Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loaders
Caterpillar 973
5+
sold in last yearGeneral overview
Caterpillar 973 is a crawler loader used for loading and moving material in construction and earthmoving work. It is rated at 151 kW (205 hp) and has an operating weight of 29,892 kg (65,900 lb). The heaped bucket capacity of 3.2 m³ (4.2 cu yd) defines its role in bulk material handling.
Its Cat® C9.3B six-cylinder, 9.3 L engine is paired with an Electronically controlled Hydrostatic drive with two variable displacement bent axis motors and two variable displacement slipper-type axial piston pumps. The machine is specified with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, emissions standards, a travel speed of 11 km/h (6.8 mph), 40 shoes on each side, 7 track rollers on each side, and undercarriage ground pressure of 65.8 kPa (9.54 psi). This configuration supports a static tipping load of 22,680 kg (50,000 lb).
Year
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Country of manufacturing
United States
General specifications
Dimensions
Width
Height
Length
Weight
2,835 mm
~111.6 in
3,510 mm
~138.2 in
7,496 mm
~295.1 in
29,892 kg
~65,900.6 lb
Engine Power
205 hp
Operating Weight
29,892 kg
Bucket Capacity - Heaped
3.2 cu(m)
Additional specifications
Emission standard level
U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V,
Displacement
9,300 cu(cm)
Transmission type
Electronically controlled Hydrostatic drive with two variable displacement bent axis motors and two variable displacement slipper-type axial piston pumps
Fuel tank
448 L
Number of batteries
2
Cooling system
44 L
Number of Cylinders
6
Battery Voltage
24 volts
Undercarriage Ground Pressure
65.8 kPa
Length of Track on Ground
2,930 mm
Battery Capacity
1,400 CCA
Net Power (ISO 9249)
205 hp
Manufacturer and Model
Cat® C9.3B
Powertrain System Relief Pressure
45,000 kPa
Travel Speeds
11 km/h
Track Rollers, Each Side
7
Hydraulic Tank
349 L
Width of Bucket (General Purpose)
3,010 mm
Capacity Heaped
3.2 cu(m)
Bucket Weight
2,414 kg
Breakout Force
47.196 Nm
Static Tipping Load
22,680 kg
Width of Bucket (Multipurpose)
2,961 mm
Capacity Heaped Multipurpose
3 cu(m)
Bucket Weight (Multipurpose)
3,390 kg
Breakout Force (Buckets Multipurpose)
46.288 Nm
Static Tipping Load (Buckets Multipurpose)
24,903 kg
Rated Operating Capacity
7,938 kg
Shoes, Each Side
40
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Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader
3.2 cu(m)
29892 kg
7496 mm × 2835 mm × 3510 mm
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Most popular
What is the average price of a Caterpillar 973?
No confirmed market price is supplied for the Caterpillar 973. Check current listings and compare machine condition, location, operating hours, attachments, and configuration.
What are the key advantages of the Caterpillar 973?
Key listed features include 152.9 kW (205 hp) net power, an electronically controlled hydrostatic drive, a 3.2 m³ (4.19 cu yd) general-purpose bucket capacity, and a 22,680 kg (50,001 lb) static tipping load. It also has 65.8 kPa (9.5 psi) undercarriage ground pressure.
What type of engine does the 973 use?
The 973 uses a Cat® C9.3B engine. It is a 6-cylinder engine with 9,300 cc displacement and is listed with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards.
How much horsepower does the 973 have?
The 973 has 152.9 kW (205 hp) of engine power. Its Net Power (ISO 9249) is also listed as 152.9 kW (205 hp).
What fuel does the Caterpillar 973 use?
The supplied specifications do not confirm the fuel type for the Caterpillar 973. They list a 448 L (118.3 US gal) fuel tank but do not identify the fuel.
What jobs is this Crawler Loaders best suited for?
Its listed bucket capacities, static tipping loads, and hydrostatic drive indicate suitability for loading, material handling, grading, and site-preparation work. Confirm the bucket type and configuration for the intended material and job conditions.
What is the expected lifespan of the 973?
The supplied data does not provide an expected service-life estimate for the 973. Actual life depends on maintenance history, operating conditions, undercarriage wear, hydraulic condition, and the type of work performed.
What should a buyer check when purchasing a used Crawler Loaders?
Inspect the undercarriage, track shoes, hydrostatic drive, engine, cooling system, hydraulics, buckets, and electrical system. Check for leaks, abnormal operation, structural damage, maintenance records, and whether the general-purpose or multipurpose bucket matches the intended work.











