Page 35 - Construction_Opportunities_April_2024

REPORT
REPORT
SPOTLIGHT

Cat Unleashes the Industry’s Largest Track
Loader, the 973

Cat has unveiled “the Inside the updated cab, operators will find a retention system allows for safe, fast removal and
largest track loader in suspension seat with adjustable armrests/controls, installation without special tools.
the industry” with its a 10-inch touchscreen dash display, and a A variety of special configurations help tailor the
new 973. Designed to standard high-definition rearview camera. The machine to specific applications. The Low Ground
Pressure (LGP), Waste Handling/Demolition and
Slope Indicate feature shows machine mainfall
clear, load, dig, carry, and cross slope right on the display, making Ship Hold arrangements come factory equipped
fill and more, the operation easier. For the powertrain controls, with specialized undercarriage, guarding and
65,901-pound do-it-all operators can choose between the traditional other features designed to take on the toughest
machine is powered V-lever and pedal steer setup or a joystick steer tasks. The 973 Steel Mill configuration is built with
by a 275-horsepower like what’s found on skid steers and compact track a specialized cab, insulated steel fuel tank,
loaders. For the loader controls, you can choose
high temperature undercarriage and insulation
Cat C9.3B diesel between the traditional two-lever control or, again, throughout the machine. Optional Cat Payload
engine. It replaces the joystick control that operates similar to skids and technology uses on-the-go weighing to give
the 973K worldwide CTLs. With either control scheme, operators can operators precise bucket load information. This
and joins the adjust the implement responsiveness between helps prevent over- or under-loading, reducing
160-horsepower 953 fine, normal and coarse settings to match their cycle times to help save time, labor and fuel costs.
and 202-horsepower preference or the application. Repetitive lift, lower, Ease jobsite management
rack, dump and float functions can be preset to
963 in the Cat track make jobs like truck loading easier. Cat says they Cat Equipment Management telematics
loader line. Cat says have also enhanced the implement and steering technology gathers machine, material and
the new machine response and improved the steering performance personnel data to make jobsite management
is packed with for smoother movements and more controllability. easier.
upgrades, including • Product Link collects data automatically
better fuel efficiency, Performance and productivity and accurately from equipment assets of
any type and brand, which can be viewed
Fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 10
more productivity, percent by placing the machine in Auto Mode. online through web and mobile applications.
an improved cab, Auto Mode automatically increases or decreases • Information can be accessed anytime,
and optional Payload engine speed to match the load. For even greater anywhere with VisionLink. A Cat dealer can
technology. fuel savings, operators performing lighter-duty jobs help configure a customized subscription,
can drop the loader into Eco Mode. Finally, Power available with cellular or satellite reporting
Mode will keep engine speed high, making power or both.
readily available when you need it. The general • The Cat App helps manage assets – at any
purpose bucket offers 4.2 cubic yards of capacity, time – right from a smartphone.
while the optional performance series bucket can • Remote Troubleshoot allows Cat dealers to
boost productivity by up to 20 percent in some perform diagnostic testing remotely. Remote
applications. Cat’s optional Fusion Quick Coupler Flash updates on-board software without a
will further increase productivity by reducing the technician being present and at a time of
amount of time it takes to swap attachments. your choosing.
Fusion-compatible tools – such as buckets, forks • Application Profile and Operator ID help save
and more – can be shared between track loaders, time by saving preferred machine settings.
wheel loaders and other machines. • Machine Security – Passcode provides
Buckets come with the factory-installed Advansys an optional additional level of security by
bucket tips/adapter/locking system. Advansys tips requiring an operator to enter an ID before
are durable and long-lasting, and the hammerless the machine will start.

APRIL 2024|CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES 35