973DSteel Mill Arrangement

EngineEngine Model Cat® C9 ACERT™Net Power – SAE J1349 196 kW 263 hp

WeightsOperating 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.BucketsCapacity – Slag Bucket 3.02 m3 3.95 yd3

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27 years of experience built into the Cat® 973D.

Several hundred units sold all over the world.

Powerful, productive, maneuverable and safe, the 973D is the perfect fit for your steel mill.

Let’s discover its assets...

973D Features

Cat® C9 engine with ACERT10% more horsepower than C-series. Better fuel efficiency and reduced wear.Low exhaust emissions.Tier 3/EU Stage III compliant.

Hydraulic SystemPowerful and fuel efficient. Load sensing implement system. Electro hydraulic controls. Automatic lift and tilt kick-outs.

Operator StationMore 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.

ContentsAssets ...................................................................3

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

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AssetsThe 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 m³ (3.95 yd• 3) 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, •Triple Grousers.

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

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Guarding and thermal protectionBuilt to withstand high temperatures, dusty and abrasive environments

Extensive guarding provides more uptime and longer life.Heavy duty front guard provides extra protection •against slag.

Heavy duty bottom guards protect the engine •and power train.

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 and adds additional counterweight.

Tilt cylinder guards protect the cylinder rods and seals.•

Floating solid pins on lower bucket linkages ease •the bucket 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.

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Cab protectionState-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 •to protect the windows against slag projections.

The windshield grill is hinged to allow quick access •for cleaning.

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 •and push button 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 stationSuperior 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.

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Steel Mill Bucket and TracksBuilt to last

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

TracksFour track shoe types are available for the sealed and non-lubricated 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

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Operating RecommendationsMachine 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 performance levels.

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 •be different for each job site.

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973D Steel Mill Arrangement Specifications

Engine

Engine Model Cat® C9 ACERT

Flywheel Power 196 kW 263 hp

Net Power – Caterpillar

196 kW 263 hp

Net Power – ISO 9249

196 kW 263 hp

Net Power – SAE J1349

196 kW 263 hp

Net Power – EEC 80/1269

196 kW 263 hp

Bore 112 mm 4.41 in

Stroke 149 mm 5.86 in

Displacement 8.8 L 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 (3,999 ft) •altitude.

Undercarriage

Track Shoe Type Double Grouser, Triple Grouser, Alternate Double Grouser and Flat, Flat

Track Shoe Width 500 mm 19.7 in

Track Rollers – Each Side

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Number of Shoes – Each Side

40

Track on Ground 2930 mm 115.3 in

Ground Contact Area

3.22 m2 4,991 in2

Ground Contact Area – Optional Shoe

3.96 m2 6,138 in2

Ground Pressure – Standard Shoe

110 kPa 16 psi

Grouser Height – Double Grouser

49 mm 1.92 in

Track Gauge 2160 mm 85 in

Ground pressure is calculated using •operating weight of machine with DG shoes, Slag bucket, teeth and segments.

Drive System

Type Hydrostatic drive with infinite machine speeds up to 11 km/h (6.8 mph)

Drive Pump Two, variable-displacement, slipper-type axial piston pumps

Track Motor Two, variable-displacement, bent axis piston motors

Max system Pressure

45 000 kPa 6,526.7 psi

Hydraulic System – Implement

Type Closed Center Load Sensing

Output – Maximum

346 L/min 91.4 gal/min

Relief Valve Setting 27 500 kPa 3,988.5 psi

Cycle Time – Raise 6.5 Seconds

Cycle Time – Dump 1.4 Seconds

Float Down 2.7 Seconds

Total cycle time w/lower

11.7 Seconds

Total cycle time w/float

10.6 Seconds

Service Refill Capacities

Fuel Tank 422 L 111.5 gal

Cooling System 44 L 11.6 gal

Crankcase (with Filter)

29 L 7.7 gal

Final Drives (each) 28.5 L 7.5 gal

Hydraulic system (Equipment, Power Train and Tank)

340 L 89.1 gal

Hydraulic Tank 189 L 49.9 gal

Pump Drive Box 3.8 L 1 gal

Pivot Shaft 3 L 0.8 gal

Electrical System

Type 24V DC

Battery Capacity 1400 CCA

Battery Voltage 12

Battery Quantity 2

Alternator 95A, HD Brushless

Weights

Operating Weight 32 864 kg 72,452 lb

Shipping Weight – without Bucket

32 083 kg 70,730 lb

Operating Weight: Includes coolant, •lubricants, full fuel tank, Slag Bucket with long bolt-on teeth and segments and 75 kg/165 lb operator.Shipping Weight: Includes coolant, •lubricants, fuel tank at 10% full and no bucket.

Buckets

Capacity – General Purpose

3.02 m3 3.95 yd3

Bucket Width – General Purpose

2846 mm 112.04 in

Bucket capacity is with segments and teeth •or bolt-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

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 83 dB(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.

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Dimensions All dimensions are subject to change without notice.

1 Overall machine width without bucket:

with tracks – 500 mm (19.7 in) shoes 2660 mm 104.7 in

2 Ground clearance 482 mm 19 in

3 Machine height to top of cab 3510 mm 138.2 in

4 Length to front of track 5300 mm 208.6 in

5 Overall machine length * 7305 mm 287.6 in

6 Carry position approach angle 15°

7 Digging depth * 159 mm 6.25 in

8 Maximum rollback at ground 42°

9 Maximum rollback at carry position 49°

10 Bucket height in carry position 483.5 mm 19 in

11 Reach at full lift height and 45° dump * 1473 mm 58 in

12 Clearance at full lift height and 45° dump * 3138 mm 123.5 in

13 Maximum rollback, fully raised 59°

14 Maximum dump, fully raised 59°

Grading angle 85°

15 Height to bucket hinge pin 4234 mm 166.7 in

16 Overall machine height, bucket fully raised 5651 mm 222.5 in

17 Height to top of the seat with headrest 2975 mm 117.1 in

18 Height to top of the stack 3018 mm 118.8 in

* With general purpose bucket and extra duty teeth.

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15

12

7

98

1411

13

641

5

183

10

17

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973D Standard Equipment

ELECTRICALAlternator, 95 amps, 24 V, heavy duty brushlessAlarm, backupHorn, electric2 Maintenance free batteries, 1,400 ampsConverter 24V/12VSwitch, main disconnectStarter, electric (24V)Four halogen lights, two forward facing, roof mounted; two rearward facing, integrated in A/C unit

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENTPressurized, sound suppressed, ROPS/FOPS cabCab with tinted glass and side sliding windowsAir conditioning and heatingHeater, defroster with automatic temperature controlSeat, fabric-covered, air suspended, with side-to-side isolatorSeat-mounted controlsSeat belt, retractableElectronic Monitoring SystemGauges for:•Enginecoolanttemperature•Engineoilpressure•Hydraulicoiltemperature•FuellevelElectro-hydraulic implement control joystick

Radio ready, includes 24 to 12V converter, speakers, antenna and two 12 volts power outletsMirror rearviewCoat HookAdjustable armrestTransmission control, Joystick or V-lever and steering pedalsStorage lockable compartment under armrestsFloor mat, rubber, heavy dutyWindshield washers and wipers, front and rearDurable metal roofParking brake switch and “brake-on” indicator light

POWER TRAINCat C9 ACERT diesel engineModular cooling system for engine air intake, oil and water24 volt electric startingElectronically controlled, on-demand fan cooling systemExtended Life CoolantFuel priming pump electricElectronic Hydrostatic Control (EHC) for transmission with travel and work modesClosed Loop Hystat transmission with DSR SoftwareMuffler, under hoodWater separator

UNDERCARRIAGE2160 mm/85 in track gaugeEnd Section Track Guiding guardsHydraulic Track AdjusterEWL track (40 sections, 215 mm/8.5 in pitch)Five piece sprocket trackSeven track rollers, lifetime lubricatedConventional idlers, lifetime lubricatedOscillating track roller framesTwo carrier rollers per trackTrack Master LinkGuard, idler

OTHER STANDARD EQUIPMENTSound Suppression, ExteriorZ-bar loader linkageLoad sensing variable displacement implement pumpImplement cylinders with integrated positioning sensorsOperator programmable lift and tilt kickoutsEngine enclosure with lockable doors (5 mm/0.2 in perforated holes)Hinged radiator grill6.35 fins per inch radiator and cooler coresEcology DrainsMachine Security SystemAntifreeze, –50° C (–58° F) Hydraulic Oil, HYDO Advanced 10

Standard equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.

973D Optional Equipment

Optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.

BucketsSlag bucket

Sealed and non lubricated tracks with shoe options

Double grousers (DG)Triple grousers (TG)Alternate DG and FlatFlat

GuardingGuard track roller Guard lift cylinder

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Notes

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973D Steel Mill Arrangement

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Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice. Featured machines in photos may include additional equipment. See your Caterpillar dealer for available options.

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AEHQ6071-01 (05-2010) Replaces AEHQ6071