New Cat 973 Track Loader
Caterpillar’s new Cat 973 Track Loader replaces the 973K worldwide. The 275 horsepower (205 kilowatt) crawler loader has an operating weight of 65,901 pounds (29,892 kilograms). It joins the 953 (160 horsepower/119 kilowatt) and 963 (202 horsepower/151 kilowatt) in the Cat track loader line.
The new track loader is powered by a Cat C9.3B engine. Fuel consumption is reduced up to ten percent with the Auto Mode that will adapt the engine speed to the load, the provider pointed out. Eco Mode would use even lower speed for further reduction in fuel consumption in lighter duty applications. “Power Mode will keep engine speed high for a feel of readily available power at all times.”
An optional Performance Series bucket boosts productivity up to 20 percent, the manufacturer described one important advantage of the machine. “An optional Fusion Quick Coupler enables fast attachment changes. A variety of buckets, forks and other tools can be shared among track loaders, wheel loaders and other Fusion-compatible machines. Buckets come from the factory with Advansys bucket tips/adapter/locking system. Advansys tips are built for maximum productivity and the lowest bucket lifecycle cost. A hammerless retention system means safe, fast removal and installation without special tools.”
Purpose-built Low Ground Pressure (LGP), Waste Handling/Demolition and Ship Hold arrangements are factory-equipped with specialized undercarriage, guarding and other features designed to take on the intended tasks. “The 973 Steel Mill package includes a specialized cab, insulated steel fuel tank, high-temperature undercarriage and insulation throughout the machine, making it suitable for handling slag”, Caterpillar informed.
(Published in GLOBAL RECYCLING Magazine 2/2024, Page 41, Photo: Caterpillar)
