Caterpillar 966, 972 Wheel Loaders

Caterpillar wheel loaders have been updated to Next Gen: Cat 966 and Cat 972, with 321 horsepower and 339 horsepower, respectively. Operating weights on the two Caterpillar medium wheel loaders are 51,124 pounds and 54,858 pounds, respectively. Each is available in an XE version, which uses a continuous variable transmission (CVT), which improves fuel efficiency up to 35 percent compared with the previous powershift models.

Cat XE loader capabilities

The company has integrated the CVT powertrain, engine, hydraulic, and cooling systems in a manner that it says results in significantly increased performance and fuel efficiency. Without the torque converter of mechanical drive systems, these loaders independently control engine rpm and machine speed to provide efficient digging, fine control, and operation.

The XE loaders can deliver smooth, fast accelerations and high speeds on grade with the CVT design. Machine maneuvering on grade is enhanced through speed-hold and anti-rollback features. Advanced rimpull control helps to reduce tire wear. The lower rated engine speed of the XE models reduces component wear and makes for quieter operation.

Cat loader technologies

A set of standard on-board technologies enable the loaders to deliver up to 10 percent more productivity than predecessor models, according to the company. All four models have Cat Payload with Assist for accurate weighing of bucket payloads. Real-time data is fed to the operator display, and the operator can use the manual tip-off function to ensure that weight in the final bucket load of a cycle is accurate, which improves truck load accuracy.

Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers automated bucket loading with proper loading techniques to significantly reduce tire slip and wear, according to the company.

Watch how Auto Set Tires and the performance bucket enhance productivity:

Application Profiles sets multiple machine parameters with the press of one button to optimize settings for the job. Selectable on-screen Job Aids, along with a streamlined new controls layout, facilitates loader operation, allowing operators of all experience levels to be more productive.

Optional Cat Advanced Payload with Assist offers Tip Off Assist to automatically adjust the final bucket load to match hauling unit target, enhanced lists management, site integration, and extended scale features. The available Cat Productivity subscription provides detailed and comprehensive actionable information for the site off-board on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

The next generation 966 and 972 series design extends maintenance intervals to 1,000 hours and eliminates the 500-hour service intervals.

Ride control works as a shock absorber to improve ride quality over rough terrain. The cab includes sound suppression, seals, and viscous mounts to decrease noise levels. A wide door that unlocks remotely from the ground plus inclined steps improves cab ingress/egress over predecessor models

Standard seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system allows for precise machine control with minimal arm movements, increased comfort, improved loading accuracy and more legroom for the operator, compared to the predecessor models, according to the company.

Cat Performance Buckets range from 3.75 to 18.25 cubic yards and are designed to balance shape against the machine’s linkage for high fill factors and material retention.