John Deere 550B Crawler Dozer, 555B Crawler Loader 1987 Technical Manual (P/N TM-1331)

• Official 1,058-page OEM publication (TM-1331, August 1987 edition) covering the B-series configuration
• Written for the 1987 John Deere 550B Crawler Dozer and 555B Crawler Loader with turbocharged diesel powertrains
• Documents engine, chassis, electrical, drivetrain, and undercarriage specifications used during the original launch build
• Features 12 exploded-view diagrams, 4 primary torque specification charts, and comprehensive operational testing procedures

Component and System Documentation

When troubleshooting a pressure drop or tearing down the undercarriage, having the exact factory schematics on hand takes the guesswork out of the job. This documentation delivers an organized breakdown of the machine's mechanical systems. It details engine cooling, lubrication, and auxiliary setups. You will also find in-depth coverage of the power train, torque converter, and hydraulic controls. Need to inspect the tracks or steering systems? Separate chapters isolate those components. Operator station elements—including ROPS and cabin enclosures—are fully documented. If your rig runs the 9300 or 9550 backhoe attachments, the manual covers that too. It provides specific hardware details, assembly reference, and frame configurations.

Specification Highlights

Precision is everything when turning wrenches on heavy earthmoving equipment. Factory numbers matter. The manual specifies track shoe mounting hardware torque at 163 N-m (120 lb-ft), while steering clutch housing fasteners require 325.44 N-m (240 lb-ft). You will find detailed tolerance charts for track link height and bushing diameters. This allows mechanics to accurately gauge wear limits before ordering replacement parts. Fluid capacities are clearly mapped out for quick reference. Examples include the 18.9-liter engine cooling system and the 22.7-liter hydraulic reservoir on the 550B. Working on heavy machinery inherently involves high-pressure fluids and serious crush risks. Always verify your equipment's condition against these original factory specifications and follow strict shop safety protocols before making any adjustments.