161-8573 Bolt-On Bucket Heel Plate for Cat 966/972 Loaders – Aftermarket Replacement

Full Description

This listing covers an aftermarket replacement bolt-on heel plate cross-referenced to Caterpillar part 161-8573. The reference component is a rectangular bucket wear plate with a notch. It is installed on the rear/bottom region of a compatible wheel-loader bucket, rather than on the cutting lip. In service, this replaceable plate helps shield the bucket structure from direct contact and abrasive wear during loading, stockpiling, quarry, aggregate and similar material-handling work.

Caterpillar’s reference data identifies the part as a 35 mm bolt-on heel plate measuring 22.244 in long, 10.0 in wide and 1.378 in thick, approximately 565 × 254 × 35 mm. The specified interface is a 3/4-inch plow bolt with a 21 mm square section. Industry technical catalogs consistently show a four-hole configuration. Reference hole spacing is approximately 19.488 in, with a secondary spacing of 3.937 in. These dimensions should be used for identification and drawing comparison; they do not replace inspection of the supplied aftermarket plate or the customer’s bucket.

Reference catalogs associate 161-8573 with selected 966 and 972 wheel-loader configurations, including several G, H, K, L, M, XE and GC variants. Selected 950L and 980K applications are also listed. However, this heel plate is not compatible with every bucket. A machine model alone is therefore insufficient. Buyers should verify the complete model, serial number, bucket arrangement, mounting location, plate dimensions and hole layout.

The product photograph shows a strapped stack containing several yellow-finished wear plates with different outlines and hole patterns. A central rectangular plate has a long notch and square mounting holes, and its visible marking appears to include 1618573 followed by an unverified suffix. No OEM logo is visible on the product surfaces. Because different plate shapes appear in the same bundle, the image does not imply that every visible component is included with one 161-8573 heel plate.

For compatibility review, send the existing part number, loader model and serial number, bucket arrangement, measured plate dimensions, notch measurements, hole details and clear photographs. A dimensional drawing or approved sample is recommended for repeat and bulk orders. Material certificates, hardness records, inspection documents, packing method and delivery terms should be agreed before order confirmation when required.

This product is intended for distributors, importers, mining operations, repair companies and contractors sourcing aftermarket loader bucket wear protection parts.

Key Features

• Cross-referenced to 161-8573 / 1618573

• Rectangular heel-plate profile with an installation notch

• Bolt-on mounting for serviceable bucket wear protection

• Commonly cataloged with four square mounting holes

• 3/4-inch plow-bolt interface reference

• Reference dimensions of approximately 565 × 254 × 35 mm

• Intended for the rear/bottom wear area of compatible loader buckets

• Compatibility checking using measurements and bucket information

Compatible Machine Models

Reference catalogs list selected configurations of:

• Cat 966, 966G, 966G II, 966H and 966K

• Cat 966M and 966M XE

• Cat 972, 972G, 972G II, 972H and 972K

• Cat 972M and 972M XE

• Selected Cat 950L, 966 GC, 966L, 966 XE, 966K XE, 972L, 972 XE and 980K applications

Compatibility is bucket-specific. Confirm the machine serial number, bucket arrangement, mounting position, dimensions and four-hole pattern.

Reference Part Numbers

• 161-8573 — official reference format

• 1618573 — common no-hyphen search format

• No independently confirmed superseding or fully interchangeable part number has been identified.

Applications

• Rear and bottom protection for compatible loader buckets

• Aggregate and material handling

• Quarry and mining loading operations

• Stockpiling and re-handling

• Construction and earthmoving

• Replacement of worn bolt-on bucket protection plates