Making This Clapped-Out Old Backhoe Worth Owning - One Repair at a Time

[@terryrogers1025]

Yes sir, coming together, just the convenience of having all the little gremlin items function properly makes life oh so much nicer. Stay the course, you’re winning the battle of the projects, thanks for the update, enjoy watching Mike.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Terry!

[@Ngarepairercar1990]

​@@CaptainKleemanvery good

[@zanee1971]

The great thing about these old tractors is once you have all the money into it, initially to make it in tip top working order, then it will be a lot less money to keep it maintained, because they will just keep on running. I have a 1968 Case 580ck, and it still runs as if the motor is brand new.

[@bosshogg3548]

27:15 love the cat litter box’s in the back ground

[@CaptainKleeman]

Handiest buckets

[@cyndikarp3368]

Well Done, Captain. Got your fluid leaks stopped. Maybe, try tire goop DP put in haul truck. Might finish air leaking.

[@brucechapman1946]

Getting exciting, nearly time for the polished wood floor for the 555 cab and maybe a bit of grease for the swivel seat base and possibly a new seat cushion, almost SEMA ready!😂

[@James_Scheid]

Sometimes a fellow just doesn't have anything to say so he just leaves a comment for the algorithm. 😸

[@CaptainKleeman]

Always appreciated

[@kellyharbaugh9391]

You got you a handy-dandy now.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup!

[@jimclester4754]

Mike a man for all seasons. Mr, do it yourself handyman . I just watch and enjoy!

[@foofoojergins9741]

I like that backhoe. Im planning on putting a truck service bed on a m101 trailer. Then mount a standup compressor and a generator. Going to try to mount a fuel tank underneath with pump to collect and distribute diesel.

[@zstation64]

Massey Ferguson/Perkins who designed that engine called the heater a "Thermostart". As you said, basically lights a fire in the intake manifold. Those Ford engines are a licenced copy of the Perkin AD3.152 as you'll find in a MF135 or a Ford 3000/3600/3610/3910. How it's supposed to work: turn key clockwise - just crank. Turn key first click anticlockwise is Thermostart (hold for 10 secs), then turn to second click anticlockwise to crank. You need a 4-position key switch for it to work.

[@3sparewashers-lg3gf]

You are correct about the thermostart, however Ford designed and built their own engines for their diesel tractors after ‘65. The 555 model has a 201 ford diesel.

[@ishure8849]

correct about the key

[@ishure8849]

@@3sparewashers-lg3gf correct about the engine I've rebuilt two on my 4600s 3 litre 3 cylinders pop pop pop 👍.

[@charleswelch249]

The old 555 is getting better all the time. It's going to be much better having the 304 for the actual heavy lifting and digging. Just keep them apart. The 555 might get upset and shuffle with the 304 😂. I'm glad things are starting to shape up ,Mike.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol definitely a possibility

[@wrstew1272]

Hey Mike- missed this one 😮. Had the right curl cylinder for the bucket go from a “weep” to a river today 😢 Whoopie a chance to break big old nuts loose! Pipe wrench and a two foot pipe makes it easier! The big nut inside is in the morning 😅

[@ian_b5518]

When I see a new Capt Kleeman vid it always brings a smile to my face.

[@martineastburn3679]

My JD tractor heats to the left and cranks to the right. I have a bar similar to those 4 years ago now - that will DIG. Tough teeth - I run it into a stack of rock and it opens a slot for the bucket to bite into. Love mine.

[@Crewsy]

It’s hard to believe but you’re actually completing things off a to do list. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 🤣😂🤣😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

Shhhh lol

[@randy5411]

Looking forward to a floor plate and a comfortable seat. You deserve it!

[@smiffy5467]

Swing the rear arm in and across the back of the cab, there should be a locking device to hold it there. That way it'll throw a little more weight forward...

[@dennisroberts6698]

Reminds me of when i bought a 3cx JCB back in the 90's, they are a fun Machine to own, especially with property, sold mine for the same price i paid for after 8 years, because i sold the property !

[@slinkus-dq4co]

Looking good... I am in the middle of getting mine back together after rebuilding the transmission with new clutch packs. I will tell you what... when you are the only one doing the labor by yourself, everything takes 2 days longer than you want it to. I am going to be real happy when this thing is finished. I cut out the entire floor on mine and welded in new 1/8th in plate. A lot of work but this machine has no cracks in the frame, no frame rust at all, and tight pins. It was used for tree work for 20 years, not digging... so I figure maybe it is worth it. I have two of them and the first one I bought runs great and works well but the pins are loosey goosey because it was used by a paving company digging on streets.

[@CaptainKleeman]

@@slinkus-dq4co definitely worth putting the time into. Appreciate ya watching!

[@everestyeti]

Having a working pre heater is going to be such a help, it will also reduce wear and tear on the starter and your injectors. Like what your doing to the bucket having those teeth are really going to help, mind you, you might want to fit a plate behind them. It will not only help reducing build up behind the bar that holds the teeth, it will give the bucket some strength as well. Can't wait to see the hat your going to do next? 👍

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

Nearly lost your eyebrows there Mike. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I am a lady of a certain age. I have 3 sons who all live abroad sadly. So it’s up to me to try and do all those things that a son would do for his Mam. However I have learned so much from you in so many ways. So thank you so much Mike. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thatdave86]

Lol, a certain age ,that leaves it open to interpretation ,but at least you are giving things a try and also gain knowledge with satisfaction,it's a win win .😊

[@PBandJDIY]

Rarely do you ever show anything completed! Lol This video you were checking things off the list like you were on a mission! I love how you can poke fun at the situations you find yourself into. I am the same, not once has everything gone to plan in my life..... ya just have to put a positive spin on things and roll with it.

[@bradlewellen7461]

Dp has a Thunder Creek trailer ... Captain has a Mike trailer ... a mini Thunder Creek ... ingenuity at its finest great video as always

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@rirebel6029]

Instead of a thunder creek he has a " chance of showers " 😂😂😂

[@maxobara1496]

Showing off the new t-shirts I see, looking sharp 💪💪 always something to do, great video Mike 🤗🇺🇸

[@jeffadams3277]

Your trailer needs a name. How bout "Intermittent Stream".? Love the channel!!

[@FreightDog2129]

You could add water to the front tires to add more weight to the front, if you haven’t already done that.

[@anton4video]

Use the plasma cutter and to make the screw holes, then you can easily remove the teeth. If you are welding, it is not as easy to remove the teeth if necessary.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I think that all your work on the 555 is certainly worth it, well done!

[@Male7709]

Now you understand why it cranks when heating, it draws the heat into the cylinders.

[@CaptainKleeman]

It should not crank while heating

[@bluegrallis]

I added a Piranha tooth bar to the bucket on my OC46. It worked great for removing saplings and brush from an over-grown area, and is pretty good at cutting into hard ground. It also works good for pushing brush into a pile. I measured the bucket width and it was made to fit, so I can bolt it on with a bolt on each side of the bucket, and easily remove it for winter snow removal. I do have a somewhat decent cutting edge on the bucket, but it doesn't work well for digging in haard ground.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Is there anything you can’t do Mike ? Your name should be Mike “ versatile “ Kleeman 😁👍 No heavy breathing this episode and after I told you it’s what we’re all here for a couple of weeks ago 🤣😂🤣 The backhoe is gonna be better than it was when new 👍 Excellent as always Captain 👍👍🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@CaptainKleeman]

😂😂 I'll try and add some on next time

[@brucehuff5566]

That is some great progress. Gonna be a great tool around the property. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bruce!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n so many truths in this episode… If you are driving with a slip on/off steering wheel, you are in race car mode. No need to get rid of anything, as long as you still have space to store it. If you can get the tire to hold a whole day’s air, it doesn’t need replaced. Brother Tony’s trailer is a lot more portable than an ICF tote, without it. They do make new steering wheel nuts every day. And, my fave: Sometimes a guy is in fact his biggest obstacle!

[@terryfromsouthcarolina4601]

All it takes is a good dose of calamity and pain to make you appreciate when things start going right. I'm glad you got jobs accomplished. From the bruised and battered Upstate of South Carolina Cheers Terry

[@davevillaire2990]

Spray white vinegar with a little dish soap for a cheap and safe weed control on the gravel in front of your building.

[@americanpatriot2.06]

So much getting done on the 555, yet so much still needs to be done. New tires, rebuild backhoe cylinders, rebuild cab and floor, and eventually more hoses when they blow. But it is still functional!

[@rons3103]

Mike, you should remove the bucket cylinder and secure the bucket arm. It will save some more weight off the boom. Then you can disconnect those hoses and cap them off. Two less hoses to worry about blowing or rotting through.

[@scott9904]

Hey Capt, for your storage world headquarters, you could always make a few skids with v groove wheels and put down a run of angle iron to get pallets or projects deeper into the headquarters.

[@jbbuzzable]

The most important thing is the nut holding the steering wheel.

[@CaptainKleeman]

😂😂 that's good

[@FlapjackMcGee]

Ha!

[@francoisbouchard602]

Nice job sir Nice tractors Nice show sir 😃👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@Doogie_Causey]

Thanks Captain, i have to take a gander at all your videos. I learn something every video

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@mrbill8542]

Sure would like to see that blue truck finished !!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Let me know when you get to it

[@georgeenriquez612]

last time I commented about the blue truck I received a mouthy comment in return. Any more I think he does it on purpose to not post about it to generate comments

[@Just_Your_Average_Guy]

Mike, years ago I worked for a farm that had a similar problem keeping the front tires on the ground. They solved most of the issue by filling the front tires with beet juice. The weight of the water helped plant the front tires, and by using beet juice it didn't freeze because of the sugar content. And it was pretty cheap, too.

[@markpashia7067]

Sounds like a great idea. I have heard of loading the rear tires but Ballast is Ballast. Sure seems logical.

[@michaelmullins1290]

That big hole in the wall was handy. Take the extenda boom off would definitely keep the front wheels on the ground. Very productive video.

[@tracywagoner4907]

Old backhoes are in me opinion great to have around, they have limitations but can do things that other equipment isn’t as good at. They certainly aren’t perfect but what one piece is. Great content sir

[@robbarron5690]

Maybe try selling those akward all steel maul/sledges partially painted ford blue as your merch. That has to be one of your favorite tools.😂

[@doclull1989]

Hey Cap!! Congrats on getting the intake heater working.

[@dansevern3291]

I bought one of those "fuel cubes" from Vevor a couple of months ago, (based on your use of it, for the benefit of successful advertising). The only drawback so far is a slight loss of muscle tone in my right arm (I had a hand pump, and got a lot of exercise fueling tractors and so forth). Thanks for the video (I didn't even know it was Monday), take care!

[@markpashia7067]

Little ventilation is a good thing on those old smoky fume creation machines. Coming along right nicely there Mike.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Good point!

[@raymondgochenour8725]

I enjoyed the video just enjoy how you jump into projects

[@raguhmuffin]

That trailer with a generator air compressor welder fuel tank and a couple batteries with a solar charger on them would make the perfect work trailer and jumper pack for starting equipment out in the field.

[@HogshooterHotrods]

Awesome to see the 555 coming right around, you will be in tall cotton when dirt moving needs to happen now!

[@goptools]

Hi Mike. Giving the old 555 a little love! Now she's good for another 20 years. If a fella goes looking on Market place at backhoes, it seems that the Ford 555 was a pretty popular model. I think I've seen 4x4 versions too. On the toothed addition for the bucket, every place where you removed a bolt leaves a nice convenient hole for a good, hot plug weld!

[@tmacie2]

I love it when a plan comes together!

[@garymessina1609]

The 555 is starting is getting better ,great video thanks Mike

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Captain Kleeman, can't wait to see how the dentures work on the bucket. I need to do the same on my MF-40 . 😊😊😊😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hopefully it helps

[@allensharlow7763]

Your tractor project is getting better every day, very nice work Mike😎😎👍👍❤️🍮🍮

[@tallboy2234]

I’ll go rhythm!😀👍

[@fsj197811]

Careful what you say, Kleeman, you'll jinx yourself and the ol' girl will think you're fixing to move on to spending time on another project and split a hose to keep your attention on her. As always, thanks for sharing.

[@ishure8849]

G'day Cpt, I don't need to use the igniters on my old Fords because we don't get that white stuff on the ground in winter 👍.

[@vincentecherer6349]

15 seconds should be all you need assuming you have high enough compression. If you have high compression you should be able to figure out how long you need to run that block heater. At temps below 145 degrees (internal temp) is considered a cold start. I learned this the hard way with my 85 K10 6.2L.

[@americanpatriot2.06]

9:00 Another Prequel to a DP Shop update! That is a huge difference!!!! We will see DP's video on the shop update in about two months!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Mike & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Mike & Friends Randy

[@thebear5454]

Keep plugging away Mike. The old triple nickel is getting there.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@TGSamantha091]

Technically there is always a "nut behind the wheel" hahaha good stuff Mike TY for the entertainment and yes, some knowledge

[@CaptainKleeman]

😂😂 fair point!

[@timkd5vmv583]

Excellent progress!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@resiliencyisrough]

Lol. The SDS in DP’s Shop work a little different. Got a good laugh out of that one. The satire is everything to me.

[@jefferyyoung6836]

You should consider putting a gallon of “Slime” into the tire to stop all the small leaks and future leaks.

[@BarryFlo58]

From memory, you turn the key partly and hold for 10 seconds or so before turning the key a bit further and it would crank. The older machines had a little bowl on the dash with holes in it which would glow to show you had the key in the correct position

[@birdmanexpress]

You ain't Lucky, you be blessed!!!

[@ericpaul4575]

Those set screws on the tooth bar will hold that bar on tight. You don’t need to weld it, and that allows you to remove the bar when you don’t want to have a toothed bucket.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

I’d agree if it was almost anyone else… but, I doubt they are Kleeman Proof!!!

[@robertmorgan3670]

I love your little quick jokes Mike, like when you were grabbing the buckets with the forks 😂

[@MarkLatham-xr7xi]

Have you thought of adding liquid (supersaturated calcium chloride, etc.) to the front tires for extra weight? It would also reduce the 'bounciness" of the tires.

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Mike. With the pre-heater fixed, you may not need a jump box again.......let's hope so. All the leaks fixed means money savings for something else. It is a good day in the neighborhood. Have good days!

[@zachtaylor737]

Your a mechanic at heart for suree

[@frankrose2853]

I have a 550 with the manifold heater. The way it works with the key on my machine is I turn the key slightly to the left and hold in that spot [ before it starts to turn over. ]. , I hold it in that spot for a count of about 10 to 15. When it is real cold I do this twice. After holding, continue turning to the left and she will start to turn over. I do this every time I start it, year round. My machine is a 1976 with 2800 original hrs. and starts every time in the coldest weather.

[@CaptainKleeman]

That's the way this is supposed to work as well, I wonder if someone switched out the ignition switch at some point. Appreciate the info!

[@frankrose2853]

When turning the key to the left, you have to judge where to stop. There is no stop position for the heater. If you turn to far as you well know, she will crank, just turn back a little till it stops cranking

[@Richard-C]

you're getting it done Mike, can't wait to see what new projects you start as existing projects get completed, great video Mike 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Thank you, Captain, for another smile on my face this Monday morning. Your channel is the one I really look forward to. Progress every time you post. I can hardly wait until the next video. Thank you for sharing 👌 😊❤

[@kenfrazier616]

I sure enjoy seeing new video's Mike makes the morning coffee so much better

[@lukearmstrong3040]

Love the Halligan usage to get that tire up!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Handy tool

[@fransinyard891]

Good morning sunshine! Another great video! Your getting things done & marking them off the list! Much love and respect from Henderson Ga USA

[@charlesmarshall3396]

I enjoy watching your videos they are always interesting. And it's nice when you include your pretty little girl helping you.

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

Making great progress! Great video! Thanks Mike! Lee

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks lee

[@nevillekinsley5610]

Great video thanks.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching!

[@BornRandy62]

to operate a large volume air device with a small compressor .... hook up a series of buddy tanks with short air hoses. I have 4 to make my tire machine work. I found a large propane tank that can not be certified anymore ( something about being made in 1950s) I took the propane valving off and replaced it with air suitable fittings . you will be able to operate the volume device for a short time frame. of course nothing replaces a properly sized compressor and tank

[@THEWRENCH343]

Always nice to have a button to set your backhoe on fire! 🤣😂

[@davemclelland9292]

If you have a grease fitting on your quick attach handles you will like it if you put grease in it regularly.......:-)) Great videos Mike....thx

[@duaneclark9005]

Now that the heater in the intake manifold is ready for winter cold starts, put some floor panels back in, and get the heater in the inside of the cab working. Then you would be ready for working in the cold winter months. Just a thought, don’t want to get the cart in front of the horse.

[@3sparewashers-lg3gf]

Caaaaaaapppppp…. You can also pull that fuel trailer with the super duty ;)

[@3sparewashers-lg3gf]

In all seriousness though, always love the 555 content. She’s a great ol girl, youve really brought her back to a vibrant state.

[@MrGrimCarnage]

Now that you have the leak down to a trickle, get a bucket of that sealant Mike put in Bubba Dump....I bet that'll make your "2 day tire" into a "2 monther"!

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. Certainly a random mixed bag of accomplishments. Well done. My thoughts on the backhoe arm, imagine the camera views you could get from the new camera boom while using the loader. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@davidnaudi2601]

Them dentures sure look good.

[@holyearth61]

Yep, A little ventilation On the old girl never hurt anything.. Quote of the day.

[@sparky11772]

Good morning Mike!

[@waltermattson5566]

My little loader got a flat tire on Saturday. It is a 12 ply and I brought it in to get fixed. I feel ashamed of myself now. Almost.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol

[@number40Fan]

I'd leave all of the backhoe, including bucket attached and add some weight to the front. Nothing like have a 4wd switch for those times 2wd gets you stuck.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Nope

[@bestmxer01]

The way my 555 is the key has 2 positions to the left from the center off spot. It doesn’t feel like it though. It’ll start all the way left but if your in between off and left start that’s your spot to energize the manifold heater. If I’m not mistaken the operator manual says hold the key for the manifold heater for 30 seconds before continuing to turn left to start. After that I just turn it to normal run position to turn gauges and lights on. Tbh I’ve tried to get mine working but it will never actually ignite the flame. Now she’s just ether trained when it’s below 50°. I

[@Chico-td2fy]

Those " vent holes" are for the wasps they need shelter too. 😊 buzzzzzzz. 🚜⚓️

[@chipmccoy5077]

Great video, content and always enjoy watching all you do. Keep on sharing. Have a blessed and wonderful day.

[@tomasrom9073]

Great video, you got to love that old iron.