01-04-2026, 06:13 PM
The CASE 855D crawler loader occupies a unique position in the heavy‑equipment world. Built during a period when manufacturers were refining hydrostatic systems, improving operator comfort, and strengthening undercarriages, the 855D became a dependable mid‑sized machine for construction, land clearing, demolition, and industrial work.
When evaluating the price of a used 855D today, buyers must consider not only the machine’s age but also its mechanical condition, undercarriage wear, hydraulic performance, and the availability of parts. This article provides a detailed, narrative‑style exploration of the 855D’s history, capabilities, common issues, and pricing considerations.
CASE Company Background
CASE Construction Equipment, founded in 1842, is one of the oldest machinery manufacturers in the world. By the 1970s and 1980s, CASE had become a major player in crawler loaders, competing with Caterpillar, John Deere, and International Harvester.
The 855 series was developed to fill the gap between smaller CASE loaders and larger industrial machines, offering:
Development History of the CASE 855 Series
The 855 line evolved through several generations:
Technical Characteristics
The CASE 855D typically features:
Engine
The maximum force the loader can exert to pry material from a pile. Higher breakout force improves productivity in dense or compacted material.
Strengths of the CASE 855D
The 855D earned its reputation through several key advantages:
Powerful Loader Performance
The machine can dig, load, and push with authority, making it suitable for demanding jobs.
Durable Construction
Thick steel, strong welds, and a robust undercarriage allow the machine to survive decades of use.
Hydrostatic Smoothness
The hydrostatic system provides precise control, especially useful for grading and truck loading.
Good Visibility
The operator station offers clear sightlines to the bucket and work area.
Parts Availability
CASE’s long history ensures strong aftermarket support.
Common Issues and Their Causes
As with any older crawler loader, the 855D has recurring issues due to age and heavy use.
Hydrostatic Drive Problems
The low‑pressure supply that feeds the hydrostatic pumps. Low charge pressure causes sluggish performance and overheating.
Diagnostic Approach
A structured diagnostic method helps identify issues efficiently.
1. Inspect Undercarriage
Measure chain stretch, roller wear, and sprocket condition.
2. Check Hydrostatic Charge Pressure
Low pressure indicates pump wear or clogged filters.
3. Evaluate Engine Performance
Check compression, fuel delivery, and exhaust smoke.
4. Inspect Hydraulic Cylinders
Look for leaks, drift, or weak lifting power.
5. Test Electrical System
Verify charging voltage and inspect grounds.
Real‑World Case Studies
Case 1: A 855D used in demolition
A contractor used the machine for tearing down small structures. After years of heavy use, the loader developed weak travel power. Testing revealed low charge pressure due to a clogged suction screen. Cleaning the screen restored performance.
Case 2: Undercarriage wear after quarry work
A machine used in a rock quarry showed accelerated wear. Replacing rollers and switching to wider track shoes improved longevity.
Case 3: Hard starting in cold weather
A municipality struggled to start their 855D during winter. Installing a block heater and switching to winter‑grade diesel improved reliability.
Case 4: Hydraulic drift during loading
A farmer noticed the bucket slowly dropping. The cause was worn cylinder seals. Rebuilding the cylinders solved the issue.
Pricing Considerations for a Used CASE 855D
The value of a used 855D depends heavily on condition. Key factors include:
Undercarriage Condition
The undercarriage can represent up to 50% of the machine’s total value. A worn undercarriage dramatically reduces price.
Hydrostatic System Health
Hydrostatic repairs are expensive. A strong, responsive drive system increases value significantly.
Engine Condition
Good compression, clean oil, and minimal smoke indicate a healthy engine.
Hydraulic Performance
Smooth, powerful hydraulics add value.
Cosmetic Condition
While less important, a clean machine suggests good maintenance.
Typical Price Ranges
Depending on condition, prices often fall into these categories:
Maintenance Recommendations
To keep the 855D reliable:
Anecdotes and Industry Stories
A veteran operator once said, “A CASE 855D won’t win a beauty contest, but it will move more dirt than you expect.”
Another story involved a contractor who used a 855D for over 20 years on a farm. The machine cleared brush, built ponds, repaired roads, and loaded gravel—proving its versatility.
A rental company reported that the 855D had one of the lowest return‑for‑repair rates among mid‑sized crawler loaders.
Conclusion
The CASE 855D crawler loader is a durable, powerful, and versatile machine that has earned its place as a classic in the heavy‑equipment world. Its strong hydrostatic drive, reliable engine, and heavy‑duty construction make it suitable for a wide range of tasks—from demolition and land clearing to loading and grading.
When evaluating the price of a used 855D, buyers should focus on undercarriage condition, hydrostatic performance, engine health, and hydraulic strength. With proper maintenance and thoughtful inspection, a well‑priced 855D can provide years of productive service.
When evaluating the price of a used 855D today, buyers must consider not only the machine’s age but also its mechanical condition, undercarriage wear, hydraulic performance, and the availability of parts. This article provides a detailed, narrative‑style exploration of the 855D’s history, capabilities, common issues, and pricing considerations.
CASE Company Background
CASE Construction Equipment, founded in 1842, is one of the oldest machinery manufacturers in the world. By the 1970s and 1980s, CASE had become a major player in crawler loaders, competing with Caterpillar, John Deere, and International Harvester.
The 855 series was developed to fill the gap between smaller CASE loaders and larger industrial machines, offering:
- Strong breakout force
- Reliable powertrain
- Good visibility
- Durable undercarriage
- Versatility for multiple job types
Development History of the CASE 855 Series
The 855 line evolved through several generations:
- CASE 855 – Early mechanical version
- CASE 855B – Improved hydraulics and operator station
- CASE 855C – Stronger drivetrain and better cooling
- CASE 855D – Modernized version with refined hydrostatic system, improved cab, and enhanced reliability
- Caterpillar 955L
- John Deere 755
- International/Dresser 175
Technical Characteristics
The CASE 855D typically features:
Engine
- Diesel engine in the 120–140 HP range
- Strong low‑RPM torque
- Mechanical fuel system for reliability
- Hydrostatic drive
- Smooth directional changes
- Excellent fine‑control for loading and grading
- Heavy‑duty track frame
- Good traction in mud and soft ground
- Durable rollers and idlers
- Large bucket capacity
- Strong breakout force
- Good lift height for truck loading
The maximum force the loader can exert to pry material from a pile. Higher breakout force improves productivity in dense or compacted material.
Strengths of the CASE 855D
The 855D earned its reputation through several key advantages:
Powerful Loader Performance
The machine can dig, load, and push with authority, making it suitable for demanding jobs.
Durable Construction
Thick steel, strong welds, and a robust undercarriage allow the machine to survive decades of use.
Hydrostatic Smoothness
The hydrostatic system provides precise control, especially useful for grading and truck loading.
Good Visibility
The operator station offers clear sightlines to the bucket and work area.
Parts Availability
CASE’s long history ensures strong aftermarket support.
Common Issues and Their Causes
As with any older crawler loader, the 855D has recurring issues due to age and heavy use.
Hydrostatic Drive Problems
- Weak travel power
- Slow steering response
- Low charge pressure
- Worn pumps or motors
- Low compression
- Fuel system leaks
- Injector wear
- Sprocket wear
- Roller failure
- Track chain stretch
- Bucket cylinder seals
- Hose deterioration
- Valve block leaks
- Corroded wiring
- Weak alternators
- Faulty gauges
The low‑pressure supply that feeds the hydrostatic pumps. Low charge pressure causes sluggish performance and overheating.
Diagnostic Approach
A structured diagnostic method helps identify issues efficiently.
1. Inspect Undercarriage
Measure chain stretch, roller wear, and sprocket condition.
2. Check Hydrostatic Charge Pressure
Low pressure indicates pump wear or clogged filters.
3. Evaluate Engine Performance
Check compression, fuel delivery, and exhaust smoke.
4. Inspect Hydraulic Cylinders
Look for leaks, drift, or weak lifting power.
5. Test Electrical System
Verify charging voltage and inspect grounds.
Real‑World Case Studies
Case 1: A 855D used in demolition
A contractor used the machine for tearing down small structures. After years of heavy use, the loader developed weak travel power. Testing revealed low charge pressure due to a clogged suction screen. Cleaning the screen restored performance.
Case 2: Undercarriage wear after quarry work
A machine used in a rock quarry showed accelerated wear. Replacing rollers and switching to wider track shoes improved longevity.
Case 3: Hard starting in cold weather
A municipality struggled to start their 855D during winter. Installing a block heater and switching to winter‑grade diesel improved reliability.
Case 4: Hydraulic drift during loading
A farmer noticed the bucket slowly dropping. The cause was worn cylinder seals. Rebuilding the cylinders solved the issue.
Pricing Considerations for a Used CASE 855D
The value of a used 855D depends heavily on condition. Key factors include:
Undercarriage Condition
The undercarriage can represent up to 50% of the machine’s total value. A worn undercarriage dramatically reduces price.
Hydrostatic System Health
Hydrostatic repairs are expensive. A strong, responsive drive system increases value significantly.
Engine Condition
Good compression, clean oil, and minimal smoke indicate a healthy engine.
Hydraulic Performance
Smooth, powerful hydraulics add value.
Cosmetic Condition
While less important, a clean machine suggests good maintenance.
Typical Price Ranges
Depending on condition, prices often fall into these categories:
- Poor condition: low price, often for parts or major repair
- Average condition: mid‑range price, usable but worn
- Good condition: higher price, well‑maintained
- Exceptional condition: top‑tier price, often from municipalities or estates
Maintenance Recommendations
To keep the 855D reliable:
- Change engine oil every 150–200 hours
- Replace hydrostatic filters regularly
- Inspect undercarriage monthly
- Grease all pivot points
- Keep cooling system clean
- Monitor hydraulic fluid levels
- Check track tension frequently
Anecdotes and Industry Stories
A veteran operator once said, “A CASE 855D won’t win a beauty contest, but it will move more dirt than you expect.”
Another story involved a contractor who used a 855D for over 20 years on a farm. The machine cleared brush, built ponds, repaired roads, and loaded gravel—proving its versatility.
A rental company reported that the 855D had one of the lowest return‑for‑repair rates among mid‑sized crawler loaders.
Conclusion
The CASE 855D crawler loader is a durable, powerful, and versatile machine that has earned its place as a classic in the heavy‑equipment world. Its strong hydrostatic drive, reliable engine, and heavy‑duty construction make it suitable for a wide range of tasks—from demolition and land clearing to loading and grading.
When evaluating the price of a used 855D, buyers should focus on undercarriage condition, hydrostatic performance, engine health, and hydraulic strength. With proper maintenance and thoughtful inspection, a well‑priced 855D can provide years of productive service.
