The durable Cat® 966L wheel loader is equipped with proven technologies that meet demanding expectations for reliability, productivity and fuel efficiency. Offering more power and a new shifting strategy, it delivers greater productivity, smoother shifts, faster acceleration and higher travel speeds when climbing a grade.
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.
New best-in-class operator environment provides unmatched comfort, visibility, and efficiency. Controls are easy to use, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Engine burns less fuel by providing power and torque when needed. Load sensing hydraulics result in proportional flow for implement and steering on demand. Machine equipped with easy to load buckets.
| Net Power - ISO 9249 | 281 HP 207 kW |
| Emissions | Tier 3/Stage IIIA Tier 3/Stage IIIA |
| Maximum Gross Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 14396 - Metric | 309 HP 227 kW |
| Engine Model | Cat C9.3 Cat C9.3 |
| Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249 - Metric | 281 HP 207 kW |
| Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396 | 1166 lb/ft 1581 N·m |
| Maximum Net Torque - 1,000 rpm | 1112 lb/ft 1507 N·m |
| Displacement | 568 in³ 9.3 l |
| Operating Weight | 51176 lb 23220 kg |
| 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 4.2 m3 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 4.2 m3 general purpose bucket with BOCE. |
| Bucket Capacities | 3.20-7.40 m³ (4.19-9.68 yd³) 3.20-7.40 m³ (4.19-9.68 yd³) |
| Cooling System | 18.9 gal (US) 71.6 l |
| Crankcase | 6.5 gal (US) 24.5 l |
| Transmission | 15.5 gal (US) 58.5 l |
| Hydraulic Tank | 33 gal (US) 125 l |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 15.1 gal (US) 57 l |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 15.1 gal (US) 57 l |
| Fuel Tank | 80 gal (US) 303 l |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)** | 69 dB(A) 69 dB(A) |
| Note (1) | *Distance of 15 m, moving forward in second gear ratio. *Distance of 15 m, moving forward in second gear ratio. |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)** | 108 LWA*** 108 LWA*** |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008) | 72 dB(A) 72 dB(A) |
| Note (2) | **For machines in countries that adopt the EU Directives. **For machines in countries that adopt the EU Directives. |
| 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. |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008) | 109 dB(A) 109 dB(A) |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Pressure Level (SAE J88:2013) | 76 dB(A)* 76 dB(A)* |
| Forward - 1 | 4 mile/h 6.5 km/h |
| Forward - 2 | 8.1 mile/h 13.1 km/h |
| Forward - 3 | 14.6 mile/h 23.5 km/h |
| Forward - 4 | 24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h |
| Reverse - 1 | 4.4 mile/h 7.1 km/h |
| Reverse - 2 | 8.9 mile/h 14.4 km/h |
| Reverse - 3 | 16.1 mile/h 25.9 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 826 mm roll radius. Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm roll radius. |
| Breakout Force | 38984 lbf 173 kN |
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - With Tire Deflection | 32377 lb 14686 kg |
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection | 34873 lb 15822 kg |
| 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. |
| Note (1) | For a machine configuration as defined under "Weight." For a machine configuration as defined under "Weight." |
| Implement Pump Type | Variable Displacement Piston Variable Displacement Piston |
| Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure | 4496 psi 31000 kPa |
| Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,200 rpm | 95 gal/min 360 l/min |
| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total | 10.1 s 10.1 s |
| Hinge Pin Height at Carry | 2.58 ft 778 mm |
| Tread Width | 7.33 ft 2230 mm |
| Rack Back at Ground | 39 degrees 39 degrees |
| Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch | 5.83 ft 1775 mm |
| Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift | 13.5 ft 4140 mm |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 49 degrees 49 degrees |
| Height - Top of Hood | 9.25 ft 2818 mm |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 26.61 ft 8111 mm |
| Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift | 15.75 ft 4793 mm |
| Wheel Base | 11.67 ft 3550 mm |
| Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight | 8.17 ft 2500 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 1.42 ft 434 mm |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 71 degrees 71 degrees |
| Maximum Width over Tires | 9.92 ft 3009 mm |
| Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe | 11.58 ft 3522 mm |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. |
| Height - Top of ROPS | 12.66 ft 3859 mm |
| Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch | 5.83 ft 1775 mm |
| Height - Top of ROPS | 12.66 ft 3859 mm |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 24.15 ft 7362 mm |
| Height - Top of Hood | 9.25 ft 2818 mm |
| Maximum Width over Tires | 9.92 ft 3009 mm |
| Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight | 7.39 ft 2251 mm |
| Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift | 13.92 ft 4235 mm |
| Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift | 11.92 ft 3643 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 1.42 ft 434 mm |
| Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe | 11.58 ft 3522 mm |
| Hinge Pin Height at Carry | 2.08 ft 630 mm |
| Wheel Base | 11.67 ft 3550 mm |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 62 degrees 62 degrees |
| Tread Width | 7.33 ft 2230 mm |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 50 degrees 50 degrees |
| Rack Back at Ground | 42 degrees 42 degrees |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. |
| Emissions | Tier 3/Stage IIIA Tier 3/Stage IIIA |
| Bucket Range | 3.20-7.40 m³ (4.19-9.68 yd³) 3.20-7.40 m³ (4.19-9.68 yd³) |
Use the comparison tool to compare detailed specs of Cat and competitor models.
Full specifications, product brochures and more. Sign up below for additional information. Or for instant access, you can skip this form.
Leverage Caterpillar connected data and security principles to improve efficiencies, increase productivity and make your business more profitable.
Rear Object Detection for wheel loaders is a two-part system providing enhanced blind spot awareness. Radar provides visual and audible alerts when objects enter a safety proximity zone, while a camera allows the operator to see what's behind the machine when reversing.
Rear Object Detection for wheel loaders is a two-part system providing enhanced blind spot awareness. Radar provides visual and audible alerts when objects enter a safety proximity zone, while a camera allows the operator to see what's behind the machine when reversing.
Efficient equipment management starts with the Cat App. Track the location and health of your equipment, order service and parts, and activate telematics devices directly from your mobile device. Staying on top of your fleet 24/7 has never been easier.
Cat® Inspect allows you to access your equipment data on your mobile device. This easy-to-use app lets you capture inspection data and integrates with your other Cat data systems, so you can keep a close eye on your fleet. More than one million inspections are completed each year, providing convenience and accountability to equipment owners.
Cat® Productivity is a cloud-based application that is scalable to any size operation. Detailed Cat Production Measurement data, machine data and jobsite data are transmitted from the onboard Cat Product Link™ device directly to the web platform, for you to access wherever you are, via your mobile, tablet or desktop device.
Cat® Product Link™ wirelessly connects you to your equipment giving you valuable insight into how your machine or fleet is performing. Information such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, and diagnostic codes are made available through online web applications so that you can make timely, fact-based decisions to maximize efficiency, improve productivity, and lower the cost of owning and operating your fleet. Available with satellite or cellular connectivity.
Remote Flash sends an alert from your Cat dealer, prompting you to update the software on your machine. To minimize downtime, updates can be deployed while on the jobsite without having to wait for a dealer technician to arrive. Remote flash decreases maintenance time and keeps your asset running with maximum efficiency.
View fleet information online with VisionLink and use it to make informed decisions that boost productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve safety on your jobsite. With different subscription level options, your Cat dealer can help configure exactly what you need to optimize your fleet and drive additional profit.
Import telematics data into your own applications for improved fleet management. Our API meets AEMP 2.0 and ISO 15143-3 standards, ideal for mixed fleets.
My.Cat.Com is the web-based hub for digital equipment management, giving you an easy way to take in complex information. Monitor cost, utilization, reliability, age information and other critical data needed to run a business more efficiently and effectively. Access your equipment information and connect with your Cat dealer – all in one place.
Efficient equipment management starts with the Cat App. Track the location and health of your equipment, order service and parts, and activate telematics devices directly from your mobile device. Staying on top of your fleet 24/7 has never been easier.
Cat® Inspect allows you to access your equipment data on your mobile device. This easy-to-use app lets you capture inspection data and integrates with your other Cat data systems, so you can keep a close eye on your fleet. More than one million inspections are completed each year, providing convenience and accountability to equipment owners.
Cat® Productivity is a cloud-based application that is scalable to any size operation. Detailed Cat Production Measurement data, machine data and jobsite data are transmitted from the onboard Cat Product Link™ device directly to the web platform, for you to access wherever you are, via your mobile, tablet or desktop device.
Cat® Product Link™ wirelessly connects you to your equipment giving you valuable insight into how your machine or fleet is performing. Information such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, and diagnostic codes are made available through online web applications so that you can make timely, fact-based decisions to maximize efficiency, improve productivity, and lower the cost of owning and operating your fleet. Available with satellite or cellular connectivity.
Remote Flash sends an alert from your Cat dealer, prompting you to update the software on your machine. To minimize downtime, updates can be deployed while on the jobsite without having to wait for a dealer technician to arrive. Remote flash decreases maintenance time and keeps your asset running with maximum efficiency.
View fleet information online with VisionLink and use it to make informed decisions that boost productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve safety on your jobsite. With different subscription level options, your Cat dealer can help configure exactly what you need to optimize your fleet and drive additional profit.
Import telematics data into your own applications for improved fleet management. Our API meets AEMP 2.0 and ISO 15143-3 standards, ideal for mixed fleets.
My.Cat.Com is the web-based hub for digital equipment management, giving you an easy way to take in complex information. Monitor cost, utilization, reliability, age information and other critical data needed to run a business more efficiently and effectively. Access your equipment information and connect with your Cat dealer – all in one place.
Cat Payload for Wheel Loaders is an onboard system that provides on-the-go weighing to assist operators with hitting precise load targets. Track daily productivity from the cab with quick access to truck target weights, loads and cycle counts, material movement, and daily totals.
Cat Payload for Wheel Loaders is an onboard system that provides on-the-go weighing to assist operators with hitting precise load targets. Track daily productivity from the cab with quick access to truck target weights, loads and cycle counts, material movement, and daily totals.
