1959 Caterpillar 955E questions

#2 is left steering clutch
#3 is main engine clutch
#4 is right steering clutch

Can't make out #! very clear but would probably be throttle as you say.

Starting normally involves two switches. One is a keyed disconnect (requires universal key) and other is a combination glow plug/start switch.

Two 875 amp batteries will work but closer to 1000 amp ea would be preferred.

Set brake, main clutch disengaged, shifter in neutral, partially pull out throttle, switch on main (keyed) disconnect switch....turn glow plugs on for 30 - 45 seconds (if it has them) then start for cranking.

Appears to be some modifications....is it original direct electric start, upgraded starter conversion or conversion from pony motor start?

Is this the key I need? Cat part #8H5306.
[img]http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/4149/catkey8h5306.jpg[/img]

Push lever forward to disengage main clutch?

I believe it is converted from pony motor start. There is a homemade plate bolted on above electric starter.

Assuming I get it running how do I shut it off? Is it like a farm tractor, close throttle all the way to shut off fuel?

Hi ecarter,
the key you have pictured is the standard Cat Battery Disconnect Key, you can fit it into the switch slots either way around. They usually take a bit of force to turn them.

As OM said the numbers on the pic are a little of and make it hard to decipher !!!
I believe the levers are as follows :-

No 1, the lever mounted to the left of the air cleaner on the dash is the throttle, pull back hard over the detent for fuel on -- RPM increase. Push in hard to overcome the Low Idle throttle stop detent to get to the Stop position.

No 2, is left steer clutch.

No 3, is the Master Clutch lever, back with a snap over center to engage. Forward with a snap over center to disengage.

No 4, is right steer clutch.

No 5, is the gear shifter.

The left and right pedals are the left and right steer brake pedals used in conjunction with the respective clutch lever to turn.

These jiggers get very busy to operate when you are operating the bucket controls as well as trying to steer.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

Four six volt batteries connected in series and fitted under the diesel tank was what was used,two twelves will do if you have room for them,probably easier to get and cheaper,decent looking loader that.
AJ 👍

Hi ecarter,
the key you have pictured is the standard Cat Battery Disconnect Key, you can fit it into the switch slots either way around. They usually take a bit of force to turn them.

As OM said the numbers on the pic are a little of and make it hard to decipher !!!
I believe the levers are as follows :-

No 1, the lever mounted to the left of the air cleaner on the dash is the throttle, pull back hard over the detent for fuel on -- RPM increase. Push in hard to overcome the Low Idle throttle stop detent to get to the Stop position.

No 2, is left steer clutch.

No 3, is the Master Clutch lever, back with a snap over center to engage. Forward with a snap over center to disengage.

No 4, is right steer clutch.

No 5, is the gear shifter.

The left and right pedals are the left and right steer brake pedals used in conjunction with the respective clutch lever to turn.

These jiggers get very busy to operate when you are operating the bucket controls as well as trying to steer.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

[quote="edb"]These jiggers get very busy to operate when you are operating the bucket controls as well as trying to steer.
Eddie B.[/quote]

EdB, this may be the understatement of the year! LOL 👍
I often tell people, working my 955 is only thing I can't do with a beer in my hand....

BTW, my 12A has the main clutch lever to the left, but this machine (later) appears to have it in the center, between the two steering clutch levers.

Hi Team,
I stand corrected. After studying the lever shapes it appears you are correct. After thinking about it some more I seem to recall some loaders with odd lever layouts --- been too long since I worked on one, some 40 years.
Thanks for setting me straight.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

Along with the lever change the E model also used D6 undercarriage components, different ridgid engine support and track roller frame. Pretty good all around machine I would say.

It runs. I drained five gallons of water from fuel tank, refilled with diesel and it fired right up. The main clutch is the left lever. Is serial #12A6483 a 955E or C? I called it an E from serial number guide at equipment watch.com