Caterpillar 973 Track Loader Is Bigger, More Efficient & More Productive

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The Caterpillar 973 comes with Cat Payload technology, but customers can upgrade to an Advanced Payload option with more automation, customization, and tracking options. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar calls its newly updated Cat 973 Track Loader the industry’s largest crawler loader. The new version, set for worldwide availability, replaces the Cat 973K. It’s a solid choice for utility, forestry, quarry, and other applications.

Cat says the machine’s Cat C9.3B power plant, which meets Tier 4 Final emissions regulations, delivers up to 10% better fuel efficiency in Auto Mode, automatically adapting engine speed to the load.

The Cat 973 Up Close

The 973’s engine is rated for 275 horsepower (205 kilowatts) of net power at 1,800 rpm. Thanks to a larger 119-gallon (450-liter) fuel tank, operators can do more between refills. They deliver even better fuel consumption in Eco mode during light-duty tasks, and Power Mode is a good choice when a consistently high engine speed is necessary.

The 33-ton (30-metric-ton) machine joins the lighter 160-HP (119-kW) Cat 953 and 202-HP (150-kW) Cat 963 in the company’s track loader lineup. Each is available with an optional Fusion Quick Coupler for faster attachment of Fusion-compatible tools. This includes a 4.2-cubic-yard (3.2-cubic-meter) General Purpose Fusion bucket. An optional, 5-cu-yd (3.8-cu-m) Performance Series bucket is also available.

An Updated Cab

The 973’s updated cab has a suspension seat, adjustable armrests with controls, and a 10-inch touchscreen dash display that shows feeds from a rearview camera. Customers can acquire a Steel Mill package that provides a specialized cab, an insulated steel fuel tank, a high-temperature undercarriage, and other features well-suited for handling slag.

Cat also offers a low ground pressure (LGP) configuration with wider tracks for better flotation and traction. A factory-equipped Waste Handler option features a specialized undercarriage, guarding, striker bars, and other features ideal for loading, sorting, spreading, and other tasks in waste-handling, landfill, and transfer station applications.

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The Steel Mill package available for the Cat 973 Track Loader includes a heat-resistant fuel tank and other features that equip the 973 to handle slag. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Easy Operation

Cat says the new crawler loader provides smoother implement and steering response and better steering performance. Customers can choose between joystick or 2-lever implement controls. Both allow operators to set implement response settings (fine, normal, coarse, etc.) and configure presets for repetitive lift, lower, rack, dump, float, and more for greater loading efficiency.

Several technologies contribute to making the 973 more accessible to operators. Slope Indicate, for example, shows machine mainfall and cross slope on the in-cab display. Cat Payload technology provides on-the-fly weighing, ensuring precise loads and saving time, labor, and fuel costs.

Source: Caterpillar