Category Archives: crawl loader

Caterpillar 963K Crawler Loader

2018 Cat 963K Track Loader Available at Star Tractor

If you’re looking for a dependable track loader that’s ready to go to work today, we’ve got a solid option on the yard at Star Tractor — a 2018 Caterpillar 963K Track Loader priced at $144,900 with approximately 6,751 hours.

This is the kind of machine contractors call about when they need production, reliability, and versatility all in one package.

Built for Real Jobsite Work

The Cat 963K is known across the industry as a true workhorse. It’s not a specialty machine — it’s a get-it-done machine.

Whether you’re:

  • Loading trucks
  • Rough grading pads
  • Handling material on tight sites
  • Working in softer ground conditions

This machine gives you the traction of a dozer with the loading capability of a wheel loader.

That combination is what makes the 963K so valuable on jobs where conditions change daily.

Why Contractors Like the 963K

There’s a reason machines like this don’t stay on the market long.

Power Meets Control

The hydrostatic drive system delivers smooth, controlled power, making it easier to fine-grade while still having the muscle to push and load.

Track Advantage

Tracks mean better flotation and stability, especially in muddy or uneven conditions where wheeled machines struggle.

Versatility on the Job

One machine that can push, load, carry, and clean up saves time, reduces the need for multiple pieces of equipment, and keeps your job moving.

Condition You Can Count On

At Star Tractor, we take pride in the equipment we offer.

This 2018 Cat 963K has:

  • Approximately 6,751 hours
  • Been part of a maintained fleet
  • Been inspected and kept job-ready

We don’t believe in shortcuts or quick fixes. Every machine is looked over so when it hits your jobsite, it’s ready to perform.

A Strong Value in Today’s Market

At $144,900, this machine represents a solid opportunity for contractors looking to add capability without stepping into the cost of new equipment.

Late-model track loaders like this continue to be in demand because they deliver production without the depreciation hit of brand-new machines.

Ready for the Next Job

If you’ve got work lined up or projects coming soon, this is the type of machine that can step in and make an immediate impact.

Inventory moves fast, and machines like this don’t sit around waiting.

Call me at 817-733-3799.

Kevin Cook
Star Tractor

Tips on how to run a track loader

Heavy equipment like dozer, excavators and track loaders are not so easy to run and require years of experience to understand how to deal with the machine in different conditions. For instance, if you are working on a rugged land or trying to clear trees in a forest, you will experience severe hardships to operate the machine. Simultaneously, not every machine is meant to do all kinds of work and therefore you should be depending on the best, the one that has the ability to perform the task. Operating heavy equipment is certainly not like driving a car and is a far complex subject. So for beginners, getting into something this complex without someone experienced beside you can lead you into a deeper mess. It has often been witnessed that the best of the operators had a tough time dealing with situations and they take a day’s time to complete a job that perhaps take few hours to complete in a normal situation.

We would be discussing in length on how to operate a track loader that is considered to be one of the most important and effective heavy equipment in the construction sector.

Brakes are your priority:-

When you are on the tracks of a crawler loader, you must ensure that no one gets under it. Proper functioning of brakes should be the uttermost priority of an operator. Once you slip inside the cabin, the first thing you got to check is if the brakes are in order. Try to push the brakes using your feet and see if it’s getting pressed smoothly. Anything wrong with it can have very serious consequences and also has the potency to damage the machines and injure people.

Making optimum usage of joysticks:-

Joysticks are the eyes of the machine. You need to learn how to use it optimally. In order to move the machine to your right, you need to make use of the joystick that is located to the right of the driver and in order to move it to the left, pull the one that is to the left of the driver. The joystick is also used to control the boom. The drive rods also play an important role as far as the movement of the loader is concerned. The drive rod is used to operate the tread at the bottom of the machine. The drive rod is also used to increase or decrease the speed of the tread. So if you move the drive rod forward, it tend to move ahead and pulling backwards will take the tread back. In case you want to turn the machine to your right, simply hold the drive rod located to the right of the machine and move it forward without doing anything to the one on the left. This will tilt the machine to the right.

Take help of the user manual:-

Referring to the user manual is another option one can go for. The user manual contains lot many ways and process to run the machine and especially when you get stuck on something, it is advisable to refer to the book and come out of the situation.