yes good machines, learnt on a 580G when I was 10 yr old one with the turbo engine but then went onto the JCB 3cx and drove many in my plant operating days.
I owned and worked a 1989 ford 655 very hard for six years it was a very similar machine and it was a great digger I had no issues just fond memories 😁
Ford might be agricultural in design but it's a proven strong one, a lot of them still going strong on farms over here in Eire with minimal maintenance, he forgot to mention the poor block design and broken cranks with the david brown unit.
I saved up my money and bought a 416B Cat (serious junk, old Ford and Case way better). Sold the Cat bought a 410E Deere. Deere was amazing. My old dad and his freinds couldn't believe the work I did!
Floor mounted transmission cut out switch.....or diff lock pedal as anyone who knows about ford diggers calls it!😂 I suppose case don't know because they don't have one
I worked as a fitter at a Ford construction Machinery Dealers in the early 80’s and the 555 was a new model then, a big improvement on the 550. The 655 came out as I was leaving. The problem Ford had at that time was a lack of volume sales with a disappointing line up of plant, eg H42, H44, the 66 wheel loader and with the likes of the 13/6, 550 backhoe all slow and underpowered they were never going to set the world on fire.
My 655e Ford outworks and out digs my massive John Deere 710d by a mile. The 710 is a hazard with its short outriggers. Ford has the biggest damn outriggers of any backhoe built. Almost impossible to tip. The Ford 655e has a little 4 cylinder NON turbo engine, the JD a monster 6 cylinder beast with turbo - fuel sucker - with no results in work output. The ford has some weak points in the hoe structure and spider cracks seem to be common. But the boom on the JD is so big, its like waving a house door around - no visibility. And dont try and go uphill in a JD 710 without the bucket full of dirt! Otherwise your pants will be filled.
