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966 Wheel Loader

At a glance data:

Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002:
321hp
Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002:
325 hp (metric)
Engine Model:
Cat® C9.3B
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014:
325hp
966

Overview

The Cat® 966 Wheel Loader is engineered for relentless productivity in the harshest environments—from rugged quarries to demanding construction and mining sites. Its smart systems and durable build keep you moving with fewer interruptions, while operator-focused features enhance safety and control. When the job gets tough, the 966 is tougher—ready to power through every load, every shift.

Category:
Medium Wheel Loaders

Brand:
Cat

Engine

Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002:
321hp
Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002:
325 hp (metric)
Engine Model:
Cat® C9.3B
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014:
325hp
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014:
329 hp (metric)
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011:
302hp
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011:
302 hp (metric)
Engine Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 14396:2002:
1313lbf·ft
Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm SAE J1995:2014:
1327lbf·ft
Net Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011:
1255lbf·ft
Displacement:
567.5in³
Emissions:
Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Stage V, China Nonroad Stage IV and Japan 2014 emission standards.
Biodiesel Capability:
Up to B20¹
Note (2):
¹Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) and are compatible* with ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels**up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) ***100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" (SEBU6250) for details. *While Caterpillar engines are compatible with these alternative fuels, some regions may not allow their use. **Tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from lower-carbon intensity fuels are essentially the same as traditional fuels. ***Engines with no aftertreatment devices are compatible with higher blends, up to 100% biodiesel (for use of blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer).

Weights

Operating Weight:
51124lb
Note:
Weight based on a machine configuration with Z-bar linkage, Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires, full fluids, operator, standard counterweight, ride control, cold start, roading fenders, Product Link™, front manual differential/open rear axles, powertrain guard, secondary steering, sound suppression, and a 4.2 m³ (5.5 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE.

Transmission

Forward - 1:
4.2mile/h
Forward - 2:
8.4mile/h
Forward - 3:
15mile/h
Forward - 4:
24.5mile/h
Reverse - 1:
4.5mile/h
Reverse - 2:
9.2mile/h
Reverse - 3:
16.5mile/h
Reverse - 4:
24.5mile/h
Note:
Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 849 mm (33 in) roll radius.

Sound

Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008:
70dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008:
109dB(A)
Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 ¹:
69dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008²:
108dB(A)
Note (1):
¹Including countries that adopt the EU and UK Directives.
Note (2):
²Exterior Sound Power Level - European Union Directive 2000/14/EC and UK Noise Regulation 2001 No. 1701.

Air Conditioning System

Air Conditioning:
The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf. See the label or instruction manual for identification of the gas. - If equipped with R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430), the system contains 1.600 kg (3.5 lb) of refrigerant, which has a CO2 equivalent of 2.288 metric tonnes (2.522 tons). - If equipped with R1234yf (Global Warming Potential = 0.501), the system contains 1.389 kg (3.1 lb) of refrigerant, which has a CO2 equivalent of .001 metric tonnes (1.10 tons).

Operating Specifications

Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn:
32727lb
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection:
35224lb
Breakout Force:
38999lbf
Note:
For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.”
Note (1):
Full compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.

Service Refill Capacities

Fuel Tank:
80.1gal (US)
DEF Tank:
6.9gal (US)
Cooling System:
17.4gal (US)
Crankcase:
6.1gal (US)
Transmission:
15.5gal (US)
Differential - Final Drives - Front:
15.1gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank:
30.1gal (US)

Hydraulic System

Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,275 rpm:
99gpm
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure:
4496psi
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total:
10.1s

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Height - Top of Hood:
9.42ft
Height - Top of ROPS:
11.83ft
Ground Clearance:
1.33ft
Wheel Base:
11.67ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket:
24.33ft
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height:
2ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift:
13.92ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift:
12.08ft
Rack Back - Maximum Lift:
62°
Rack Back - Carry Height:
50°
Width over Tires (Loaded):
9.92ft
Tread Width:
7.25ft
Note:
All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.2 m³ (5.5 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.

Dimensions - High Lift

Height - Top of Hood:
9.42ft
Height - Top of ROPS:
11.83ft
Ground Clearance:
1.33ft
Wheel Base:
11.67ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket:
26.5ft
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height:
2.5ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift:
15.75ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift:
13.67ft
Rack Back - Maximum Lift:
71°
Rack Back - Carry Height:
49°
Width over Tires (Loaded):
9.92ft
Tread Width:
7.25ft
Note:
All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.2 m³ (5.5 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Rack Back - Maximum Lift:
62 degrees

Dimensions - High Lift

Rack Back - Maximum Lift:
71 degrees

Sound

With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Note:
Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio.

Dimensions - High Lift

Rack Back - Carry Height:
49 degrees

Engine

Gross Torque @ 1,200 rpm – SAE J1995:2014:
1327lb/ft
Engine Torque @ 1,200 rpm – ISO 14396:2002:
1313lb/ft

Dimensions - High Lift

Rack Back at Ground:
37 degrees

Engine

Note (3):
Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: • 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)* • 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to- liquid) fuels Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details. * Engines with no aftertreatment devices can use higher blends, up to 100% biodiesel.

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Rack Back - Carry Height:
50 degrees
Rack Back at Ground:
39 degrees

Engine

Displacement:
9.3 L

Hydraulic System

Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total:
10.1 seconds

Standard Equipment

note

  • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.

operator environment

  • Cab, pressurized, sound suppression
  • EH implement controls, parking brake
  • Steering, joystick
  • Seat, cloth, air suspension
  • Touchscreen display
  • Keypad, programmable buttons
  • Air conditioner, heater, defroster (auto temp, fan)
  • Sun visor, front and rear retractable
  • Windows, front, laminated

powertrain

  • Cat® C9.3B engine
  • Electric fuel priming pump
  • Fuel-water separator and secondary fuel filter
  • Engine, air precleaner
  • Axles, auto front differential lock
  • Transmission, planetary, automatic powershift
  • Torque converter with lock-up
  • Service brakes, hydraulic, fully enclosed wet disc, wear indicators
  • Integrated Braking System (IBS)
  • Park brake, caliper on front axles, spring applied-pressure released
  • Brake pedal neutralizer with decel function

electrical

  • Starting and charging system, 24V
  • Starter, electric, heavy duty
  • Lights: halogen, 4 work lights, 2 front roading lights with turn signals, 2 rearview lights

hydraulics

  • Implement system, load sensing with variable displacement piston pump
  • Steering system, load sensing with dedicated variable displacement piston pump
  • Ride control, dual accumulators
  • Oil sampling valves, Cat XT hoses

linkage

  • Standard lift, Z-bar
  • Kickouts: lift and tilt

monitoring system

  • Front dash with analog gauges, LCD display, and warning lights
  • Primary touchscreen monitor (Cat Payload, quad screens, machine settings and messages)
  • Maintenance reminders

onboard technologies

  • Autodig with auto set tires
  • Operator ID and machine security
  • Application profiles
  • Job aids
  • Controls help and eOMM
  • Cat Payload
  • Key Features Inform
  • Bucket Carry Display Widget
  • Remote Flash

safety

  • Seat belt reminder
  • 2-point seat belt
  • Rear vision camera
  • Window cleaning platform, front

Optional Equipment

note

  • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.

operator environment

  • Door, remote opening system
  • Footrest
  • HMU steering wheel
  • Implement joystick (2V, 3V only)
  • Entertainment radio (FM, AM, USB, BT)
  • Entertainment radio (DAB+)
  • CB radio ready
  • Seat, suede/cloth, air suspension, heated
  • Seat, leather/cloth, air suspension, heated/cooled
  • Mirrors, heated
  • Windows, front, heavy duty
  • Full cab window guard

powertrain

  • Turbine, air precleaner
  • Radiator, high debris
  • Cooling fan, reversible
  • Axles, auto front and rear differential locks
  • Axles, ecology drains, AOC ready, extreme temperature seals
  • Axles, oil cooler

electrical

  • Cold start, 120V or 240V
  • Lights: LED

hydraulics

  • 3rd and 4th auxiliary functions with ride control
  • Quick coupler control

linkage

  • High lift, Z-bar

monitoring system

  • Tire pressure monitor

onboard technologies

  • Cat Advanced Payload
  • Cat Payload for Trade (Available in Europe and Australia. Country certifications vary. Contact your Cat dealer for more information.)
  • Cat Payload Printer with E-ticket

safety

  • 4-point seat belt (kit)
  • Rear vision camera, dedicated
  • Surround vision, dedicated
  • Window cleaning platform, front
  • Collision warning system
  • Collision mitigation system
  • Reverse strobe lights (Not compatible with roading arrangements)
  • Warning beacon
  • Secondary steering system, electrical (Standard where mandated)
  • Wheel chocks
  • Remote control

additional equipment

  • Cat Autolube system
  • Fenders, extensions or roading
  • Guards: powertrain, crankcase, window glass, cylinders, rear
  • Biodegradable hydraulic oil
  • High-speed oil change system
  • Rear cab access
  • Single Life Cutting Edge GET
  • Toolbox

special configurations

  • Aggregate handler
  • Waste and industrial
  • Forestry
  • Tunneling (Japan only)
  • Corrosion resistant