Putting 1978 Backhoe to Work - First Time in Decades!

It well until it didn't, but I still was able to test it out!
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Ford Backhoe Playlist - • Ford 555 Backhoe
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DISCLAIMER'. this is not a how to video and I am not responsible for any actions you take on your equipment or property
#captainkleeman
#excavation
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[@AndyMohlman]

“In the meantime we’re just gonna tosser out the window”…😂😂😂 Another amazing job, great work Mike!

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@markrusso9309]

Good to see you got it running Captain 😊

[@robertellard]

L.T. It was fantastic seeing your baby come to life. Perserverance, willpower and sheer determination has paid you dividens. You are a role model for all of us that think we cannot do this stuff. You have shown anything is possible. 🙂👍🇮🇪

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@raysisco5076]

I’m 70 years old and you are my DIY inspiration.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@dannyhutcheson9932]

Morning Captain, its heart breaking to see all of the extra malfunctions after all that you have put into this project. If there is a bright side to ponder, your learning curve is increasing dramatically with every video. Keep up the good work, your great attitude will pay awesome dividends in the long run.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Nah man, it's just part of the process. In excited we are on to hoses now, means we moving through the system

[@warrenmichael918]

@@CaptainKleeman Heck yes, id say you are ahead of the game so far. I woulda figured as soon as you tried to swing the boom, you woulda blown almost every hose that is hooked up to what you were trying to move. Some guys might just replace most of the hoses now before they blow, dont do that , they are expensive and even old nasty looking hoses might last a year or longer and you save the money. It would be different if this machine was your lively hood, it isnt! Great to see it finally starting to rumble back to life.

[@davidbillings615]

Hurray she’s alive now her close needs fixed.🫵🦾🛠🦾👏👏👏👍👍👍🫣

[@DMAN10]

Super progress! The 555 starts, drives, and stops. You knew hoses were always gonna be an issue after sitting for years. It’s a process for a $3300 investment. Once all the gremlins are gone, the machine will pay you back in spades! Thanks for sharing Cap!

[@jpwalla]

You number of times I laugh out loud during you video is awesome. Your one liners and random thoughts are great content.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Glad you enjoy it

[@Grandpa-Chris]

Way back when Clint stuck you with this 4wheel disaster I nearly spat my coffee across my room, I actually commented on his channel that I thought he had dodged a bullet , too which he replied with a couple of smilie faces and a laughing face… you know what Mike… this has been a brilliant little series , this world is short of characters.. you are definitely what is needed to brighten the place up. Thank you Sir.

[@als8518]

Well c&c could never justify the labor time. But for someone not running a production shop it's great content. Probably well over a million views on the series so far.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Clint fixes to sell, wouldn't make any sense for him. Im trying to learn and save a few bucks. Two different goals

[@michaeladams8532]

Well said. Have loved watching this series. Capt never seems ruffled. That shocks me

[@rayyoung7780]

It must be hugely satisfying to hear that thin crank and have it actually work. Fun to watch.

[@billwilliams9527]

Holy Christmas, working in that weather has to be a serous challenge. Mike,, so everything didn't go as planned on the first attempt, you gotta stand tall in fixing this thing as much as you did. You sir have tenacity.

[@blistkenq1278]

You are so lucky the backhoe came with a trowel to clean the dirt around the control tower 😆 You take the challenge of fixing things you have little knowledge of your willing to put the effort in to learn new skills. I enjoy watching your video's.

[@CaptainKleeman]

It's a handy feature

[@caesar1295]

I could only imagine how much you would accomplish if you had a two bay heated shop with a couple of lifts, not fighting the cold, rain, mud. Being comfortable while rebuilding items like this sure makes it go easier and faster. I hope one day soon you’ll have that luxury. My compliments on a job well done in hard conditions Sir. I’ve worked in cold frozen conditions over 1000 feet in the air and it makes things extremely difficult to accomplish.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Ild just take more naps

[@2dronetek2]

He needs a couple of shipping containers he can build a roof over that he can adjust for height. Build a fire at one end of it and tarp down the other end. May not be fancy but it won't break the bank either. Even one container and his current garage could work.

[@CaptainKleeman]

@@2dronetek2 nah

[@kaelin000]

He'd still be working out in the weather having filled that space with other ongoing projects. I say this from experience.

[@salmonhunter7414]

I really like how you show the real struggles. Not just say well that took a while or now that that is done. Thanks for taking the time.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching

[@OneEyeCustoms]

I wish it was that easy, to have an extra nut to make your bolt stand a little more proud. 😆

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@cdouglas1942]

Hats off to the Captn. for putting out content when its sub-freezing. I guess when all your stuff is outdoors and you're in the Mid West such temps are unavoidable. Its been quite a project and I'm impressed with your perseverance.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@DunbarLandFarms]

Just watching you work outside makes me cold. I don’t know how you do it. 🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@andrewcooper8980]

I loved it when you said, I’m throwing it out the window because that’s the way I feel about that. THAT WAS AWESOME

[@cosmokramer9993]

Nice job Captain, I'm excited for you! As Ernest T. Bass would say, "You can afford to be mighty proud of yourself."

[@mikedobson2988]

And now the Hydraulic Hose dance starts. I feel for you Captain, You'll conquer the Beast! Thanks for the videos.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Fingers crossed!

[@tbix1963]

Don’t know how I started watching this video and failed to finish watching it. Just completed video. Picked it up just before testing. Couldn’t help but laugh when the hose blew, all I could think was, at least the glass is still good and blocks the spray from the hoses. Best fix the hoses prior to taking any windows out while rebuilding the cab. Don’t forget the video from tractor time with Tim. He said the hoses only cost like $10 over the cost of parts to be made. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@josephzickert4051]

This should be named the misadventures of The Captain.

[@Camping814]

She moves! I'm totally laughing with you and that tree! I'm on-board with the plan of fixing it in small bursts. Use it, fix it, use it, fix, rinse, repeat.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Exactly

[@utubota5522]

After all of your work, I would anticipate detecting more minor repairs as you complete your shake down cruise. Congrats on getting the 550 running and operational.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup! Gonna have some issues come up for sure

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n you just done shade tree mechanics worldwide PROUD! And, you did it without any leaves on the tree and no tree overhead! When you started cranking on the engine I held my breath… my heart started beating in rhythm with the crank… as it sped up I could feel my blood pressure rise… then it started… I exhaled and felt my heart relax and a smile spread across my face so big, it pushed my ears together on the back of my head. Cap’n congrats on a successful resurrection of the triple nickel. One that will go down in Kleeman History as an epic win in the continuing saga that is your life on KZbin! Congrats bud. You done great!

[@CaptainKleeman]

New warning at the beginning of videos "please remember to breath normally" 🤣

[@billloomis7611]

You are truly becoming a master mechanic. I really like your patience and dedication. Great man!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you very much!

[@chetthejet3896]

That is what I was thinking. Mike you are a great machinic, in the dirt, snow, ice and cold.

[@danielstaton7895]

Been watching this channel since new just about. And I agree. Some fresh air on this media platform. Cap. I thoroughly enjoy watching you wrench on shit like this. Its like I'm doing it too. Because most of my projects go about as smooth 🤣

[@centexan]

He's kind of fun to watch. Sometimes frustrating to watch. But, master mechanic? ROFLMAO! Shade tree at best.

[@paulprigge1209]

I’m sorry but he’s becoming a master tree shade mechanic. Very persistent patient pretty good dude . Goshay Clinton and some others. I realize you’re just being sarcastic but he’s really good kid awesome videos

[@royscarbrough3589]

You are a hero to rusted busted equipment everywhere. Bless your heart! Praying for all your adventures

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@mattlatham1408]

Congrats on getting the rust pile going again! Mean nothing negative by calling it a rust pile, I’m jealous of it and happy you got it going!

[@user-tq7cr6go9x]

Great sequence of videos. You show patience and optimism that all envy you for. Keep up the good work. Brad..........

[@RickyCervo]

Big progress on the backhoe project, other small fixes and it will be fully operational! Great job captain!

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@RickyCervo]

@@CaptainKleeman let's gooo

[@pinwizz69]

Captain, given the conditions you're working under and issues that keep popping up I gotta say you're doing an outstanding job on the old 555. It's going to provide lots pf channel content once it's fully ready to work.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@jtrammeljr]

Great positive attitude. Just one productive thing😊. Keep plugging away. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks so much!

[@budlvr]

Damn; almost like watching a Diesel Creek video! IT LIVES!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Matt is awesome! Hope to do a collaboration one day

[@tr3vorb438]

Great to see your hard work pay off!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

With all the modifications, new parts, redo old parts I’d say Dr. Frankenstein your monster is alive. Yay!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@charliedalmasso4672]

Can you believe you just remade an engine and it's working ? amazing work ! well done !

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yes I can, lol. Anyone can

[@charliedalmasso4672]

@@CaptainKleeman well, when i do extensive work on something, every time i am a little surprise that everything works after as it should :) even if i am confident in my work. have a nice day doing what you do !

[@anthonysutherland9487]

Your backhoe is obviously more advanced than DP’s 210. It seems to operate on voice commands. 😊😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@Lnmwr]

🤣

[@justinotten6673]

And it will really move when ya swear at it!!! #protip#lifehack

[@WatchWesWork]

It's like the ghost of Christmas future...

[@CaptainKleeman]

"is this how Wes feels on plow trucks". Majority of my inner monologue during this project

[@buck3409]

You need to rebuild the right bucket tilt cylinder. Its dripping fluid steadily.

[@anthonyfry5927]

"IT'S ALIVE"!!!! Woo hoo 🙌. Sounds pretty good too. Couple more little things to do and you'll be digging & tearing down trees like crazy!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hope so!

[@rickbell3402]

She’s Alive! She’s Moving! Well done, Mike! A couple of hoses? Not worth mentioning!

[@PaulButkiewicz]

Great job Mike. Nice to see the old gir come back to life. But now you're running out of excuses for all those trail projects that you've been pushing off!

[@Crewsy]

That’s exactly how I was thinking of fixing the rad hose issue. As they say. Great minds think alike. 🤣😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol

[@timsziminski2461]

Shock them fittings with a hammer one crack they'll come rite off Cap 👊👍

[@timcaron9049]

Nothing more satisfying to see it start after you tore it all apart and put it back together. Great job.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@tomoaktree4951]

Hi Mike, The biggest drawback of old tractor backhoes and excavators is replacing the continually failing hydraulic hoses, which always seem to be in a confined area! Ideally it would be nice to replace them all, but that in itself would be quite the challenge, as well as a big expense!

[@philliphall5198]

Yep if I bid on one I add 10/16 grand to it for hly hoses fluid etc So I don’t bit much now

[@AquaPeet]

YAY, what a great achievement Capt'n!!! She purrs real nice, it's awesome!! :)

[@CaptainKleeman]

Pretty excited!

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Not everyone can have your perspective(s) ….they wouldn’t be able handle the unlimited amount of epiphanies that flood your mind. That goose call seat being but one great example. Just an FYI …I did something recently that my wife was pleasantly surprised about. She didn’t say anything at first because she didn’t want to be a boo bird (negative) in the early days but after it was obvious I was getting traction and looked committed to completing something 😢unlike anything that I had undertaken in the past, she spoke up. What made you even attempt that project? I’m not mad about it, in fact I’m impressed. I let her know that by watching my KZbin buddies work through issues where their blind self confidence (and frugal ways) accomplish so much ….it inspired me. Thank you !!

[@donlowe9125]

One step at a time…. It’s looking real good

[@kimberlythompson3590]

Your almost there Captain! Keep up the great work Bud. Your hard work is paying off. Can't wait for the next one.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@danielcohn-bendit701]

Don’t lose hope, Cap’n! You’re almost home!

[@martineastburn3679]

My My need small rubber arms and hands on this puppy ! What a job and in the ice... Nice Job.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@masterofpuppets2004]

this repair series could go on for YEARS ...lol

[@CaptainKleeman]

Possible! Lol

[@claudethomas8084]

Love your enthusiasm. Change the controls over you will thank yourself for it😁.The hoses will be a pain till you get most of them changed , just keep at it and you will have a good machine to get all you projects done. Keep up the great attitude and energy. 😁👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@jennyoreilly5980]

More pats on the back, your persistence and ability are admirable. Great to watch your videos. Thanks.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@maxobara1496]

Did I notice a different tone in your voice today, more serious and straight to the point?🤔 Love the tree/555 dialogue. Captain hang tuff, it’s coming around. Your a tuff cookie!!💪👍🇺🇸

[@cyndikarp3368]

Yes, you got it running. There was bound to be more work to do, like hoses. You're getting lots closer to working.

[@mattcartwright8272]

Marty T... "Welcome to my world Mike".

[@wolfpacva]

You did a lot of work to get the old girl running again . Congrats.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@stevelandwerth6648]

She sure sounds and moves good. Shame you still have issues but I know you will work thru them. Great series. Keep them going.

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Mike. Crow's foot wrenches are game changers. Have you thought about maybe getting with DP to go in on a hydraulic hose fitting crimper kit? Buying hose and fittings in bulk and making your own hoses must be cheaper that paying what shops charge for making them up. Just sayin'. Thanks for posting.

[@CaptainKleeman]

It would definitely be handy

[@erictaylor8523]

We got to get you some kind of shelter made! Heck with the elements.

[@philipmoores5202]

You have done a fine job of rebuilding a basket case.

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Mike. I hope you feel good about the progress. The things that went wrong, I don't think were addressed during the rebuild. That tree will come down soon using the tractor. Have good days!

[@deanbarr5740]

Labor of Love Mike. You'll getter.

[@Sparkey]

Brilliant! One mans junk truly is another mans treasure. Very pleased for you. Can't wait to see it after bodywork and paint.

[@stevehultman5315]

Happy, happy boy!

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@MrZZeroG]

This is always the hard decision point for me. Do you swallow the frog - replace more than what are leaking? Or does one wait for the hose rupture at the worst time? Great channel. Deserve KZbin’s best attitude award. Just remember nobody is ever completely worthless. They can always serve as a bad example!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Kind of like this comment...

[@alsaku33]

@@CaptainKleeman 🙄

[@loveistheanswer8137]

Old machines will keep you poor on fixing hydraulic lines. The cost of oil these days, leaks get expensive fast. Hopefully Mike can get some use before the next one blows.

[@alsaku33]

@@loveistheanswer8137 Old machines hydraulic lines will keep you poor? No....more like their wet piston sleeves or boom/stick cylinders or final drives. The machine will be fine and its not like captain is making his living using it. He will put $ into it, get production out of it (paying or not) and then sell it. Worst case (not likely) he breaks even, but even then he is still "ahead" in my mind.

[@firesurfer]

@@CaptainKleeman :) no comment.

[@jerrygriffin592]

Great job on the engine, one day at a time,you’ll get it, at least you don’t have all the computer and def to deal with ,great job Mike, watching from ft. Myers fla.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Exactly!

[@leemiller5314]

your killing me with your commentary ! Love your humor

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks lee

[@Manoffire260]

WhoooHooo! I’m happy for ya Mike!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@flick22601]

Ahhhhh!, the trials and tribulations of owning older equipment. Well, keep the faith Cap'n. At least you can work on it without having to fight the computer.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Exactly!

[@gbentley8176]

Great to see her move now. The UK machines with the vertical legs, sliding boom and swing motor, for all its possible issues at least left a huge work bay to access the hydraulics externally. You will work through it and come out smiling as ever Capt. She sounds great and starts well; that's most of the battle done. Best wishes from the UK.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@ganjafarmer1572]

JCB

[@zachshannon5605]

Also a good set of crows feet wrenches is great for working on the main control block ive changed many on our 555b without coming through the top

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Captain, you are Well on your way to be the Very first KZbinr I know of that Built a Concrete Paddle Boat, Deep in the Woods of Indiana that are Navigated by Fierce JD 755, a Rogue Mad Max Suburu UTV, along Avenues and Bridges Built by Yourself. while Creating an entirely new Body of Water on the Very Same Hillside as the Concrete Boat. Now Upping the Game, as if enough Worldly Records haven’t been Challenged, Bringing an Iconic 555 Scratcher Back from the Grave. Everything I was Hoping for in a Creator to Follow! Thank You for having us along for the Journey, I’ll Certainly be Back on the Next One ( We are Crazy Busy Thank The Lord). Keep It Safe Out There Mike

[@DavidB-Scotland]

She's getting there Captain. Runs pretty sweet - and an onboard fountain too! Great video. 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@mikenixon9164]

It used to be all those hoses were the same length . I would switch pattern also.

[@jimmowers7675]

Great job Mike. Good to see the tractor moving around. Thanks for sharing.

[@CaptainKleeman]

You bet

[@gwbuilder5779]

Well Mike, you almost got that tree down before the showers erupted. The Good news is that you are only 208 hydraulic hoses away from a leak free machine, maybe. The engine sounds great and the pumps are quiet, so it certainly looks like you are getting close to a solid working machine.🤙

[@retiredchiefcharlie7451]

This will be the most versatile piece of equipment on the property very soon. Great job! Be safe!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@jerrellkull5347]

90° headed wrenches are quite handy doing hydraulic lines. Take care Captain.

[@CaptainKleeman]

👍

[@BandPGarage]

Best commentary on KZbin! Always get a good laugh!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@mobiousenigma]

thanks for the videos... dam thats dedication , i live in canada and have done a winter outside clutch job.....hugging a backhoe in sub 0c cant be fun , nothing worse than working with cold metal

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey get to work! Lol

[@kevinfrerichs8589]

Welcome to the wonderful word of old equiupment with rotted hoses, Good job so far, and good luck.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup, part of it. New equipment does it too! Lol

[@HogshooterHotrods]

Great to see the triple nickel moving all its joints, those hydraulic lines are going to be a constant headache for you though and it is no surprise there are a few dollars in hoses on it. Just keep using it she seems to be ok and will make a heck of a worker on the homestead!!

[@michaeld_68]

Well she's a needy girl but almost got her !!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Great job Captain 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Getting close!

[@joeanonemouse]

You are so close and I am so happy for you. Hopefully after replacing some old rotted hoses you'll have a fully functional backhoe. Your work ethic and sense of humor make watching your channel a real joy. I can't wait to see what you get done with that Ford after watching everything you've done with your John Deere. Great video Captain. Thank you. 👍

[@C_CEQUIPMENT]

Crows feet work well for that I also use an air hammer in tight places on fittings

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for the tip Clint! She's getting closer to that C&C Decal!

[@richardmiller5238]

This is the video we have been waiting for! 👍🏻👌🤞🤞🤞Minor inconveniences, you will have a nice machine once the hose bugs are worked out. Congrats Captain Tenacious! 😁

[@garymessina1609]

It running first major great thing to happen now everything else is gravy great video thanks Captain

[@waynerudiger1756]

Total game changer - that thing will be a beast for you once it's sorted. And for as little as you have in it, wow.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@walterramey8302]

Glad to see that the backhoe is running joys of owning one is always blowing hoses

[@bobbowlinex9319]

You are getting there! While changing the line you can replumb the machine for the control pattern you are familiar with.

[@icefireroo]

"We're blowing up left and right" 😂 Nice work CK. Keep the awesome content coming ❤

[@davebulkley4285]

No. 555 Alive!

[@Chris-jj7tb]

Great to see it finally up and working. Im pretty sure I would have just let the Boom eat and replace the Hydro Fluid. Or pushed it over with the Loader. Made my Day Captain.

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Captain you’re getting closer every video! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching Kevin

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

I HATE working on hydraulic hoses! Great video Mike and it was great to see what positive progress you got on the Ole Triple Nickle! Lee

[@lyleminyard2308]

Sounds great Captain keep her going!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Lyle

[@lifeonmttammanyridge2565]

Hey Mike you look like an archaeologist scraping around with that trowel Looking for those bolts. If you keep digging down there you might find yourself a top pocket find!

[@ltshroyer_hoosiermagnets8173]

Really coming along great!! Always look forward to seeing what's next!! 😃👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

More to come!

[@brownwarrior6867]

You get a real sense of satisfaction when you’ve spent hours ( sometimes days ) getting elbow deep in grease and oil to finally fix something that’s broken or worn. Even more so in conditions that most wouldn’t bother to deal with. Great stuff as always Mike. Ps nice spanner rash 8:50 😂👍🏼

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪