Cat 977 Crawler loaders tech specs

Overview

The Cat 977 (1971–1995) is a heavy crawler loader designed for bulk production work, not finesse. With 141.69 kW net, a 2.14 cu m bucket, 21,610 kg operating weight, and 15,494.73 kg breakout force, it suits quarry support, large site prep, and continuous stockpile loading where tracked traction and bucket bite are the job.

Expert rating: 3 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 3306 turbo engine delivers steady power at working rpm, and cycle times are production-minded with 8 s raise and 3 s lower. Max speed is 11.43 kph, enough for repositioning on large sites. Efficiency comes from moving more material per pass rather than fast travel.

Maintenance & Ownership

Ownership is about condition. Fluid volumes are large, and the undercarriage is where the money goes over time. Cooling pack cleaning, oil discipline, and consistent greasing decide uptime. On older machines, maintenance history matters more than hour count.

In Cabin

Expect an old-school operator environment. Visibility is usable and controls are straightforward, but noise and vibration reflect its era.

In Comparison

Cat 963: More modern packaging and typically easier to live with in mixed site work.
Cat 973: Larger and more production-focused for heavier cycles.
Cat 977: The classic middle option when you want strong bucket bite and tracked traction at a lower buy-in.

Final Verdict

Rated 3 stars, the Cat 977 (1971–1995) fits the AED 70,000–183,000 range for contractors who want heavy crawler loader capability on a budget. It trades modern comfort for tracked stability, strong breakout, and old-school toughness.