Machine Type:
Skid Steer Loader
Model Variant:
953 (also commonly referenced as 953C, C-Series)
Production Years:
Mid to late 1990s (C-Series era); confirm serial number in manual
Category:
Compact tracked and wheeled skid steer loader
Serial Number Location:
Right side of loader frame near lift arm pivot
Engine Model ID:
Stamped on engine block data plate
Target Audience:
Construction, landscaping, and agricultural operators; rental fleets; technicians and DIY owners
Class:
Large-frame skid steer loader positioned above the 853 in the Bobcat lineup
Primary Use:
Heavy material handling, excavation, site work, and attachment-driven tasks
Lift Capacity:
High for its class, supporting demanding bucket and attachment work
Durability:
Bobcat loader design emphasizes robust chassis and serviceable components
Attachment Ecosystem:
Wide compatibility with Bobcat and aftermarket attachments
Drive:
Skid-steer four-wheel drive with hydrostatic transmission
Loader Controls:
Hand and foot control options depending on configuration
Serviceability:
Tilting ROPS and removable panels for engine and hydraulic access
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Coverage Areas:
Engine, hydraulic, electrical, drive, brake, and loader systems
Page Count:
N/A - page count varies by revision; PDF is fully bookmarked
File Format:
Searchable PDF
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Printing:
Printable on standard printers
Compatibility:
Windows PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones
Access:
Download again anytime after purchase
Searchability:
Full-text searchable with zoomable diagrams
Navigation:
Bookmarked chapters and sections
General Information:
Safety warnings, machine identification, and maintenance schedules
Engine:
Fuel, air, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems
Hydraulics:
Pumps, control valves, cylinders, motors, and loader circuit diagnostics
Electrical:
Charging, starting, lighting, instrument, and control circuits
Drive System:
Hydrostatic drive circuit, tandem pumps, and final drives
Brakes:
Service and parking brake inspection and adjustment
Loader Frame:
Lift arm, bucket, pivots, and attachment interface
Cab and Controls:
ROPS, operator controls, throttle, and instrumentation
Engine Overhaul:
Disassembly, inspection, rebuild, and reassembly
Transmission Service:
Hydrostatic component removal, repair, and installation
Electrical Diagnostics:
Multimeter testing and component function verification
Hydraulic Testing:
Pressure and flow testing with troubleshooting flowcharts
Brake Service:
Inspection, adjustment, and component replacement
Cooling and Heating:
Radiator, thermostat, and heater service
Fuel System:
Filters, lines, injection components, and bleeding procedures
Symptom-Based Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees
Torque Specifications:
All factory torque values and bolt specifications included
Tolerances:
Factory specifications, tolerances, and wear limits
Service Tools:
Special service tool numbers with illustrations
Component ID:
Identification and location guides
Measurement Units:
Mixed standard and metric as used by the manufacturer
Exploded Views:
Exploded parts diagrams with OEM part numbers
Wiring Diagrams:
Electrical schematics covering major circuits
Procedural Diagrams:
Step-by-step illustrations with tool usage
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Type:
Four-cylinder diesel, liquid cooled
Displacement:
N/A - refer to manual data plate for exact specification
Manufacturer:
Refer to engine data plate; commonly a Kubota diesel in this class
Fuel System:
Indirect injection with mechanical governor pump
Cooling:
Liquid cooled with radiator and fan
Air Cleaner:
Dry element type with restriction indicator
Gross Horsepower:
N/A - confirm from manual for specific build
Governed Speed:
Refer to manual specification tables
Emission Era:
Pre-Tier or early Tier emission standards typical for production period
Type:
Hydrostatic, tandem pump and motor design
Drive:
Four-wheel skid-steer drive through chain cases to axles
Control:
Independent left and right drive levers or joystick option
Final Drive:
Chain reduction in sealed chain cases with oil bath lubrication
Braking:
Hydrostatic dynamic braking plus mechanical parking brake
Towing:
Do not tow without disabling hydrostatic drive or per manual procedure
Wheelbase:
N/A - verify exact figure in the manual dimension table
Overall Length:
Measured with standard bucket; see manual for exact configuration
Overall Width:
Depends on tire option; see manual specification chart
Height to ROPS:
Refer to manual for cab and ROPS configuration
Ground Clearance:
Refer to manual for tire and axle configuration
Operating Weight:
N/A - varies by tire, ROPS, and attachment configuration
Rated Operating Capacity:
See manual and machine decal for exact rated load
Shipping Weight:
Refer to machine data plate
ROPS:
Roll-Over Protective Structure with seat belt interlock
FOPS:
Falling Object Protective Structure available as option
Seat Belt:
Retractable seat belt and warning system per configuration
Parking Brake:
Mechanical lever-actuated parking brake
Neutral Start:
Engine start inhibited unless drive controls are in neutral
Loader Arm Support:
Provided for safe servicing of raised lift arms
Guarding:
Shielding over rotating and hot components
Emergency Exit:
Rear window or door serves as alternate exit per manual
Instruments:
Hour meter, coolant temperature, and warning indicators as equipped
Lighting:
Work lights and road lighting options depending on configuration
Controls:
Hand/foot or joystick selection based on machine variant
Service Access:
Warning indicators and hydraulic test points for diagnostics
Electrical Testing:
Manual provides multimeter test procedures for circuits
Daily:
Inspect fluids, filters, tire condition, and safety interlocks
First 50 Hours:
Initial engine oil and filter service on new or rebuilt machines
Engine Oil:
Per manual interval; typically every 100-250 hours depending on duty
Hydraulic Oil and Filter:
Per manual interval; inspect for contamination and change as scheduled
Air Filter:
Clean or replace per restriction indicator and manual schedule
Chain Case Oil:
Check level and change per manual interval
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for viscosity and API grade by ambient temperature
Hydraulic Fluid:
Use manufacturer-approved hydraulic oil; see manual specification table
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol coolant mix per manual specification
Grease:
Lithium-based multipurpose grease for pivot and loader points
Known Issues and Wear Items
Drive Chains:
Chain stretch and chain case oil condition are common service points
Hydraulic Hoses:
Age-related cracking and fitting leaks
Lift Arm Pivots:
Bushing and pin wear requiring inspection
Tires:
Uneven wear from turning on abrasive surfaces; rotate as needed
Manufacturer:
Bobcat Company
Origin:
Bobcat pioneered the compact skid steer loader category
Brand Ownership:
Bobcat operated under Ingersoll Rand and later Doosan ownership during its history
Position in Lineup:
953 sat between smaller 853 and larger 963 models
Series Updates:
C-Series introduced refinements in hydraulics, cab, and service access
Successor:
Later replaced by subsequent Bobcat large-frame skid steer models
Production Location:
N/A - primarily assembled in Bobcat North American facilities
Serial Range:
Verify exact serial number range against the manual for your machine