Efficiency That Works As Hard As You Do

Medium Wheel Loaders 972

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Key Specs

Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002
339 hp
253 kW
Operating Weight
54858 lb
24890 kg
Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002
344 hp (metric)
344 hp (metric)

Overview

Efficiency That Works As Hard As You Do

The Cat® 972 Wheel Loader is built for relentless output and smooth control, no matter the terrain. Its advanced systems help operators stay sharp and productive, while extended maintenance intervals keep downtime off the schedule. From heavy-duty cleanup to material handling, this machine delivers the muscle, smarts, and staying power to keep your operation moving forward.

Benefits

Excellent Productivity

Enhanced performance starts with auto diff lock* and smooth neutralizer engagement. On-board QR code** gives instant access to training videos and feature guides, while in-cab monitor alerts help keep maintenance on track.  Versatile configurations, including remote control, for any task.

* Where applicable
** 972 (14C) compared to 972 (14B)

Efficient Operation

Upgraded Remote Services keep the machine up-to-date and reduce troubleshooting time.  Tire monitoring ensures smooth, cost-effective operation.  Updated Cat Advanced Payload improves jobsite efficiency. 

Enhanced Safety

Cat Detect vision systems enhance visibility and risk management and support integration with people and object detection.  Enables in-cab and bystander collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.  With a VisionLink™ subscription, safety events report directly to the back office.  Cat Command remote control lets operators work safely from a distance.

Product Specifications for 972

Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 339 hp 253 kW
Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 344 hp (metric) 344 hp (metric)
Engine Model Cat® C9.3B Cat® C9.3B
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 343 hp 256 kW
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 348 hp (metric) 348 hp (metric)
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 316 hp 236 kW
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 321 hp (metric) 321 hp (metric)
Engine Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 14396:2002 1375 lbf·ft 1864 N·m
Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm SAE J1995:2014 1388 kW 1882 N·m
Net Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 1316 lbf·ft 1785 N·m
Displacement 567.5 in³ 9.3 l
Emissions Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Stage V, China Nonroad Stage IV and Japan 2014 emission standards. 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 Up to B20¹
Note (1) The net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan, alternator, air cleaner, and aftertreatment. The net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan, alternator, air cleaner, and aftertreatment.
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). 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).
Engine Torque @ 1,200 rpm – ISO 14396:2002 1375 lb/ft 1864 N·m
Gross Torque @ 1,200 rpm – SAE J1995:2014 1388 lb/ft 1882 N·m
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. 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.
Displacement 9.3 L 9.3 L
Operating Weight 54858 lb 24890 kg
Note Weight based on a machine configuration with 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 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE. Weight based on a machine configuration with 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 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE.
Forward - 1 4.1 mile/h 6.7 km/h
Forward - 2 8.4 mile/h 13.4 km/h
Forward - 3 15 mile/h 24.1 km/h
Forward - 4 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h
Reverse - 1 4.5 mile/h 7.3 km/h
Reverse - 2 9.2 mile/h 14.8 km/h
Reverse - 3 16.5 mile/h 26.6 km/h
Reverse - 4 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h
Note Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 849 mm (33 in) roll radius. Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 849 mm (33 in) roll radius.
Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 70 dB(A) 70 dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008 109 dB(A) 109 dB(A)
Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 ¹ 69 dB(A) 69 dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008² 108 dB(A) 108 dB(A)
Note (1) ¹Including countries that adopt the EU and UK Directives. 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. ²Exterior Sound Power Level - European Union Directive 2000/14/EC and UK Noise Regulation 2001 No. 1701.
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Note 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.
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). 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).
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn 35919 lb 16297 kg
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection 38582 lb 17505 kg
Breakout Force 44072 lbf 196 kN
Note (1) For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.” For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.”
Note (2) Full compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing. Full compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.
Fuel Tank 80.1 gal (US) 303 l
DEF Tank 6.9 gal (US) 26 l
Cooling System 17.4 gal (US) 66 l
Crankcase 6.1 gal (US) 23 l
Transmission 15.5 gal (US) 58.5 l
Differential - Final Drives - Front 15.1 gal (US) 57 l
Differential - Final Drives - Rear 15.1 gal (US) 57 l
Hydraulic Tank 30.1 gal (US) 114 l
Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,275 rpm 99 gpm 373 L/min
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure 4496 psi 31000 kPa
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.7 s 10.7 s
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.7 seconds 10.7 seconds
Height - Top of Hood 9.33 ft 2846 mm
Height - Top of ROPS 11.83 ft 3589 mm
Ground Clearance 1.33 ft 420 mm
Wheel Base 11.67 ft 3550 mm
Overall Length - Without Bucket 25.42 ft 7731 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height 2.27 ft 682 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 14.58 ft 4464 mm
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 12.58 ft 3842 mm
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 56 ° 56 °
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 ° 49 °
Width over Tires (Loaded) 9.92 ft 3011 mm
Tread Width 7.25 ft 2230 mm
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 degrees 49 degrees
Rack Back at Ground 39 degrees 39 degrees
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 56 degrees 56 degrees
Height - Top of Hood 9.33 ft 2846 mm
Height - Top of ROPS 11.83 ft 3589 mm
Ground Clearance 1.33 ft 420 mm
Wheel Base 11.67 ft 3550 mm
Overall Length - Without Bucket 26.5 ft 8069 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height 2.5 ft 780 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 15.67 ft 4800 mm
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 13.67 ft 4179 mm
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 71 ° 71 °
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 ° 49 °
Width over Tires (Loaded) 9.92 ft 3011 mm
Tread Width 7.25 ft 2230 mm
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.
Rack Back at Ground 37 degrees 37 degrees
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 degrees 49 degrees
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 71 degrees 71 degrees

972 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 (Not available in all languages)
  • 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
  • Visibility: mirrors, rear-vision camera
  • Window cleaning platform, front

972 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
  • Steel mill

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