About · Caterpillar 773Overview
The Caterpillar 773 is a rigid-frame off-highway dump truck designed for high-volume material haulage in demanding mining and heavy construction environments. It occupies the mid-range of the rigid dump truck class, offering a balance between payload capacity and operational flexibility on prepared haul roads. Built to Cat's established powertrain and structural standards, the 773 is a widely recognized platform in the articulated and rigid hauler segment, with a long production history that supports broad parts and service availability.
Typical applicationsWhere this machine is used
The 773 is suited to open-pit mining operations, large-scale quarrying, and major earthmoving projects where consistent, high-cycle truck haulage is required. It operates on engineered haul roads moving overburden, ore, aggregate, and similar bulk materials between loading faces and dump or processing points. Its class also sees use in dam construction, infrastructure projects, and port or bulk-terminal earthworks where payload volume and truck cycle efficiency are primary scheduling factors.
Used-market inspectionWhat to check before buying
Inspection of a used 773 should prioritize a full powertrain oil analysis to assess engine, transmission, and differential wear condition before purchase. The truck body, tailgate, and floor liners warrant close examination for deformation, cracking, and liner wear, as these are high-stress components on any rigid hauler. Tire condition is a significant variable given the cost and lead times associated with off-highway truck tires in this size class. Buyers should request complete service and oil sample histories, confirm the status of any major components such as the engine, torque converter, and axles against known rebuild intervals, and conduct a thorough inspection of frame rails and hitch structures for fatigue cracking. Electrical and payload monitoring systems should be verified as functional, as these directly affect productivity tracking on modern mine sites.
Current marketPrice position
Within the rigid dump truck class, the Caterpillar 773 is cross-shopped against machines from Komatsu, Hitachi, and Liebherr in comparable payload categories. Buyers weighing the 773 against Komatsu equivalents typically evaluate differences in powertrain architecture, transmission type, and regional dealer support density. Against Liebherr and Hitachi alternatives, the comparison often centers on structural design philosophy and established rebuild ecosystems. Within the 773's own price band, the primary attributes that move a unit are accumulated service hours, maintenance history documentation, tire condition and remaining life, body liner wear, powertrain configuration, and whether the unit has been subject to a certified rebuild or major component replacement. Machines with verified service records, recent component overhauls, and good tire life command stronger positioning than high-hour units with deferred maintenance.