Construction / Skid Steer Loaders / Caterpillar / 253

Ship a Caterpillar 253 skid steer loader: specs verified, rate in 60 seconds

The Caterpillar 253 measures 11 ft 2 in long, 5 ft 9 in wide and 6 ft 11 in high at 9,343 lbs (3.40 m × 1.75 m × 2.11 m, 4,238 kg). It rides legal on a lowboy or RGN with no permits expected. Enter your route below; the dimensions are already in the form.

Photo and schematic: rehosted copies only (BRD §5.3); pending the image pipeline

Machine dimensions

✎ Edit dimensions

L 11 ft 2 in · 3.40 mW 5 ft 9 in · 1.75 mH 6 ft 11 in · 2.11 mWt 9,343 lbs · 4,238 kg

Verified against the manufacturer's published specifications (source, 2026-11-01). Final dimensions are the shipper's responsibility; confirm with the pickup site if unsure.

✓ Good news for your budget: ships legal on a lowboy or RGN. No permits, no escorts, no oversize surcharges expected.

Before you book: what shippers ask

What trailer does a Caterpillar 253 need?

Hotshot or gooseneck, Flatbed, Step deck or a lowboy or RGN. At 6 ft 11 in tall the machine sits at 8 ft 5 in on an RGN deck and 11 ft 11 in on a flatbed; the legal loaded height is 13 ft 6 in in the US and 13 ft 7 in in Canada.

Does a Caterpillar 253 need oversize permits?

No. At 5 ft 9 in travel width and 9,343 lbs it rides legal on the right deck; no permits, escorts or oversize surcharges are expected.

Can a Caterpillar 253 be loaded without a crane?

Yes when it starts and drives: it loads under its own power on the trailer's ramps. If it is inoperable, toggle starts-and-drives off in the form; winch loading is priced in, never added at pickup.

How should I prepare a Caterpillar 253 for pickup?

Empty the bucket or bed, fold and secure loose parts, note fluid leaks, and confirm the dimensions against the machine as it sits: debris, unfolded attachments or missing counterweights change weight and price.

What does it cost to ship a Caterpillar 253?

Distance and the trailer class drive the price once the dimensions are set. Enter pickup and drop-off below; the rate is free, bookable and locked for 30 days.

How this skid steer loader ships

1. Equipment match: Hotshot or gooseneck · Flatbed · Step deck · Lowboy or RGN
2. Loading: Drive-on when it runs; winch when it does not
3. Permits and escorts: none expected
4. Season: no seasonal weight sensitivity at this weight

Operational specs

Published manufacturer figures for the base unit (Caterpillar's published specifications, source, 2026-11-01); transport dimensions above remain the planning figures.

Engine

Gross Power - SAE J1995:2014: 72.1 hp
Engine Model: Cat® C3.3B DIT (turbo)
Net Power - ISO 9249: 71.7 hp
Net Power - SAE 1349: 71.1 hp
Peak Torque - 1,500 rpm - SAE J1995: 195.5 lb/ft
Displacement: 201.4 in²
Stroke: 4.7 in
Bore: 3.7 in

Operating Specifications

Rated Operating Capacities - 35% Tipping Load: 2011 lb
Rated Operating Capacities - 50% Tipping Load: 2873 lb
Rated Operating Capacity with Optional Counterweight - 35% Tipping Load: 2172 lb
Tipping Load: 5745 lb
Breakout Force - Lift Cylinder: 4623 lb
Breakout Force - Tilt Cylinder: 5404 lb
Ground Contact Area: 1749 in²
Ground Pressure: 5.3 psi

Weights*

Operating Weight: 9343 lb

Dimensions

Bucket Pin Height - Carry Position: 7.5 in
Bucket Pin Height - Maximum Lift: 120.7 in
Bucket Pin Reach - Maximum Lift: 10.7 in
Clearance at Maximum Lift and Dump: 91.1 in
Departure Angle: 35°
Ground Clearance: 8.6 in
Height - Top of Cab: 82.6 in
Length - With Bucket on Ground: 134.4 in

Power Train

Travel Speed - Forward or Reverse - Two Speed: 8.5 mile/h
Travel Speed - Forward or Reverse - One Speed: 5.9 mile/h

Cab

ROPS: ISO 3471:2008
FOPS: ISO 3449:2005 Level I

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System: 3.7 gal (US)
Engine Crankcase: 2.9 gal (US)
Fuel Tank: 24.8 gal (US)
Hydraulic System: 13.2 gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank: 10.3 gal (US)

Hydraulic System

Hydraulic Flow - Standard - Loader Hydraulic Pressure: 3336 psi
Hydraulic Flow - Standard - Loader Hydraulic Flow: 20 gpm
Hydraulic Flow - Standard - Hydraulic Power (Calculated): 39 hp
Hydraulic Flow - High Flow - Loader Hydraulic Pressure: 3336 psi
Hydraulic Flow - High Flow - Loader Hydraulic Flow: 30 gpm
Hydraulic Flow - High Flow - Hydraulic Power (Calculated): 58 hp

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1 · Your machines

Ⓐ Length?The longest point of the machine from front to back, including anything that sticks out (forks, blade, counterweight).

ftinch

Ⓑ Width?The widest point of the machine BODY, left to right. Don't count the attachment here, that goes in Ⓓ.

ftinch

Ⓓ Attachment width?Width of the bucket, blade, or boom if it's wider than the machine body.

ftinch

Ⓔ Angled width?If the blade or attachment can be turned/angled for transport, enter its width when angled. We price on this narrower width.

ftinch

Weight?Total operating weight including attachments. Check the spec plate on the machine or the operator's manual.

lbs

Starts and drives??Starting and driving are different things: the machine must start AND move under its own power onto the trailer. If it starts but cannot drive, answer No. Non-runners need a winch-equipped trailer (surcharge applies). Loading assistance is not included in any quote; the driver loads with the truck's own equipment only.

Value of the shipment *?What would it cost to replace this cargo today? Your declared value sets your protection options and prints into your agreement.

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All equipment specs

Specifications are provided for transport planning purposes only and reflect standard base configurations as published by equipment manufacturers and industry sources. Actual dimensions and weights vary by configuration, options, attachments, and condition. LoadLoom does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of published specifications. Confirming final dimensions and weight is the responsibility of the shipper; misdeclared dimensions may result in adjusted pricing, delays, or refused pickup. Legal load limits, permit requirements, and escort rules vary by state and province and are subject to change; permit and escort estimates are informational until confirmed at booking. Coverage is subject to declared value and the terms of the LoadLoom booking contract. Images and schematics are illustrative and may not depict the exact model or configuration listed. See PriceLock terms and the LoadLoom Terms and Conditions. Report an incorrect spec.