another new guy

[rollinblacksmoke]

hello everyone, i am another newbie. i know basically nothing about these machines, and would like some input and advise. i have a ford L 9000 tandem axle dump truck and a 90 model hudson 10 ton tilt top trailer (with tandem dual wheel axles). i am contemplating buying a late 70's model 555 crawler loader with a 4 n 1 bucket. if i do, i plan to only use this machine within 25-30 mi. of home. my questions are: will i be able to use this combo (as i know that weight will be really close on the trailer), and what do i look out for when eyeing this machine over. from what i have read on here so far, it seems the trannys are the weak link in these machines. thanks in advance, and i look forward to learning a lot.

[digitup2]

The trany isn't so much the weak link as the most abused part of these 555 series crawlers .Try to watch your transmission pressure and keep good pressure to the system . Watch for fluctuating pressures between gears and during shifting .keep good oil and don't run them too hard till they warm up .Keep good constant pressure on the guage as an owner operater this is easier to do .A ten ton trailer is all you need to start with I ran one for years with electric breaks .But 550 dozers are a bit lighter than 555 loaders in your case and the 4in 1 is a few more pounds .My guys had a bad habbit of puttin the 490D on it for short runs and I went to a twenty ton behind a tri axle dump quickly .I know that regulations differ from area to area and also if the tracks are muddy , fuel tank is full and it has a larger counter weight that unit may weigh in well over ten ton it's self.Digitup.