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Caterpillar TH55-E70

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Cat TH55-E70 is not a complete machine. It is an off-highway well-service transmission built for oilfield pressure-pumping (frac) duty, sold and mounted as a standalone driveline component rather than a self-contained unit with its own engine. It bolts to a customer-selected engine, Cat 3512C HD, 3516C HD, or 3516D HD, or a Cummins QSK50/QSK60, or an MTU 12V4000/16V4000, through an SAE C/J744 pump drive and SAE #0 flywheel input, rated for input power up to roughly 3300 hp. Internally it runs a seven-speed forward, no-reverse powershift gearbox with a deep 6.25:1 first gear, an integral torque converter at roughly a 2.23:1 stall ratio, and Cat's electro-hydraulic ECPC clutch control. It sits in the same off-highway transmission family as the smaller TH31 and TH35 models and the TH48-E70, scaled up for the highest-horsepower frac spreads, and stands alongside its closest sibling, the nine-speed TH55-E90, which trades first-gear depth for tighter step ratios through the working pump range on the same base spec sheet. Cat does not publish a standalone operating weight for the unit apart from its engine and pump package.

The TH55 platform's gearing and clutch architecture trace back to Cat's own mining-truck drivetrains, a lineage that reached volume production in the 793 haul truck line in the early 1990s, before Caterpillar adapted the design for well-service duty in the early 2000s at the request of pressure-pumping customers who wanted engine-grade durability in a transmission. Since then the line has moved through running-production updates visible mainly as serial-prefix changes, from earlier JW7 and THE ranges to the current PCJ prefix, rather than a clean generational redesign; the core 7F/0R architecture and ECPC control have stayed constant throughout. That mining-truck heritage is why the TH55-E70 matters in the used and parts market today. Cat markets it as outlasting typical oilfield transmissions by several times over, yet the shock-loaded, high-cycle nature of frac-fleet duty still keeps a steady stream of cores moving through Cat's reman exchange program, available since 2020 and including cross-exchange to a TH55-E90 core. Clutch packs, torque converter internals, and ECPC control components are the parts most often traded on units coming off service.

Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.

Caterpillar TH55-E70 specifications

Engine

Compatible engines (optimized powertrain)Cat 3512C HD and 3516D HD; Cummins QSK50 and QSK60; MTU 12V4000 and 16V4000
Gross input power2461 kW (3300 hp)
Gross input torque12 677 N·m (9350 lb-ft)
Rated input speed1900 rpm
Maximum input speed1970 rpm
Emissions tierNot published for the transmission itself — emissions rating follows whichever paired engine is installed.

Weights

Transmission dry weight2917 kg (6430 lb)
Engine/transmission coupling weight136 kg (300 lb)
Installed dry weight (approx.)3053 kg (6730 lb)

Dimensions

Length of drive train (without adapter)1961 mm (77 in)
Overall length2137 mm (84 in)
Width1246 mm (49 in)
Height1288 mm (51 in)

Performance

Forward/reverse gears7 forward / 0 reverse
Gear ratios, 1st through 7th forward6.25, 4.59, 3.38, 2.48, 1.83, 1.36, 1.00
Torque converterIntegral torque converter, stall torque ratio 2.23
Input/output rotationCounterclockwise on both input and output, viewed from rear
Maximum PTO power112 kW (150 hp) at 1900 rpm; auxiliary pump drive limited to 15 kW (20 hp) at 1900 rpm until the driven device is approved
Travel speed / gradeabilityNot applicable — this is a stationary well-service drivetrain component, not a self-propelled machine.

Service capacities (summary)

Hydraulic/transmission oil fill capacityApprox. 189 L (50 gal); actual capacity depends on cooler size, line routing, and installation
Oil specificationCat Transmission/Drive Train Oil-4 (TDTO) or equivalent
Filter type6-micron synthetic, cartridge, remote mount
Oil temperature limitsContinuous 90°C (195°F); maximum operating 99°C (210°F)

Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.

TH55-E70 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Transmission and integral torque converter (system oil fill, incl. filter)approx. 189 L (50 US gal) total system fill; actual volume varies by cooler size, oil lines, and installation — figure applies to both the TH55-E70 and TH55-E90 well-service transmission lineCat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil-4), meeting Cat TO-4 performance requirements. Viscosity grade by ambient/sump temperature: SAE 10W for cold-start conditions, SAE 30 for moderate ambient (roughly 0 to 35-40 C / 32-104 F), SAE 50 for sustained high heat (up to about 60 C / 140 F). Where wide swings or extreme cold service are expected, Cat TDTO-TMS full-synthetic multi-season oil is the arctic-capable option, holding pumpability down to roughly -40 C (-40 F). Oil is filtered through a 6-micron synthetic cartridge, remote-mounted filter.
Engine, cooling system, fuel tank, hydraulic implement system, final drives/axlesnot applicable to this productThe TH55-E70 is sold as a standalone oilfield well-service transmission, not a complete self-propelled machine. It has no engine, cooling system, fuel tank, or axle/differential of its own — it is factory-matched behind a customer-selected power unit (Cat 3512C HD, Cat 3516C HD, Cummins QSK50, Cummins QSK60, MTU 12V4000, or MTU 16V4000). Fluid recommendations for those systems follow the paired engine's own O&M manual, not the transmission's.
Grease pointsnone publishedNo external grease-fitting schedule is documented for this transmission in available service literature; the unit is treated as a sealed driveline component serviced primarily through oil sampling and change intervals rather than periodic greasing.

Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.

Caterpillar TH55-E70 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 50 h
  • Check TDTO level at operating temperature via the sight gauge before start-up.
  • Walk down the case, cooler lines, and filter head for fresh leaks.
  • Inspect ECPC harness connectors for chafing or corrosion at the case.
  • Listen for abnormal clutch shock or torque converter noise through the seven forward ranges during warm-up.
  • Clean debris from the cooler core weekly to protect airflow.
  • Confirm the transmission oil temperature gauge reads within normal range once loaded.
Every 250 h
  • Pull a TDTO sample for SOS analysis: wear metals, viscosity, TBN, water content.
  • Inspect the magnetic drain plug and strainer for metallic debris.
  • Check ECPC solenoid and pressure sensor readings against baseline using Cat ET.
  • Inspect and clean the case breather.
  • Re-torque transmission mounting and flywheel-housing adapter bolts to spec.
  • Check torque converter inlet and outlet pressures with Cat ET.
Every 500 h
  • Change the transmission oil filter cartridge.
  • Re-sample TDTO if not yet on synthetic fill and compare the wear-metal trend.
  • Inspect the output coupling at the pump-drive interface for wear.
  • Check ECPC harness routing and grounding points for damage from vibration.
  • Inspect cooler hoses and lines for cracking or chafing.
  • Confirm neutral-start and park-interlock function.
Every 1,000 h
  • Change TDTO and filter on the standard, non-synthetic drain interval.
  • Review accumulated SOS trend data across all prior samples.
  • Check torque converter stall speed against baseline through Cat ET.
  • Verify clutch modulation pressure across all seven forward ranges.
  • Re-torque the transmission-to-engine adapter housing bolts.
  • Inspect the SAE #0 flywheel housing for looseness or fretting.
Every 2,000 h
  • Change TDTO and filter if running Cat TDTO-TMS or Special Application synthetic fill.
  • Inspect ECPC solenoid pack response and replace units outside pressure tolerance.
  • Inspect torque converter housing seals for leakage.
  • Flow-test the cooler core to confirm no internal scale restriction.
  • Inspect the output coupling and driveline connection to the pump gearbox.
  • Compare shift-quality trend data against the original ECPC calibration baseline.
Every 4,000 h
  • Inspect clutch pack plate wear allowance ahead of a possible rebuild window.
  • Run a full ECPC system recalibration through Cat ET.
  • Check torque converter impeller, turbine, and stator condition against wear limits.
  • Flag any unit with an adverse SOS trend for a teardown-level inspection.
Every 6,000 h
  • Schedule a component-condition inspection to plan the eventual overhaul window rather than waiting for a failure.
  • Inspect gear-train backlash in the 6.25:1 first-gear set and the remaining ranges.
  • Evaluate the case, mounting feet, and adapter housing for fatigue cracking.
  • Weigh a Cat Reman exchange unit against an in-house rebuild based on SOS and inspection findings.

Servicing the TH55-E70 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

TDTO oil sampling is the core predictive tool for this transmission. Samples pulled at the drain port track wear metals from the ECPC clutch packs and the integral torque converter, plus TBN and viscosity breakdown from frac-duty heat cycling. Log stall speed, clutch modulation pressure, and ECPC solenoid response through Cat ET at each interval and compare against baseline. A drifting stall ratio or slow solenoid response shows up in the data before a shift feels rough. Water or coolant traces in a sample flag an immediate case and cooler check.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Common corrective work on the TH55-E70 centers on the ECPC control system and its interfaces, not on engine components, since this is a standalone transmission. Typical repairs include ECPC solenoid pack replacement when shift quality or modulation pressure drifts out of tolerance, harness connector repair where vibration on a frac-trailer skid chafes wiring near the case, cooler-line and filter-head seal leaks at the cartridge filter, and output coupling wear at the pump-drive interface from cyclic loading during pumping stages.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Cat literature credits the TH55-E70 with a 30,000 to 40,000 hour service life between rebuilds, well beyond typical powershift transmissions, but frac-duty shock loading can pull that forward on hard-run units. Overhaul-point checks focus on clutch pack plate wear allowance across all seven forward ranges, torque converter impeller and turbine wear, gear-train backlash in the 6.25:1 first-gear set, and SAE #0 flywheel housing and adapter fatigue. Cat Reman offers a factory-rebuilt exchange unit, including cross-exchange to a TH55-E90 core, as an alternative to an in-house teardown.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Ambient temperature drives TDTO grade choice on this transmission: SAE 10W, 30, or 50 by season, or Cat TDTO-TMS synthetic where a well site runs across a wide range or into arctic cold, extending change intervals and easing cold-start ECPC response. Clean the cooler core and check fin packing before summer pumping stages, since a frac-site pad throws more airborne debris than a shop-based application. Verify breather function on dusty locations to prevent case pressure buildup, and check cooler lines and connector seals for sand or grit ingestion.

TH55-E70 common service parts

Part numberPart
1D-4540Bolt,Machine Fuel Filter MountingCheck fitment →
1H-5514Bolt,Machine Engine Oil Filter AssemblyCheck fitment →
1R-1809Filter Element-OilCheck fitment →

Always confirm against your machine's serial number — cross-check any part in Heavy Parts AI before ordering.

TH55-E70 fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
CID 0127 (FMI 03/04)Transmission Oil Pressure Sensor circuit reading voltage above or below normal rangeFailed or miswired pressure sensor, damaged harness connector, or low transmission oil level causing an out-of-range signalCheck transmission oil level and sensor connector for corrosion/damage before replacing the sensor
CID 0826 (FMI 03/04)Torque Converter Oil Temperature Sensor circuit voltage above or below normal rangeFaulty temperature sensor or open/shorted wiring between the sensor and the transmission ECMInspect wiring and connector, then verify sensor resistance against the service manual spec before replacement
CID 0671 (FMI 02)Transmission Output Speed Sensor signal erratic, intermittent, or incorrectDamaged tone wheel, sensor air-gap out of spec, or intermittent wiring connectionInspect sensor mounting and air gap, then check harness continuity before replacing the sensor
CID 0147 (FMI 03/04)Lockup/Converter Clutch Pressure Sensor circuit voltage above or below normal rangeSensor failure or wiring fault feeding an out-of-range signal to the ECPC control logicVerify sensor supply voltage and connector integrity, then test the sensor per the transmission troubleshooting manual
CID 0631 (FMI 05/06)Transmission Clutch No. 1 Solenoid (ECPC modulating valve) open circuit or shorted circuitSolenoid coil failure, damaged harness, or connector corrosion in the clutch modulating valve circuitMeasure solenoid coil resistance and check wiring per the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control test procedure before replacing the valve
CID 0632 (FMI 05/06)Transmission Clutch No. 2 Solenoid (ECPC modulating valve) open circuit or shorted circuitSolenoid coil failure, damaged harness, or connector corrosion in the clutch modulating valve circuitMeasure solenoid coil resistance and check wiring per the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control test procedure before replacing the valve
CID 0126 (FMI 00)Transmission Oil Filter Differential Pressure above normal - filter restrictionClogged transmission oil filter or cold, high-viscosity oil restricting flow at startupCheck oil temperature and condition, then replace the transmission filter if restriction persists after warm-up
CID 0132 (FMI 03/04)Transmission Pilot Pressure Supply Sensor circuit voltage above or below normal rangeSensor failure, low pilot pressure from pump wear, or wiring faultConfirm pilot system pressure with a gauge, then inspect sensor wiring before replacing the sensor

Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.

TH55-E70 attachments & work tools

Product type correction

TH55-E70 is a Cat well service (oilfield) transmission for pressure-pumping duty, not a telehandler. It has no bucket/fork/grapple work-tool line; its "attachments" are driveline and PTO/pump-drive interfaces.

Integral pump drive (PTO)

Built-in independent pump drive in an SAE C, J744 pattern powers the well-service pump directly off the transmission, removing the need for a separate third-party PTO. Mounting location and rated power are set per installation.

Input (flywheel) connection

Input side uses an SAE #0 flywheel housing to mate to the prime mover. Any structural (frame-mounted) application of the housing needs Caterpillar engineering approval.

Output connection

Output side uses a flange-type connection to the driven equipment. As with the input housing, structural use of the output connection is subject to Caterpillar approval.

Compatible prime movers

Factory-matched to Cat 3512C and 3516C (HD arrangements), Cummins QSK50 and QSK60, and MTU 12V4000/16V4000 diesels, spanning up to about 2462 kW (3300 hp) gross input at 1900 rpm and roughly 12 677 N·m (9350 lb-ft) input torque.

Cooling package

Runs on Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil) with two external oil cooler lines; total hydraulic fill is about 189 L (50 gal) but varies with cooler size, line length, and installation. A 6-micron synthetic remote-mount cartridge filter is standard.

Clutch and electronic control

Electro-hydraulic, fully modulated, oil-cooled multidisc clutches run through Cat Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC), governed by an ECU on a SAE J1939 data link, 24V system. An integral torque converter, 2.23 stall ratio, is built in.

Gear configuration variants

The E70 is a 7-forward, 0-reverse unit with an industry-deep first gear (6.25:1), aimed at very low flow-rate work such as pump-down or coil tubing. The sibling TH55-E90 shares the same first seven ratios but adds two more forward gears (9F/0R, first gear 4.67:1) for finer control across the full pumping range; specify by duty cycle, not interchangeably.

Optional/factory equipment

Cat literature lists an "optional equipment" category for this transmission without public detail on scope; treat guarding, PTO cover, and mounting-kit specifics as installation- and dealer-configured rather than standardized.

All TH55-E70 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar TH55-E70. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Basic Engine
303-4143 Fastener Gp-Coupling
30***43Fastener Group-Coupling, Line1
6V***88Nut-Full (1/2-13 Thd); (1/2-13-Thd)(Full)4
7X***25Bolt (1/2) (63.5mm Thick)4
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296-6515 Flywheel Gp
13***01Bolt; (M16x2x80-mm)12
28***80Washer; (16.3x31.5x1.75-mm Thk)12
29***06Flywheel1
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Electrical And Starting System
329-3333 Electronics Gp-Power Train
32***25Software Group-Power Train1
32***26Service Group-Power Train1
32***33Electronics Group-Power Train1
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189-5746 Sensor Gp-Speed
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
14***36Pin-Connector; (14-Ga To 18-Ga)2
17***49Strap; (Marker)1
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183-8597 Sensor Gp-Speed
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
17***49Strap; (Marker)1
18***97Sensor Group-Speed; -Transmission Output1
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196-1185 Sensor Gp-Speed
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
17***49Strap; (Marker)1
18***35Pin-Connector; (16-Ga To 18-Ga)2
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122-8863 Sensor Gp-Speed
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
12***63Sensor Group-Speed1
17***49Strap; (Marker)1
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134-2252 Sensor Gp-Temperature
10***03Kit; (Receptacle) (3-Pin) (Includes Receptacle As & Wedge)1
13***52Sensor Group-Temperature; -Transmission Oil-Xmsn, Torque Converter1
3E***71Wedge; (Receptacle Lock) (3 Pin)1
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164-7577 Switch Gp-Bypass
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
16***77Switch Group-Bypass; -Xmsn Lubrication Supply Filter-Xmsn Lubrication Charge Filter-Hoist Screen-Tc, Front Brake Cooling-Transmission Oil Filter-Rear Axle Oil Filter1
18***35Pin-Connector; (16-Ga To 18-Ga)2
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269-8146 Wiring Gp-Transmission
0S***17Bolt --Use Open Hole In Compressor Body4
10***01Kit; (Receptacle) (12-Pin) (Includes Receptacle As & Wedge)1
10***03Kit; (Receptacle) (3-Pin) (Includes Receptacle As & Wedge)1
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Power Train
249-2304 Base Gp-Oil Filter -Transmission
13***98Spring1
16***77Switch Group-Bypass; -Xmsn Lubrication Supply Filter-Xmsn Lubrication Charge Filter-Hoist Screen-Tc, Front Brake Cooling-Transmission Oil Filter-Rear Axle Oil Filter1
24***04Base Group-Oil Filter; -Transmission1
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269-8134 Case & Parts Gp-Planetary
03***06Seal (Use As Required)1
0S***09Bolt (3/4") Filler Tube Assembly To Transfer Drive Case26
10***29Retainer1
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292-0048 Control Gp-Transmission Hyd
10***02Kit-Receptacle; (2-Pin)(Engine Sensor Wiring Harness)1
13***00Clip; (Tab)1
13***89Clip; (Ladder)7
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284-9298 Coupling Gp-Flexible
13***01Bolt; (M16x2x80-mm)12
28***80Washer; (16.3x31.5x1.75-mm Thk)12
28***35Seal-O-Ring1
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285-7262 Coupling Gp-Flexible
28***35Seal-O-Ring1
28***91Coupling As1
28***95Bearing-Sleeve1
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296-0675 Cover Gp-Shipping
29***75Cover Group-Shipping1
6H***17Bolt,Machine Damper Use On Replacement Engine 5r***832
6V***88Nut-Full (1/2-13 Thd); (1/2-13-Thd)(Full)8
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244-0121 Filter Gp-Oil
13***29Seal-O-Ring1
1R***09Filter Element-Oil; (Ultra High Efficiency)(Power Train)1
24***21Filter Group-Oil; -Transmission1
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269-8135 Housing Gp-Torque Converter
03***60Ring-Retaining1
09***29Ring; (Retaining)1
09***95Dowel1
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304-3366 Lines Gp-Power Take-Off
06***61Seal-O-Ring (Id=40.87mm)2
0T***72Bolt; 7/16" Diameter X 1 1/2" Length Generator To Engine8
0V***75Screw,Cap,Hexagon H Shaft Mtg,Accessory Drive4
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269-8133 Planetary Gp-Transmission
09***45Seal1
0S***88Bolt,Machine; Hose Assembly Mounting,Hose Assembly To Transmission,And To Torque Converter9
0S***90Bolt; (3/8-16x2in)(Clip Thru Spacer To Bracket As)7
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269-8142 Pump Gp-Gear -Transmission
0S***95Bolt 1.25 In. (31.75 mm) Long Guard Assemblies To Radiator Guard2
1H***27Seal 10.1 cm(3.984 In.) I.D.1
26***42Pump Group-Gear; -Transmission1
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269-8211 Torque Converter Gp
06***58Ball Bearing1
0S***88Bolt,Machine; Hose Assembly Mounting,Hose Assembly To Transmission,And To Torque Converter12
0S***02Bolt; (5/8-18x3.5-In)3
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305-8108 Transmission Ar
26***33Planetary Group-Transmission1
26***34Case & Parts Group-Planetary1
26***35Housing Group-Torque Converter1
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296-1253 Transmission Ar
26***32Transmission Ar1
29***76Plate & Film Group1
29***53Transmission Ar1
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269-8132 Transmission Ar
26***32Transmission Ar1
26***33Planetary Group-Transmission1
26***34Case & Parts Group-Planetary1
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300-3751 Transmission Ar
12***05Adapter1
29***76Plate & Film Group1
29***15Flywheel Group1
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258-8987 Valve Gp-Modulating
16***08Washer; (13.03x25.4x2.38-mm Thk)1
16***24Nut-Self-Locking; (1/2-28-Thd)1
22***22Coil As-Solenoid; (24-Volt)1
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244-3114 Valve Gp-Modulating
16***08Washer; (13.03x25.4x2.38-mm Thk)1
16***24Nut-Self-Locking; (1/2-28-Thd)1
24***14Valve Group-Modulating; -Transmission Hydraulic Control1
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126-7174 Valve Gp-Relief
0S***94Bolt (1 In. Long 3/8 In. Dia.); Plate Assembly To Support Assembly4
12***74Valve Group-Relief; -Torque Converter Inlet1
16***67Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)(Quick Disconnect)1
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306-6396 Valve Gp-Relief
0S***94Bolt (1 In. Long 3/8 In. Dia.); Plate Assembly To Support Assembly4
16***67Fitting As; (Quick Disconnect, Male)(Quick Disconnect)1
1L***62Ring-Retaining1
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308-2995 Valve Gp-Relief
14***25Connector As.1
16***77Plug As1
1M***51Spring-Steering Clutch1
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Service Equipment And Supplies
296-0676 Plate & Film Gp
22***81Film-Warning; -Universal1
29***76Plate & Film Group1
7E***81Plate-Identification; (Caterpillar)(New Tm)1
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TH55-E70 serial number reference

The TH55-E70 is sold as a bare petroleum transmission/powertrain package, not a cabbed machine, so its ID plate is riveted to the transmission housing near the input or output flange rather than a cab frame. The plate shows a 3-letter prefix followed by a sequential serial number (for example PCJ00001), where the prefix marks the production series/serial break and the digits are the running unit count within that series.

PrefixIdentifies
PCJTH55-E70 Petroleum Transmission — current/standard production prefix
THETH55-E70 Petroleum Transmission — earlier serial-range prefix
JW7TH55-E70 Petroleum Transmission — limited early-production serial range

Frequently asked questions

What engine powers the Cat TH55-E70?

None built in. The TH55-E70 is a stand-alone transmission, not a complete power package. It bolts to a customer-selected engine, such as Cat 3512C HD, 3516C HD, or 3516D HD, or a Cummins QSK50/QSK60, or an MTU 12V4000/16V4000, through an SAE C/J744 pump drive and an SAE #0 flywheel input.

What is the operating weight of the TH55-E70?

Cat does not publish a standalone operating weight for the TH55-E70. As a mining-truck-derived powershift transmission built to handle input power up to roughly 3300 hp, it is a heavy standalone driveline component, sized to its engine and pump-drive pairing rather than quoted as a simple accessory-transmission weight figure.

What replaced the Cat TH55-E70?

Nothing has replaced it; the TH55-E70 remains in current Cat production. Its closest relative is the TH55-E90, a nine-speed forward, no-reverse version of the same transmission built for tighter gear steps through the working pump range. Cat Reman even allows a TH55-E70 core to be exchanged for a TH55-E90 unit.

What TH55-E70 owners discuss

How does the TH55-E70 actually engage gears, and is there anything unusual operators should know before running one?
It is not a clutch-and-lever powershift. Gear changes go through Cat Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC): electro-hydraulic, oil-cooled multidisc clutches modulated by the transmission ECU, working through an integral torque converter. One quirk crews learn quickly is the cold-weather warm-up behavior: with Park or 2R commanded and the stall-enable input grounded, the unit will use converter stall to bring transmission oil up to temperature if it is below roughly 87 C (190 F) before duty starts. Do not fight this behavior thinking it is a fault - it is by design.
Why do some fleets spec the 7-speed E70 with its deep first gear instead of the 9-speed E90, and does that affect wear?
The E70's first gear ratio, about 6.25:1, is the deepest in its class and is aimed at very low-flow work such as pump-down and coil tubing, where the E90's closer-spaced 9-speed steps through the typical stimulation pumping range are not needed. Running mostly in that deep low gear means more time with high torque multiplication and more clutch cycling under load, so the low clutch pack and the cooler circuit see more heat over a duty cycle than they would on a fleet running mixed-rate stimulation work. Actual wear varies by duty mix - a unit doing steady mid-range pumping ages differently than one cycling pump-down jobs all day.
Does the transmission behave differently depending on which engine it is paired with?
The TH55-E70 is ordered to match a customer-selected engine - Cat 3512C HD, 3516C HD, or 3516D HD, Cummins QSK50 or QSK60, or MTU 12V4000 or 16V4000 - and the electrical interface (data link protocol and harness/connector layout between engine ECM and transmission ECU) is written per engine pairing, not generic to the transmission alone. Techs troubleshooting an electrical fault should first confirm which engine-specific application and installation guide matches the unit in front of them; using the wrong engine's wiring reference is a common source of chased-but-nonexistent faults. This varies by configuration, so verify the pairing before assuming a wiring diagram applies.
What electrical or sensor issues come up most often in the field?
Two recurring themes: ECPC clutch solenoid faults, usually traced to corroded or loose connectors or a solenoid reading out of resistance spec, which shows up as clutch slip, heat buildup, or the transmission holding in a protective gear rather than shifting normally; and speed-sensor faults (input, countershaft, output) that trip when sensed speed does not match the calculated speed from the other sensors and gear ratio, again pulling the unit out of the intended gear. Washdown and sand exposure at wellsite locations make connector corrosion a repeat offender. Have your dealer verify solenoid resistance and sensor readings against factory spec before returning a unit to service - this is a safety-relevant clutch/pressure system, not a simple wiring fix.
What wear patterns are typical for this transmission in pressure-pumping duty, and how long does it really last?
The TH55 line traces its lineage to the Cat 793 mining-truck transmission scaled up for the well-service world, and that heritage shows in reported service life - fleets commonly cite total life in the 30,000 to 40,000 hour range across roughly two rebuild cycles, well beyond a typical industrial powershift. Wear concentrates in the clutch packs and torque converter, driven by frequent rate changes and low-first-gear pump-down cycling rather than steady-state running. Oil coolers and breathers are the other weak point, since sand and dust at wellsite locations are a constant contamination risk. Regular oil sampling is the tool operators lean on most to catch wear trending before it becomes a failure.
Why would an operator disable the torque converter lock-up clutch mid-job, and what do the other safety features do?
Lock-up clutch disable, output brake, and over-pressure quick-to-neutral are standard safety features on this transmission family. Disabling lock-up keeps the converter in fluid-coupling mode rather than direct-locked, which cushions shock load to the pump gearbox during rate changes or a pressure event instead of transmitting it directly. The output brake and quick-to-neutral function work alongside that to protect the drivetrain and pump train if wellhead pressure spikes unexpectedly. These are treated as job-site safety systems, not convenience features - confirm they function before relying on them.
What should a buyer check on a used TH55-E70 before purchasing it?
Pull an oil sample on the Cat TDTO fill for wear metals and contamination before agreeing on price - dark, burnt-smelling fluid or visible metal fines are red flags. Check fluid level and condition, then run a stall test and confirm the integral torque converter (roughly a 2.23:1 stall torque ratio) reaches proper stall speed rather than lugging or over-revving. Exercise the safety features - over-pressure quick-to-neutral, output brake, and lock-up clutch disable - to confirm each responds. Inspect cooler lines, hoses, and electrical connectors for sand abrasion or corrosion typical of wellsite service, and ask for hour meter and rebuild history given how duty-cycle dependent wear is on this unit. Have your dealer verify stall speed and ECPC clutch pressures against factory specification before you finalize the purchase.

Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.

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