973K Track Type Loader Caterpillar


Operator Controls

Usage:

973 MKL
Note: Your machine may not be equipped with all the controls that are described in this topic.


Illustration 1g03821729
(1) Adjustable armrest
(2) Speed range switch
(3) Horn
(4) Transmission control
(5) Steering control
(6) Monitoring system display
(7) Service brake
(8) Bucket control
(9) Engine start switch
(10) Engine throttle control
(11) Park brake switch
(12) Hydraulic lockout
(13) Regeneration switch
(14) Ten function keypad
(15) Ripper control
(26) Right 12V receptacle
(26A) Left 12V receptacle

Armrest Adjustment (1)



Illustration 2g02456607
Slope adjustment of armrests (if equipped)

Control Supports

Use the following procedure to adjust both of the control supports (1), if necessary.

  1. Pull lever (1A) upward that is on the outside of armrest (1).

  2. Pull control support (1) in a forward direction or rearward direction to a comfortable position.

  3. Release lever (1A).

Speed Range Switch (2)

Use this switch to select the machine speeds.

High Speed - Press the top of the switch to increase to a higher machine travel speed range.

Low Speed - Press the bottom of the switch to decrease to a lower travel speed range.

Note: Travel speed can be adjusted depending on work condition between the range of 1.0 and 3.5.

Horn (3)

If your machine is equipped with a V-Pattern transmission control , push the knob downward to sound the horn. The horn is sounded to alert personnel around the machine. The horn is also used to signal to other personnel.

Transmission Control (4)

V-Pattern Control



Illustration 3g01352060

REVERSE (4A) - If equipped, slot (4A) is for REVERSE. The machine speed will increase as the lever is pulled rearward.

PARK (4B) - Place the lever in position (4B) to put the machine in the PARK position.

NEUTRAL (4C) - Place the lever in position (4C) to put the machine in the NEUTRAL position.

FORWARD (4D) - Slot (4D) is for FORWARD. The machine speed will increase as the lever is pulled rearward.

Joystick Control (If Equipped)



Illustration 4g01389432

Note: The Joystick Control has two patterns for steering the machine, an S pattern that is the factory default and a C pattern that is optional. Changing the pattern using a service tool is possible. The older machines may require a software update to allow the C pattern.

FORWARD (4E) - To move the machine in the forward direction, push the joystick forward. The machine speed will increase as the joystick is pushed forward.

NEUTRAL (4F) - For optional steering C pattern, the machine will not counterrotate in NEUTRAL. For the default steering S pattern, the machine will counterrotate when the joystick is moved to the right or left while the machine is in NEUTRAL.

REVERSE (4G) - To move the machine in the rearward direction, pull the joystick rearward. The machine speed will increase as the joystick is pulled rearward.

Note: When you place the joystick in FORWARD or REVERSE, the joystick will maintain the FORWARD or REVERSE position until you change the position of the joystick.

Speed Range Control



Illustration 5g02031255

When your machine is equipped with the control joystick, the machine also has six speed ranges (1.0 to 3.5) in both forward and reverse. The current speed range is shown on the digital display window.

To increment the speed ranges, press the top right button (4H) on the joystick. To decrease the speed ranges, press the bottom right button (4I) on the joystick.

Horn

If your machine is equipped with the joystick control for the transmission, press the top left button (4J) on the joystick to sound the horn.

Steering Control (5)

Pedals (If Equipped)

The pedals on either side of the brake control pedal provide steering control. As a pedal is depressed, the speed of the track on that side is reduced to provide steering capability. As either pedal is depressed to a certain point, the speed of that track is reduced to zero. Depressing a pedal all the way causes that track to rotate in the opposite direction of the other track. The opposite rotation provides spot turn operation (counterrotation of the track). Releasing the pedal returns the track to normal operation.

Joystick Control (If Equipped)

The Joystick Control has two patterns for steering the machine, an S pattern that is the factory default and a C pattern that is optional. Changing the pattern with a dealer service tool is possible.

S Pattern



Illustration 6g02031438

FORWARD - To steer the front of the machine to the right, move the joystick to the right. To steer the front of the machine to the left, move the joystick to the left.

NEUTRAL - The machine will counterrotate to the right when the joystick is moved to the right. The machine will counterrotate to the left when the joystick is moved to the left.

REVERSE - To steer the rear of the machine to the right, move the joystick to the left. To steer the rear of the machine to the left, move the joystick to the right.

C Pattern



Illustration 7g02031436

FORWARD - To steer the front of the machine to the right, move the joystick to the right. To steer the front of the machine to the left, move the joystick to the left.

NEUTRAL - For optional steering C pattern, the machine will not counterrotate in NEUTRAL position.

REVERSE - To steer the rear of the machine to the right, move the joystick to the right. To steer the rear of the machine to the left, move the joystick to the left.

Display Module (6)

Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Monitoring System" for more information on the display module.

Service Brake Control (7)

Push down on the brake pedal to apply the service brakes. Service brake is to be used in an emergency situation or specific applications in very steep terrains. The transmission is designed to provide sufficient hydraulic braking to stop the machine in most conditions.

Release the pedal to allow the machine to move. Release the pedal to increase the ground speed.

Bucket Controls (8)

Two Lever Control (If Equipped)



Illustration 8g01232296

HOLD - The left control lever will return to the HOLD position when the left control lever is released from the RAISE position or from the LOWER position. The bucket will remain in the selected position.

FLOAT - Push the left control lever past the detent twice and release the lever to the HOLD position. Be sure that the lever does not return to the HOLD position until the lever has been pushed past the detent for the second time. The bucket will lower to the ground. The bucket will move along the contour of the ground.

BUCKET LOWER KICKOUT - Push the left control lever forward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will lower to the lower kickout set point. Move the lever out of the HOLD to stop the bucket manually.

LOWER - Push the left control lever forward to lower the bucket. The lever will return to the HOLD position when the lever is released.

RAISE - Pull the left control lever backward to raise the bucket. Release the lever to stop lifting the bucket. The lever will return to the HOLD position when the lever is released.

BUCKET LIFT KICKOUT - Pull the left control lever backward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will raise to the setpoint of the bucket lift kickout. Move the lever out of the HOLD position to stop the bucket manually.

BUCKET RACK BACK KICKOUT - Push the right control lever forward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will continue to rotate until the bucket reaches the BUCKET KICKOUT position. Move the lever out of HOLD to stop the bucket manually. This kickout is typically used to preset the bucket position flat on the ground ready to engage a pile.

TILT BACK - Push the right control lever forward to tilt the bucket backward.

DUMP - Pull the right control lever backward to dump a load from the bucket.

BUCKET DUMP KICKOUT - Pull the right control lever backward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will continue to rotate until the bucket reaches the BUCKET KICKOUT position. Move the lever out of the HOLD position to stop the bucket manually. This kickout is typically used to preset the bucket in a dumped position.

Single Lever Control (If Equipped)



Illustration 9g01424944

HOLD - The single lever control will return to the HOLD position when the single lever control is released from the RAISE position or from the LOWER position. The bucket will remain in the selected position.

FLOAT - Push the single lever control past the detent twice. Be sure that the lever does not return to the HOLD position until the lever has been pushed past the detent for the second time. The bucket will lower to the ground. The bucket will move along the contour of the ground.

The single lever control will remain in the FLOAT position until the single lever control is pulled out of the detent. The single lever control will return to the HOLD when the single lever control is released.

BUCKET LOWER KICKOUT - Push the single control lever forward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will lower to the lower kickout set point. Move the lever out of the HOLD to stop the bucket manually.

LOWER - Push the single lever control forward to lower the bucket. The lever will return to the HOLD position when the lever is released.

RAISE - Pull the single lever control backward to raise the bucket. Release the single lever control to stop lifting the bucket. The single lever control will return to the HOLD position when the lever is released.

BUCKET LIFT KICKOUT - Pull the single lever control backward into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will raise to the setpoint of the bucket lift kickout. Move the lever out of the HOLD position to stop the bucket manually.

BUCKET RACK BACK KICKOUT - Move the single lever control toward the left into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will continue to rotate until the bucket reaches the BUCKET KICKOUT position. Move the lever out of HOLD to stop the bucket manually. This kickout is typically used to preset the bucket position flat on the ground ready to engage a pile.

TILT BACK - Move the single lever control toward the left to tilt the bucket backward.

DUMP - Move the single lever control toward the right to dump a load from the bucket.

BUCKET DUMP KICKOUT - Move the single lever control toward the right into the detent and release the lever to the HOLD position. The bucket will continue to rotate until the bucket reaches the BUCKET KICKOUT position. Move the lever out of the HOLD position to stop the bucket manually. This kickout is typically used to preset the bucket in a dumped position.

Multipurpose Bucket (If Equipped)

OPEN - Push the roller forward to open the multipurpose bucket.

HOLD - The roller will return to the HOLD when the roller is released from the OPEN position or the CLOSE position. The bucket will remain in the selected position.

CLOSE - Pull the roller rearward to close the multipurpose bucket.

Engine Start Switch (9)



Illustration 10g02720852

OFF (1) - Inserting the engine start switch key and removing the key must only be done from the OFF position. In the OFF position, there is no power to most electrical circuits in the cab. The cab lights, the panel lights, the tail lights, and the dome light are operational even when the start switch is in the OFF position.

Turn the start switch key to the OFF position to stop the engine.

ON (2) - Turn the start switch key clockwise to the ON position to activate all cab circuits.

START (3) - Turn the start switch key clockwise to the START position to crank the engine. Release the key after the engine starts. The key will return to the ON position.

Emergency Shutdown Override (4) - Turn the engine start switch key to this position and maintain for 3 seconds. This position overrides the delayed engine shutdown in an emergency. The engine shuts down without delay.



Illustration 11g03645638

"Warning category 2s" displays for 15 seconds after the engine shutdown occurred. (The action lamp flashes.)

Note: The engine can be restarted at the discretion of the operator for the allowance of system cooling.

Engine Throttle Control (10)

The engine throttle control is the rotary knob on the right-hand control console. The engine throttle controls the engine speed.

High Idle - To increase engine idle speed, rotate engine throttle (10) clockwise.

Low Idle - To decrease engine idle speed to low idle, rotate the engine throttle (10) counterclockwise.

Table 1
Throttle Position  Engine RPM  Engine Assist Up To 
800   
900   
1000   
1100   
1200   
1300   
1500   
1800   
9 (ECO)  1500  2000 
10  1800  2300 

ECO Mode

Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode - The ECO mode is controlled by the position of engine throttle control (10). The ECO mode is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and minimize noise level in the cab. The ECO symbol is illuminated on the monitoring system when the fuel economy mode is active.

Automatic Engine Control

In ECO mode, when the machine is stopped in NEUTRAL for 5 seconds without any operator input, the engine speed will decrease to 1000 rpm.

Several engine assists are activated in mode 9 and mode 10. For instance, steer or implement assist are enabled when a steer or implement command above 80% of the range are recorded. In position 9 (ECO), engine speed will go up to 2000 rpm. In position 10, engine will go up 2300 rpm.

Parking Brake Switch (11)

Parking Brake - The parking brake switch is on the right-hand control console. Press the top of the switch to engage the parking brake. A light on the monitoring system will illuminate to show that the parking brake has been activated.

Note: The switch is momentary and will default to engage when machine is keyed off.

Parking Brake Release - Press the top part of the switch to release the parking brake.

Hydraulic Lockout Switch (12)

Hydraulic Lockout - The hydraulic lockout switch is on the right-hand console. The hydraulic lockout switch is designed to deactivate the hydraulic controls. Press the top of the switch to deactivate the control levers. Deactivate the hydraulic controls before you exit the seat or before you service the machine. The control levers should always be deactivated when the machine is left unattended. A light on the monitoring system will illuminate to show that the hydraulics have been locked out.

Note: This switch is a momentary switch. Only the top part of the switch can be pressed. This switch automatically defaults to hydraulic locked after machine is keyed off.

Hydraulic Unlock - Press the bottom of the switch to activate the hydraulic controls.

Regeneration Switch (13)

The regeneration switch is on the right-hand console.



Illustration 12g06098702
Manual regeneration switch
(13A) Push in the top of the switch for 2 seconds to begin regeneration. An indicator light on the switch will become active showing that the regeneration is active. An indicator light on the dash will become active showing that the regeneration is active. The indicator lights will deactivate after regeneration is completed.
(13B) Push in the bottom of the switch for 2 seconds to disable regeneration. An indicator light on the switch will become active showing that the regeneration is being disabled. The indicator light will deactivate after regeneration disable is completed.

Reference: See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration" for additional information.

Ripper Control (15)

RAISE - If equipped, pull the lever downward to raise the ripper. The lever returns to HOLD when the lever is released.

HOLD - The lever returns to HOLD when the lever is released. Ripper movement stops.

LOWER - Push the lever upward to lower the ripper. The lever returns to HOLD when the lever is released.

Control Panel Keypad (14)

A ten function keypad is on the right-hand console.



Illustration 13g03780967
(10) Engine throttle control
(14) Control panel keypad
(16) Reversible fan
(17) Rear window wiper and washer
(18) Float
(19) Bucket dump
(20) Upper lift kickout
(21) Lower lift kickout
(22) Bucket leveler
(23) Front window wiper and washer
(24) Lights
(25) Auxiliary function

Reversible Fan (16)

Reversible Fan - If equipped, the reversible fan switch is on the right-hand console (keypad). Press the switch to activate the reversible fan. When you press the switch, the fan operates in the reverse direction. This feature can be used to clean debris from the cooling system.

The reversible fan always operates at maximum speed while the fan is reversing. The fan will operate for a predetermined amount of time. This predetermined amount of time can be adjusted via Electronic Technician . The fan can also be programmed to run on a predetermined schedule. This predetermined schedule can be adjusted using Electronic Technician . The reversible fan symbol will be illuminated on the Monitoring system when the fan is running in the reverse mode.

Rear Window Wiper (17)

Rear Wiper - Rear wiper motor has three different speeds activated with a short press. A short press of the button will alternatively start the wiper at low intermittent, high intermittent, and then constant speed. A long push will activate the window washer and window wiper. Corresponding lights will be illuminated above the button.

Float (18)

Float - Press the button to allow the float function to be used. The light above the button will be illuminated. The Float symbol will also be illuminated on the Monitoring system when the float function is activated.

Bucket Dump Kickout (19)

Bucket Dump Kickout - A short press of the button will enable or disable the Bucket Dump Kickout function to be used. The light above the button will be illuminated. To set the kickout, tilt the bucket to desired position and apply a long press of the button. The kickout symbol would blink for 2 seconds on the dash indicating that the position is set. The bucket will return to the programmed position when the tilt control lever is placed to the detent. One position can be stored.

Bucket Upper Kickout (20)

Bucket Upper Kickout - A short press of the button will enable or disable the Bucket Upper Kickout function to be used The light above the button will be illuminated. To set the kickout, lift the front arm to desired position and apply a long press on the button. The kickout symbol would blink for 2 seconds on the dash indicating that the position is set. The front arm will return to the programmed position when the lift control lever is placed to the upper detent. Only one position can be stored.

Bucket Lower Kickout (21)

Bucket Lower Kickout - A short press of the button will enable or disable the Bucket Lower Kickout function to be used. The light above the button will be illuminated. To set the lift kickout, lower the front am to desired position and apply a long press on the button. The kickout symbol would blink for 2 seconds on the dash indicating that the position is set. The front arm will return to the programmed position when the lift control lever is placed to the lower detent. Only one position can be stored.

Bucket Rack Back Kickout (22)

Bucket Rack Back Kickout - A short press of the button will enable or disable the Bucket Rack Back Kickout function to be used. The light above the button will be illuminated. To set the kickout, tilt the bucket to desired position and apply a long press on the button. The kickout symbol would blink for 2 seconds on the dash indicating that the position is set. The bucket will return to the programmed position when the tilt control lever is placed to the detent. One position can be stored.

Front Window Wiper (23)

Front Wiper - Front wiper motor has two different speeds activated with a short press. A short press of the button will alternatively start the intermittent and then constant speed. A long push on the button will activate the window washer and window wiper. Corresponding lights will be illuminated above the button.

Lights (24)

Lights - Press the button to have the front, rear, or both lights on alternatively. Corresponding lights will be illuminated above the button.

Auxiliary Function (25)

Auxiliary or optional equipment - Press this button to activate the function of auxiliary equipment for this machine, if equipped.

Power Receptacle (26), (26A)

Power Receptacle - A 12 V power receptacle is at the rear of the two consoles on the right side (26) and left side (26A) of the operator station. The power receptacles can be used for powering automotive electrical equipment or accessories.

Note: Do not use the power supply as a lighter for a cigarette.

Additional Cab Controls



Illustration 14g03821792
(27) Mirror
(28) Dome light
(29) Air conditioning control

Mirror (27)

For best operator vision, adjust the mirror. Adjust the mirror before you operate the machine and after operators change.

Dome Light (28)

Push up on the right-hand side of the light or the left-hand side of the light to activate the interior light.

Air Conditioning and Heating Control (29)



Illustration 15g03645874

Fan Control (29A)

Fan Speed Switch - This knob controls the four-speed blower fan motor.

OFF - Move the knob to this position to stop the blower fan motor.

LOW - Move the knob to this position for the lowest fan speed.

MEDIUM LOW - Move the knob to this position for a medium low fan speed.

MEDIUM HIGH - Move the knob to this position for a medium high fan speed.

MAXIMUM - Move the knob to this position for a maximum fan speed.

Temperature Control (29B)

Temperature Control Knob - Turn the knob counterclockwise to COOL. Turn the knob clockwise to WARM.

Air Conditioner Switch (29C)

Air Conditioner - Press in the top of switch to turn on the air conditioner. Return the switch to the middle position to turn off the air conditioner.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) - Press the bottom of the switch (29C) to turn on the ATC. Return the switch to the middle position (29C) to turn off the ATC. To maintain the desired temperature, the ATC will heat the cab or the ATC will cool the cab.

Note: If the cab temperature is not staying at the desired temperature, then increase the fan speed to the maximum setting.

Heating and Air Conditioning System Operation

The heating and air conditioning system performs five functions:

Heating - Turn knob (29A) to the desired speed (LOW, MEDIUM LOW, MEDIUM HIGH, or MAXIMUM). Adjust knob (29B) to obtain the desired temperature.

Cooling - Press switch (29C) to turn on the air conditioner. Turn knob (29A) to the desired speed (LOW, MEDIUM LOW, MEDIUM HIGH, or MAXIMUM). Adjust knob (29B) to obtain the desired temperature.

Defrosting - Press switch (29C) to turn on the air conditioner. Turn knob (29A) to the desired fan speed (LOW, MEDIUM LOW, MEDIUM HIGH, or MAXIMUM). Adjust knob (29B) to obtain the desired temperature.

Pressurizing - When heating or cooling is not desired, pressure inside the cab will help keep out dust.

Turn knob (29B) to obtain the desired temperature. To produce the volume of air that is necessary to keep out dust, turn knob (29A) to MEDIUM LOW or to MEDIUM HIGH.

Defogging - Press switch (29C) to turn on the air conditioner. Turn knob (29A) to the desired speed (LOW, MEDIUM LOW, MEDIUM HIGH, or MAXIMUM). Adjust knob (29B) until the moisture level is lowered and the front window and side windows are free of moisture.

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