Updated Cat compact wheel loader has 17 percent more power

The Caterpillar 903 compact wheel loader is an update on the successful Cat 903D wheel loader, featuring a Cat C1.7 48-hp engine, which offers 17 percent more horsepower than the previous model. The increase in power delivers improved performance when pushing, operating on grades, and using drive, steer, and lift functions simultaneously. It provides a higher full turn tip load rating of 5,516 pounds (2,552 kilograms). The new machine has an operating weight of 9,200 pounds, and can travel 12.4 miles per hour on a construction site.

"Our 903 machines offer all the features — improved comfort, service access and safety — that made the 903D a preferred compact wheel loader with customers," says Joel Grimes, compact loader market professional for Caterpillar. "Today's 903 has a more powerful engine, improved coupler design, and enhanced multifunction hydraulic performance to further the productivity standard for this class size and operating weight."

Improved comfort, net power and increased versatility

The 903 can be optionally equipped with a hydraulic skid steer loader (SSL) coupler for faster and more efficient work tool changes. It provides a viewing window that enables the operator to see the fork tips when using the available compact wheel loader-style forks. The auxiliary hydraulic system delivers higher than previous flow of up to 14.5 gallons per minute (54.9 litres per minute) at 3,336 psi (230 bar) for increased hydraulic power to operate hydraulic work tools such as power box rakes and grapple buckets.

A variety of options for the 903 enable the compact wheel loader to be configured for a range of applications. Providing maximum traction slippery conditions, an optional front and rear differential lock can be activated in real time. Available engine and ground speed control are ideally suited for work with hydromechanical work tools like brooms. The addition of a work tool electrical harness option allows the Cat 903 to run more attachments than the previous model.

Excellent attachment capabilities and intuitive controls

The Cat 903 design includes many effective carryover features from the 903D. Z-bar type loader linkage provides both strong bucket-digging ability and bucket capacity and efficient control in fork applications. Standard features for the loader's linkage include boom-float and work tool return-to-dig functions. Whether loading heavy pallets onto a truck or lifting light material into a hopper, the 903's intuitive controls offer the choice between standard- and high-lift configurations of 121 inches (3.086 metres) and 127 inches (3.227 metres) respectively to increase work efficiency in less time in a wide range of applications and job sites.

The Cat 903 wheel loader's rear hood offers easy access to the engine compartment, which includes side-by-side coolers and a transparent fuel/water separator. Available engine air precleaner and radiator screen options provide reliable performance when operating in high-debris applications like construction and landscaping.

The Cat 903 compact wheel loader improves on the 903D, with more horsepower, an improved coupler design, and enhanced hydraulic performance for attachments