Restoring and Operating the CAT 955H Track Loader with Side Dump and Winch

[MikePhua]

The CAT 955H and Its Role in Mid-Size Earthmoving
The Caterpillar 955H track loader was introduced in the late 1960s as part of CAT’s evolution in crawler loaders. Built for versatility, it combined the lifting capability of a dozer with the bucket control of a loader, making it ideal for excavation, grading, and material handling. The H-series featured improvements in hydraulic response, operator comfort, and engine reliability. Powered by the CAT D330 diesel engine, the 955H delivered around 130 horsepower and was widely used in construction, agriculture, and military applications.
Sales of the 955H were strong throughout the 1970s, with thousands of units deployed globally. Its robust undercarriage and mechanical simplicity made it a favorite among owner-operators and rural contractors. Many units remain in service today, often paired with specialized attachments like side dump buckets and rear-mounted winches.
Fuel System Maintenance and Filter Locations
When restoring a 955H, one of the first tasks is addressing the fuel system. Old diesel can cause clogging, microbial growth, and injector fouling. The machine includes a primary fuel filter mounted near the fuel transfer pump, which is located below and slightly to the right of the main fuel filter housing. In addition to the filters, there is a fine mesh screen that may be hidden in the fuel inlet or sediment bowl—often overlooked during routine service.
Operators should:

• Drain old fuel and flush the tank
  
• Replace both primary and secondary filters
  
• Inspect the fuel screen for debris or varnish buildup
  
• Bleed the system to remove air pockets
  

A clean fuel system ensures smoother starts, better throttle response, and reduced smoke under load.
Winch Cable Troubleshooting and Control Linkage
Many 955H units are equipped with Hyster D4E winches, used for towing, recovery, or anchoring. These winches are controlled via cables routed from the operator station. Over time, the cables can seize due to rust, dirt, or lack of lubrication.
To restore cable function:

• Apply penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster) at the highest point of the cable housing
  
• Work the cable gently over several days to loosen internal corrosion
  
• Use vice grips if control levers are missing, but avoid excessive force
  
• Inspect the winch side for threaded cable ends or clamp-style retainers
  

Replacement cables can be sourced from manufacturers like Cablecraft or Tuthill, often at lower cost than OEM parts. Proper cable routing and tension are critical for safe winch operation.
Serial Number Locations and Identification Challenges
Identifying the serial number on a 955H can be tricky, especially if the machine has been repainted or modified. Common locations include:

• Left rear side of the engine block near the cylinder head
  
• Rear frame near the drawbar (often obscured by winch mounts)
  
• Occasionally inside the operator station or on the dash panel
  

If the number is painted over or missing, owners may need to reference engine casting numbers or transmission tags. Accurate identification is essential for ordering parts and verifying model year.
Electrical Repairs and Starter Wiring
Older CAT machines often suffer from degraded wiring due to age, rodents, or exposure. In one case, a 955H’s starter wiring was chewed through, preventing ignition. The machine had been retrofitted with a newer starter featuring an integrated solenoid, similar to GM-style units.
To restore function:

• Replace damaged battery cables with heavy-gauge marine-grade wire
  
• Confirm that the disconnect switch is wired to the negative terminal
  
• Route the positive cable directly to the starter solenoid terminal
  
• Use a jumper wire to test solenoid engagement before full rewire
  

Minimal wiring is required for basic operation: a master switch, starter switch, glow plug circuit (if equipped), and ammeter loop. Simplicity is a virtue in field repairs.
Bucket Conversion and Custom Fabrication
Some owners seek to upgrade their 955H with a multi-purpose 4-in-1 bucket. When sourcing a bucket from another machine—such as an IH 175—compatibility becomes a challenge. Differences in pin diameter, bracket spacing, and lift arm geometry require extensive modification.
To evaluate feasibility:

• Measure pin centers, bracket width, and cylinder spacing on both machines
  
• Inspect the donor bucket for wear, cracks, and floor corrosion
  
• Estimate steel costs for new brackets (typically CAD $300–$500)
  
• Consider machine shop time for boring, welding, and alignment
  

A misaligned bucket can twist under load, causing premature wear or hydraulic damage. For some, purchasing a correct pin-on bucket may be more economical than retrofitting a mismatched one.
Storage and Preservation Strategies
Protecting vintage equipment from the elements is essential. Exposure to sun, rain, and rodents can degrade wiring, hydraulics, and operator controls. Building a temporary shelter or lean-to structure can extend the life of the machine and reduce repair frequency.
Recommended practices:

• Cover exposed wiring with split loom tubing
  
• Use mothballs or ultrasonic repellents to deter animals
  
• Grease all pivot points before storage
  
• Disconnect batteries and store them indoors during long idle periods
  

One operator noted that after building a simple pole barn, his maintenance workload dropped by half. The investment paid for itself in reduced downtime and part replacement.
Conclusion
The CAT 955H remains a capable and serviceable track loader, even decades after its production ceased. With attention to fuel systems, winch cables, wiring, and bucket compatibility, owners can restore and operate these machines with confidence. Whether clearing land, grading driveways, or pulling stumps, the 955H continues to prove that old iron still has a place in modern earthmoving. And with a little ingenuity, even mismatched buckets and chewed wires can be overcome—one repair at a time.