I have a '63 model 955H that I'm trying to decide if its worth while to replace the pads and rails on it or sell it as is and get a 955L, 175C or similar loader? The rails are well worn out, the bushings are worn through. The sprockets look good as well as the rest of the undercarriage. I was thinking of finding a good used set of rails/pads and putting them on. This is a 2 speed PS that runs fine, a little slow, but still good. The pins and bushings in the loader assembly is worn with a lot of movement, but it still works good. I've gone through the radiator, oil cooler, oil filter, replacing gaskets and o-rings and cleaning them out to help an over heating issue. The D330T engine smokes from using oil, but still runs good.
My concern is putting money/time in the tracks and then a final drive, trans, etc going out and there Im stuck. Ive been using it to clear some of the 60 acres that we bought a couple of years back. I would like to have a faster machine (3 speed PS) that doesnt work me as hard (foot brakes vs. levers), but I don't mind that as much. Just not wanting to put money into something that might give up soon.
I've just retired out of the military and I'm also considering doing small excavation, land clearing jobs from time to time. That's another reason for my wanting to upgrade.
Any thoughts, ideals or advice?
My concern is putting money/time in the tracks and then a final drive, trans, etc going out and there Im stuck. Ive been using it to clear some of the 60 acres that we bought a couple of years back. I would like to have a faster machine (3 speed PS) that doesnt work me as hard (foot brakes vs. levers), but I don't mind that as much. Just not wanting to put money into something that might give up soon.
I've just retired out of the military and I'm also considering doing small excavation, land clearing jobs from time to time. That's another reason for my wanting to upgrade.
Any thoughts, ideals or advice?