Wonderful, really pleased for you Mike, you've worked really hard on this project and you've never given up. 👍🤗 If Clint is reading these comments, hopefully he can link you up with shoes for your back hoe feet. 😎
Mike give yourself a big pat on the back, along with Clinton and company for finding you this project and advice when needed. . Back in the day we used to put the hoses around the wrong way and ask an apprentice to take it to the wash, The look on their faces when they turned the wheel to go right and the machine went left. That all stopped when one apprentice drove into the owners office when he was in a meeting, that was fun watching the guy saying the machine had a mind of its own to the owner. But you have proved to many who follow your site wrong with turning what to many was a pile of rusty scrap into a machine that will serve you well for years to come, You also have much more knowledge on how the 555 works and how to do those repairs. Many of our operators had a 45 gal tank filled with water dropped in the front bucket to add more ballast when using an extending back hoe machine, give you more positive steering etc when using and dump it to the side when using the bucket. I can see you having many hours of fun working the 555 in the future and maybe one day a full weather proof cab. Operating a back hoe and getting wet sucks I know. Good work my friend you have given me hope that you youngsters have courage to do something like this project, and always with a smile. Stay well and safe, regards to the family, looking forward to your next post already.
My hat’s off to you sir. You say you’re not a mechanic, not a welder, not this and that, yet in almost every video you are building something, fixing things that would intimidate a lot of mechanics and fabricating and welding up your equipment and it holds and works the same as if a actual mechanic/welder did the job. Your video’s are solid gold and I myself aspire to be able to fix my own equipment as you do one day. Thank you and keep up the excellent content! 👍
The smile on your face says it all dude! A rebuilt, running, digging, and pushing backhoe for what you have into it…is a steal. Thanks for sharing Cap!
'... LITTLE RAIN COMING IN THROUGH THE CAB - NOT A PROBLEM - IT'LL KEEP THE MOSS WATERED....' The glass is always half-full for you CK. Like the rebuild of the triple5.
Well done Captain - it has taken time, careful finances and a never give up attitude to arrive at this stage. Good to see your enjoyment and pride at having the back hoe in working order. Many good times ahead.
Well Bud, looks like you got yourself a great backhoe, and you deserve it Mike, you put a lot of work into it, and money and time, I’m so happy to see you get ahead and things working out for your family❤
You are so fun to watch. I’m an almost 70 year old woman who is a TH-cam junky. I learn so much from watching how to do shit. I won’t be restoring a backhoe but it’s so encouraging to know it can be done.
Looks like a darn good Thursday on a Sunday to me! No fountains, geysers, blowouts, eruptions, explosions, and she just plain sounds good.👌 A project well worth the time, energy, and funds because you certainly would not be able to buy a working machine for anywhere near your investment so far. Awesome job and so happy to see you putting her to work. 🤙
The old girl is ready to work. You have done an extraordinary job bringing her back. A new dress and she will be party ready. Maybe a cheap thumb would help. Great content, glad to see you smiling about it. Stay salty captain!!!!!
Hi Mike. You say you can't afford a mechanic, but it seems the only cost needed is your time. You have not backed away from removing, replacing or rebuilding anything and always get it done. Perhaps one day riding down, or up, the road, you will spot a tooth on the side of the road to replace the tooth that chose to reside somewhere other than its proper place. Always the comedian! Have good days!
Hi Mike, It’s brilliant to see it working and I can feel your excitement!! Love the moss comment!!! You’ve done a great job with that old machine and I’m so pleased for you that she’s now paying you back!! Jerry UK
Hi from Kansas, I'm so happy the 555 is up and running for you. We had Ford 961 row crop was made from 1958 to 1962 Ford 8n, Johndeere 520, 3020 and 4020.
So great to see that tractor moving and doing real work!! 👏👍😀 Hope your face has recovered from the aches because of that huge smile!! 🤣 BTW, if the rust on the cab ends up needing too many cans of Rust'O'leam, just put the Subaru body on the tractor?!!! 🤔 Rain/snow protection is more important on the tractor than the 'round-about' vehicle! 🤪 😝
Mike has been an enjoyable series the resurrection of the old Ford 555 so nice to see you save her from the wrecking yard I'm sure it will serve you well Cheers Kym Adelaide
That beast is going to make life so much easier for you. It appears to still be a strong machine. Having under $5k in it is a hell of a deal in todays market. Plus the freedom gained from not having to be dependent on Dirt Perfects as much. Fantastic video.
Hip-hip hora! We got to see the Ole Triple Nickel dig out some stumps! Fantastic! Since I can't do it here, from 6 hours away, take your right hand, and extend it over your left shoulder, and pat vigorously! Job well done (even though you're not done)! I've already said, "You're a braver man than I am! I would not have tackled what you've already done! Great video Mike! Lee
she is coming along with all the new bits n pieces you got her digging well pull stumps just a tip to add a bit of weight to the front of just pick your self up a bucket of dirt helps keep her noise down speaking of noise why you not put the freshly painted grill back on would look nice Cheers
You may not be a professional mechanic and you’re definitely not a certified mechanic, but you still are a mechanic because you work successfully with Tools on machinery and cars.
I’m 10 min into the video and man I really like the little improvements to your channel the tug boat at the beginning little animation & the subtle music n the videos great touch captain
Hi Mike, the smile on your face tells a story 😂your outriggers do look a bit small a good chunk of steel would help, about 24 x12 or a flat bit of oak, good to see the old girl running, there will be no stopping you now, take care
Awesome, Mike! Ya done a fine Job'a Work on that there backhoe an I ain'a lyin! Can't wait to see'r all finished and you puttin' that beast to work - for Real!
Yep, got a lot of that briar here too, a day working around that stuff, and my arms look like I spent the day sorting bob-cats. Ending up with a 60+ HP backhoe, with a $5000 - $6000 investment sounds like a heck of a deal to me. I guarantee my first "junky old tractor" bought off the side of the road paid for itself about 10 times over when we started out. Thanks for the video, take care!
You’re a man after my own heart, love seeing these old machines put back into use instead of being cut up for a scrap! I have an old Bolens tractor which I got for 250 bucks had to rebuild the engine but it’s a real beast now. That smile on your face says it all.
Great to see the old girl working. Shame you do not have a front 3 in 1 bucket. Would have lifted the stump right out. They are common in the UK. Also for stumps find some side cutters to weld or bolt to your bucket. They do not seem to be common in the USA, at least in the vids I have seen. She is a powerful workhorse though.Thank you for posting best from the UK.
The good thing is, it's a FORD so it'll keep running. The bad thing 😭, it's a FORD so things are gonna break. But you have years of work that she will give and take.... I'm excited for the content. You get an A+. Even if the machine is an F or D. 😂
Cap’n the new intro is fine-tastic! (I meant to tell you last week.) Now, about that anti-theft plan. Make sure you have a safe to lock the wheel and all of your vise grips in. My neighbor mows with a Cub Cadet that has worn a Vise Grip steering tiller for a couple of years. I couldn’t have wiped the smile off your face with sand paper… congrats, you are the proud Papa of a healthy and happy triple nickel. I couldn’t be happier for you!
Great video Captain! Awesome seeing the 555 run for more then a few moments. Did pretty well on them stumps, Can't wait to see more of what the Ole girl got.
Mike, if you smile any bigger your face is going to spilt!!! Congrats to you sir, long time coming but is going to make you a great tool. Thank you again for all the time it takes you to edit these for us. It is appreciated to say the least.
Mike after having run a 555 for a cematary I once worked for I noticed the out rigger pads on road machines were built with heavy steel pad extentions. It gives a lot more surface area to the outrigger pad, and most of the operators had a full loader bucket of rock or broken concrete to hold the front end down while pulling hard with the backhoe. I hope these ideas help, you learn pretty quick, it seems. you will figure it out.
Captain, you have inspired me to take on some crazy repairs. Rehabing a John Deere 155c and trailer and a carborator for a poulin Chain Saw as I prepare to clear a 2.25 acre lot for my new home. Of course there will be other larger equipment that will be used for the heavy clearing and moving but man am I excited. Love watching your progress and so impressed with your success and progress. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
Very happy for you Mike... game changing machine for your "toolbelt" for absolute sure... of course if I did not complain about something, I wouldn't hold with your commenters who are religiously perfect. Those weights in the front for helping with the steering and such... it just drives my OCD nuts... thats on me though so don't take my birthday away... I am seventy three and having even one more now seems rather important. Not blowing out candles but no campfire around me with the ceremonial cremation is well .. I sure hope you get the picture. I don't remember just what causes the wheel to lock when first put together after fixing the orbital steer box.... just too long ago now... keep smiling and enjoying this machine
I've said before, I see about all videos you drop but comment on only a few. ANYWAY, today I was thinking of YOU being like me (fixing everything I have) or actually, *ANDREW* does the same thing and it WORKS. Best part is *WE* have *NO PAYMENTS* on what we fix! Good job & love to see you be CREATIVE!
Lookout now! Things are gonna get done 😂
Can't thank ya enough! If you end up with any finish dozers abandoned to the wood line you know where to send em! 🤣. I'm a good home I promise
Wonderful, really pleased for you Mike, you've worked really hard on this project and you've never given up. 👍🤗 If Clint is reading these comments, hopefully he can link you up with shoes for your back hoe feet. 😎
@@CaptainKleeman Wouldn't it be nice to get a call of a thumb attachment someone tossed out? Wow!
@@CaptainKleeman With or without a log winch, a little old IH would go well.
@@Mcgiever100 he'll probably build one. 😂
A boy and his Tonka toys playing in the mud and dirt! Gotta love it!
Mike give yourself a big pat on the back, along with Clinton and company for finding you this project and advice when needed. . Back in the day we used to put the hoses around the wrong way and ask an apprentice to take it to the wash, The look on their faces when they turned the wheel to go right and the machine went left. That all stopped when one apprentice drove into the owners office when he was in a meeting, that was fun watching the guy saying the machine had a mind of its own to the owner. But you have proved to many who follow your site wrong with turning what to many was a pile of rusty scrap into a machine that will serve you well for years to come, You also have much more knowledge on how the 555 works and how to do those repairs. Many of our operators had a 45 gal tank filled with water dropped in the front bucket to add more ballast when using an extending back hoe machine, give you more positive steering etc when using and dump it to the side when using the bucket. I can see you having many hours of fun working the 555 in the future and maybe one day a full weather proof cab. Operating a back hoe and getting wet sucks I know. Good work my friend you have given me hope that you youngsters have courage to do something like this project, and always with a smile. Stay well and safe, regards to the family, looking forward to your next post already.
No wonder you are grinning from ear to ear Mike!!!
555 is alive, kicking and getting eased back into work !!!! 😁😁😁
I like the new opening title too 👍😎
My hat’s off to you sir. You say you’re not a mechanic, not a welder, not this and that, yet in almost every video you are building something, fixing things that would intimidate a lot of mechanics and fabricating and welding up your equipment and it holds and works the same as if a actual mechanic/welder did the job.
Your video’s are solid gold and I myself aspire to be able to fix my own equipment as you do one day.
Thank you and keep up the excellent content! 👍
The smile on your face says it all. Great to see it working again.
I think we are all proud of the results of your perseverance and hard work! Well done Mike.
I'm actually sitting at the desk smiling like a fool seeing your success with the 555!! SO happy for you bud your hard work is coming to fruition!
Your face is gonna be sore from all that smiling 😁...... Kidding aside you have gotten so much accomplished on this machine ,it's impressive
Cap can thanl his creator for thoose two ears...or else he should had a big happy grin 360 around his head😂
I’m not ashamed to say I clicked on this video halfway through watching DP’s newest upload when I saw this pop up. I’m addicted to this backhoe 😂
The smile on your face says it all dude! A rebuilt, running, digging, and pushing backhoe for what you have into it…is a steal. Thanks for sharing Cap!
Appreciate ya watching
'... LITTLE RAIN COMING IN THROUGH THE CAB - NOT A PROBLEM - IT'LL KEEP THE MOSS WATERED....' The glass is always half-full for you CK. Like the rebuild of the triple5.
Cap, I never saw you so happy before. you could hardly speak through that big smile.
Thanks
A little rain in the cab keeps the moss watered for you 🤣😂🤣 I completely cracked up 🤣😂 excellent as always Mike 👍👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
💪
Well done Captain - it has taken time, careful finances and a never give up attitude to arrive at this stage. Good to see your enjoyment and pride at having the back hoe in working order. Many good times ahead.
Nothing brings a smile to a mans faces quite like more power 😄😄 Nice to see the 555 coming together and doing work again, great job Mike.
Thanks Greg
That old machine has been turned into a gem. I think you should call her the triple nickel
Well Bud, looks like you got yourself a great backhoe, and you deserve it Mike, you put a lot of work into it, and money and time, I’m so happy to see you get ahead and things working out for your family❤
You are so fun to watch. I’m an almost 70 year old woman who is a TH-cam junky. I learn so much from watching how to do shit. I won’t be restoring a backhoe but it’s so encouraging to know it can be done.
Well I definitely appreciate the support
Looks like a darn good Thursday on a Sunday to me!
No fountains, geysers, blowouts, eruptions, explosions, and she just plain sounds good.👌
A project well worth the time, energy, and funds because you certainly would not be able to buy a working machine for anywhere near your investment so far.
Awesome job and so happy to see you putting her to work. 🤙
Definitely a good day
The old girl is ready to work. You have done an extraordinary job bringing her back. A new dress and she will be party ready. Maybe a cheap thumb would help. Great content, glad to see you smiling about it. Stay salty captain!!!!!
Captain Kleeman, things always feel better when the equipment is paid off .😅😅😅😊
Hi Mike. You say you can't afford a mechanic, but it seems the only cost needed is your time. You have not backed away from removing, replacing or rebuilding anything and always get it done. Perhaps one day riding down, or up, the road, you will spot a tooth on the side of the road to replace the tooth that chose to reside somewhere other than its proper place. Always the comedian! Have good days!
Happy to see you so happy, your an awesome dude Mike, now all you need is an economical means to add a thumb to that ole girl.
Smile on your face says it all.
Once again your tenacity is paying off. This time in dividends. That pig is starting to look like a stallion. Great job, Captain.
Thank you
We can all relate to not being able to afford something. Thanks Mike you are one genuine guy. God bless.
The smile when you got the steering situation done. Epic!
Hi Mike, It’s brilliant to see it working and I can feel your excitement!! Love the moss comment!!! You’ve done a great job with that old machine and I’m so pleased for you that she’s now paying you back!! Jerry UK
Hi from Kansas, I'm so happy the 555 is up and running for you. We had Ford 961 row crop was made from 1958 to 1962 Ford 8n, Johndeere 520, 3020 and 4020.
So great to see that tractor moving and doing real work!! 👏👍😀 Hope your face has recovered from the aches because of that huge smile!! 🤣
BTW, if the rust on the cab ends up needing too many cans of Rust'O'leam, just put the Subaru body on the tractor?!!! 🤔 Rain/snow protection is more important on the tractor than the 'round-about' vehicle! 🤪 😝
The look of success and achievement shines in that smile!! So glad your hard work has a great outcome. 😁😁
You sir are more of a machanic than most so called professionals
That is an awesome feeling of accomplishment getting that to run. Congrats. Now enjoy your new toy. Tim
Mike has been an enjoyable series the resurrection of the old Ford 555 so nice to see you save her from the wrecking yard I'm sure it will serve you well
Cheers Kym
Adelaide
That beast is going to make life so much easier for you. It appears to still be a strong machine. Having under $5k in it is a hell of a deal in todays market. Plus the freedom gained from not having to be dependent on Dirt Perfects as much. Fantastic video.
That last part, that's the most important part to me.
I never comment on ANYTHING but this video hit my heart. To see the struggles the hos and downs you have had with this backhoe....GOOD JOB!!
The ups and downs.... Sry
Thanks!
Mr Indomitable!!! I’m thrilled to say that you have proved me wrong… when you got this from Clint I was laughing my head off… great mini series Mike.
Hip-hip hora! We got to see the Ole Triple Nickel dig out some stumps! Fantastic! Since I can't do it here, from 6 hours away, take your right hand, and extend it over your left shoulder, and pat vigorously! Job well done (even though you're not done)! I've already said, "You're a braver man than I am! I would not have tackled what you've already done! Great video Mike! Lee
Thanks lee
It is so cool to see you have resurrected that old backhoe. Typical Ford. So much power you can't keep the front end down. 😉
GOOD TO SEE THE 555 in operation rather than a yard ornament!!
💪
Eating an elephant 🐘 and fixing a old backhoe are a lot alike. You do it one bite at a time. 😮
Proud of you for taking on this crazy job.
When retightening those fittings remember to stop 1/4 turn BEFORE they break!😁
🤣🤣
The value has gotten so much better 😀 it’s amazing how much you have done ✅ The Ford 555 has turned out great 👍
💪
Great job digging the stumps out Captain Kleeman
she is coming along with all the new bits n pieces you got her digging well pull stumps just a tip to add a bit of weight to the front of just pick your self up a bucket of dirt helps keep her noise down speaking of noise why you not put the freshly painted grill back on would look nice Cheers
Always nice to see an old machine brought back to life
💪
I love how you just find a way to make things work. And how happy you are when they do work. Oh, and great new intro too!
Man, that is a well deserved smile with how well that thing is performing!
Thanks!
Your face says it all. Great job.
Thank you!
Glad she finally up and running. Great job Mike
Thanks
New opening looks great
Thank you for your honesty,idk admire the way you do things ❤May God bless you and your family ❤❤
Good Morning Captain!!
Great progress for sure.
The joy in your face. Lol, way to go.
You may not be a professional mechanic and you’re definitely not a certified mechanic, but you still are a mechanic because you work successfully with Tools on machinery and cars.
💪
I’m 10 min into the video and man I really like the little improvements to your channel the tug boat at the beginning little animation & the subtle music n the videos great touch captain
Appreciate the feedback, thank you!
when digging, fill the front bucket with gravel and you will get more counterweight and a more stable machine . 👍work

You have got to be giddy as heck with the way that thing is running. Great job Mike. 🎉
Thank you
Hi Mike, the smile on your face tells a story 😂your outriggers do look a bit small a good chunk of steel would help, about 24 x12 or a flat bit of oak, good to see the old girl running, there will be no stopping you now, take care
Awesome, Mike! Ya done a fine Job'a Work on that there backhoe an I ain'a lyin! Can't wait to see'r all finished and you puttin' that beast to work - for Real!
Yep, got a lot of that briar here too, a day working around that stuff, and my arms look like I spent the day sorting bob-cats. Ending up with a 60+ HP backhoe, with a $5000 - $6000 investment sounds like a heck of a deal to me. I guarantee my first "junky old tractor" bought off the side of the road paid for itself about 10 times over when we started out. Thanks for the video, take care!
Great work Captain! Your can do attitude wins again! Well done! 🇦🇺🍺🍺
Honestly over the moon for you! It's going to be great seeing this thing work around the homestead.
You’re a man after my own heart, love seeing these old machines put back into use instead of being cut up for a scrap! I have an old Bolens tractor which I got for 250 bucks had to rebuild the engine but it’s a real beast now. That smile on your face says it all.
Awesome job Captain!!! It's great to see the triple nickel coming back to life. What a great addition to your homestead. Keep um coming.
Thanks for the video an glad ya got it up an running. Can't wait to see more.!! Now all ya need is some paint an she will look like new.!
She needs alot yet. But getting closer
Great to see the old girl working. Shame you do not have a front 3 in 1 bucket. Would have lifted the stump right out. They are common in the UK. Also for stumps find some side cutters to weld or bolt to your bucket. They do not seem to be common in the USA, at least in the vids I have seen. She is a powerful workhorse though.Thank you for posting best from the UK.
The good thing is, it's a FORD so it'll keep running. The bad thing 😭, it's a FORD so things are gonna break. But you have years of work that she will give and take.... I'm excited for the content. You get an A+. Even if the machine is an F or D. 😂
Cap’n the new intro is fine-tastic! (I meant to tell you last week.)
Now, about that anti-theft plan. Make sure you have a safe to lock the wheel and all of your vise grips in. My neighbor mows with a Cub Cadet that has worn a Vise Grip steering tiller for a couple of years.
I couldn’t have wiped the smile off your face with sand paper… congrats, you are the proud Papa of a healthy and happy triple nickel. I couldn’t be happier for you!
i think i was as excited as you when you pulled out those stumps, great job,can't wait to see it in action again.👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👌
Great work Captain, it nice to see these older machines stay in service.Get some enamel paint and give the old girl a make over
Cool repairs pretty good dig great video thanks Mike
Thank for watching Gary
Great video Captain! Awesome seeing the 555 run for more then a few moments. Did pretty well on them stumps, Can't wait to see more of what the Ole girl got.
💪
Loved the " I am never getting that back " was thinking the same before you even said it...
🤣
Wahoo! Using all your hard work getting it repaired to get work done. Looking forward to seeing that backhoe be a big help.
Mike, if you smile any bigger your face is going to spilt!!! Congrats to you sir, long time coming but is going to make you a great tool. Thank you again for all the time it takes you to edit these for us. It is appreciated to say the least.
Appreciate the support, thank you
Mr. Mike I'm so glad that thing is up and working. Now have fun with it.
💪
That ford engine sounds just like a new holland skid loader engine
Mike after having run a 555 for a cematary I once worked for I noticed the out rigger pads on road machines were built with heavy steel pad extentions. It gives a lot more surface area to the outrigger pad, and most of the operators had a full loader bucket of rock or broken concrete to hold the front end down while pulling hard with the backhoe. I hope these ideas help, you learn pretty quick, it seems. you will figure it out.
Captain, you have inspired me to take on some crazy repairs. Rehabing a John Deere 155c and trailer and a carborator for a poulin Chain Saw as I prepare to clear a 2.25 acre lot for my new home. Of course there will be other larger equipment that will be used for the heavy clearing and moving but man am I excited.
Love watching your progress and so impressed with your success and progress.
Keep up the great work.
Cheers.
Great job getting everything working again. You will enjoy this for years to come around the homestead.
💪
Extremely excited for you! The 555 opens "new" doors to opportunities at your homestead without renting equipment, great work (and videos)!
💪
And another thing, she fires up like a dream! Great job on the rebuild!
Baby steps turns into Mr. Bones I can do it!!💪👍🇺🇸
Success is spelled with a S and some other levels I think. I'm sure you were proud to get a stump dug out.
Well worth the effort you put in!
Very strong machine, a thumb fabrication would be extremely helpful.
Very happy for you Mike... game changing machine for your "toolbelt" for absolute sure... of course if I did not complain about something, I wouldn't hold with your commenters who are religiously perfect. Those weights in the front for helping with the steering and such... it just drives my OCD nuts... thats on me though so don't take my birthday away... I am seventy three and having even one more now seems rather important. Not blowing out candles but no campfire around me with the ceremonial cremation is well .. I sure hope you get the picture. I don't remember just what causes the wheel to lock when first put together after fixing the orbital steer box.... just too long ago now... keep smiling and enjoying this machine
She lives, love this down home, shade tree stuff, we do what we need to move ahead, good stuff.
Thanks Joe
I've said before, I see about all videos you drop but comment on only a few. ANYWAY, today I was thinking of YOU being like me (fixing everything I have) or actually, *ANDREW* does the same thing and it WORKS. Best part is *WE* have *NO PAYMENTS* on what we fix! Good job & love to see you be CREATIVE!
You're now the Indiana subsidiary of Cunningham Backhoe Service. DigginIN LLC.
In there day they were a rippa machine hopefully you get years of good work wid it
good morning nice work
Woohoo glad ya got it back up and runnin
Morning Mike, Good to see you. I am Digging the Intro
And you did it yourself! Nice work! At a great price 💪💪
💪
Fantastic job on the 555. And the way explain everything as you do it. Absolutely love watching your videos. Good job on those stumps
Thank you
Capt, a fine piece of equipment thanks to you. This thing should start in the morning by making you coffee.
Great job with the mechanical and fabrication skills, Mike, you can make something out of nothing
Getting some work done with the backhoe! Yay!
Someone is smiling great watch Captain best of luck hope the 555 treats you well 👍👋🇨🇦
Thanks Alan