Comparing the CAT 953, 963, and 977L Track Loaders for Practical Use

[MikePhua]

Caterpillar’s Track Loader Lineage
Caterpillar’s track loaders have long served as versatile machines bridging the gap between dozers and excavators. Designed for digging, loading, grading, and site clearing, these machines evolved through decades of refinement. The 953 and 963 represent the modern hydrostatic generation, while the 977L hails from an earlier era of mechanical drive and brute force.
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has sold millions of machines globally. The 953 and 963 were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s respectively, with the 963 offering a heavier-duty option. The 977L, part of the legendary 977 series dating back to the 1950s, was a mechanical powerhouse that dominated job sites before hydrostatic systems became standard.
Terminology Annotation

• Track Loader: A crawler-type machine with a front bucket, used for loading, digging, and grading.
  
• Hydrostatic Drive: A transmission system using hydraulic fluid to vary speed and direction without gear changes.
  
• Mechanical Drive: A traditional gear-and-clutch system requiring manual shifting and throttle control.
  
• ROPS: Roll-Over Protective Structure, a safety feature in operator cabs.
  
• Bucket Capacity: The volume of material the bucket can carry, measured in cubic yards or meters.
  

CAT 953 Overview

• Operating weight: ~30,000 lbs
  
• Engine: CAT 3116 or 3126, ~125–135 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~2.0 cubic yards
  
• Hydrostatic drive with joystick control
  
• Ideal for residential site prep, utility trenching, and light demolition
  

The 953 is known for its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. Its hydrostatic system allows smooth transitions between forward and reverse, making it excellent for tight spaces. In one subdivision project in North Carolina, a 953 was used to backfill foundations and grade driveways with minimal turf damage.
CAT 963 Overview

• Operating weight: ~40,000 lbs
  
• Engine: CAT 3304 or 3306, ~150–165 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~2.5–2.75 cubic yards
  
• Hydrostatic drive with enhanced lift capacity
  
• Suited for commercial grading, landfill work, and heavy material handling
  

The 963 offers more breakout force and stability than the 953. Its larger frame and bucket make it ideal for bulk loading and rough terrain. In one landfill operation in Alberta, a 963 was used to compact cover material and load transfer trucks, outperforming wheeled loaders in muddy conditions.
CAT 977L Overview

• Operating weight: ~50,000 lbs
  
• Engine: CAT D333 or D3306, ~190–200 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~3.0–3.5 cubic yards
  
• Mechanical drive with clutch and brake steering
  
• Best for quarry work, large-scale excavation, and legacy operations
  

The 977L is a relic of raw mechanical power. Its gear-driven transmission and heavy steel frame make it durable but demanding. Operators must manage throttle, gear selection, and steering with precision. In one limestone quarry in Pennsylvania, a 977L ran daily for over 20 years, loading rock into crushers with minimal downtime.
Operational Comparison and Use Cases

• 953: Best for small contractors, urban sites, and utility work
  
• 963: Ideal for mid-size earthmoving, commercial grading, and landfill operations
  
• 977L: Suited for legacy fleets, heavy excavation, and rugged terrain
  

Performance notes:

• Hydrostatic loaders offer better fuel economy and smoother control
  
• Mechanical loaders provide raw torque but require skilled operators
  
• The 953 and 963 have better parts support and modern safety features
  
• The 977L may require custom fabrication and legacy parts sourcing
  

In one equipment yard in Texas, a contractor kept a 977L for clearing brush and pushing debris, while using a 963 for grading pads and loading trucks. The combination allowed flexibility across job types.
Maintenance and Ownership Considerations
Typical maintenance costs:

• 953: ~$4,000/year for fluids, filters, and minor repairs
  
• 963: ~$5,500/year including undercarriage wear
  
• 977L: ~$6,000/year with higher fuel and parts sourcing costs
  

Key service intervals:

• Engine oil: Every 250 hours
  
• Hydraulic fluid: Every 500 hours (953/963 only)
  
• Undercarriage inspection: Monthly
  
• Transmission service: Every 1,000 hours
  

Operators should be trained in hydrostatic control for the 953/963 and clutch management for the 977L. In one training program in Georgia, transitioning operators from 977L to 963 reduced fuel consumption by 18% and improved grading precision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the CAT 953, 963, and 977L depends on job scope, operator skill, and fleet strategy. The 953 offers agility, the 963 delivers strength, and the 977L stands as a monument to mechanical endurance. Each has its place—and when matched to the right task, each proves its worth.
In track loaders, balance is power. And when the bucket bites clean and the tracks hold true, the job moves forward.