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Need feedback on which Cat Track Loader would be best for Farm Use?

L

LOFAYTX

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
119
Location
La Grange, TX.
Occupation
tractor mechanic
I have not went to look at the loaders.
Info I have is only what I been told.

#1 Cat 933 PS $14,000.00
I would be able to haul this loader myself. It need's new rails and sprocket.

#2 Cat 951 PS $7,500.00
This is the loader that overheats after running for on hour.
I like the engine model 3304 in the machine.

#3 Cat 955K PS $22,000.00
Has new rails and sprocket segments.
Machine looks good but wondering why someone spent the money on new undercarriage parts and then wants
to sell.img.jpg 271815304_4431227960322389_7540630311174508861_n (1).jpg
 
hseII

hseII

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Messages
89
Location
Georgia
LOFAYTX said:
I have not went to look at the loaders.
Info I have is only what I been told.

#1 Cat 933 PS $14,000.00
I would be able to haul this loader myself. It need's new rails and sprocket.

#2 Cat 951 PS $7,500.00
This is the loader that overheats after running for on hour.
I like the engine model 3304 in the machine.

#3 Cat 955K PS $22,000.00
Has new rails and sprocket segments.
Machine looks good but wondering why someone spent the money on new undercarriage parts and then wants
to sell.View attachment 252319 View attachment 252320
Click to expand...
What all are you planning to do with this loader?
 
C

Cat977

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
505
Location
Madison WI
Occupation
Machinist/Millwright
I didn't dig, but it seems the 933 isn't PS its either direct drive or Hydrostatic drive. I think that ones a hydro. I think at 70 hp like Tylerd4c says looks good. The tracks may counter rotate that would be slick, run it around like a skid steer. You won't be knocking down big trees. I can't remember, but the 931C is what I'd be looking for. That's a earlier model I'm pretty sure. Welder Dave has a 931B send him a conversation link from up on top right of page. That's a good deal bigger for trees.
 
L

LOFAYTX

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
119
Location
La Grange, TX.
Occupation
tractor mechanic
Cat977 said:
I didn't dig, but it seems the 933 isn't PS its either direct drive or Hydrostatic drive. I think that ones a hydro. I think at 70 hp like Tylerd4c says looks good. The tracks may counter rotate that would be slick, run it around like a skid steer. You won't be knocking down big trees. I can't remember, but the 931C is what I'd be looking for. That's a earlier model I'm pretty sure. Welder Dave has a 931B send him a conversation link from up on top right of page. That's a good deal bigger for trees.
Click to expand...
img.jpg2.jpg
 
DMiller

DMiller

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,559
Location
Hermann, Missouri
Occupation
Cheap "old" Geezer
If intend to use periodically just for small jobs the 933 will do well, the 951 overheat becomes a money pit and as both need UC they will both be a initial expense you may not be able to justify. The 955 would have been a better overall use machine and is why it is already gone with new UC on it.
 
C

Cat977

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
505
Location
Madison WI
Occupation
Machinist/Millwright
Not being in a hurry is great if you can. These old machines are like a second marriage your entering into a long term relationship and there's usually baggage! Find one you really like!

The 955L has the 3304 engine, the 955K a D330 if that matters to you. The 955 is more common than a 951 so parts may be easier to find.
 
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DMiller

DMiller

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Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,559
Location
Hermann, Missouri
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Cheap "old" Geezer
Hydros are expensive for repairs to the drive works but are very dependable, a early machine likely to have had the trans rebuilt some time ago would last on a farm seemingly forever. Less issues with components as clutch packs, seals in the packs and brakes components. Know of a A series here that sits for months, guy starts it and a hour later is moving materials as if been ran day before. Some as the 963 I routinely use can counter rotate tracks spin on a dime. Very much more user friendly than the old PS transmissions just have to allow hydraulics warm up prior to use. Visibility across bucket is also a plus.
 
9

955cat

Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2021
Messages
24
Location
North Carolina
Any of the older machines will require some seat time for operator, poor visibility and feel for the machine takes time.Not very user friendly, l’ve operated many hours and tell people that I can just now hit the ground with the bucket. Most people in my area have gotten away from track loaders and gone with mini excavators and skid steers. I thank less skill,cheaper to move,less fuel consumption.
 
James Sorochan

James Sorochan

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Aug 1, 2020
Messages
520
Location
Lethbridge county, Alberta, Canada
Occupation
x-water & sewer construction Now farmer.
LOFAYTX, What are your soil conditions like down there? Water table? I'm guessing its dry but track loaders are not good in soft ground. I have a Komatsu D57S that used to do water and sewer work back filling and levelling trenches. There handy machines.
 

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C

Cat977

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
505
Location
Madison WI
Occupation
Machinist/Millwright
A person would want to think about where are the construction service operations are. If you need to fix it quick who can help you with parts/repair. Cats the closest to me and the parts guy I work with is excellent he is interested in digging to help me out.

Some especially newer machines have the LPG low pressure ground contact tracks (extra wide track pads). You can't add these later and are rare or not available on old Cats. I like the old Cats, but my entire place is on high ground. DMiller may have the best idea depending on price and availability. If you get a hydro. 1st have a experienced guy go out with you, run it and work it hard till its HOT and you can see its still working good. 50% on tracks might last a life time on a farm.
 
W

Welder Dave

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Oct 11, 2014
Messages
12,492
Location
Canada
I see in your other post the 933 brakes are wet so that confirms it is a PS trans.The Cat PS transmissions in the smaller loaders (931, 935, 933) are generally pretty reliable. The filter could be cut apart to look for debris. Good undercarriage is a huge plus on a used machine. A smaller machine could still cost close to 10K to replace undercarriage. The 933 is smaller but a lot newer and the price doesn't seem too out of line even though it needs undercarriage. Owner of 955 likely put new undercarriage on so he could get a decant price when selling. Hydro machines are about 2 1/2 times more productive than PS machines. Expensive to fix but steering clutch and brakes on a PS can be pricey too. I had the steering clutches rebuilt and it was about $3500 per side. Not something that's easy to do yourself as you need a press and can cause serious damage if done wrong. I think the 951 at $7500 likely needs a lot of work and would look for something better.
 
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