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The Caterpillar 955H is a historic and highly regarded track loader that played a significant role in construction, mining, and various other heavy-duty industries. Known for its reliability and versatility, the 955H model became a favorite among operators and contractors due to its strong performance in demanding conditions. In this article, we will dive into the history, features, and troubleshooting considerations for the Caterpillar 955H, along with some helpful maintenance tips and common issues.
A Brief History of the Caterpillar 955H
The Caterpillar 955H, introduced in the late 1960s, was part of the H-Series of track loaders from Caterpillar, a company that has been at the forefront of heavy machinery development for decades. Caterpillar, founded in 1925, quickly became the industry leader in construction and mining equipment, creating machines that are known for their ruggedness and longevity. The 955H was an integral part of the company’s loader line and was specifically designed for use in challenging environments, including quarries, road construction, and mining operations.
The 955H featured a diesel-powered engine, robust hydraulic systems, and a heavy-duty undercarriage, which made it highly capable in lifting, loading, and pushing material. While it is no longer in production, the 955H remains a popular choice for those seeking a durable and dependable used machine, with many operators continuing to maintain and operate these loaders in various industries.
Key Features and Specifications
The 955H was equipped with numerous features that made it stand out in its time and continue to make it a reliable workhorse today. Some of its key features and specifications include:
While the Caterpillar 955H is known for its durability, like any heavy equipment, it can develop issues over time, especially when it is heavily used. Below are some of the common issues that owners and operators may face, along with possible solutions.
1. Engine Overheating
One of the most common problems with older loaders like the 955H is engine overheating. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning radiator, clogged cooling lines, or a failing water pump.
Symptoms:
The hydraulic system of the 955H is crucial to its operation, and when it fails, the loader loses much of its functionality. Common hydraulic issues include slow response times, weak lifting power, or complete system failure.
Symptoms:
Transmission problems are not uncommon in older machines like the 955H, especially if the loader has been used heavily over the years. Symptoms of transmission issues include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or failure to engage certain gears.
Symptoms:
As a tracked machine, the 955H’s undercarriage can experience significant wear, especially in tough working conditions. Track slippage, broken track links, and damaged rollers are common issues that can compromise performance and safety.
Symptoms:
Another issue that some operators may face is difficulty starting the engine, particularly in cold weather. The 955H’s engine may require more effort to start if the starter motor or battery is failing.
Symptoms:
The Caterpillar 955H remains a popular and reliable piece of heavy equipment despite its age. With its powerful engine, rugged undercarriage, and versatile hydraulic system, it is well-suited for a range of tasks. However, as with any older machine, regular maintenance and proper troubleshooting are essential to keeping the 955H in top working condition. By addressing common issues like overheating, hydraulic failure, transmission problems, and track wear, operators can extend the lifespan of their Caterpillar 955H and ensure continued performance on demanding job sites.
A Brief History of the Caterpillar 955H
The Caterpillar 955H, introduced in the late 1960s, was part of the H-Series of track loaders from Caterpillar, a company that has been at the forefront of heavy machinery development for decades. Caterpillar, founded in 1925, quickly became the industry leader in construction and mining equipment, creating machines that are known for their ruggedness and longevity. The 955H was an integral part of the company’s loader line and was specifically designed for use in challenging environments, including quarries, road construction, and mining operations.
The 955H featured a diesel-powered engine, robust hydraulic systems, and a heavy-duty undercarriage, which made it highly capable in lifting, loading, and pushing material. While it is no longer in production, the 955H remains a popular choice for those seeking a durable and dependable used machine, with many operators continuing to maintain and operate these loaders in various industries.
Key Features and Specifications
The 955H was equipped with numerous features that made it stand out in its time and continue to make it a reliable workhorse today. Some of its key features and specifications include:
- Engine: The 955H was powered by a Cat D3300 6-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine, capable of producing around 120 horsepower. This engine provided enough power to tackle a variety of lifting and digging tasks while maintaining fuel efficiency.
- Transmission: The loader used a powershift transmission system, providing smooth shifting and enhanced control, especially when working in heavy or uneven terrain.
- Hydraulic System: The 955H was equipped with an advanced hydraulic system that enabled precise control over its lifting and digging functions. This made it ideal for loading materials into trucks or moving debris around construction sites.
- Undercarriage: The machine featured a sturdy undercarriage, including steel tracks, which gave it stability and traction, even in soft or uneven ground conditions.
- Bucket Capacity: The 955H had an operational bucket capacity of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 cubic yards, depending on the model and attachments. This made it effective for handling large volumes of material.
- Operator Comfort: While the 955H did not have the advanced features of modern machines, it did offer a relatively spacious and ergonomic operator's cab with simple controls for ease of use during long shifts.
While the Caterpillar 955H is known for its durability, like any heavy equipment, it can develop issues over time, especially when it is heavily used. Below are some of the common issues that owners and operators may face, along with possible solutions.
1. Engine Overheating
One of the most common problems with older loaders like the 955H is engine overheating. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning radiator, clogged cooling lines, or a failing water pump.
Symptoms:
- Engine temperature gauge reading higher than normal
- Steam or excessive heat from the engine bay
- Reduced performance or power loss
- Clogged Radiator: Check for any blockages in the radiator, especially after prolonged use in dusty environments. Cleaning the radiator or replacing it if necessary can resolve this issue.
- Low Coolant Levels: Always ensure that the coolant is at the proper level. If coolant is leaking, inspect the hoses, radiator cap, and water pump for signs of wear or cracks.
- Faulty Water Pump: If the water pump is not circulating coolant effectively, it can lead to overheating. Replace the water pump if it is found to be defective.
The hydraulic system of the 955H is crucial to its operation, and when it fails, the loader loses much of its functionality. Common hydraulic issues include slow response times, weak lifting power, or complete system failure.
Symptoms:
- Slow or unresponsive lift or bucket operation
- Weak or inconsistent hydraulic pressure
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Low Hydraulic Fluid: Ensure that the hydraulic fluid is at the proper level. Low fluid levels can lead to inadequate hydraulic pressure. Refill or replace fluid as necessary.
- Clogged Filters or Lines: Over time, the hydraulic filters can become clogged with debris, causing a reduction in system pressure. Replace filters and clean hydraulic lines to restore performance.
- Worn Hydraulic Pump: If the hydraulic pump is worn, it may need to be replaced to restore full lifting power. Inspect the pump for signs of wear or damage.
Transmission problems are not uncommon in older machines like the 955H, especially if the loader has been used heavily over the years. Symptoms of transmission issues include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or failure to engage certain gears.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty shifting between gears
- Slipping gears or loss of power to the tracks
- Unusual noises or vibrations during operation
- Low Transmission Fluid: Insufficient fluid levels can lead to poor transmission performance. Check the fluid levels and top up as necessary.
- Worn Transmission Components: If the gears or clutch components are worn, the transmission may need to be disassembled and repaired or replaced. Consult a professional for transmission repairs.
- Hydraulic Transmission Issues: Since the 955H uses a hydraulic powershift transmission, issues in the hydraulic system, such as low pressure or fluid contamination, can cause transmission problems. Ensure the hydraulic system is functioning correctly.
As a tracked machine, the 955H’s undercarriage can experience significant wear, especially in tough working conditions. Track slippage, broken track links, and damaged rollers are common issues that can compromise performance and safety.
Symptoms:
- Tracks slipping or jumping off the sprockets
- Uneven wear on the track links or rollers
- Noisy or rough track operation
- Worn Tracks: Inspect the tracks for wear, cracks, or damage. If the tracks are excessively worn, they may need to be replaced or refurbished.
- Track Tension: Ensure that the tracks are properly tensioned. If they are too loose, they may slip or cause damage to the sprockets.
- Damaged Rollers or Idlers: Check the rollers and idlers for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure smooth track operation.
Another issue that some operators may face is difficulty starting the engine, particularly in cold weather. The 955H’s engine may require more effort to start if the starter motor or battery is failing.
Symptoms:
- Engine cranks slowly or fails to start
- Unusual sounds from the starter motor
- Electrical issues such as flickering lights
- Weak Battery: A weak or dead battery can prevent the machine from starting. Check the battery charge and replace it if necessary.
- Faulty Starter Motor: If the starter motor is not functioning correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Electrical Issues: Inspect the electrical system for loose connections, worn wires, or blown fuses that may be preventing the engine from starting.
The Caterpillar 955H remains a popular and reliable piece of heavy equipment despite its age. With its powerful engine, rugged undercarriage, and versatile hydraulic system, it is well-suited for a range of tasks. However, as with any older machine, regular maintenance and proper troubleshooting are essential to keeping the 955H in top working condition. By addressing common issues like overheating, hydraulic failure, transmission problems, and track wear, operators can extend the lifespan of their Caterpillar 955H and ensure continued performance on demanding job sites.
