shift fork replacement 955 loader

Covers going to have to come off. It's been off before, that's the reason for cutting and rewelding the brace so the cover can be removed without removing the loader....nasty job.

That's what I thought. I was just hoping someone knew a shortcut.

The cover comes off without cutting the bar off the loader frame, you have to strip everything off the top, then block the cover up a few inches and remove the steering clutch linkages ('rockers' and shafts) and brake band top sections from underneath it. The cover then comes out through the back. An awkward job but I did three in my early 'Cat' career.

Hi Catsilver,
I now recall you telling us that before....but seems pretty common to axe the cross brace and replace. Guess some folks don't want to go to the extra time or expense.

I reckon it would take longer to weld the cross bar back in properly than to remove the cover as per the book, I was a Cat service engineer for 13 years, 7 of them field service (45 years total service) and would only ever use hot spanners as a last resort, they can cause more trouble than they cure.
It should take not much more more than an hour to remove the extra parts to get the cover out.

I think that's part of the problem, what book are you referring to? Never could find any instructions on removing the cover on the loader.

I remember seeing an instruction but am not sure if it was an old servicemans reference book or a special instruction, it is all along time ago now, 1965 since I did the last one.

Hi Team,
I have Form No 32225, Dated 5-56, Service Information for Caterpillar No 955 Traxcavator. It is an additional piece of Literature for the standard D4 so the Serviceman has full data for the Traxcavator section, however, it does not tell anything about removing the trans top cover with the frame in-situ or otherwise.
It tells how to remove the engine with the frame in-situ, work on the engine/s and master clutch in-situ, work on the hydraulics and lift frame etc, also how to remove the frame.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

PS I also have Form No 32224-1, Dated 8-57, for the 933 Trax. it gives the same data as above also without any mention of the trans cover.

This is not a dream, the cover comes off without cutting lumps out of the loader frame, if we had done that in the dealership the service manager would have taken steps, big ones as he kicked us out on to the street!
The 933 doesn't compare, its a completely different assembly where the steering clutches come out of each side after removing the track frames and final drives.
The 933 shifter forks do come out through the gearbox top cover if you take the main clutch cover off as well and slide the rods out through there. You need small fingers and kevlar knuckles, I've still got the scars from 1966!