973D

Steel Mill Arrangement

Engine
Engine Model
Net Power SAE J1349

Cat C9 ACERT
196 kW
263 hp

Weights
Operating Weight
32 864 kg
72,452 lb
Operating Weight: Includes coolant, lubricants, full fuel tank, Slag Bucket
with long bolt-on teeth and segments and 75 kg/165 lb operator.
Buckets
3.95 yd3
Capacity Slag Bucket
3.02 m3

973D Features
Cat C9 engine with ACERT
10% more horsepower than C-series.
Better fuel efficiency and reduced wear.
Low exhaust emissions.
Tier 3/EU Stage III compliant.
Hydraulic System
Powerful and fuel efficient.
Load sensing implement system.
Electro hydraulic controls.
Automatic lift and tilt kick-outs.
Operator Station
More visibility at rear than C-series.
Twice as quiet as the C-series.
Comfortable, ergonomic and spacious cab.
Seat mounted controls.
Automatic air-conditioning.
90 tiltable cab for easy maintenance.

27 years of experience built into the Cat 973D.

Contents

Several hundred units sold all over the world.

Assets....................................................................3

Powerful, productive, maneuverable and safe, the 973D

is the perfect fit for your steel mill.

Guarding and thermal protection......................4

Cab protection......................................................5
Operator station...................................................5
Steel Mill Bucket and Tracks.............................6
Operating Recommendations............................7
973D Specifications.............................................8
973D Standard Equipment................................11
973D Optional Equipment..................................11
2

Lets discover its assets...

Assets

The perfect fit for steel mill slag handling

Hydrostatic drive provides excellent maneuverability in confined space.

Factory designed and built to withstand high temperatures, abrasive and dusty environments.

Excellent breakout force for faster digging and loadout.

3.02 m (3.95 yd3) bucket capacity optimizes the cycle times and minimizes the machine exposure to heat.

Excellent front and rear operator visibility.

Specific slag bucket with thicker steel and larger teeth.

Sealed track with four shoe options; Flat, Double Grousers, Alternate Flat and Double Grousers,
TripleGrousers.

Synthetic, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid provides excellent lubricity for long power train and hydraulic
component lives.

Guarding and thermal protection

Built to withstand high temperatures, dusty and abrasive environments

Extensive guarding provides more uptime and longer life.

Heavy duty front guard provides extra protection

againstslag.

Heavy duty bottom guards protect the engine

andpowertrain.

Side bars welded on the track roller frame strengthen

and protect it.

Anti-abrasion guards protect the final drive seals.

Heavy duty bumper protects the cooling package

against rear impacts, maintains good visibility
andaddsadditional counterweight.

Tilt cylinder guards protect the cylinder rods and seals.

Floating solid pins on lower bucket linkages ease

thebucket maintenance.

Thermal protection reduces heat transfer

and improves overall system reliability.

High temperature seals are used in the equalizer bar,

idlers, track rollers, pivot shaft, carrier rollers, lift
cylinders, tilt cylinders and final drives.

High temperature braiding protects wiring harnesses

from heat and abrasion.

Thermal insulation or heat deflectors are added to the

front guard, equalizer bar rubber pads, air cleaner hose,
bottom guards, enclosure doors, fuel tank, lift cylinders
head end, tilt lines, lift lines, hydrostatic lines and fuel lines.

Synthetic, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid provides excellent

lubricity for extended wear life.

The fuel tank cap features a combination of pressure

relief device and a flash spark arrester.

Cab protection

State-of-the-art Steel Mill cab

Heavy Duty windshield glass laminated for strength.

A metallic screen is attached to the windshield grill to

reduce the heat radiated to the glass. This maximizes the
glass protection while maintaining good front visibility,

A metallic shield is added to the bottom of cab doors

toprotect the windows against slag projections.

The windshield grill is hinged to allow quick access

forcleaning.

Silicone material is used on windshield, side windows

and cab doors seals, front baffles, front and rear wiper
blades and door stoppers.

Metal is used instead of plastic for door handles

andpushbutton release.

The cab floormat and the lights are heat and fire resistants.

Steel plate on top cab greatly reduces radiant heat

transfer into cab.

Operator station
Superior comfort and visibility

Automatic air conditioned and reduced sound level

cab keeps the operator focused and comfortable.

Rear visibility and lighting is much improved for a

better visibility. The total number of lights is four at
front, two at rear and two facing sideways. All lights
are guarded.

A manual brake release system is located in the cab

for reliability and convenience.

Steps and grab irons are added to the back of the

machine to provide a rear access.

Steel Mill Bucket and Tracks

Built to last

Slag bucket
Slag bucket is heavily reinforced and equipped with larger teeth
for longer life. Welds are made with high yield-strain material.

Tracks
Four track shoe types are available for the sealed and
nonlubricated tracks:

Double grousers lowest cost; good traction in loose slag

Triple grousers less damaging to paved surfaces

Flat Best for paved areas

Alternate flat and double grousers good for paved

surfaces, but still provides good traction in loose material

Operating Recommendations
Machine exposure to hot slag

The 973D Steel Mill Arrangement has modifications that allow the machine to handle hot slag for
limited time periods.
Exceeding the following recommendations will prevent the machine from meeting expected
performancelevels.

The time of exposure to hot slag for a machine should be less than 15 minutes per hour to allow
adequate cooling time between cycles.

Multiple machines are usually required to meet the time limits of exposure to hot slag.

Typically, two machines per furnace and a backup machine for the site provide the best uptime.

The timing, frequency and duration of the work and cooling cycles for the machines may
bedifferent for each job site.

973D Steel Mill Arrangement Specifications

Engine
Engine Model
Flywheel Power
Net Power
Caterpillar
Net Power
ISO9249
Net Power
SAEJ1349
Net Power
EEC80/1269
Bore
Stroke
Displacement

Drive System
Cat C9 ACERT
196 kW
263 hp
196 kW
263 hp
196 kW

263 hp

196 kW

263 hp

196 kW

263 hp

112 mm
149 mm
8.8 L

4.41 in
5.86 in
537 in3

Engine ratings at 1,900 rpm.

Meets the U.S. EPA Tier 3, European
Union Stage IIIA and Japan MOC exhaust
emission regulations.
Net power advertised is the power available
at the flywheel when the engine is equipped
with fan, air cleaner, muffler, and alternator.
No derating required up to 1219 m (3,999ft)
altitude.

Undercarriage
Track Shoe Type

Track Shoe Width

Track Rollers
EachSide
Number of Shoes
Each Side
Track on Ground
Ground Contact
Area
Ground Contact
Area Optional
Shoe
Ground Pressure
Standard Shoe
Grouser Height
Double Grouser
Track Gauge

Double Grouser,
Triple Grouser,
Alternate Double
Grouser and Flat, Flat
500 mm
19.7 in
7
40
2930 mm
3.22 m2

115.3 in
4,991 in2

3.96 m2

6,138 in2

110 kPa

16 psi

49 mm

1.92 in

2160 mm

85 in

Ground pressure is calculated using

operating weight of machine with DG
shoes, Slag bucket, teeth and segments.

Type

Drive Pump

Track Motor

Max system
Pressure

Weights
Hydrostatic drive with
infinite machine speeds
up to 11 km/h (6.8 mph)
Two, variabledisplacement, slippertype axial piston pumps
Two, variabledisplacement, bent axis
piston motors
45 000 kPa 6,526.7 psi

Hydraulic System Implement

Type
Output
Maximum
Relief Valve Setting
Cycle Time Raise
Cycle Time Dump
Float Down
Total cycle time
w/lower
Total cycle time
w/float

Closed Center Load

Sensing
346 L/min 91.4gal/min
27 500 kPa 3,988.5 psi
6.5 Seconds
1.4 Seconds
2.7 Seconds
11.7 Seconds
10.6 Seconds

422 L
44 L
29 L

111.5 gal
11.6 gal
7.7 gal

28.5 L
340 L

7.5 gal
89.1 gal

189 L
3.8 L
3L

49.9 gal
1 gal
0.8 gal

Electrical System
Type
Battery Capacity
Battery Voltage
Battery Quantity
Alternator

32 864 kg
32 083 kg

72,452 lb
70,730 lb

Operating Weight: Includes coolant,

lubricants, full fuel tank, Slag Bucket
with long bolt-on teeth and segments
and75kg/165 lb operator.
Shipping Weight: Includes coolant,
lubricants, fuel tank at 10% full and
nobucket.

Buckets
Capacity
GeneralPurpose
Bucket Width
General Purpose

3.02 m3

3.95 yd3

2846 mm

112.04 in

Bucket capacity is with segments and teeth

orbolt-on cutting edges.
Bucket includes six J460 size HD two-strap
adapters and HD abrasion tips, five half
arrow segments and two J550 size sidebar
protectors.

Operating Specifications
Max. Travel Speed

11 km/h

6.8 mph

Standards

Service Refill Capacities

Fuel Tank
Cooling System
Crankcase
(withFilter)
Final Drives (each)
Hydraulic system
(Equipment, Power
Train and Tank)
Hydraulic Tank
Pump Drive Box
Pivot Shaft

Operating Weight
Shipping Weight
without Bucket

24V DC
1400 CCA
12
2
95A, HD Brushless

ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure)

offered by Caterpillar for the machine
meets ROPS criteria SAE J1040 MAY94,
ISO 3471-1994.
FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure)
offered by Caterpillar for the machine
meets FOPS criteria SAE J/ISO 3449
APR98 Level II, ISO 3449-1992 Level II.
Brakes meet the standard ISO I0265-2008.
The operator sound exposure Leq
(equivalent sound pressure level) measured
according to the work cycle procedures
specified in ANSI/SAE J1166 OCT98 is
83dB(A), for cab offered by Caterpillar,
when properly installed and maintained
and tested with the doors and windows
closed.
The exterior sound pressure level for the
standard machine measured at a distance
of 15 meters (49.2 ft) according to the test
procedures specified in SAE J88 APR95,
mid-gear-moving operation, is 85 dB(A).
The labeled sound power level is 112 dB(A)
measured according to the test procedure
and conditions specified in 2000/14/EC.

Dimensions
All dimensions are subject to change without notice.

13

11
3

16

14
15

17 18
12

9
8
10

2
1

5
1 Overall machine width without bucket:
with tracks 500 mm (19.7 in) shoes
2 Ground clearance
3 Machine height to top of cab
4 Length to front of track
5 Overall machine length*
6 Carry position approach angle
7 Digging depth*

2660 mm

104.7 in

482 mm

19 in

3510 mm

138.2 in

5300 mm

208.6 in

7305 mm

287.6 in
15

159 mm

8 Maximum rollback at ground

9 Maximum rollback at carry position

6.25 in
42
49

10 Bucket height in carry position

11 Reach at full lift height and 45 dump*

483.5 mm

19 in

1473 mm

58 in

12 Clearance at full lift height and 45 dump*

13 Maximum rollback, fully raised

3138 mm

123.5 in
59

14 Maximum dump, fully raised

Grading angle

59
85

15 Height to bucket hinge pin

16 Overall machine height, bucket fully raised

4234 mm

166.7 in

5651 mm

222.5 in

17 Height to top of the seat with headrest

18 Height to top of the stack

2975 mm

117.1 in

3018 mm

118.8 in

* With general purpose bucket and extra duty teeth.

973D Standard Equipment

Standard equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
ELECTRICAL
Alternator, 95 amps, 24 V, heavy duty
brushless
Alarm, backup
Horn, electric
2 Maintenance free batteries, 1,400 amps
Converter 24V/12V
Switch, main disconnect
Starter, electric (24V)
Four halogen lights, two forward facing,
roof mounted; two rearward facing,
integrated in A/C unit
OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
Pressurized, sound suppressed,
ROPS/FOPS cab
Cab with tinted glass and side
slidingwindows
Air conditioning and heating
Heater, defroster with automatic
temperature control
Seat, fabric-covered, air suspended,
withside-to-side isolator
Seat-mounted controls
Seat belt, retractable
Electronic Monitoring System
Gauges for:
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil pressure
Hydraulic oil temperature
Fuel level
Electro-hydraulic implement
controljoystick

Radio ready, includes 24 to 12V converter,

speakers, antenna and two 12 volts power
outlets
Mirror rearview
Coat Hook
Adjustable armrest
Transmission control, Joystick or V-lever
and steering pedals
Storage lockable compartment under
armrests
Floor mat, rubber, heavy duty
Windshield washers and wipers,
front and rear
Durable metal roof
Parking brake switch and brake-on
indicator light
POWER TRAIN
Cat C9 ACERT diesel engine
Modular cooling system for engine air
intake, oil and water
24 volt electric starting
Electronically controlled, on-demand
fancooling system
Extended Life Coolant
Fuel priming pump electric
Electronic Hydrostatic Control (EHC) for
transmission with travel and work modes
Closed Loop Hystat transmission
withDSR Software
Muffler, under hood
Water separator

UNDERCARRIAGE
2160 mm/85 in track gauge
End Section Track Guiding guards
Hydraulic Track Adjuster
EWL track (40 sections, 215 mm/8.5 in pitch)
Five piece sprocket track
Seven track rollers, lifetime lubricated
Conventional idlers, lifetime lubricated
Oscillating track roller frames
Two carrier rollers per track
Track Master Link
Guard, idler
OTHER STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Sound Suppression, Exterior
Z-bar loader linkage
Load sensing variable displacement
implement pump
Implement cylinders with integrated
positioning sensors
Operator programmable lift
and tilt kickouts
Engine enclosure with lockable doors
(5mm/0.2 in perforated holes)
Hinged radiator grill
6.35 fins per inch radiator and cooler cores
Ecology Drains
Machine Security System
Antifreeze, 50 C (58 F)
Hydraulic Oil, HYDO Advanced 10

973D Optional Equipment

Optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
Buckets
Slag bucket

10

Sealed and non lubricated tracks

withshoeoptions
Double grousers (DG)
Triple grousers (TG)
Alternate DG and Flat
Flat

Guarding
Guard track roller
Guard lift cylinder

Notes

11

973D Steel Mill Arrangement

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visitus on the web at www.cat.com
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12

AEHQ6071-01 (05-2010)
Replaces AEHQ6071