Comparing the CAT 953A Track Loader and the Takeuchi TL12 Skid Steer in Real-World Earthmoving

[MikePhua]

Two Machines from Different Eras and Philosophies
The CAT 953A track loader and the Takeuchi TL12 compact track loader represent two distinct approaches to earthmoving. The 953A, introduced in the 1980s by Caterpillar, was designed as a full-size track loader capable of handling heavy-duty excavation, grading, and material loading. The TL12, launched decades later by Takeuchi, is a modern compact track loader engineered for versatility, precision, and minimal ground disturbance.
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has long dominated the heavy equipment market with its robust, high-output machines. The 953A was part of a lineage that included the 951 and 955 series, known for their durability and raw power. Takeuchi, a Japanese manufacturer established in 1963, pioneered the compact track loader concept and has focused on operator comfort, hydraulic finesse, and jobsite agility.
Terminology Annotation

• Track Loader: A crawler-type machine with a front bucket, designed for digging, loading, and grading.
  
• Compact Track Loader (CTL): A smaller, rubber-tracked machine optimized for maneuverability and low ground pressure.
  
• Breakout Force: The force required to lift or pry material with the bucket, critical for excavation.
  
• ROC (Rated Operating Capacity): The maximum safe load a CTL can carry, typically 35–50% of tipping load.
  

Core Specifications and Performance Metrics
CAT 953A:

• Operating weight: ~30,000 lbs
  
• Engine: CAT 3204 diesel, ~110 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~2.0–2.5 yd³
  
• Breakout force: ~20,000 lbs
  
• Ground pressure: ~6.5 psi
  

Takeuchi TL12:

• Operating weight: ~11,800 lbs
  
• Engine: 111 hp turbo diesel (Kubota or Yanmar depending on year)
  
• ROC: ~3,800 lbs
  
• Bucket capacity: ~0.6–0.8 yd³
  
• Ground pressure: ~4.5 psi
  

In a demolition job in Georgia, a contractor used both machines side by side. The 953A handled concrete and rebar with ease, while the TL12 excelled at cleanup and grading around foundations. The difference in footprint and finesse was immediately apparent.
Application Suitability and Jobsite Roles
The 953A is ideal for:

• Heavy excavation and bulk loading
  
• Clearing dense brush or debris
  
• Working in rough terrain with minimal concern for surface damage
  
• Pushing, ripping, and lifting large volumes
  

The TL12 excels in:

• Landscaping and finish grading
  
• Working in tight spaces or residential zones
  
• Operating on turf, sand, or sensitive surfaces
  
• Running hydraulic attachments like augers, trenchers, or mulchers
  

In a ranch development project in Texas, the 953A was used to cut access roads and move boulders, while the TL12 installed fencing, dug post holes, and spread gravel. The combination allowed for efficient task division without overlap.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Considerations
The 953A, while powerful, consumes significantly more fuel and requires more frequent service intervals due to its mechanical complexity and age. Parts availability can be a challenge, especially for undercarriage components and hydraulic seals.
The TL12 benefits from:

• Modern Tier 4 emissions compliance
  
• Electronic diagnostics and service reminders
  
• Easier access to filters and fluid ports
  
• Lower fuel consumption per hour (~3–4 gallons vs. 6–8 gallons for the 953A)
  

In a fleet in Alberta, switching from older track loaders to TL12s reduced fuel costs by 35% and improved uptime due to faster service turnaround.
Operator Experience and Control Systems
The 953A offers a traditional lever-and-pedal control layout, with limited visibility and minimal cab insulation. It’s built for durability, not comfort.
The TL12 features:

• Pilot joystick controls with proportional hydraulic response
  
• Adjustable suspension seat and climate-controlled cab
  
• LCD display with machine diagnostics and attachment settings
  
• Rearview camera and enhanced visibility
  

Operators transitioning from legacy machines often report reduced fatigue and improved precision when using the TL12. In one grading crew in North Carolina, productivity increased by 20% after switching to joystick-controlled CTLs.
Cost and Ownership Strategy
Used 953A units can be found for $25,000–$45,000 depending on condition, but may require significant investment in undercarriage rebuilds and hydraulic service.
New TL12s retail around $75,000–$95,000, with financing and warranty options available. Their resale value remains strong due to demand in landscaping and utility sectors.
Ownership recommendations:

• Use 953A for land clearing, demolition, and bulk earthmoving
  
• Use TL12 for finish work, residential projects, and attachment versatility
  
• Maintain separate service schedules and train operators on machine-specific controls
  

In a mixed-use development in Arizona, a contractor kept a 953A for rough grading and a TL12 for utility trenching and pad prep. The dual-machine strategy reduced subcontractor reliance and improved scheduling flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The CAT 953A and Takeuchi TL12 are not direct competitors—they’re complementary tools built for different roles. The 953A is a brute-force earthmover with decades of proven performance, while the TL12 is a nimble, modern multitasker. Choosing between them depends on jobsite demands, terrain, and long-term ownership goals.
In the roar of steel tracks and the whisper of pilot hydraulics, these machines tell two stories—one of legacy power, the other of precision evolution.