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The CAT 973 and Its Versatile Legacy
The Caterpillar 973 track loader was introduced in the late 1980s as part of CAT’s push to offer high-capacity, hydrostatic loaders for heavy-duty applications. With an operating weight of approximately 25,000–28,000 kg and powered by a turbocharged 3306 diesel engine producing around 210 horsepower, the 973 was designed to bridge the gap between dozers and wheel loaders. Its 4-in-1 bucket configuration allowed for digging, grading, clamping, and dozing—making it a favorite in demolition, forestry, and site prep.
CAT sold thousands of 973 units globally, especially in North America and Southeast Asia, where land clearing and infrastructure development demanded robust multipurpose machines. The 973D, introduced later, added electronic controls and emissions compliance, but many operators still prefer the mechanical simplicity of the original 973.
Root Rakes and Their Role in Clearing Operations
A root rake is a heavy-duty attachment designed to remove roots, stumps, and debris while preserving topsoil. Unlike a standard bucket, it features long, spaced tines that allow fine material to fall through while retaining larger organic matter. Root rakes are commonly used in forestry, pasture reclamation, and pipeline right-of-way clearing.
For dozers, root rakes typically pin directly to the blade or ripper mounts. For loaders like the 973, integration is more complex due to the bucket linkage and hydraulic geometry.
Terminology Clarification
Many modern root rake manufacturers design their products to fit machines equipped with CAT’s Fusion quick coupler system. However, older 973 models lack this feature, relying instead on traditional pin-on buckets. This creates a dilemma: retrofit the machine with a coupler or source a rake that fits the existing pin geometry.
Retrofitting a quick coupler involves:
Custom Fabrication and Field Solutions
Several operators have found success working with fabrication shops to build pin-on root rakes tailored to their machine’s geometry. Companies like Weldco-Beales and regional machine shops can reverse-engineer the bucket mounts and produce a rake that fits without modification.
Another approach involves designing a rake that nests inside the 4-in-1 bucket. This method uses slots or tabs that engage the bucket sides, allowing the rake to be clamped and held securely. While not as rigid as a pinned attachment, it enables quick switching without removing pins or hydraulic lines.
In Missouri, a contractor clearing cedar brush used a rake that hooked into the bucket’s side plates and was secured with chain tensioners. The setup allowed him to switch between raking and grading in under five minutes.
Design Considerations for a Loader-Mounted Rake
When designing or selecting a root rake for a 973, consider:
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
Equipping a CAT 973 with a root rake transforms it into a powerful land-clearing tool, capable of uprooting vegetation and stacking debris with precision. While compatibility challenges exist, especially with older machines lacking quick couplers, custom fabrication and clever engineering offer practical solutions. Whether pin-on or bucket-mounted, the right rake can extend the utility of the 973 far beyond its original design—proving once again that with the right attachment, even legacy iron can tackle modern jobs.
The Caterpillar 973 track loader was introduced in the late 1980s as part of CAT’s push to offer high-capacity, hydrostatic loaders for heavy-duty applications. With an operating weight of approximately 25,000–28,000 kg and powered by a turbocharged 3306 diesel engine producing around 210 horsepower, the 973 was designed to bridge the gap between dozers and wheel loaders. Its 4-in-1 bucket configuration allowed for digging, grading, clamping, and dozing—making it a favorite in demolition, forestry, and site prep.
CAT sold thousands of 973 units globally, especially in North America and Southeast Asia, where land clearing and infrastructure development demanded robust multipurpose machines. The 973D, introduced later, added electronic controls and emissions compliance, but many operators still prefer the mechanical simplicity of the original 973.
Root Rakes and Their Role in Clearing Operations
A root rake is a heavy-duty attachment designed to remove roots, stumps, and debris while preserving topsoil. Unlike a standard bucket, it features long, spaced tines that allow fine material to fall through while retaining larger organic matter. Root rakes are commonly used in forestry, pasture reclamation, and pipeline right-of-way clearing.
For dozers, root rakes typically pin directly to the blade or ripper mounts. For loaders like the 973, integration is more complex due to the bucket linkage and hydraulic geometry.
Terminology Clarification
- Quick Coupler: A hydraulic or mechanical device that allows fast switching between attachments without manual pin removal.
- Pin-On Attachment: An attachment that connects directly to the loader arms using pins and bushings.
- 4-in-1 Bucket: A multi-function bucket that can open and close hydraulically for clamping, dozing, and dumping.
- Stacker: A tool or technique used to pile debris after raking, often using the same rake or a separate fork.
Many modern root rake manufacturers design their products to fit machines equipped with CAT’s Fusion quick coupler system. However, older 973 models lack this feature, relying instead on traditional pin-on buckets. This creates a dilemma: retrofit the machine with a coupler or source a rake that fits the existing pin geometry.
Retrofitting a quick coupler involves:
- Removing the existing bucket and linkage
- Installing hydraulic lines and controls for the coupler
- Purchasing compatible rake and bucket attachments
Custom Fabrication and Field Solutions
Several operators have found success working with fabrication shops to build pin-on root rakes tailored to their machine’s geometry. Companies like Weldco-Beales and regional machine shops can reverse-engineer the bucket mounts and produce a rake that fits without modification.
Another approach involves designing a rake that nests inside the 4-in-1 bucket. This method uses slots or tabs that engage the bucket sides, allowing the rake to be clamped and held securely. While not as rigid as a pinned attachment, it enables quick switching without removing pins or hydraulic lines.
In Missouri, a contractor clearing cedar brush used a rake that hooked into the bucket’s side plates and was secured with chain tensioners. The setup allowed him to switch between raking and grading in under five minutes.
Design Considerations for a Loader-Mounted Rake
When designing or selecting a root rake for a 973, consider:
- Tine spacing: 6–8 inches is typical for forestry work; tighter spacing retains more debris.
- Tine length: 36–48 inches allows deep root penetration without overloading the loader arms.
- Reinforcement: Use AR400 steel for wear resistance and gussets to prevent tine flex.
- Mounting style: Pin-on for rigidity; clamp-on for flexibility.
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
- Assess how frequently the machine will switch between raking and digging. If infrequent, a dedicated pin-on rake may be ideal.
- Consult with local fabrication shops to explore custom solutions that match your bucket geometry.
- Avoid retrofitting quick couplers unless multiple attachments are planned for regular use.
- Reinforce rake tines and mounts to withstand lateral stress from root pulling.
- Consider adding a debris guard or crossbar to prevent material from rolling over the top of the rake.
Equipping a CAT 973 with a root rake transforms it into a powerful land-clearing tool, capable of uprooting vegetation and stacking debris with precision. While compatibility challenges exist, especially with older machines lacking quick couplers, custom fabrication and clever engineering offer practical solutions. Whether pin-on or bucket-mounted, the right rake can extend the utility of the 973 far beyond its original design—proving once again that with the right attachment, even legacy iron can tackle modern jobs.
