The Classic Machinery Network

Great news Mark.......Trial and error

Good learning curve, getting to understand your machine with lots of good advice from members of CMN

Well done

lol, yep! lots of trial and error lol
The lucas ignition block has a bit of an iffy return spring to bring the key back from 'start' position... I haven't heard the tell tail grumble of the starter running whilst ive been using the digger. But to be safe i've ordered a new ignition panel (ign toggle & push button) I don't see changing from a key to a toggle switch being any more of a 'security' problem... those Lucas ignitions can be turned with a piece of stick anyway lol
I've also ordered a battery isolater switch to be sure that there are no electrics left on (i can tuck that out of the way somewhere which will be a damn site more secure than the original ignition lol)!

Next on the agenda is trying to find a 4 in 1 front shovel!
I had a rummage at the loader valves (i was already confident as there are spare sercs to the front) and it has the 3 spool loader controls!

Thanks for all the help and advice again guys
Rest assured i'll probably be back again soon asking when something else drops off lmao!

Anyone in NE Scotland close by that wants a good place to send their starter/Alternator etc
This is the guy that i took the starter to. Nice chap, helpful and a very good price too!

Michael Findlay - Auto Electrician
Unit 19 Blackhouse Industrial Estate
Peterhead
Aberdeenshire
AB42 1BN

The machine may be newer than you think. Ford launched the 555 as a replacement for the 550 circa 1985, new model looked almost the same, other than cab on the 555 was black as opposed to yellow on the 550, and a few other tweaks. The 555 kept the 3 cylinder Ford engine.

Shortly afterwards, Ford launched the 655, this was sold as having more power IIRC, as Ford had uprated the 655 with a 4 cylinder engine. The 555C special, (if it's the one I'm thinking) was launched, along with the 655C around 1989. Any chance of a photo of your machine? May be able to give a more accurate idea of when she was built.

Cool, ill get some pics uploaded to this thread in the next few days!
it doesn't have any branding stating its a 'special' just has 555C branding but has the extra dig back arm.

ill take some pics around the cab too as i know they went through quite a few different back hoe control setups, but i don't have enough experience to know what went with what or year models etc!
thanks for the help trying to identify the year!

Mark's earlier thread with photo

Looks later than early 80s

Markwood20 @ Hi guys! Smallholder/Crofter (Pic inc)

Ah ha, thanks due to Essexpete. That version with the new design of cab, AFAIK wasn't introduced until second half of 1989, earliest I've seen was on a 'G' registration. The original 555 had the same style of cab as the earlier 550.

Hes a quick walk round this morning, im in a tad of a rush so sorry i didnt get to lift the loader for better views of the engine!

Thanks all for identifying the year, that's a 10 years younger than originally thought!