Caterpillar has completed its D-Series Track Loader lineup with the new 973D, which the company says features load-sensing hydraulics, joystick steering, a new operator’s station and 10% more power than its 973C predecessor.
According to the company, the 973D features a closed-center, load-sensing implement hydraulic system which uses a variable-displacement pump that produces only the precise volume of oil actually required for the job at hand.
The previous 973C loader’s hydraulic pump produced a constant oil volume, whether required or not.
This means that the 973D pumps less oil, thus conserving fuel, generating less heat and freeing horsepower to drive the tracks more efficiently, Caterpillar said.
The new loader also features lift and tilt cylinders using position-sensing electronics, which are designed to allow operators to set lift and tilt kick-outs directly from the operator’s cab.
The 973D’s joystick or two-lever loader controls are seat-mounted and electro-hydraulically actuated, compared with the console-mounted and pilot-actuated levers of the 973C.