Hough H60C Shift Cable Function and Transmission Control Restoration

[MikePhua]

The H60C and Hough’s Wheel Loader Legacy
The Hough H60C was part of a robust line of wheel loaders produced by the Hough Company, which later became part of International Harvester and eventually Navistar. Introduced in the 1960s and continuing into the early 1970s, the H60C was designed for mid-range material handling, aggregate loading, and construction site work. With an operating weight around 20,000 pounds and powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine producing approximately 100 horsepower, the H60C was known for its mechanical simplicity and rugged drivetrain.
Hough, founded in 1920, was one of the pioneers in wheel loader design. The H60C featured a torque converter transmission, hydraulic loader arms, and a mechanical shift linkage system. Thousands of units were sold across North America, and many remain in service today, especially in rural yards and small quarries.
Terminology Notes

• Shift Cable: A mechanical cable that connects the operator’s gear selector lever to the transmission control valve or shift tower.
  
• Torque Converter: A fluid coupling between the engine and transmission that allows smooth acceleration and torque multiplication.
  
• Shift Tower: The transmission-mounted assembly that receives input from the shift cable and actuates gear changes.
  

Symptoms of Shift Cable Failure
Operators may encounter:

• Gear selector lever feels loose or disconnected
  
• Transmission fails to engage forward or reverse
  
• Delayed or erratic gear changes during operation
  
• Cable housing shows signs of fraying or kinking
  
• Transmission stuck in one gear or neutral
  

A quarry operator in Pennsylvania shared how their H60C loader refused to shift out of reverse. After inspecting the linkage, they discovered the shift cable had snapped near the firewall, leaving the transmission locked in gear until the cable was replaced.
Root Causes and Diagnostic Strategy
Shift cable issues typically result from:

• Cable Fraying or Stretching
  • Repeated flexing and vibration cause internal wire strands to weaken
    
  • Diagnosed by visual inspection and measuring cable travel
    
• Corroded Cable Ends or Pivot Points
  • Moisture ingress leads to rust and binding at the transmission end
    
  • Confirmed by disconnecting cable and testing free movement
    
• Improper Routing or Kinking
  • Sharp bends or tight clamps restrict cable motion
    
  • Detected by tracing cable path from cab to transmission
    
• Shift Tower Wear or Misalignment
  • Internal bushings or levers may wear, causing poor engagement
    
  • Diagnosed by removing tower cover and inspecting actuation points
    
• Operator Lever Looseness
  

• Linkage at the control lever may loosen or disconnect
  
• Identified by checking lever base and cable anchor bolts
  

Inspection steps:

• Remove cab floor panel and inspect shift lever assembly
  
• Trace cable routing and check for sharp bends or abrasion
  
• Disconnect cable at transmission and test lever movement
  
• Inspect cable ends for corrosion or broken strands
  
• Remove shift tower cover and inspect internal linkage
  

Repair Procedure and Component Recommendations
To restore shift control:

• Remove damaged cable and measure length and end type
  
• Install new cable with correct routing and anchor points
  
• Lubricate cable ends and pivot bushings with anti-corrosion grease
  
• Inspect shift tower for wear and replace bushings or pins
  
• Adjust cable tension and verify full gear engagement
  
• Test machine under load and monitor shift response
  

Recommended components:

• Hough H60C shift cable replacement kit with threaded ends
  
• Cable clamps and routing guides
  
• Shift tower bushing and pin set
  
• Anti-corrosion lubricant for cable ends
  
• Operator lever anchor bolts and washers
  

A technician in Alberta rebuilt a shift linkage on an H60C after repeated gear engagement failures. By replacing the cable and realigning the shift tower, the loader regained smooth gear transitions and completed a season of aggregate loading without further issues.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Solutions
To prevent future shift cable problems:

• Inspect cable routing quarterly for wear or kinks
  
• Lubricate cable ends and pivot points monthly
  
• Replace cable every 2,000 hours or during major service
  
• Check shift tower alignment annually
  
• Secure cable with flexible clamps to prevent vibration damage
  

Some owners retrofit older Hough loaders with upgraded shift cables featuring nylon-lined housings for smoother operation. Others install auxiliary shift indicators to confirm gear engagement from the cab.
Recommendations for Operators and Technicians

• Maintain a transmission service log with cable replacements and shift tower inspections
  
• Train operators to report gear engagement issues immediately
  
• Stock spare cables, bushings, and linkage parts for field repairs
  
• Partner with legacy parts suppliers for rebuild kits and technical support
  
• Consider full transmission inspection during engine overhaul or seasonal downtime
  

For machines operating in loading, grading, or yard work, shift control reliability is essential for safety and productivity.
Conclusion
The shift cable on the Hough H60C is a vital link between operator intent and machine response. When it fails, gear control is compromised—but with careful diagnostics, quality repairs, and preventive care, the transmission can be restored to full function. In the rhythm of material handling, gear engagement is the heartbeat—and when the cable holds true and the tower responds cleanly, the loader moves with confidence.