Press Release
For North America Release: March 2011
Release Number: 15PR11
New Cat® 966K and 972K Wheel Loaders Improve
Productivity and Fuel Efficiency, Reduce Emissions
Caterpillar introduces the 966K and 972K Wheel Loaders, featuring new designs and engines
certified to meet Tier 4 Interim emissions standards in the United States and Stage IIIB
regulations in the European Union. The new loaders, which offer high productivity and excellent
fuel efficiency, have a new operator station, new electro-hydraulic steering with either joystick
or steering wheel control, Performance Series Buckets and a more efficient drive train.
A new Cat C9.3 ACERT™ engine powers both machines. At 1800 rpm, it delivers peak net
power of 267 horsepower (199 kilowatts) on the 966K and 288 horsepower (215 kilowatts) on
the 972K. Designed to accommodate buckets ranging in size from 3.25 to 13.00 cubic yards
(2.50 to 9.90 cubic meters), the loaders work productively and economically in high-hour, highvolume applications. Both machines can be equipped with a Cat Fusion™ coupler and a variety
of work tools, making them ideal for construction, aggregates, forestry, industrial and other
material-handling applications.
New operator station
Operators will work comfortably and productively in the 966K and 972K. New steps that have a
greater inclination angle than the H Series provide easy access to the cab. The new design makes
getting into the cab feel more like walking up a staircase than climbing a ladder. A wider door
opening, well-placed grab bars and a new front-hinged door that can be opened and closed while
seated allow for easy entry and exit. Left- and right-hand sliding windows can be opened and
closed with one hand while seated, making it easier to communicate with people on the ground.
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A streamlined four-post ROPS design and a new operator position that has been moved slightly
forward provide enhanced visibility to the front and sides, while a standard rear-view camera
with large color monitor enhances visibility to the back of the machines.
The two models come standard with a new low-effort electro-hydraulic joystick steering system.
Joystick steering permits operators to work in the most ergonomically neutral position with both
arms resting comfortably on wide, well-padded, adjustable armrests. A high-backed seat with
lumbar support further enhances ergonomics. The Cat joystick steering system has an exclusive
force-feedback feature that automatically increases joystick effort as ground speed increases.
This improves steering control and comfort, especially at higher speeds. The joystick moves side
to side; its angle mirrors the machine’s articulation angle.
An optional electro-hydraulic steering wheel system will be available from the factory several
months after the wheel loaders go into production. It too senses ground speed and automatically
adjusts steering effort to improve controllability and comfort at higher speeds. Full machine
articulation can be accomplished by rotating the wheel approximately 330˚. This compares to
conventional steering wheels which can require two-and-one-half to five or more full turns to
achieve full articulation. Retrofit kits will be available for the joystick and steering wheel
systems, so dealers and equipment owners can change systems as required.
The operator station also features new viscous cab mounts that reduce noise and vibration; an
automatic climate control that adjusts temperature and fan speed to the operator’s preferred
setting; and a new center display panel with five analog-like gauges and a large text box that
displays in-language messages. A unique “help” button explains switch functions in-language.
Two new membrane switch panels are located on the front right ROPS post. The large switches
can be easily activated when wearing gloves. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and an audible
“click” let the operator know when the switches have been activated. The loaders also feature a
new electro-hydraulically activated parking brake. Optional heated and powered mirrors improve
operator comfort and clear condensation and ice. AM/FM radios with CD players are available
along with a standard MP3 jack and three 12-volt power outlets. An optional communication
radio package provides a mounting bracket, antennae and DC/DC converter.
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Performance Series Buckets
Cat Performance Series Buckets come standard on the 966K and 972K. Developed especially for
production loading, these buckets deliver faster fill times and better material retention, reducing
cycle time and improving productivity and fuel efficiency.
Versatile Work Tools
Many other work tools including specialty buckets, pallet forks, mill yard and logging forks,
rakes, material handling arms and plows are also available to expand the application range for
the 966K and 972K.
To further enhance versatility, both machines can be equipped with the Cat Fusion coupler, a
common interface for Cat small and medium wheel loaders. The Fusion coupler not only allows
one machine to use a wide range of work tools, but also permits one work tool to be used by
machines of different sizes.
Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engine
The new Cat C9.3 ACERT engine was designed to optimize power density. It uses a combination
of technologies to reduce regulated emissions while ensuring high performance and excellent
fuel efficiency. An upgraded ADEM™ 4 electronic control module manages the combustion
process and a new high-pressure common rail fuel system allows precise injection timing for a
clean, efficient fuel burn. The rugged Cat Clean Emissions Module is securely mounted on its
own platform above the engine and contains a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter
and Cat Regeneration System. Regeneration, the process by which soot is removed from the
Diesel Particulate Filter, can be set to take place automatically so that it does not interrupt the
machine work cycle, and it can be initiated manually by the operator when preferred.
High efficiency drive train
Drive train components on both machines have been designed as a system and integrated to
optimize productivity and fuel efficiency. The 972K has a new torque converter that increases
rimpull by 10 percent in all gears to boost performance, especially on grades. Both loaders have
new transmission shift logic for downshifting into first gear. The new logic causes the downshift
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to occur based on the machine’s torque requirements instead of ground speed. This enables
operators to use the automatic transmission mode in first through fourth gears. This simplifies
operation, reduces dig times and improves fuel efficiency. Transmission speed shifts are also
significantly smoother on both loaders due to this new shifting strategy that reduces torque losses
while shifting. The result is faster acceleration, better ramp climbing performance and improved
shift quality.
Fast service, more uptime
Cat K Series Wheel Loaders retain the convenient, one-piece tilting hood introduced with the G
Series. However, the rear portion of the hood now incorporates a clamshell design that allows
quick access to the engine oil dipstick, oil fill, fuel fill and cooler cores for cleaning. New foldback external mirrors allow easier access to a convenient step near the top of the loader tower
and a redesigned window-cleaning platform that improves visibility to work tools. The full
coverage grab bar around the roof cap provides a secure hand-hold when cleaning windows,
replacing wiper blades or inspecting lights. Two ground-level service centers for hydraulic and
electrical components permit faster, more convenient maintenance.
Contact a Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com for more information about the 966K and 972K
Wheel Loaders.
Basic Specifications
Engine model
Cat 9.3 ACERT
Peak net power @ 1800 rpm
966K
972K
267 hp (199 kW)
288 hp (215 kW)
Bucket capacities
966K
3.25 to 12.00 yd3
(2.50 to 9.20 m3)
3.75 to 13.00 yd3
(2.90 to 9.90 m3)
972K
###
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CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade
dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and
may not be used without permission.
Image Downloads
Click On Links Below for High Res
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High Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?i
mageId=C642966&imageType=3
966K
Low Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?i
mageId=C642966&imageType=2
High Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?i
mageId=C645018&imageType=3
966K
Low Res:
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mageId=C645018&imageType=2
High Res:
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geId=C648941&imageType=3
972K
Low Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?ima
geId=C648941&imageType=2
High Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?i
mageId=C644262&imageType=3
972K
Low Res:
http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?i
mageId=C644262&imageType=2
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Press Inquiries
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Sharon Holling
Tel: 309-675-8995
Fax: 309-636-2738
Holling_Sharon_L@cat.com
Europe, Africa, Middle East:
Mia Karlsson
Tel: +41-22-849-4662
Fax: +41-22-849-9993
Karlsson_Mia@cat.com
Reader Requests
www.cat.com/requestCatinfo
Amber Santor
Tel: 309-675-4693
Fax: 309-636-2738
Santor_Amber_M@cat.com