations due to its straight heavy‑duty front axle, reinforced frame, and compatibility with Ford’s industrial hydraulic systems.
Key distinctions among the series included:
Understanding the Swing Chain System
The swing mechanism on these backhoes uses a pair of single‑acting hydraulic cylinders. A single‑acting cylinder extends under hydraulic pressure but retracts only when pulled by an opposing force—in this case, the opposite swing cylinder. The cylinders do not push outward; they only pull inward. This design reduces hydraulic complexity and cost.
The swing chain, typically a multi‑leaf industrial chain, transfers the pulling force from the cylinder to the swing tower. Each side of the swing mechanism uses its own chain, and the two chains work in opposition to create smooth left‑right movement.
Terminology notes:
Swing chains endure constant shock loads, especially when operators swing the boom abruptly or work on uneven terrain. Over time, the following issues may appear:
Replacing a Swing Chain
Owners often assume the job requires major disassembly, but the design of the single‑acting cylinders actually simplifies the process. When one chain breaks, the opposing cylinder can be used to pull the damaged cylinder outward.
A practical method includes:
Cost Considerations and Aftermarket Options
OEM swing chains for Ford industrial backhoes have historically been expensive. Reports from the early 2010s show dealer prices exceeding $800 per side for certain models. However, aftermarket suppliers and industrial chain manufacturers offer multi‑leaf chain segments that can be adapted at a fraction of the cost.
Owners often save money by:
Additional Wear Areas to Inspect
Swing chain failure often coincides with other front‑end wear, especially on machines that have seen decades of loader work. Common components requiring attention include:
Anecdotes from the Field
Many long‑time operators recall that Ford’s industrial tractors were nearly impossible to kill. One mechanic described a 5500 that spent twenty years digging drainage ditches on a farm, often operated by inexperienced seasonal workers. Despite rough treatment, the machine required little more than chain replacements, a few hydraulic hoses, and routine engine maintenance.
Another owner recounted using a 5500 to clear storm debris after a major hurricane. The swing chain snapped while moving a large fallen oak, but the machine continued working for the rest of the day by using only one swing direction—an improvised but effective workaround until repairs could be made.
These stories highlight the ruggedness of the platform and the practicality of its mechanical systems.
Practical Recommendations
The Ford 5100 and 5500 backhoe systems represent a period when machinery was built for simplicity, serviceability, and longevity. The swing chain mechanism exemplifies this philosophy: rugged, easy to understand, and straightforward to repair. With proper maintenance and occasional replacement of wear components, these machines continue to serve farms, small contractors, and landowners decades after leaving the factory.
The swing chain system, in particular, is a defining feature of older Ford backhoes. It is simple, durable, and surprisingly effective, but it requires periodic inspection and occasional replacement. The following article expands on the mechanical logic behind the swing system, the historical context of the Ford 5100/5500 family, and practical guidance for replacing a damaged swing chain.
Development Background of the Ford 5100 and 5500
Ford’s industrial tractor line evolved rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s. The 5100 was marketed primarily as an agricultural tractor, while the 5400 and 5500 were engineered as utility and industrial variants. The 5500, in particular, became a popular base for loader‑backhoe configurations due to its straight heavy‑duty front axle, reinforced frame, and compatibility with Ford’s industrial hydraulic systems.
Key distinctions among the series included:
- The 5100 used a high‑arch adjustable agricultural axle.
- The 5400 used a heavier non‑adjustable axle suited for utility work.
- The 5500 used a straight industrial axle designed for loader and backhoe stress.
Understanding the Swing Chain System
The swing mechanism on these backhoes uses a pair of single‑acting hydraulic cylinders. A single‑acting cylinder extends under hydraulic pressure but retracts only when pulled by an opposing force—in this case, the opposite swing cylinder. The cylinders do not push outward; they only pull inward. This design reduces hydraulic complexity and cost.
The swing chain, typically a multi‑leaf industrial chain, transfers the pulling force from the cylinder to the swing tower. Each side of the swing mechanism uses its own chain, and the two chains work in opposition to create smooth left‑right movement.
Terminology notes:
- Single‑acting cylinder: A hydraulic cylinder that applies force in only one direction.
- Multi‑leaf chain: A layered chain design used in heavy machinery for high tensile strength.
- Swing tower: The vertical structure that supports the backhoe boom and allows rotation.
Swing chains endure constant shock loads, especially when operators swing the boom abruptly or work on uneven terrain. Over time, the following issues may appear:
- Chain leaf stretching or cracking
- Wear at the end fittings
- Cylinder rod scoring from misalignment
- Excessive play in the swing arc
- Broken chain segments due to sudden impact loads
Replacing a Swing Chain
Owners often assume the job requires major disassembly, but the design of the single‑acting cylinders actually simplifies the process. When one chain breaks, the opposing cylinder can be used to pull the damaged cylinder outward.
A practical method includes:
- Shut down the machine completely.
- Tie or secure the swing control lever in the direction opposite the broken chain.
- Allow the functioning cylinder to retract, which pulls the damaged cylinder outward.
- With moderate manual force, the cylinder rod can usually be extended far enough to access and replace the chain.
Cost Considerations and Aftermarket Options
OEM swing chains for Ford industrial backhoes have historically been expensive. Reports from the early 2010s show dealer prices exceeding $800 per side for certain models. However, aftermarket suppliers and industrial chain manufacturers offer multi‑leaf chain segments that can be adapted at a fraction of the cost.
Owners often save money by:
- Purchasing industrial multi‑leaf chain stock
- Reusing existing end fittings
- Fabricating new end plates when necessary
Additional Wear Areas to Inspect
Swing chain failure often coincides with other front‑end wear, especially on machines that have seen decades of loader work. Common components requiring attention include:
- Front axle pivot pins
- Kingpin bearings
- Bushings in the loader frame
- Steering linkage joints
Anecdotes from the Field
Many long‑time operators recall that Ford’s industrial tractors were nearly impossible to kill. One mechanic described a 5500 that spent twenty years digging drainage ditches on a farm, often operated by inexperienced seasonal workers. Despite rough treatment, the machine required little more than chain replacements, a few hydraulic hoses, and routine engine maintenance.
Another owner recounted using a 5500 to clear storm debris after a major hurricane. The swing chain snapped while moving a large fallen oak, but the machine continued working for the rest of the day by using only one swing direction—an improvised but effective workaround until repairs could be made.
These stories highlight the ruggedness of the platform and the practicality of its mechanical systems.
Practical Recommendations
- Inspect swing chains every 250–300 operating hours.
- Replace both chains if one shows significant wear to maintain balanced swing force.
- Avoid slamming the boom at full swing extension to reduce shock loads.
- Keep the swing tower greased to minimize side‑loading on the chains.
- Consider upgrading to higher‑grade industrial chain stock for long‑term durability.
The Ford 5100 and 5500 backhoe systems represent a period when machinery was built for simplicity, serviceability, and longevity. The swing chain mechanism exemplifies this philosophy: rugged, easy to understand, and straightforward to repair. With proper maintenance and occasional replacement of wear components, these machines continue to serve farms, small contractors, and landowners decades after leaving the factory.
