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The Legacy of the 955 Series
Caterpillar’s 955 series of track loaders was developed during a pivotal era in construction equipment history. Introduced in the 1950s and refined over several decades, the 955 line bridged the gap between dozers and wheel loaders, offering contractors a versatile machine capable of digging, lifting, and loading in confined or rugged terrain. The 955L, one of the final iterations, was produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, representing the culmination of decades of mechanical refinement.
Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, had already become a global leader in earthmoving machinery by the time the 955L entered production. With tens of thousands of units sold across the 955 family, the L model was especially popular in North America, Australia, and parts of Africa, where its durability and simplicity made it ideal for remote operations.
Core Specifications and Performance Profile
The 955L is powered by a turbocharged Caterpillar 3304 diesel engine, delivering approximately 130 net horsepower. It features a torque converter transmission and a hydraulically controlled bucket system, designed for heavy-duty excavation and loading.
Key specifications:
Hydraulic System and Operator Controls
The 955L uses a gear-type hydraulic pump with a closed-center system, delivering consistent flow for lift, tilt, and dump functions. The loader arms are controlled via mechanical levers, offering tactile feedback and precise modulation.
Operators appreciate the machine’s straightforward layout, with analog gauges, steel pedals, and a rugged seat suspension. Visibility over the bucket is excellent, and the cab—though basic by modern standards—offers enough comfort for long shifts.
In one mining operation in Western Australia, a 955L was used to load ore into haul trucks for over a decade. The machine’s hydraulic system remained reliable with only minor seal replacements, and its mechanical simplicity allowed field repairs without specialized tools.
Undercarriage and Structural Durability
The undercarriage features sealed and lubricated track chains, bolt-on track pads, and adjustable recoil springs. Maintenance is straightforward, with accessible grease points and replaceable wear components.
Common service tasks include:
Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
A contractor in Tennessee used a 955L to clear a collapsed barn after a tornado. Despite the uneven terrain and debris, the machine lifted beams and pushed rubble without stalling. The operator noted that the torque converter allowed smooth transitions between digging and reversing, even under load.
Another crew in Ontario retrofitted their 955L with a custom fork attachment to handle palletized stone. The loader’s hydraulic response and stability made it ideal for lifting 5,000-lb loads repeatedly without tipping.
Terminology Notes
The Caterpillar 955L remains a testament to mechanical engineering built for endurance. Its lifting capacity, hydraulic strength, and structural resilience make it a reliable choice for contractors who value simplicity and power. While newer machines offer digital diagnostics and plush cabs, the 955L continues to earn its keep in the dirt—proving that legacy iron still has a place in modern earthmoving. In the hands of a skilled operator, it’s not just a loader—it’s a partner in progress.
Caterpillar’s 955 series of track loaders was developed during a pivotal era in construction equipment history. Introduced in the 1950s and refined over several decades, the 955 line bridged the gap between dozers and wheel loaders, offering contractors a versatile machine capable of digging, lifting, and loading in confined or rugged terrain. The 955L, one of the final iterations, was produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, representing the culmination of decades of mechanical refinement.
Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, had already become a global leader in earthmoving machinery by the time the 955L entered production. With tens of thousands of units sold across the 955 family, the L model was especially popular in North America, Australia, and parts of Africa, where its durability and simplicity made it ideal for remote operations.
Core Specifications and Performance Profile
The 955L is powered by a turbocharged Caterpillar 3304 diesel engine, delivering approximately 130 net horsepower. It features a torque converter transmission and a hydraulically controlled bucket system, designed for heavy-duty excavation and loading.
Key specifications:
- Operating weight: ~30,200 lbs
- Bucket capacity: 2.1 cubic yards (heaped)
- Breakout force: ~22,930 lbs
- Travel speed: Up to 6.5 mph
- Track gauge: ~6 ft
- Overall length: ~16 ft 2 in
- Width: ~7 ft 1 in
- Height: ~7 ft 5 in
Hydraulic System and Operator Controls
The 955L uses a gear-type hydraulic pump with a closed-center system, delivering consistent flow for lift, tilt, and dump functions. The loader arms are controlled via mechanical levers, offering tactile feedback and precise modulation.
Operators appreciate the machine’s straightforward layout, with analog gauges, steel pedals, and a rugged seat suspension. Visibility over the bucket is excellent, and the cab—though basic by modern standards—offers enough comfort for long shifts.
In one mining operation in Western Australia, a 955L was used to load ore into haul trucks for over a decade. The machine’s hydraulic system remained reliable with only minor seal replacements, and its mechanical simplicity allowed field repairs without specialized tools.
Undercarriage and Structural Durability
The undercarriage features sealed and lubricated track chains, bolt-on track pads, and adjustable recoil springs. Maintenance is straightforward, with accessible grease points and replaceable wear components.
Common service tasks include:
- Checking track tension weekly
- Replacing sprocket segments every 2,000 hours
- Inspecting carrier rollers and idlers quarterly
- Greasing pivot points daily during active use
- Monitoring track shoe wear and replacing as needed
Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
A contractor in Tennessee used a 955L to clear a collapsed barn after a tornado. Despite the uneven terrain and debris, the machine lifted beams and pushed rubble without stalling. The operator noted that the torque converter allowed smooth transitions between digging and reversing, even under load.
Another crew in Ontario retrofitted their 955L with a custom fork attachment to handle palletized stone. The loader’s hydraulic response and stability made it ideal for lifting 5,000-lb loads repeatedly without tipping.
Terminology Notes
- Torque Converter: A fluid coupling that transmits engine power to the transmission, allowing smooth acceleration and load handling.
- Breakout Force: The maximum force a loader can exert to dislodge material from the ground.
- Closed-Center Hydraulic System: A system where fluid flow is regulated based on demand, improving efficiency and reducing heat.
- Recoil Spring: A tensioning mechanism that maintains track tightness and absorbs shock.
- Track Gauge: The distance between the centers of the track chains, affecting stability and maneuverability.
The Caterpillar 955L remains a testament to mechanical engineering built for endurance. Its lifting capacity, hydraulic strength, and structural resilience make it a reliable choice for contractors who value simplicity and power. While newer machines offer digital diagnostics and plush cabs, the 955L continues to earn its keep in the dirt—proving that legacy iron still has a place in modern earthmoving. In the hands of a skilled operator, it’s not just a loader—it’s a partner in progress.
