CAT 955k Traxcavator won't shift out of Neutral

[Jim Cripps]

Good afternoon Team
My dad (Nitelite) always spoke very highly of this group. Unfortunately he passed last month.

I've got a 955k that I haven't used in a year or so. Got in it, fired it up but it won't go into gear. The lever does not want to move.
Is this a low fluid safety or is it something more?
Thanks in advance for any insight and thanks for being a great group.
Jim

Dad in his 5ton and my 955k

 

[Welder Dave]

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Could the linkage be rusted up? Also the track looks too tight.

 

[Love Those Old Machines]

Hi Jim. I'm new to CAT 955K loaders as I just bought mine in late May of this year, but I had much trouble with my shifter too at first, although a little different problem.
Yours should have a lock that locks loader in neutral, not allowing it to shift into gear. The lever is below the shifter on the front of the shift tower.
I assume you've already made sure that's not the problem?

 

[leadfarmer]

Check the lever lock already mentioned. Then remove the floor panels and inspect the linkage. There are several pivots/joints that could be rusted up.

 

[Jim Cripps]

Hi Jim. I'm new to CAT 955K loaders as I just bought mine in late May of this year, but I had much trouble with my shifter too at first, although a little different problem.
Yours should have a lock that locks loader in neutral, not allowing it to shift into gear. The lever is below the shifter on the front of the shift tower.
I assume you've already made sure that's not the problem?

Congratulations on yours. Mine seems to be a different issue. Seem to have a leading seal in the transmission

 

[Nige]

Is this a low fluid safety

More a low pressure safety. If there is insufficent tranmission oil pressure the safety valve prevents the spools for transmission speed and direction from moving.

Is it possible that the transmission pump is sucking air somewhere.?

 

[Jim Cripps]

Took me a bit to get to it but.... I found the issue. Now looking for a transmission or at least a housing. (If anyone has a lead on one... pleaseet me know)
Thank you
Jim

 

[pittsburgh cat man]

That's impressive I have never saw that happen before

 

[Love Those Old Machines]

Jim, was the large belly pan on it?

Does anyone know how this might happen? My 1st thought was kinetic damage by something under the loader b/c the belly pan had been removed...

 

[Welder Dave]

I'd guess it took a big hit or something inside blew apart! I can't tell if the drain plug bung is welded on? If it is you might be able to weld the case.

 

[HarleyHappy]

Looks like internal damage may have caused that.
Looks weldable.

 

[bccat]

Wonder if it was full of water, froze and busted case, just a thought seen it happen, cheers

 

[Welder Dave]

Maybe water in it froze. Have to determine what material it is regarding repair or replacement.

 

[Jim Cripps]

Good evening Guys!
Thank you all for the input.
The pan was on it. Dropped the pan and this is what we found. Not sure yet as to why but going to try to find someone to weld it. (Hopefully)
It was running fine when I parked it. Still fires right up but it wouldn't go into gear. (Now we know why)

 

[Jim Cripps]

PS
We will likely sell Dad's D5 if anyone near Middle Tn is looking for one. I'm sure somewhere on here... dad (Nitelite) told the story of how he came across that one on Father's day.
We will keep his 951 on the property at least as long as I'm around but I don't need the dozer.

 

[Welder Dave]

Use a fair amount of preheat when trying to weld it. Would be good if you made a plate you could bolt onto the housing to help control distortion. Even bolting a piece of channel iron across it would help. Drill holes at the ends of the crack first but determine if it's steel or cast iron with a grinder or even see if you can cut a small bit with a cutting torch.

 

[Jim Cripps]

Jim, was the large belly pan on it?

Does anyone know how this might happen? My 1st thought was kinetic damage by something under the loader b/c the belly pan had been removed...

Yes the pan was on and had to be removed to reveal the issue

 

[Jim Cripps]

Looks like internal damage may have caused that.
Looks weldable.

It worked when I parked it but now it won't go into gear. Removed the belly pan and this is what I found

 

[Jim Cripps]

Maybe water in it froze. Have to determine what material it is regarding repair or replacement.

Sounds like if it can be welded then it may be worth repairing but from the sounds of it a transmission and install is more than the value of the machine.
Looking for a welder currently

 

[Welder Dave]

It would be almost impossible to do a successful repair without removing it. First determine if it's cast steel and not cast iron.