Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Specs

Category: Crawler Loaders ➔
Manufacturer: Caterpillar ➔
Model: 973 ➔

The Caterpillar 973 is a crawler loader designed for material handling, loading, stockpiling, site preparation, and general earthmoving applications. Built on a tracked undercarriage, it combines loader capability with the traction and flotation of a crawler machine, making it suitable for soft ground and uneven terrain. The 973 is commonly used in construction, quarry, forestry, waste handling, and industrial material management. Caterpillar has produced multiple 973 variants over time, with differences in engine, operating weight, bucket capacity, and hydraulic systems. The model is recognized for its versatility, durability, and ability to perform loading and dozing tasks in demanding work environments.

Dimensions

Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Dimensions specifications
Clearance at Full Height and Dump	11.00 ft (3.35 m)
Ground Clearance	1.50 ft (0.46 m)
Height - Top of Cab	11.30 ft (3.44 m)
Length with Bucket on Ground	23.40 ft (7.13 m)
Reach at Dump Height	4.40 ft (1.34 m)
Width to Outside of Tracks	8.50 ft (2.59 m)

Engine

Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Engine specifications
Displacement	640.80 cu in (10,500.85 cu cm)
Engine Model	3306
Net Power	210.00 hp (156.60 kw)

Hydraulic System

Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Hydraulic System specifications
Dump Time	1.4 seconds
Lower Time	2.6 seconds
Raise Time	7.4 seconds

Operating Specifications

Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Operating Specifications specifications
Breakout Force Bucket	47,981.00 lbs (21,760.09 kg)
Bucket Capacity - heaped	3.70 cu yd (2.83 cu m)
Bucket Capacity - struck	3.20 cu yd (2.45 cu m)
Fuel Capacity	94.10 gal (356.17 l)
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	15.90 gal (60.18 l)
Max Speed	6.50 mph (10.46 kph)
Operating Weight	54,899.60 lbs (24,897.78 kg)
Static Tipping Load	37,011.30 lbs (16,785.17 kg)

Undercarriage

Caterpillar 973 Crawler Loader Undercarriage specifications
Ground Contact Area	4,526.10 cu in (74,169.65 cu cm)
Ground Pressure	12.1 psi
Length of Track on Ground	9.60 ft (2.93 m)
Number of Track Rollers per Side	7
Track Gauge	81.90 in (208.03 cm)
Track Shoe Width	19.70 in (50.04 cm)

Our Main Office

Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200

About Us

Construction Equipment Guide covers the nation with its four regional newspapers, offering construction and industry news and information along with new and used construction equipment for sale from dealers in your area. Now we extend those services and information to the internet. Making it as easy as possible to find the news and equipment that you need and want.

Contents Copyrighted 2026, by Construction Equipment Guide, which is a Registered Trademark, registered in the U.S. Patent Office. Registration number 0957323. All rights reserved, nothing may be reprinted or reproduced (including framing) in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. All editorial material, photographs, drawings, letters, and other material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Construction Equipment Guide’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Contributor articles do not necessarily reflect the policy or opinions of this publication.

Read our privacy policy here.
Mastodon