Dillon 550 versions: What changed.
Quote from Reloader on October 28, 2020, 10:19 pmThe upgrade from the 550B to the 550C seems pretty straight forward. You can buy a kit to upgrade, it comes with all the parts that changed.
However, I've not been able to find any information on the changes that were made to the original 550 to make it a 550B. I own an original and the links and crank are worn to the point that indexing isn't consistent. When I look at the parts diagrams for a "B" or "C" I notice that the design on the lower links and crank assembly are different than mine. I cannot find a parts diagram for the original 550. I also have a 550B and linkage slots in the frame are narrower on the "B".
Did Dillon ever offer a kit to upgrade to a "B"?
Bottom line, I'd like to know the details on the update. It appears as if the frame was machined to a different spec for the upper link pins, and the crank assembly was redesigned to allow for the lower linkage to be solidly fixed to the cross shaft.
The upgrade from the 550B to the 550C seems pretty straight forward. You can buy a kit to upgrade, it comes with all the parts that changed.
However, I've not been able to find any information on the changes that were made to the original 550 to make it a 550B. I own an original and the links and crank are worn to the point that indexing isn't consistent. When I look at the parts diagrams for a "B" or "C" I notice that the design on the lower links and crank assembly are different than mine. I cannot find a parts diagram for the original 550. I also have a 550B and linkage slots in the frame are narrower on the "B".
Did Dillon ever offer a kit to upgrade to a "B"?
Bottom line, I'd like to know the details on the update. It appears as if the frame was machined to a different spec for the upper link pins, and the crank assembly was redesigned to allow for the lower linkage to be solidly fixed to the cross shaft.
Quote from Highlandsj11 on June 14, 2023, 9:20 pmOne update is there are lube ponts in the newer models. The early 550s did not have lube points and unless you diasssembled and hand lubed (which I didn't know) The catalog says: The "C" designation indicates a significant design change. The lower link arm pivot pin has a zerk fitting, it can be easily greased using an automotive grease gun. "
In between the no-lube and the zerk fitting was a model that had holes for lube that you had to apply pressure to the grease gun at the hole to force in lube.
One update is there are lube ponts in the newer models. The early 550s did not have lube points and unless you diasssembled and hand lubed (which I didn't know) The catalog says: The "C" designation indicates a significant design change. The lower link arm pivot pin has a zerk fitting, it can be easily greased using an automotive grease gun. "
In between the no-lube and the zerk fitting was a model that had holes for lube that you had to apply pressure to the grease gun at the hole to force in lube.
Quote from Xiphos on June 17, 2023, 5:56 pmThe holes were intended for use with the Alemite-type grease gun adapter.
alemite fittings | McMaster-Carr
Figure "D" is the tip I used most often.
The Zerk style is easier to use. Even the "C" model update does not have Zerks at every pivot point like I would have expected. They are only at the lower pivots where most of the force is applied.
My "kit" did not have the complete frame but the linkage and lower bell crank (where the handle mounts) only.
The kit including the frame accepts the new upper linkage with lube points.
When I disassembled mine, there was zero wear on any of the pivots. I had only greased the machine once in 35 years (about 10,000 rounds). It was weighing on my OCD conscience so I figured I would update while I had it apart. I'm happy I did it.
I guess you could say my machine is now an RL550B+.
The holes were intended for use with the Alemite-type grease gun adapter.
alemite fittings | McMaster-Carr
Figure "D" is the tip I used most often.
The Zerk style is easier to use. Even the "C" model update does not have Zerks at every pivot point like I would have expected. They are only at the lower pivots where most of the force is applied.
My "kit" did not have the complete frame but the linkage and lower bell crank (where the handle mounts) only.
The kit including the frame accepts the new upper linkage with lube points.
When I disassembled mine, there was zero wear on any of the pivots. I had only greased the machine once in 35 years (about 10,000 rounds). It was weighing on my OCD conscience so I figured I would update while I had it apart. I'm happy I did it.
I guess you could say my machine is now an RL550B+.