Wheel Loaders

972M XE

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Overview

The new 972M XE Wheel Loader, with the 2017 product update, applies proven technologies systematically and strategically to meet your high expectations for reliability, productivity, fuel efficiency, and long service life. The XE technology improves fuel efficiency by up to 25% over the M Series standard configuration and up to 35% over the K Series standard configuration.** Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emission standards. **Actual results may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, machine configuration, operator technique, machine application, climate, etc.

Engine

Units:
Displacement 568.0 in³ 9.3 l Less
Engine Model Cat C9.3 ACERT Cat C9.3 ACERT Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,600 rpm - ISO 9249 311.0 HP 232.0 kW Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,600 rpm - ISO 9249 - Metric 315.0 HP 232.0 kW Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,600 rpm - SAE J1349 311.0 HP 232.0 kW Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,600 rpm - SAE J1349 - Metric 315.0 HP 232.0 kW Less
Net Power - ISO 9249 311.0 HP 232.0 kW Less
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396 1260.0 ft·lbf 1708.0 N·m Less
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - SAE J1995 1275.0 ft·lbf 1728.0 N·m Less
Maximum Net Torque - 1,200 rpm 1193.0 ft·lbf 1618.0 N·m Less
Note The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.6 kg of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent of 2.288 metric tonnes. The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.6 kg of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent of 2.288 metric tonnes. Less

Weights

Operating Weight 54871.0 lb 24896.0 kg Less
Note Weight based on a machine configuration with Michelin 26.5R25 XHA2 L3 radial tires, full fluids, operator, standard counterweight, cold start, roading fenders, Product Link?, manual diff lock/open axles (front/rear), power train guard, secondary steering, sound suppression and a 4.8 m3 (6.28 yd3) general purpose bucket with BOCE. Weight based on a machine configuration with Michelin 26.5R25 XHA2 L3 radial tires, full fluids, operator, standard counterweight, cold start, roading fenders, Product Link?, manual diff lock/open axles (front/rear), power train guard, secondary steering, sound suppression and a 4.8 m3 (6.28 yd3) general purpose bucket with BOCE. Less

Bucket Capacities

Bucket Capacities 3.20-9.94 m3 (4.19-13.00 yd3) 3.20-9.94 m3 (4.19-13.00 yd3) Less

Operating Specifications

Breakout Force 44075.0 lbf 196.0 kN Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection 38396.0 lb 17421.0 kg Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - With Tire Deflection 35626.0 lb 16164.0 kg Less
Note (1) For a machine configuration as defined under ?Weight.? For a machine configuration as defined under ?Weight.? Less
Note (2) Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing. Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing. Less

Transmission - Virtual Gears

Forward - 1 4.1 mile/h 6.7 km/h Less
Forward - 2 7.7 mile/h 12.6 km/h Less
Forward - 3 13.5 mile/h 22.1 km/h Less
Forward - 4 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h Less
Reverse - 1 4.1 mile/h 6.7 km/h Less
Reverse - 2 7.7 mile/h 12.6 km/h Less
Reverse - 3 17.1 mile/h 28.0 km/h Less
Note Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius. Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius. Less

Hydraulic System

Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 11.0 s 11.0 s Less
Implement Pump Type Variable Displacement Piston Variable Displacement Piston Less
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure 4496.0 psi 31000.0 kPa Less
Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 1,600 rpm 102.0 gal/min 385.0 l/min Less

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System 19.0 gal (US) 71.6 l Less
Crankcase 6.5 gal (US) 24.5 l Less
DEF Tank 4.4 gal (US) 16.8 l Less
Differential - Final Drives - Front 15.1 gal (US) 57.0 l Less
Differential - Final Drives - Rear 15.1 gal (US) 57.0 l Less
Fuel Tank 79.8 gal (US) 302.0 l Less
Hydraulic Tank 33.0 gal (US) 125.0 l Less
Transmission 16.6 gal (US) 63.0 l Less

Sound

Note (1) *Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio. *Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio. Less
Note (2) **For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? **For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008) 107.0 dB(A) 107.0 dB(A) Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Pressure Level (SAE J88:2013) 76 dB(A)* 76 dB(A)* Less
Note (3) ***European Union Directive ?2000/14/EC? as amended by ?2005/88/EC.? ***European Union Directive ?2000/14/EC? as amended by ?2005/88/EC.? Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)** 105 LWA*** 105 LWA*** Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)** 67.0 dB(A) 67.0 dB(A) Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008) 67.0 dB(A) 67.0 dB(A) Less

Engine - Tier 4 Final/Stage IV

Emissions Tier 4/Stage IV Tier 4/Stage IV Less

Buckets

Bucket Capacities 3.20-9.94 m³ (4.19-13.00 yd³) 3.20-9.94 m³ (4.19-13.00 yd³) Less

Dimensions - High Lift

Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight 8.17 ft 2500.0 mm Less
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch 5.75 ft 1775.0 mm Less
Ground Clearance 1.42 ft 434.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe 11.5 ft 3522.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Hood 9.17 ft 2818.0 mm Less
Height - Top of ROPS 11.75 ft 3587.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry 2.5 ft 778.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 15.67 ft 4793.0 mm Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 13.58 ft 4140.0 mm Less
Maximum Width over Tires 9.83 ft 3009.0 mm Less
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. Less
Overall Length - Without Bucket 26.58 ft 8109.0 mm Less
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 degrees 49 degrees Less
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 71 degrees 71 degrees Less
Rack Back at Ground 39 degrees 39 degrees Less
Tread Width 7.25 ft 2230.0 mm Less
Wheel Base 11.58 ft 3550.0 mm Less

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight 8.17 ft 2500.0 mm Less
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch 5.75 ft 1775.0 mm Less
Ground Clearance 1.42 ft 434.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe 11.5 ft 3522.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Hood 9.17 ft 2818.0 mm Less
Height - Top of ROPS 11.75 ft 3587.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry 2.17 ft 680.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 14.58 ft 4458.0 mm Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 12.58 ft 3843.0 mm Less
Maximum Width over Tires 9.83 ft 3009.0 mm Less
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. Less
Overall Length - Without Bucket 25.5 ft 7774.0 mm Less
Rack Back - Carry Height 50 degrees 50 degrees Less
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 56 degrees 56 degrees Less
Rack Back at Ground 41 degrees 41 degrees Less
Tread Width 7.25 ft 2230.0 mm Less
Wheel Base 11.58 ft 3550.0 mm Less

Attachments

Find the right attachments to fit this machine.

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Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series
Flat Floor Bucket 4.0m³ (5.25yd³) Flat Floor Bucket 4.0m³ (5.25yd³) Flat Floor Bucket 4.2m³ (5.50yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.2m³ (5.50yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.2m³ (5.50yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.4m³ (5.75yd³) Flat Floor Bucket 4.4m³ (5.75yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.4m³ (5.75yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.7m³ (6.10yd³) Flat Floor Bucket 4.7m³ (6.10yd³) Flat Floor Bucket 4.8m³ (6.25yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 4.8m³ (6.25yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 5.0m³ (6.50yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 5.0m³ (6.50yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 5.2m³ (6.75yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 5.2m³ (6.75yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 5.2m³ (6.75yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 6.0m³ (7.85yd³)Performance Series Flat Floor Bucket 9.6m³ (12.50yd³)
General Purpose Buckets
General Purpose Bucket 4.2m³ (5.50yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.2m³ (5.50yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.0m³ (5.25yd³) General Purpose Bucket 4.4m³ (5.75yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.4m³ (5.75yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³) General Purpose Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.6m³ (6.00yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.8m³ (6.25yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.8m³ (6.25yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 4.8m³ (6.25yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.0m³ (6.50yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.0m³ (6.50yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.0m³ (6.50yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.1m³ (6.75yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.1m³ (6.75yd³)Performance Series General Purpose Bucket 5.5m³ (7.25yd³)Performance Series
Detect
Cat Detect with Vision for Construction
Link
Cat Product Link
Payload
Cat PAYLOAD for Medium Wheel Loaders

Reliability

        
  • Cat® C9.3 ACERT™ engine offers increased power density with a combination of proven electronic, fuel and air systems.
    •     
  • Utilizing rigorous component design and machine validation processes results in unmatched reliability, durability and high uptime.

Durability

        
  • Cat continuously variable transmission and axles handle extreme applications.
    •     
  • Full flow hydraulic filtration system with additional loop filtration improves hydraulic system robustness and component life.

Productivity

        
  • Advanced power train delivers superior performance and fuel efficiency while simplifying interface and operating technique.
    •     
  • Integrated continuously variable transmission with multi-viscosity oil provides maximum and continuous power at optimal speeds.
    •     
  • Power train control independent of engine speed with energy recovery improves efficiency and fuel economy.
    •     
  • Easy-to-load Performance Series Buckets feature a wider mouth and curved side plates that improve material retention (fill factor).
    •     
  • On-the-go disc-type front manual differential locks (front and rear fully automatic option) improve performance.
    •     
  • Optional Aggregate Handler configuration option offers slightly higher payload capability for loose aggregate rehandling.*
*Requires conformance to Caterpillar payload policy. Consult your dealer or Caterpillar representative for availability and details.

Fuel Efficiency

        
  • Up to 25% more fuel efficient than the M Series standard configuration and up to 35% more than the K Series standard configuration.**
    •     
  • Power dense ACERT engine burns less fuel by providing power and torque when needed.
    •     
  • Standard productive Economy Mode provides maximum fuel savings with minimal productivity impact.
**Actual results may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, machine configuration, operator technique, machine application, climate, etc.

Ease of Operation

        
  • Best-in-class operator environment provides unmatched comfort, visibility, and efficiency.
    •     
  • E-H joystick steering with force feedback for precision control and dramatically decreases operator arm fatigue.
    •     
  • Intuitive controls and touch screen multifunction display.
    •     
  • Ride control system with dual accumulators provides excellent ride quality and lowers cab vibrations.

Safety

        
  • Excellent cab access with wide door, remote door opening option and stair-like steps.
    •     
  • Floor to ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear vision camera provide industry leading all-around visibility.

Serviceability

        
  • One-piece tilting hood with side and rear doors; hydraulic and electrical service centers make access fast and easy.
    •     
  • Safe, ground level access to fuel fill and daily maintenance points.
    •     
  • Optional, fully integrated Cat Autolube system provides full lube system monitoring and diagnostic test visibility.

Cat Connect Technology

        
  • Monitor, manage and enhance job site operations.
    •     
  • Cat LINK Technologies: VisionLink® enables owners to access data wirelessly to monitor machine health, utilization and location.
    •     
  • Cat DETECT Technologies: Integrated rear vision camera enhances visibility behind machine to help operators work safely. Optional Cat Rear Object Detection increases operator awareness of the working environment.
    •     
  • Cat PAYLOAD Technologies: Optional Cat Production Measurement 2.0 brings simple and accurate on-the-go payload scale allowing operators to deliver exact loads and work more efficiently. Advanced Productivity subscription provides comprehensive actionable information to help you manage and improve the productivity and profitability of your operations.

972M XE Standard Equipment

POWER TRAIN
  • Engine, Cat 9.3 ACERT meets Stage IV emission standards
  • Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank and pump
  • Fuel priming pump (electric)
  • Fuel/water separator
  • Precleaner, engine air intake
  • Cat continuously variable transmission
  • Axles, manually actuated differential lock front axle, open differential rear axle
  • Axles, ecology drains
  • Brakes, full hydraulic enclosed wet-disc with modulated neutralizer and integrated retarding
  • Brake wear indicators
  • Parking brake, disc and caliper
  • Right pedal lock, maximum rimpull control and machine speed limit in the cab
  • Fan, radiator, on demand

HYDRAULICS
  • Hydraulic system, load sensing
  • Steering, load sensing
  • Ride control, 2V
  • Remote diagnostic pressure taps
  • Hoses, Cat XT�
  • Couplings, Cat O-ring face seal
  • Hydraulic oil cooler (swing out)
  • Oil sampling valves

ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING
  • Batteries (2), maintenance free 1,400 CCA
  • Ignition key; start/stop switch
  • Starter, electric, heavy duty
  • Starting and charging system (24V)
  • Lighting system: Four halogen work lights (cab mounted); Two halogen roading lights (with signals); Two halogen rear vision lights (hood mounted); Two rear LED position/stop/turn
  • Alarm, back up
  • Alternator, 145-amp brushed
  • Main disconnnect switch
  • Emergency engine shutdown switch
  • Receptable start (cables not included)
  • Secondary steering
  • Speed limiter, adjustable

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
  • Cab, pressurized and sound suppressed (ROPS/FOPS)
  • Viscous mounts
  • Multi-function 18 cm color touchscreen display for rear vision camera, clock and machine parameters
  • EH controls, SAL (single axis lever) lift and tilt function
  • Steering, EH joystick, speed sensing with force feedback
  • Radio ready (entertainment) includes antenna, speakrs and converter (12V, 10-amp)
  • Air conditioner, heater, and defroster (auto temp and fan)
  • EH parking brake
  • Beverage holders (2) with storage compartment for cell phone/MP3 player
  • Bucket/work tool function lockout
  • Coat hook (2)
  • Cab air filter
  • Ergonomic cab access ladders and handrails
  • Horn, electric
  • Light, two dome (cab)
  • Mirrors, rearview external with integrated spot mirrors
  • Post mounted membrane 16 switch keypad
  • 2 receptables, 12V
  • Seat, Cat Comfort (cloth) air suspension
  • Seat belt, 51 mm retractable, with indicator
  • Sun visor, front
  • Wet-arm wipers/washer front and rear, intermittent front wiper
  • Window, sliding (left and right sides)
  • Cab tie-off

COMPUTERIZED MONITORING SYSTEM
  • With following gauges: Speedometer/tachometer; Digital gear range indicator; Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) level; Temperature: engine coolant, hydraulic oil, transmission oil; Fuel level
  • With following warning indicators: Regeneration; Temperature: axle oil, engine intake manifold; Pressure: engine oil, fuel pressure hi/low, primary steering oil, service brake oil; Battery voltage hi/low; Engine air filter restriction; Hydraulic oil filter restriction; Hydraulic oil low; Parking brake; DEF low level; Transmission filter bypass

CAT CONNECT TECHNOLOGIES
  • Link technologies: Product Link
  • Detect technologies: rear vision camera

LINKAGE
  • Linkage, Z-bar, cast crosstube/tilt lever
  • Kickout, lift and tilt, automatic

FLUIDS
  • Premixed extended life coolant with freeze protection to -34� C

OTHER STANDARD EQUIPMENT
  • Hood, non-metallic power tilting
  • Service centers (electrical and hydraulic)
  • Platform, window washing
  • Auto idle shutdown
  • Fenders, steel front with mud-flap/rear with extension
  • Ecology drains for engine, transmission, and hydraulics
  • Ether aid ready
  • Grill, airborne debris
  • Filters: fuel, engine air, engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission
  • Fuel cooler
  • Grease zerks
  • Hitch, drawbar with pin
  • Precleaner rain cap
  • Sight gauges: engine coolant, hydraulic oil, and transmissin oil level
  • Toolbox
  • Vandlism protection caplocks

972M XE Optional Equipment

POWER TRAIN
  • Axles - Automatic front/rear differential locks; Axle oil cooler; Extreme temperature seals; Seal guards
  • Fan, VPF (variable pitch fan), automatic and manual control
  • Radiator, high debris with wider fin spacing

HYDRAULICS
  • 3rd function with Ride Control
  • 4th function with Ride Control

ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING
  • Four additional halogen cab mounted work lights or;
  • Two additional auxiliary front HI LED and two additional auxiliary rear LED cab mounted work lights, two LED work lights in the radiator grill, LED front turn signals, replacement of the standard four halogen cab mounted work lights with four LED work lights, LED roading lights
  • Speed limiter - 20 km/h
  • External seat belt indicator light
  • Reversing strobes

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
  • Door, remote opening system
  • Cover, HVAC metallic
  • EH controls, SAL 3rd function - Additional roller switch for 4th function
  • EH controls, joystick lift and tilt - Additional integrated roller switches for 3rd and 4th functions
  • Filter, carbon fresh air
  • Mirrors, heated rearview external with integrated spot mirrors
  • Precleaner, HVAC
  • Precleaner, HVAC (RESPA)
  • Radio, AM/FM/CD/USB/MP3 Bluetooth�
  • Seat, heated, air suspension
  • Seat belt, 4 point harness, with indicator
  • Seat, deluxe with leather inserts and headrest, heated and ventilated, air-suspended, adjustable lumbar support
  • Roof, metallic
  • Sun visor, rear
  • Windows, rubber mounted
  • Windows, with front guard
  • Windows, with heavy duty front guard
  • Windows, with full guards front, rear and sides
  • Cat seat cover, removable

CAT CONNECT TECHNOLOGIES
  • Link technologies: VIMS�
  • Payload technologies: Cat Production Measurement 2.0 (CPM); Printer, Cat Production Measurement; Aggregate Autodig
  • Advanced Productivity subscription
  • Detect technologies: Cat Rear Object Detection
  • Machine Security System

LINKAGE
  • High lift
  • Extended capacity
  • Quick coupler ready

FLUIDS
  • Premixed extended life coolant with freeze protection to -50� C
  • Bio-degradable oil, Cat HYDO�

STARTERS, BATTERIES, AND ALTERNATORS
  • Cold start - 240V

WORK TOOLS
  • Performance Series buckets
  • Fusion quick coupler
  • Forks, pallet
  • Forks, logging

OTHER OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • Cat Autolube System
  • Fenders, roading
  • Guard, power train
  • Guard, rear radiator grill
  • Oil change, high speed engine
  • Precleaner, turbine
  • Precleaner, trash
  • Wheel clocks

OTHER OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
  • Aggregate Handler
  • Industrial and Waste Handler
  • Steel Mill