Wheel Loaders

966L (2017)

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Overview

The new 966L 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. Meets China Nonroad Stage III emission standards and U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA equivalent emission standards.

Engine

Units:
Net Power - ISO 9249 281.0 HP 207.0 kW Less
Engine Model Cat C9.3 ACERT Cat C9.3 ACERT Less
Displacement 568.0 in³ 9.3 l Less
Maximum Gross Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 14396 - Metric 309.0 HP 227.0 kW Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249 - Metric 281.0 HP 207.0 kW Less
Maximum Net Torque - 1,000 rpm 1112.0 lb/ft 1507.0 N·m Less
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396 1166.0 lb/ft 1581.0 N·m Less

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System 18.9 gal (US) 71.6 l Less
Crankcase 6.5 gal (US) 24.5 l Less
Transmission 15.5 gal (US) 58.5 l Less
Hydraulic Tank 33.0 gal (US) 125.0 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 80.0 gal (US) 303.0 l Less

Sound

Note (1) *Distance of 15 m, moving forward in second gear ratio. *Distance of 15 m, moving forward in second gear ratio. Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)** 69.0 dB(A) 69.0 dB(A) Less
Note (2) **For machines in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? **For machines in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)** 108 LWA*** 108 LWA*** Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008) 72.0 dB(A) 72.0 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 Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008) 109.0 dB(A) 109.0 dB(A) Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Pressure Level (SAE J88:2013) 76 dB(A)* 76 dB(A)* Less

Weights

Operating Weight 51176.0 lb 23220.0 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, 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, Less

Buckets

Bucket Capacities 3.20-7.40 m? (4.19-9.68 yd3) 3.20-7.40 m? (4.19-9.68 yd3) Less

Transmission

Forward - 1 4.0 mile/h 6.5 km/h Less
Forward - 2 8.1 mile/h 13.1 km/h Less
Forward - 3 14.6 mile/h 23.5 km/h Less
Forward - 4 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h Less
Reverse - 1 4.4 mile/h 7.1 km/h Less
Reverse - 2 8.9 mile/h 14.4 km/h Less
Reverse - 3 16.1 mile/h 25.9 km/h Less
Reverse - 4 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h Less
Note Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm roll radius. Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm roll radius. Less

Operating Specifications

Breakout Force 38984.0 lbf 173.0 kN Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection 34873.0 lb 15822.0 kg Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - With Tire Deflection 32377.0 lb 14686.0 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

Hydraulic System

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 2,200 rpm 95.0 gal/min 360.0 l/min Less
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.1 s 10.1 s Less

Bucket Capacities

Bucket Range 3.20-7.40 m? (4.19-9.68 yd3) 3.20-7.40 m? (4.19-9.68 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 5.83 ft 1775.0 mm Less
Ground Clearance 1.42 ft 434.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe 11.58 ft 3522.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Hood 9.25 ft 2818.0 mm Less
Height - Top of ROPS 12.66 ft 3859.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry 2.58 ft 778.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 15.75 ft 4793.0 mm Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 13.5 ft 4140.0 mm Less
Maximum Width over Tires 9.92 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 26.61 ft 8111.0 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 7.33 ft 2230.0 mm Less
Wheel Base 11.67 ft 3550.0 mm Less

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight 7.39 ft 2251.0 mm Less
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch 5.83 ft 1775.0 mm Less
Ground Clearance 1.42 ft 434.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe 11.58 ft 3522.0 mm Less
Height - Top of Hood 9.25 ft 2818.0 mm Less
Height - Top of ROPS 12.66 ft 3859.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry 2.08 ft 630.0 mm Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 13.92 ft 4235.0 mm Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 11.92 ft 3643.0 mm Less
Maximum Width over Tires 9.92 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 24.15 ft 7362.0 mm Less
Rack Back - Carry Height 50 degrees 50 degrees Less
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 62 degrees 62 degrees Less
Rack Back at Ground 42 degrees 42 degrees Less
Tread Width 7.33 ft 2230.0 mm Less
Wheel Base 11.67 ft 3550.0 mm Less

Reliability

  • Cat® C9.3 ACERT™ engine offers increased power density.
  • Utilizing rigorous component design and machine validation processes results in unmatched reliability, durability and high uptime.

Durability

  • Heavy-duty powershift transmission and axles handle extreme applications.
  • Improved hydraulic hose routing reduces potential hose wear.
  • Full flow hydraulic filtration system with additional loop filtration improves hydraulic system robustness and component life.

Productivity

  • Engine power increased by approximately 10% improves machine performance and response (compared to H Series).
  • Lock-up clutch torque converter, combined with lock-to-lock shifting, delivers smooth shifts, fast acceleration and speed on grade.
  • High capacity torque converter results in greater digging efficiency.
  • Z-bar linkage provides high breakout force at ground level.
  • Optional high lift linkage offers increased hinge pin height to load more easily in a variety of applications.
  • Easy-to-load Performance Series Buckets feature a wider mouth and curved side plates that improve material retention (fill factor) and decrease cycle times.
  • Optional fully automatic traction control system (differential locks) improves performance in the pile and poor underfoot conditions.
  • Optional Aggregate Handler configuration offers slightly higher payload capability for loose aggregate rehandling.*
*Optional configurations and equipment may vary from region to region and requires conformance to Caterpillar payload policy. Consult your dealer or Caterpillar representative for details.

Fuel Efficiency

  • Up to 15% lower fuel consumption than H Series.**
  • Power dense ACERT engine burns less fuel by providing power and torque when needed.
  • Performance Series Buckets feature a longer floor that easily digs through the pile resulting in lower fuel consumption.
  • Load sensing hydraulics result in proportional flow for implement and steering on demand.
  • 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

  • New best-in-class operator environment provides unmatched comfort, visibility, and efficiency.
  • Intuitive, ergonomic controls keep operators focused on their work.
  • Optional new ride control system with dual accumulators provides excellent ride quality and lowers cab vibrations.

Safety

  • Excellent cab access with wide door and stair-like steps.
  • Floor to ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear vision camera provide industry leading all-around visibility.
  • Robust, repositioned grab bars provide safe access to the machine.

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 means less servicing time is required.
  • 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 which enhances site safety.
  • 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.