Looking for advice, considering purchase, 955???

Does sound like your eyeballing a 955H 60A model. Produced from 1960 to 1967. They made a little less than 14,000 of them. Early models up to sr. #9693 had the D330a engine which was not one of Cat's finest. The later D330c (4-3/4 bore) is an improvement.The early engines are prone to head problems and spun bearings. Over the years they made some improvements but you'd want to check the engine over closely. Rest of the units were ok as far as I know (occasional final drive problems). If it's in good shape your light use will probably give it a long life.
Yes, it is a 2-speed F/R transmission.

If you could swing it I'd recommend you go for the later K/L model with the D330c or the 3304 preferred, final drive improvements and 3-speed power shift

I have a 955H 60A. good machine if you keep it maintained. I've been fixing all the small stuff that nobody bothered with for the last 20 years. Parts are readily available, so far. Mine is a 1963 model, but has the 3304. Don't know if it is original to the machine, but the s/n matches the one on the drive housing.

Good info to know. This one looks like it hasnt been maintained like it should have. It'll be fun to work on and mess with. I've found a used but good set of tracks complete for $2000, so I may go that route instead of new rails and swapping the pads over. Is there any particular place you prefer to get parts from? Thanks again.

I haven't needed anything major, yet. Mostly hoses and seals. I get the yellow seals from cat. The hoses from a hydraulic shop. Mine needs some under carriage work. A good set of rails would be a nice find. My pins need turned and new sprocket rims. The rims are reasonable right from cat. Lots of places online and in machinery trader, for parts.

According to my engine manuals the 3304 did not come in until 955L sr. # 85J6247 about 1973-4.
1963 would be a D330a engine.
sr. # 9694 D330c would be 1965

[quote="Old Magnet"]According to my engine manuals the 3304 did not come in until 955L sr. # 85J6247 about 1973-4.
1963 would be a D330a engine.
sr. # 9694 D330c would be 1965[/quote]

Was wondering about that, mine came with a 3304 parts manual and there are reciepts for for head and turbo repairs in the book with part numbers. This guy did a head and turbo replacement and had no other machines. Could someone have put in a 3304? changed the s/n plate to match the machine?

Very unlikely to have the engine changed.
A more common scenario is head problems that resulted in the field replacement head that had interchangability with later turbo parts.