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950 wheel loader

Thesteeleboy

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Joined
Aug 21, 2016
Messages
33
Location
Utah
I just purchased a 950 loader, serial# 81J8902. I assume it would be considered a 950c but am just basing that on the look of the machine. Can anyone tell me how to tell the approximate year and if it is a 950c or something else.
 

DB2

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Jan 4, 2015
Messages
1,008
Location
Winnipeg MB Canada
Cat never made a 950C. 950B came out in around 1984 followed by the 950E. Yours is a straight 950. Someone will post the year.

Do you have any pictures?
 

Mother Deuce

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Jul 17, 2016
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1,603
Location
New England
Congrats on your 81J purchase. In my experience that machine wears just a little bit better than the average anvil. They were definitely one of Cats better ideas!
 
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DB2

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Jan 4, 2015
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Winnipeg MB Canada
Keep an eye on the fluid level and drain the air tank once in a while.
There may be one reservoir for both master cylinders or they may fill separately. Seems to me there was an indicator on the air chamber that indicated travel and therefore brake pad wear.

Would help to get an operators manual.


Nice clean looking loader
 

kshansen

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Mar 11, 2012
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Location
Central New York, USA
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Retired Mechanic in Stone Quarry
I would second the idea of getting an Maintenance Manual, $27.00 of the download is in my opinion one of the best things you can buy for the machine. If you like a paper copy the $31.00 is a good deal too!

Not sure about the comments on the brakes. While the straight air brakes on say a 966C might be a little simpler to work on, the air over hydraulic discs are not that bad. 99% of the dependability any system is the proper maintenance!

So you better have the manual Nige told you about downloaded by now!

Just looked at the inside picture, the paint isn't even worn off the brake peddles yet!
 

John C.

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Jun 11, 2007
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Northwest
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Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
My book shows 1976 is correct. I can't remember if those have the dry disk brakes of the old stop master actuated drum type brakes. The dry disks look just like the front brakes on a passenger car, just bigger. The stop master systems used a single cylinder that pushed a wedge out to apply the brakes. These systems are adjusted with a star wheel on the end of the cylinder. I know the B model 950s had the disks, I just don't remember if the A models had them also.

Both brake types are operated hydraulically with two master cylinders, one for each axle, that Cat called power boosters. The two power boosters are located behind the cab and have air cans attached to the backs of them. There are stroke indicating rods that extend into the air cylinders. The rods actuate an electrical switch that turns on a light on the dash panel when the piston in the air cylinder moves too far. As I recall each power booster has it's own separate reservoir. There should be a decal next to the reservoir that states what kind of fluid to use. I think most I've worked on used hydraulic oil but I have seen systems that used brake fluid as well. Someone here may know. A service manual is an absolute must to have, especially if you have limited experience with these machines.

Good Luck!
 

DB2

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2015
Messages
1,008
Location
Winnipeg MB Canada
I believe a 1976 would have the air over hydraulic disc brakes. We’ve had a few over the years and as stated only the brakes ever gave any issues. Could have been attributed to lack of use as they were primarily snow removal machines for us.
 

Thesteeleboy

Active Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2016
Messages
33
Location
Utah
Your all Awesome, Thanks for the support. I will heed the advice, I have purchased a shop manual on ebay and will order the operators manual Nige suggested. Thanks for all the support, This forum is great.
 

Nige

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Jun 22, 2011
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G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
I suggest that you hold off on buying the Operator Manual separately until you receive the Service Manual. If the SM is complete it should have an Operator Manual already in it.
I hope you asked the Seller "is it complete?" because if they say yes and when it arrives it's incomplete you should have every right to return it.

According to SIS it falls into the last group of 950 loaders before the model changed (81J7846-Up) and has dry disc brakes. Some of the earlier groups of 950 had the expanding shoe brakes.
 
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