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955L fluid leak question

steveo358

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Hi, Guy has a 955l that he is selling. Said he hasnt had it long and fixed all the problems but a couple. He says the tractor has developed a leak of oil from bevel gear box i believe.(pardon my ignorance) Thought he said a driveshaft that goes to rear possibly? I havent seen tractor and is 5 hours away. Also says its getting trash in the screen on fuel tank where someone used a stick checking fuel level and fine black like algae he says. Says other than that shes nice. Are these going to be nitemares to fix possibly? Thanks Steve
 

AllDodge

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Apr 2, 2011
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Kentucky
That model gets leaks between the transmission and bevel gear, they are one unit bolted together. It can be fixed by removing both out the rear. Another member has done it here. It can also get a leak at the final drive seal

Algae will build in the tank if it sits long enough without use. The way to fix that is drain, flush and refill
 

steveo358

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I believe he said at the final drive. Is there a seal that’s fairly simple to replace or is it a bear? The machine appears to be in great shape and he just had seals out in the adjusters.
 

Cat977

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The Sulfur in older diesel fuel used to help kill algae. Especially in low use machines adding something like Powerserves bioclean from Farm & Fleet should help keep it right. That stuff will clog your fuel filters. Drain the fuel tank, add a kill dose of algae killer like bioclean, fill the tank as aggressively as you can, fill it as full as you can. Drive it around rough to mix and coat tank. Wait to change the fuel filter till most of this crap is stuck there. The L’s are great machines. The undercarriage is the one of the items that can really cost you the $$$.
Best of Luck
 

steveo358

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She really looks nice. 4 in 1 bucket original paint. Said engine purrs like no other and turns at idle. Just concerned about bevel leak. I’ve ran equipment all my life but this is basically going to be a farm machine and I want to make sure everything’s ok.
 

Cat977

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Are you going to work on it or are you going to get Cat to get it done'?
 

steveo358

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It's going to cost about $2500 to get it moved if it's running.
I guess it depends how bad an issue it is. I do dirtwork for a living so have access to a few decent mechanics and as far as moving trying to work a deal delivered.
 

AllDodge

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Cost $2500 to move, if true it must be some distance away. Had mine moved 40 miles and only cost $400.
 

Cat977

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The 4 in 1 and the 3rd valve is worth a lot by itself. It was a big extra, not many came that way. It's about a 40 year old machine there's going to be some leaks and some work on it you're going to need to do on it. Do you really want one, do you have some work for it to do. Just having it isn't quite like Jay Leno's garage. Can't just take her on a spin once in a while. Any of these old machines are going to need work and usually significant work. Do you have an inside place to work on it? Gets old working outside.
 

Cat977

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Another thought other than the price is it seems everything works right now. Get that algae gone and go to work. Put a kill dose in the tank before you move it. Run it. Check the screen bulb before the fuel filters, clean it. Change filter later. You might get lucky.
 

steveo358

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Mother in law has an old farm that’s grown up with a barn in the woods. Wanting to reclaim the farm and pretty it up. About 8 acres. Hopefully machine will fit in the barn.
 

steveo358

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Yea she lives there and has been known to pull the shotgun out when something she doesn’t like is around, snakes and such. It’s more machine then I need or actually want but I know the 955 machines were tough.
 

Cat977

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The 977's cut a wide swath but you get used to it. Drives like a skid steer if you have room for it. When you want the power or capacity it's there. What I don't like about the newer hydrostatics other than the computers is if a pump or whatever takes a crap you can pay more than what you bought it for just to fix it.
 

steveo358

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Cat977

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Sweet looking machine. I'd guess about 1971-1975. Undercarriage is getting towards the end of its life. The rear sprocket looks pretty worn from here. There is more room on the track adjuster. He probably threw a track because it's worn. When they start getting worn out you need to keep them snug. That's why he rebuilt them. Check on how many links it should have. If he took a link out consider that it will need work soon. You are talking some big $ if you dig into UC. Also 8 acres isn't a very big playground. Do you think you can get work for it in the area so it can pay for its keep? Track loaders can be an expensive machine to own. Cat or maybe, maybe a Deere are the only old ones I would consider. There are a lot of threads on this forum on Cats. Look on Richie Brothers website for spec's on Construction equipment. Do you run machines at work? Are you sure you want to park your money in one? I think it should hold its value if you take care of it. But it can't compete on the job like the newer ones. I guess in most ways it's a collectors item. I consider mine as a hobby.
 
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steveo358

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Yes I have run equipment and crews since 89, and know its not a big playground, especially when part is steep. I have had my eye on a dresser 125 with a 4 in 1 bucket that looks nice also. Hoping to clean up an old farm, and possibly teach some grandkids the love of big toys. I get so dang tired of playing with all these toys at work and have to come home and grab a pick and a shovel if i want a ditch. This property needs some attention, and I feel like I can shape her up nice with the help of the proper piece.
 

Cat977

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Now I can understand where you're at! This is the good stuff! Legacy, grand kids! Someone that can understand what he's getting into. Just trying to help. I don't want to see someone jump into something they regret or they grow tired of in a short amount of time. I love the old Cats and a lot of the older stuff that was built well. I use the phrase " they don't make them like they used to" quite a lot. Carry on!
 
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