Bobcat 963/973 skid steer loader

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 1, 2003

Over a year ago I'd mentioned to the guy who found my Deere for me that I'd like a skid steer loader. Well, upon further reflection and the passage of time I'd pretty much forgotten all about it as it really wasn't going to be all that practical for a couple reasons.

Unfortunately, I never mentioned my change of heart to this guy and, you guessed it, now he calls me and tell me he has a Bobcat for me. This guy has got to be one of the world's best scrounger/wheeler-dealers I've ever known so I'm sure it's probably a good one.

It's a Bobcat 963, I believe (if I'm wrong then it's a Bobcat 973). He told me. I just don't remember and didn't write it down. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Anyhow, is anyone familiar with these models and have an opinion on them? You know what I mean. Reliability, frequency of repair, maintenance, quirks, things to watch on the particular model, etc. Any thoughts? One 'plus' is that a friend of mine who works for the local Cat distributor tells me all of the attachments interchange pretty readily and that he can "borrow" whatever SSL attachments from the rental side that I might ever want to use. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I don't necessarily need a SSL, but I wouldn't mind having one if the price was right. This guy sure treated me right on my little Deere, sooo... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OkeeDon · Oct 1, 2003

Wow! The 900 series are big, powerful machines. I did a google search for bobcat 963, and came up with 105 HP, 3000# lift and over 10' lift height. A quick look at Ebay showed no 900 series machines, but several 800 series in the $11K to $15K range. Bobcat seems to be the industry leader in skidsteers, so I don't think you'd have any problems with reliability, service, etc. If I could afford one, I'd think I'd died and gone to heaven.

Golfgar4 · Oct 1, 2003

( One 'plus' is that a friend of mine who works for the local Cat distributor tells me all of the attachments interchange pretty readily and that he can "borrow" whatever SSL attachments from the rental side that I might ever want to use. )

Gary,

I can't answer any of your specific questions about the machine, but if you're just looking for some positive encouragement, I'll be glad to help! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I would think that just having the ability to "borrow" any SSL attachment would be enough incentive to get it. If you need a little more convincing, then find out how many different attachments are available. Then find out what it would cost to rent each attachment to do a job. Then sit down and figure how many times you've wished you had the power broom, or the PHD, or the 4-n-1 bucket, etc. on your Deere.

Is that enough for you?

Go get the machine!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Gatorboy · Oct 1, 2003

The 900 Series SSL's are the lifting workhorse of their product lineup. I have an 873 and one reason I chose it over the 900 Series, because if I remember correctly, some attachments won't work with it (although I can't remember which ones), or it requires a larger attachment unit then most rental places would have.

The 963 is a monster -- and unless you absolutely need such a large machine -- I would consider a smaller Bobcat if you are still considering buying one.

Hoeman00 · Oct 1, 2003

My friend has a 943 (older) and it has a different hitch size than the 963, I don't know which one the 973 has but check it.
The hitch is a little different and u have to put adapter plates on the newer attachments.
The 943 is a lower lift capacity then the other put he can load 5000# logs in a dump truck.
They are kind of hard to see out of on the sides and behind.
My buddy also has a Bobcat 914 hoe on his, 14' digging depth.

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 1, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

I was able to call my local Bobcat store today but none of the salesmen were in. The gal who was there was able to give me quite a bit of information, though. She confirmed that there is no 973 so what this is must be a 963. She said that she believed that almost all of the Bobcat attachments would, in fact, connect to the 963 though different, larger ones were built for the 963 (and the rest of the larger 900 series) simply because of the greater size and capacity.

I would liken it to a 48" tiller hooking up to and working with my tractor even though the 60" is recommended. As with my tractor, some of the attachments may not cover the 963's tracks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

She indicated she wasn't exactly sure what, if anything, would absolutely not work with the 963 but said she thought there were a couple things. One thing she mentioned as something they never sold with the 963 was the fork sets for the smaller loaders just because of the chance of overloading them.

I'm going to be out in that direction tomorrow so I may stop there and see if they can find me a listing of just exactly what will and won't fit and why. I'll also try to get a look at the 963 itself to see what I can see on it.

Inspector507 · Oct 1, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Bobcat 963

More info HERE

Even more HERE

Inspector507 · Oct 1, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Not much info on the Bobcat site on the 963C, produced 97-99
More info on the 963G on their site

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 2, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

I spoke with the owner of the Bobcat dealership today. Apparently the info I got about an adapter for the 963 was incorrect. It is, for lack of a better term, somewhat of an orphan so far as implements go. Virtually all of the implements commonly available to rent (or, more importantly in my case, to 'borrow') for SSL's are not compatible with this machine.

I'm sure glad Dave mentioned that to me or I probably would already own the 963. It's a big brute of a SSL but hardly anything I really need. Besides, with the Goldwing I just bought I think I may have reached the limit for toy expenditures for a while. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Inspector507 · Oct 2, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Then best keep an eye out for a smaller model that has more options available /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 2, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

 keep an eye out for a smaller model that has more options available 

That's one way to go, for sure. Another is to forget about it all together. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I really wasn't looking for a skid steer when I got the call about this one. I'd thought a year or so ago that I might like to have one but had since thought better of the idea. I could thnk of maybe a week's worth of work for one with a bucket and grapple but that's about it, really.

Don't get me wrong here. If this were the 863 that would accept all the attachments and could be had for about the same money as this one, I'd probably go ahead and buy it. I'm just not actively looking for one. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 2, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Gary........Just curious........What condition was the 963 in?? How many hours ?? Is it still available ?? I have a NH 785 (1989 model) thats kind of an orphan itself, it uses NH's own style of quick tach and most newer attachments don't fit it either. If the 963 is priced right I could upgrade to a few years newer........My NH was the biggest they built at the time and it's a real horse...........bigger is better sometimes......Tom

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 3, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Tom,

I think he's now trying to trade it with someone who has something like the 863 and then try to sell me on that. I guess I wouldn't be totally opposed to that if the price on an 864 from him is right. If he's not able to put that deal together I'll send you his name and number so you can see what you might be able to do with him.

He reminds me of one of those stereotyped scroungers in the military movies who always have something to sell or trade for something else.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 3, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

Gary.......Kind of like the people who come out of the woodwork when I have something to sell...........Offer to trade you everything else but the cash...............Tom

Gatorboy · Oct 3, 2003

Re: Bobcat 963 skid steer loader

( I'm sure glad Dave mentioned that to me or I probably would already own the 963. )

I'm glad I was able to help you in asking the proper questions. I think you will be happy if you end up getting a SSL, and it being an 800-Series or lower.

GySgtAttack · Dec 7, 2014

Interested in purchasing a 963 myself. Pretty darn happy with my S150, running AG tires, and my first year's starter collection of eight attachments for it (three of which are hydraulic). Would really like something more powerful on the high end side of the spectrum. My collection of 2410's is nice for mid-range stuff, and my S150 for the smaller projects. Really concerned about connectivity with standard Bobcat attachments though. Read the entire post and there seems to be some confusion on this point. Any takers on this topic? Gunny

Anyone can run equipment, very few can operate.

SSdoxie · Dec 7, 2014

A 970 is bigger/heavier machine than the later 963. 970 did have a wider Bobtach configuration so current attachments will not fit. 963 production release in 1998 came with same dimension Bobtach as the current machines. 963 does have 26 GPM flow to the hydraulics versus your S150 @ 19 gpm (unless you have Hi-flow) so be cautious of hydraulic motor attachemnts that might be used.

GySgtAttack · Dec 7, 2014

Dennis, thank you for your quick response on this query of mine. I garnered that standard Bobcat attachments in conjunction with this beast could prove problematic, earlier post example of 4000lb standard forks with a machine capability of 4000+lbs operating capacity. Easy way to bend some forks, or in your example, blow a hydraulic line or cylinder. Just what I had hoped to hear though! Awesome!!! Gunny