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Cat 973K Track Loader

973K Track Loader

Overview

Save money and transport time with one rugged machine for land clearing, digging, grading, truck loading, slope work and more. Crawler loaders give you reduced ground pressure and better traction so you can start the job earlier and work longer in soft underfoot conditions. Purpose-built Waste Handler, Steel Mill and Low Ground Pressure configurations stand up to the toughest applications. This new generation of Cat® Track Loaders brings you all of this, plus improved performance and fuel efficiency.
For complete machine specifications and available configurations, please see your Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com.

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ONE MACHINE, MANY JOBS
  • Largest track loader in the industry provides the power, breakout force and capacity to take on tough construction utility, forestry and quarry jobs.
  • Specialized Steel Mill configuration factory equipped to withstand high temperatures and steel mill conditions – handle hot slag with ease and safety.
DO MORE WITH LESS FUEL
  • Reduce your fuel costs, using 10-25 percent less fuel per hour than the previous model.
  • Move up to 10 percent more material per hour with optional Performance Series bucket.
  • Easier maintenance and repair with a tilt cab and convenient service access points.
  • Demand fan provides efficient cooling plus easy service/ clean-out access.
BUILT TO PERFORM
  • Smoother implement and steering response, and improved steering performance over the previous model.
  • Precise, responsive performance with features like load sensing hydraulics and position sensing cylinders.
  • Power and fast response under load with a Cat C9.3 engine.
  • Reduced engine noise compared to the 973D – quieter for the operator and others around the work site.
EASY TO OPERATE
  • Updated cab offers operator comforts like suspension seat, adjustable armrests and controls, and an improved air conditioning system.
  • Choose either joystick or two-lever implement controls to match operator preference or application.
  • Speed/steering controls available as either a joystick or as v-lever and foot pedals.
SAVE ON MAINTENANCE TIME
  • Tilt cab and convenient service access points for easier maintenance and repair.
  • Cooling system access from the engine compartment for easy clean-out.
  • Remote monitoring with Product Link™/VisionLink® helps you manage your fleet more effectively and profitably.
TAKE ON THE TRASH
  • Waste Handler arrangements feature added guarding and seals to give you a purpose-built machine to take on the challenges of waste applications. A choice of buckets and track shoes allow you to further optimize the machine for greater performance and service life.
  • Versatile machine for loading, sorting, excavation and spreading cover, well suited to the landfill or transfer station.
KEEP THINGS SHIPSHAPE
  • Specialized Ship Hold machines give you the optimal combination of traction, high reach and machine balance makes track loaders ideal for working in ship holds and port handling duties.
  • Specialized implements, like coal buckets and trim blades, help you sweep down walls and handle a variety of materials.
HANDLE THE HEAT
  • Factory-designed and installed features equip your 973 track loader for the extreme heat and harsh conditions of steel mill work. Maneuverability, visibility and the breakout force needed for fast cycle times make crawler loaders a rugged and efficient choice for handling slag.
  • Specialized heavy duty guarding, insulation, thermal deflectors and high temperature seals throughout the machine.
ONE MACHINE, MANY JOBS
  • Largest track loader in the industry provides the power, breakout force and capacity to take on tough construction utility, forestry and quarry jobs.
  • Specialized Steel Mill configuration factory equipped to withstand high temperatures and steel mill conditions – handle hot slag with ease and safety.
  • Purpose-built Waste Handler features added guarding and seals, specialized air handling, plus a choice of track shoes and buckets to take on the challenges of landfill and transfer station work.
  • Quick coupler option adds versatility by allowing easy use of forks, buckets, etc. from wheel loaders and other machines.
DO MORE WITH LESS FUEL
  • Reduce your fuel costs, using 10-25 percent less fuel per hour than the previous model.
  • Move up to 10 percent more material per hour with optional Performance Series bucket.
  • Easier maintenance and repair with a tilt cab and convenient service access points.
  • Demand fan provides efficient cooling plus easy service/ clean-out access.
  • Manage your fleet more effectively and profitably through remote monitoring with Product Link™/ VisionLink®.
BUILT TO PERFORM
  • Smoother implement and steering response, and improved steering performance over the previous model.
  • Precise, responsive performance with features like load sensing hydraulics and position sensing cylinders.
  • Power and fast response under load with a Cat C9.3 engine.
  • Reduced engine noise compared to the 973D – quieter for the operator and others around the work site.
EASY TO OPERATE
  • Updated cab offers operator comforts like suspension seat, adjustable armrests and controls, and an improved air conditioning system.
  • Choose either joystick or two-lever implement controls to match operator preference or application.
  • Speed/steering controls available as either a joystick or as v-lever and foot pedals.
  • Emissions reduction technology is designed so regeneration runs automatically in the background while you work.
  • New handles and steps help operators climb on and off the machine more easily, from the front or the back of the tracks.
  • Excellent visibility to the bucket and all around the machine enhances safety and helps operators work more confidently.
SAVE ON MAINTENANCE TIME
  • Tilt cab and convenient service access points for easier maintenance and repair.
  • Cooling system access from the engine compartment for easy clean-out.
  • Remote monitoring with Product Link™/VisionLink® helps you manage your fleet more effectively and profitably.
TAKE ON THE TRASH
  • Waste Handler arrangements feature added guarding and seals to give you a purpose-built machine to take on the challenges of waste applications. A choice of buckets and track shoes allow you to further optimize the machine for greater performance and service life.
  • Versatile machine for loading, sorting, excavation and spreading cover, well suited to the landfill or transfer station.
  • Specialized guarding, striker bars and seals help protect the machine and components from impact and airborne debris.
  • Final Drive guarding helps prevent wrapping and damage.
  • Bars help protect windshield and operator from breakage and debris. Cab door guards offer added protection.
  • Cooling system is designed for high debris environments and easy cleanout access.
  • Specialized air handling features help deliver cleaner air to the machine and to the cab.
  • Laminated thermal shields and insulated clean emission module.
  • Landfill buckets, equipped with heavy-duty trash rack, offer increased capacity and reduced spillage.
  • Center-hole track helps reduce packing. Choose from a variety of shoe types and widths to optimize the loader for your application.
  • Optional rear vision camera enhances visibility behind the machine.
  • Enhanced Cleaning Package -
  1. Faster, easier cleanout.
  2. Wide gauge undercarriage equipped with a standard track shoe allows more space for debris to pass between the track roller frame, tracks and chassis.
  3. Design helps reduce damage caused by debris carried on the tracks.
  4. Heavier waste configuration combined with narrower track shoes increases ground pressure for greater compaction.

    Note: Features may vary by model and region. Please consult your Cat dealer for details and availability.
KEEP THINGS SHIPSHAPE
  • Specialized Ship Hold machines give you the optimal combination of traction, high reach and machine balance makes track loaders ideal for working in ship holds and port handling duties.
  • Specialized implements, like coal buckets and trim blades, help you sweep down walls and handle a variety of materials.
  • Fusion Quick Coupler option adds versatility with easy use of forks, buckets and other attachments from compatible machines.
  • Specialized sealing, guards and bumpers help protect key components.
  • Front and rear eyes widely spaced for stability during lifting.
  • Added lighting packages help illuminate the work area.
HANDLE THE HEAT
  • Factory-designed and installed features equip your 973 track loader for the extreme heat and harsh conditions of steel mill work. Maneuverability, visibility and the breakout force needed for fast cycle times make crawler loaders a rugged and efficient choice for handling slag.
  • Specialized heavy duty guarding, insulation, thermal deflectors and high temperature seals throughout the machine.
  • Welded side bars reduce thermal distortion of the track roller frame.
  • Anti-abrasion guards protect the final drive seals.
  • Pressure relief/flash spark arrester on fuel tank cap.
  • Steel mill cab with heavy duty, laminated windshield glass.
  • Metallic screen on windshield grill to help protect glass and maintain good visibility; hinged for quick cleaning access.
  • Metallic shield integrated in bottom of cab doors helps protect windows against slag.
  • Specialized heat resistant seals and cab materials.
  • Steel plate on top of cab greatly reduces radiant heat transfer into cab.
  • High capacity slag bucket features thicker structures and stronger teeth/cutting edges for longer service life.
  • Choice of track shoes lets you optimize your loader for traction and to work on paved surfaces.
  • Synthetic, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid.

    Note: A Partial Steel Mill package is available for Cat 953 and 963 Track Loader models. The base package offers specialized seals and guarding, as well as machine features to allow dealer upgrades to your track loader for work in high-temperature conditions. The Partial Steel Mill package does not include modifications required to work in hot slag. Please consult with your Cat dealer for details.
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Undercarriage

Ground Pressure* - Standard Shoe - 550 mm (21.6 in)
11.3psi
Ground Contact Area* - Wide Gauge - 830 mm (32.7 in)
8572in²
Ground Contact Area* - Optional Shoe - 675 mm (26.6 in)
6960in²
Ground Contact Area* - Standard Shoe - 550 mm (21.6 in)
5673in²
Track on Ground
115.3in
Track Shoe Width - Wide Gauge
32.7in
Track Shoe Width - Optional
26.6in
Track Shoe Width - Standard
21.6in
Track Gauge
85in
Ground Pressure* - Wide Gauge - 830 mm (32.7 in)
8.3psi
Note
*ISO 16754:2008.
Ground Pressure* - Optional Shoe - 675 mm (26.6 in)
9.3psi

Dimensions

Note
*With General Purpose bucket and heavy duty teeth.
Overall Machine Width without Bucket: With Standard Tracks - 550 mm (21.6 in) Shoes
106.7in
Overall Machine Height - Bucket Fully Raised
226.5in
Height - Top of Stack
120.8in
Machine Height - Top of Cab
138.2in
Overall Machine Length*
298.4in

Service Refill Capacities

DEF Tank
9.2gal (US)
Fuel Tank
101.5gal (US)

Weights

Note (1)
Subtract approximately 295 kg / 650 lb for machines not equipped with Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions reduction technology.
Operating Weight - Steel Mill
74293lb
Operating Weight - Waste Handler
64319lb
Operating Weight - Wide Gauge
71218lb
Operating Weight
63900lb

Engine

Note (2)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in Cat Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems must meet the requirements outlined in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 22241.
Note (1)
All nonroad Tier 4 Interim and Final, Stage IIIB, IV and V, Japan 2014 (Tier 4 Final) and Korea Tier 4 Final diesel engines are required to use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) with 15 ppm (mg/kg) of sulfur or less, or up to B20 biodiesel blended with
Net Power - ISO 9249/SAE J1349 (DIN)
278HP
Emissions
U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V/Japan 2014 (Tier 4 Final), Korea Tier 4 Final OR China Nonroad Stage III/UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA emission standards, equivalent to Tier 3/Stage IIIA
Net Power - ISO 9249/SAE J1349
275HP
Flywheel Power
275HP
Engine Model
Cat C9.3

Buckets

Capacity - Landfill
6.4yd³
Capacity - Slag
4yd³
Width - General Purpose
117in
Width - Multi-Purpose
116in
Width - Performance Series
117in
Width - Landfill
117in
Width - Slag
112in
Capacity - Performance Series
5yd³
Capacity - Multi-Purpose
4yd³
Capacity - General Purpose
4.2yd³

Air Conditioning System

Air Conditioning
The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.1 kg of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent of 1.573 metric tonnes.

Standard/Optional Features

Standard Equipment:

  • Note
    • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
  • Power Train
    • Cat C9.3 diesel engine, turbocharged with ATAAC
    • Modular cooling system for engine air intake, oil and water
    • Radiator fan, electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, temperature sensing, on demand
    • Electro Hydrostatic Control (EHC) for transmission with travel and work modes
    • Fuel cooler
    • Water separator
    • Air cleaner dry-type, axial seal with integral precleaner and dust ejection system, electronic filter condition indicator
    • Caterpillar extended life coolant
  • Undercarriage
    • Heavy Duty tracks
    • Track guiding guards, end section
    • Hydraulic track adjuster
    • Sprocket rims, with replaceable bolt-on tough steel segments
    • Sprocket guards
    • Seven track rollers, two upper carrier rollers per track, lifetime lubricated
    • Conventional idlers, lifetime lubricated
    • Oscillating track roller frames
    • Track master link
  • Electrical
    • 24 volt heavy duty brushless alternator
    • Backup alarm
    • Electric horn
    • Two heavy duty batteries, high output, maintenance free, 1,400 CCA
    • Main disconnect switch
    • Electric starter (heavy duty, 24 volt)
  • Operator Environment
    • Pressurized, sound suppressed, ROPS/ FOPS cab with sealed front windshield, tinted glass and right side sliding window
    • Air conditioning and heating
    • Heater/defroster with automatic temperature control
    • Electro Hydraulic, seat mounted control levers
    • Rear vision camera
    • Seat belt, retractable, with buckling indicator on dash
    • Electronic Monitoring System with gauges for engine coolant temperature, hydraulic oil temperature, fuel level and Diesel Exhaust Fluid level (when equipped)
    • Mirror, rearview, inside adjustable
    • Radio ready (Includes 24 to 12 volt converter, speakers, antenna and two 12V power outlets)
    • Coat hook
    • Storage compartments under left armrest
    • Document holder on right console
    • Floor mat, rubber, heavy duty
    • Windshield washers and wipers, multiple speed front and rear
    • Durable metal roof
    • Parking brake switch and "brake-on" indicator light
  • Other Standard Equipment
    • Sound suppression, exterior
    • Z-bar loader linkage
    • Load sensing variable displacement implement pump
    • Implement cylinders with position sensors
    • Operator programmable lift and tilt kickouts
    • Engine enclosure with lockable doors
    • Radiator core 6.5 fins-per-inch, debris resistant
    • Hinged radiator guard and swing out fan
    • Full bottom guards
    • Lift cylinder guards
    • Oil gauge guard
    • Product Link ready
    • Oil sampling valves
    • Cat XT hoses
    • HYDO Advanced 10

Optional Equipment:

  • Note
    • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
  • Power Train
    • Cat C9.3 diesel engine with engine mounted aftertreatment to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/ EU Stage V/Japan 2014 (Tier 4 Final)/ Korea Tier 4 Final emission standards
    • Cat C9.3 diesel engine to meet China Nonroad Stage III and UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA emission standards, equivalent to Tier 3/Stage IIIA
    • Engine thermal shield
    • Fan, basic
    • Fan, reversing
    • Fan, reversing, low speed
    • Fan, reversing, Steel Mill
    • Air inlet, precleaner turbine
  • Operator Environment
    • Deluxe cab
    • Steel Mill cab
    • Seat, cloth, air suspension, no side-to-side isolator
    • Seat, cloth, air suspension, heated, side-to-side isolator
    • Transmission control, V-lever or joystick
    • Radio, AM/FM/AUX/USB/Bluetooth
    • Cab air precleaner
  • Hydraulics
    • Hydraulic oil, biodegradable
    • Hydraulic oil, EcoSafe (Steel Mill Arrangement)
    • General Purpose Hydraulics Packages: Two-valve, joystick; Three-valve, joystick; Two-valve, two levers; or Three-valve, two levers
    • Multi-Purpose Hydraulics Packages: Three-valve, joystick; or Four-valve, joystick
  • Guards
    • Tilt cylinder guards
    • Guard, front lights
    • Windshield protection
    • Final drive abrasion guard
    • Final drive abrasion guard, lower
  • Electrical
    • Rotating beacon
  • Undercarriage
    • Track roller guard
    • Track roller guard, Steel Mill
    • HEAVY DUTY TRACK SEALED AND LUBRICATED TRACK GROUPS (40 SECTIONS)
    • 500 mm (19.7 in) double grouser, center hole
    • 510 mm (20.1 in) extreme service, single grouser, center hole
    • 550 mm (21.6 in) double grouser
    • 675 mm (26.6 in) double grouser
    • 675 mm (26.6 in) double grouser, center hole
    • 675 mm (26.6 in) single grouser, center hole
    • 830 mm (32.7 in) double grouser, wide gauge
    • HEAVY DUTY SEALED AND NON-LUBRICATED TRACK GROUPS - STEEL MILL
    • 500 mm (19.7 in) double grouser
    • 500 mm (19.7 in) flat
    • 500 mm (19.7 in) triple grouser
    • 500 mm (19.7 in) alternate flat shoe
  • Buckets
    • GENERAL PURPOSE BUCKETS
    • 3.0 m3 (4.0 yd3), welded flush adaptors
    • 3.2 m3 (4.2 yd3), pin on
    • 3.2 m3 (4.2 yd3), heavy duty, pin on
    • 3.2 m3 (4.2 yd3), heavy duty, full edge, pin on
    • 4.2 m3 (5.5 yd3), Performance Series
    • 4.0 m3 (5.2 yd3), Performance Series flush
    • MULTI-PURPOSE BUCKETS
    • 3.0 m3 (4.0 yd3), heavy duty, pin on
    • 3.0 m3 (4.0 yd3), pin on
    • WIDE BUCKETS
    • 4.2 m3 (5.5 yd3), Performance Series
    • LANDFILL BUCKETS
    • 4.6 m3 (6.0 yd3), multi-purpose landfill, heavy duty, pin on
    • 4.9 m3 (6.4 yd3), general purpose landfill, heavy duty, pin on
    • STEEL MILL BUCKET
    • 3.0 m3 (4.0 yd3), slag bucket
  • Other Attachments
    • Counterweight
    • Counterweight, heavy duty bumper
    • Multi-shank ripper
    • Ripper hitch
    • Rear striker bars
    • Standard bumper
    • No bumper
    • Standard rear step
    • Ripper rear step
    • ADDITIONAL WORK TOOLS (please consult your Cat dealer for ordering information)
    • Quick coupler
    • Blades
    • Forks
    • Material handling arms
    • Rakes
  • Starters, Batteries And Alternators
    • Engine coolant heater, 120V
    • Engine coolant heater, 240V
  • Maintenance And Related Attachments
    • Maintenance package, deluxe
    • High speed oil change
    • Sediment pump
    • Fuel tank refueling pump
    • Service package, standard
    • Locking bar that holds cab at 30 degrees safely, front windshield
    • Extended service package with manual hydraulic system enabling cab tilt/lock and shovel holder (shovel not included)
    • Antifreeze -50 C (-58 F)
  • Technology Products
    • Product Link - Satellite
    • Product Link - Cellular
    • Grade control mast
  • Special Arrangements
    • Waste Package, Heavy Duty
    • Waste Package, Heavy Duty, Enhanced Cleaning
    • Waste Package, Extreme Service
    • Ship Hold Package, Heavy Duty
    • Steel Mill Package, Heavy Duty
    • Low Ground Pressure Package - Heavy Duty

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973K Track Loaders

Overall Machine Width without Bucket: With Standard Tracks - 550 mm (21.6 in) Shoes
106.7 in
Overall Machine Height - Bucket Fully Raised
226.5 in
Height - Top of Stack
120.8 in
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953 Track Loaders

Overall Machine Width without Bucket: With Standard Tracks - 550 mm (21.6 in) Shoes
106.7 in
Overall Machine Height - Bucket Fully Raised
226.5 in
Height - Top of Stack
120.8 in
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963 Track Loaders

Overall Machine Width without Bucket: With Standard Tracks - 550 mm (21.6 in) Shoes
106.7 in
Overall Machine Height - Bucket Fully Raised
226.5 in
Height - Top of Stack
120.8 in
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