Construction / Crawler Loaders / Caterpillar / 973K Steel Mill

Ship a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill crawler loader: specs verified, rate in 60 seconds

The Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill measures 24 ft 10 in long, 9 ft 8 in wide and 4 ft 6 in high at 74,293 lbs (7.57 m × 2.95 m × 1.37 m, 33,699 kg). It is an oversize load (oversize permit); permits and escorts are priced into the rate automatically. Enter your route below; the dimensions are already in the form.

How this crawler loader ships

1. Equipment match: Lowboy or RGN
2. Loading: Drive-on when it runs; winch when it does not
3. Permits and escorts: oversize permit, escorts none expected
4. Season: weight-sensitive in spring thaw: rural pickups in Canada and the northern US may face road bans March to May, priced automatically

Photo and schematic: rehosted copies only (BRD §5.3); pending the image pipeline

Machine dimensions

✎ Edit dimensions

L 24 ft 10 in · 7.57 mW 9 ft 8 in · 2.95 mH 4 ft 6 in · 1.37 mWt 74,293 lbs · 33,699 kg

Pre-filled from verified specs (2026-11-01). Final dimensions are the shipper's responsibility; confirm with the pickup site if unsure.

Oversize load, and what that means for your shipment. At 9 ft 8 in wide this machine exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit on every route. Your rate includes the right trailer, permits and escorts (none expected), priced automatically, nothing added at pickup.

Before you book: what shippers ask

What trailer does a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill need?

A lowboy or RGN. At 4 ft 6 in tall the machine sits at 6 ft 0 in on an RGN deck and 9 ft 6 in on a flatbed; the legal loaded height is 13 ft 6 in in the US and 13 ft 7 in in Canada.

Does a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill need oversize permits?

Yes. 9 ft 8 in of travel width exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit; the quote prices permits for every state or province crossed, escorts none expected, and files them for the carrier.

Can a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill be loaded without a crane?

Yes when it starts and drives: it loads under its own power on the trailer's ramps. If it is inoperable, toggle starts-and-drives off in the form; winch loading is priced in, never added at pickup.

How should I prepare a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill for pickup?

Empty the bucket or bed, fold and secure loose parts, note fluid leaks, and confirm the dimensions against the machine as it sits: debris, unfolded attachments or missing counterweights change weight and price.

What does it cost to ship a Caterpillar 973K Steel Mill?

Distance and the trailer class drive the price once the dimensions are set. Enter pickup and drop-off below; the rate is free, bookable and locked for 30 days.

Operational specs

Published manufacturer figures for the base unit (LoadLoom equipment library, 2026-11-01); transport dimensions above remain the planning figures.

Engine

Emissions: U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV/Korea Tier 4
Engine Model: Cat C9.3 ACERT
Flywheel Power: 275 hp
Note (1): Engine ratings at 1,800 rpm.
Note (2): No derating required up to 2164 m (7,200 ft) altitude.
Engine Power - Maximum - Iso 14396: 306 hp
Engine Power - Maximum - Sae J1995: 310 hp
Engine Power - Maximum - Iso 14396 (Din): 310 hp

Operational

Operating Weight: 74293 lb

Weights

Note: Steel Mill weights are with new slag bucket.
Operating Weight - Steel Mill: 74293 lb
Shipping Weight - Steel Mill: 63097 lb

Buckets

Capacity - General Purpose: 4 yd3
Width - Slag: 112 in
Capacity - Slag: 4 yd3

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System: 11.6 gal
Fuel Tank: 101.5 gal
Def Tank: 9.2 gal

Standards

Brakes: Brakes meet the standard ISO 10265:2008.
Rops: ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) offered by Caterpillar for the machine meets ROPS criteria ISO 3471:2008.
Fops: FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) meets ISO 3449-2005 Level II.

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1 · Your machines

Ⓐ Length?The longest point of the machine from front to back, including anything that sticks out (forks, blade, counterweight).

ftinch

Ⓑ Width?The widest point of the machine BODY, left to right. Don't count the attachment here, that goes in Ⓓ.

ftinch

Ⓓ Attachment width?Width of the bucket, blade, or boom if it's wider than the machine body.

ftinch

Ⓔ Angled width?If the blade or attachment can be turned/angled for transport, enter its width when angled. We price on this narrower width.

ftinch

Weight?Total operating weight including attachments. Check the spec plate on the machine or the operator's manual.

lbs

Starts and drives??Starting and driving are different things: the machine must start AND move under its own power onto the trailer. If it starts but cannot drive, answer No. Non-runners need a winch-equipped trailer (surcharge applies). Loading assistance is not included in any quote; the driver loads with the truck's own equipment only.

Value of the shipment *?What would it cost to replace this cargo today? Your declared value sets your protection options and prints into your agreement.

2 · Your route

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All equipment specs

Specifications are provided for transport planning purposes only and reflect standard base configurations as published by equipment manufacturers and industry sources. Actual dimensions and weights vary by configuration, options, attachments, and condition. LoadLoom does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of published specifications. Confirming final dimensions and weight is the responsibility of the shipper; misdeclared dimensions may result in adjusted pricing, delays, or refused pickup. Legal load limits, permit requirements, and escort rules vary by state and province and are subject to change; permit and escort estimates are informational until confirmed at booking. Coverage is subject to declared value and the terms of the LoadLoom booking contract. Images and schematics are illustrative and may not depict the exact model or configuration listed. See PriceLock terms and the LoadLoom Terms and Conditions. Report an incorrect spec.