bobcat 963

[rcn11thacr]

Has anyone here had experience with a bobcat 963? There is one for sale local that I am told is a 2002 (even though when i go to the bobcat website it states 1999 and 2000 was the only years they were made) has about 570 hrs and has a tooth bucket with a asking price of 22,500. I was thinking of using it for some demo jobs and possibly for some land clearing. My understanding is this machine has 105hp@2200rpm and 308lb.ft.@1600rpm and has an operating wt. of 9900lbs, tip load of 6000lbs, and capacity load of 3000lbs. Does this machine have a reputation for being dependable? Would this machine be capable of using most all attachments or would it be limited due to things I am not aware of?

 

[rcn11thacr]

correction

Correction: website states 1997-1999 build dates for the 963. The pump cap. is 26.2

 

[Komatsu 150]

I can't speak directly to the 963, we tried one but didn't buy. We have had two 9 series machines. The 943 we traded at 5500 hours. The 953 we still have at over 6000 hours. They were both very good other than annoying oil leaks after they got over 4000 hours or so. Two points to consider: Used sale value is very low for rubber tire machines in that size, at least around here. That's the only reason I didn't buy the 963 as trade in for our 953 was pathetic. If you're buying that's good. The other point is a problem. If the 963 has the same bucket "quik tach" sytem as the other 9 series, none of the attachments from other machines will fit. I could never rent a hammer or broom and would alway end up renting another complete machine. Hope that helps a little.

 

[KSSS]

The 963 was never that efficent of a machine. Considering how big it was it was not that impressive statisticly. It made a lot hp but its lift capacity is matched by Bobcats 300 machines at about 25% less weight. Its pump capacity was low for such a powerful machine. The other issue is it is just big and your not buying anything with that size. As mentioned the market for these machines is rather small which is why they had such a short run. I would consider either a used S300 or if you would prefer new paint the S330. Other machines in that size are the Gehl 7810, CASE 95XT/465. I have had two 95XTs and currently have a 465. They are very impressive machines.

 

[Komatsu 150]

Sure, the time of the 9 series has passed. We do much less skid loader work than we used to. If I was to buy a new big skid loader it would be a tracked machine. There is no comparison for grading or backfill work. As to efficiency the 953 uses much less fuel than even a Case 1840 and we have run an 1840 a 95XT and our old beast side by side doing the same type of work. The 95XT is a terrific machine but I could never buy one. My top operator doesn't fit the cab very well. He is 6' 8" with long legs and he has to move his knees from side to side to operate the loader. He looks like a downhill skier working a slalom. I do think the 95 is stronger than a 9 series in the way it's built, just a poor operators station and cab. Just my opinion of course.

 

[rcn11thacr]

I can see that all of you dont hold it in the highest regards and that is exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks to all.

 

[Tigerotor77W]

If the 963 has the same bucket "quik tach" sytem as the other 9 series, none of the attachments from other machines will fit. I could never rent a hammer or broom and would alway end up renting another complete machine. Hope that helps a little.

It has a different mounting plate than do the 943 and 953. It was a goal of Bobcat to make the 963 more versatile than its predecessor.

Ironically enough (as an aside), it probably had the shortest life span of all of them...

 

[Stick Pro]

We have a g series 963 we bought it in 2001 with cab and a/c we use to dig swimming pools it will out dig the s 300 and the new s 330 have tried them all if you have alot of dirt to move that is the machine expecialy with a 88" bucket. It will run all of the atachments the smaller bobcats run.

 

[bobcatmechanic]

hold on to that 963 scrap guys and railroad guys love those you could probably buy it and turn it for more than what you bought it for they push like a house because they weigh so much and that low of hours does it have triangle head lights if so its a g series and there arent to many running aroung that is a good find and latch on to it like i said you could make some money with it or off of it if you turn around and sell it to the right guy

 

[greywynd]

I think Dwan or someone on here has some 9xx series cats....I seem to recall some discussion on them before.....maybe try searching in here and see what you can find.

 

[redneckoperator]

have problem with hydlic locking up. have to shut down and start up again in order for light on the button to stay on and in order for everything to start working again. What could be the issue?

 

[crewchief888]

have problem with hydlic locking up. have to shut down and start up again in order for light on the button to stay on and in order for everything to start working again. What could be the issue?

if you mean the 2 idiot lights on the left handle, when if they go off, they should "flash" this indicates a fault in the ACS/AHC. most common is a bad actuator

 

[wildhorse trnr]

We had prototypes at my dealership and I spent many days repairing them, after they went into production we sold a few, but never were very popular.

 

[KSSS]

Sure, the time of the 9 series has passed. We do much less skid loader work than we used to. If I was to buy a new big skid loader it would be a tracked machine. There is no comparison for grading or backfill work. As to efficiency the 953 uses much less fuel than even a Case 1840 and we have run an 1840 a 95XT and our old beast side by side doing the same type of work. The 95XT is a terrific machine but I could never buy one. My top operator doesn't fit the cab very well. He is 6' 8" with long legs and he has to move his knees from side to side to operate the loader. He looks like a downhill skier working a slalom. I do think the 95 is stronger than a 9 series in the way it's built, just a poor operators station and cab. Just my opinion of course.

I cant argue with your assessment of the cab. Its narrow and the cab comfort has always been marginal. I am 6' and 230 I am ok with it, but larger guys have always complained about the cab. I liked them for their capability and durability, when those machines first came out I certainly opened a few minds on what a skid steer could do.