Ford 755B Tractor-Loader-Backhoe Operator's Manual
This is the Operator's Manual for the Ford 755B Tractor-Loader-Backhoe, covering the complete controls, operation, adjustment, and maintenance procedures for both loader and backhoe functions across approximately 100 pages. This is the operator's manual Ford originally issued to 755B owners, and it is available here as an instant digital download. You can also review the full Ford 755B specifications before you buy.
About the Ford 755B
The Ford 755B was produced from approximately 1987 to 1992 as the largest member of Ford's 755 industrial tractor-loader-backhoe line, succeeding the 755 and 755A. It was powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder Ford diesel of 268 cubic inches — a heavier, higher-capacity machine than the better-known 555-series TLBs, and one external references place in roughly the 100-engine-horsepower class (the operator's manual itself does not state a horsepower figure). What set the 755B apart mechanically was its 3x3 power-shift, power-reversing torque-converter transmission driving a double-reduction planetary final drive, paired with hydrostatic steering and an open-center hydraulic system feeding both the loader and an integral backhoe. The backhoe was offered in a standard 17-foot configuration and a 17-foot extendible-dipperstick configuration that pushed maximum digging depth past 21 feet. The 755B saw heavy duty in commercial construction, municipal and utility work, and large-property drainage and site work, competing against machines like the Case 580 Super series and the John Deere 510/610. Many remain in service today, where the hydraulic circuit, swing system, stabilizers, and the power-shift transmission are the areas that most reward having factory-specified procedures on hand.
What This Manual Covers
This manual documents the 755B as an integrated machine — loader and backhoe functions are covered together as Ford designed them to operate, including combined attachment and counterweight procedures. Major sections include:
- Safety Precautions — Ford's original safety requirements for TLB operation, including Roll-Over Protective Frame use, stabilizer deployment, and trench-work practice
- Controls & Instruments — cab controls; key start switch; light switch; proof-meter; brake and rear-axle controls; transmission controls; loader controls; backhoe controls; and the backhoe extendible-dipperstick control
- Operation — break-in procedures; cold- and warm-weather starting and starting aids; stopping the engine; transmission operation and shifting working speeds; differential-lock operation; towing and transporting the 755B; weighting limitations; loader operation; backhoe operation; and extendible-dipperstick operation
- Lubrication & Maintenance — the lubrication chart and maintenance schedule; fuels and lubricants; oil recommendations; air-cleaner, fuel-filter, fuel-injector, and bleeding procedures; battery, alternator, and voltage-regulator service; cooling-system, hydraulic-system, rear-axle, and transmission-oil-filter service; cab-filter service; and hydraulic hose and tubing inspection
- Adjustments — foot brakes and hand brake; fan belt; throttle linkage and engine speed; valve clearance (lash); front-wheel bearings; and front-wheel toe-in
- Specifications — factory dimensions, capacities, and settings for the engine, drivetrain, electrical system, and loader and backhoe performance
- Storage — long-term storage procedures for a machine carrying both loader and backhoe hydraulic circuits
- Pre-Delivery Service — the factory checklist for initial delivery inspection and setup
Why This Manual Matters
- Power-shift, power-reversing transmission: The 755B's 3x3 power-shift torque-converter transmission behaves nothing like a geared field-tractor box. The factory operating sequence, working-speed shift practice, and fluid and filter requirements documented here are essential for operators and mechanics whose experience is with mechanical or synchro-shuttle machines.
- Extendible dipperstick operation: If your machine has the extendible dipperstick, its control and operating procedure are documented directly — a feature that changes reach, digging depth, and safe operating practice and is easy to misuse without guidance.
- Hydraulic hose and tubing inspection: The maintenance section sets out Ford's inspection criteria for the open-center circuit — critical on a machine where loader and backhoe hoses flex and abrade constantly under high pressure.
- Backhoe and counterweight removal and installation: Removing and reinstalling the integral backhoe and counterweight correctly, in the right sequence and to the right torques, is documented here — a job frequently done wrong without the factory procedure.
- Weighting limitations: The 755B's front/rear weight distribution with the loader loaded and the backhoe deployed is specified — knowing Ford's actual limits matters for safe work on grades and soft ground on an ~18,000-lb machine.
- Original factory content: This is the manual Ford issued to 755B owners, carrying manual code SE 4680 1188.
Manual Code: SE 4680 1188