The Classic Machinery Network

hi martyn, finally got the ford slew working good!! been having some fun digging up stumps!! got a cast ring machined for £78 and replaced the seals too. next job now is replacing seals on steering rams!

i downloaded a 666 page manual for the 550, its got the exploded diagram of the slew and theres dowels but as i said the seals are sound so im not going to bother!

i found a website that sells seal kits and these rings in australia but they want 155 dollars for 1 ring!! im getting 0ne made and i done the seals on the centre shaft today, the rectangle seals on the barrel look sound so im going to leave them. I think that will be the next step if i cant get it s...

I'm getting a ring machined and an o ring made this week, is there dowels in the barrel holding the seals in? Hopefully get it back together at weekend!!

hi martyn,i think iv found the problem! the bottom cast ring is in 5 bits, the top o ring between the shaft and the top cap is shredded and am iright in saying that the seals on the shaft have to be directly opposite to the seals on the barrel? if you look at photo0081 the seals aren't opposite each...

il have a go at taking the top off today and get some photos for you. the top bracket that holds the cylinder to the machine was tight to put on with the new bush. Im sure its put back together correct as the inside had a mark on it where the seals had been resting for a few years.

hi martyn, iv got a bit of a problem! iv had the cylinder off, split it, replaced o rings but never replaced the rectangle shape seals as i couldnt get them off, then put new bush into top of cylinder then back onto machine but now it wont slew round. if u give it a push by hand and press the lever ...

hi martyn, i managed to get all 14 bolts out of the bottom of the barrel with a bit of heat and leaverage! but i cant seperate the bottom part from the barrel to get in to replace the seals. do you know how? ps i got a seal kit from the guy that owned the machine before me. i also spoke to my brothe...

thanks for your help, il have a go at the weekend and hopefully get it off to find out what damage has been done! will i be able to get parts for this digger from ford?

hi, can anyone tell me whats wrong with my ford 550, the barrel or slew on the back actor leaks alot and the barrel moves side to side when using it. Is there bushes inside the barrel that are worn? if so does anyone know where i can order new ones. Im going to take off the barrel, clean it then tak...