The Cat® 966 Wheel Loader is engineered for relentless productivity in the harshest environments—from rugged quarries to demanding construction and mining sites. Its smart systems and durable build keep you moving with fewer interruptions, while operator-focused features enhance safety and control. When the job gets tough, the 966 is tougher—ready to power through every load, every shift.
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
* * 966 (14C) compared to 966 (14B)
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.
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.
| Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 | 321 hp |
|---|---|
| Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 | 325 hp (metric) |
| Engine Model | Cat® C9.3B |
| Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 | 325 hp |
| Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 | 329 hp (metric) |
| Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 | 302 hp |
| Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 | 302 hp (metric) |
| Engine Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 14396:2002 | 1313 lbf·ft |
| Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm SAE J1995:2014 | 1327 lbf·ft |
| Net Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 | 1255 lbf·ft |
| Displacement | 567.5 inÂł |
| Emissions | 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 B20Âą |
| Note (2) | ÂąCat 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). |
| Gross Torque @ 1,200 rpm – SAE J1995:2014 | 1327 lb/ft |
| Engine Torque @ 1,200 rpm – ISO 14396:2002 | 1313 lb/ft |
| 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. |
| Displacement | 9.3 L |
| Operating Weight | 51124 lb |
|---|---|
| Note | Weight based on a machine configuration with Z-bar linkage, 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 4.2 m³ (5.5 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE. |
| Forward - 1 | 4.2 mile/h |
|---|---|
| Forward - 2 | 8.4 mile/h |
| Forward - 3 | 15 mile/h |
| Forward - 4 | 24.5 mile/h |
| Reverse - 1 | 4.5 mile/h |
| Reverse - 2 | 9.2 mile/h |
| Reverse - 3 | 16.5 mile/h |
| Reverse - 4 | 24.5 mile/h |
| Note | 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) |
|---|---|
| Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008 | 109 dB(A) |
| Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 Âą | 69 dB(A) |
| Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008² | 108 dB(A) |
| Note (1) | ÂąIncluding 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. |
| With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Note | 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). |
|---|
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn | 32727 lb |
|---|---|
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection | 35224 lb |
| Breakout Force | 38999 lbf |
| Note | For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.” |
| Note (1) | 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) |
|---|---|
| DEF Tank | 6.9 gal (US) |
| Cooling System | 17.4 gal (US) |
| Crankcase | 6.1 gal (US) |
| Transmission | 15.5 gal (US) |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 15.1 gal (US) |
| Hydraulic Tank | 30.1 gal (US) |
| Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,275 rpm | 99 gpm |
|---|---|
| Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure | 4496 psi |
| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total | 10.1 s |
| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total | 10.1 seconds |
| Height - Top of Hood | 9.42 ft |
|---|---|
| Height - Top of ROPS | 11.83 ft |
| Ground Clearance | 1.33 ft |
| Wheel Base | 11.67 ft |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 24.33 ft |
| Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height | 2 ft |
| Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift | 13.92 ft |
| Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift | 12.08 ft |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 62 ° |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 50 ° |
| Width over Tires (Loaded) | 9.92 ft |
| Tread Width | 7.25 ft |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.2 mÂł (5.5 ydÂł) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires. |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 62 degrees |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 50 degrees |
| Rack Back at Ground | 39 degrees |
| Height - Top of Hood | 9.42 ft |
|---|---|
| Height - Top of ROPS | 11.83 ft |
| Ground Clearance | 1.33 ft |
| Wheel Base | 11.67 ft |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 26.5 ft |
| Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height | 2.5 ft |
| Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift | 15.75 ft |
| Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift | 13.67 ft |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 71 ° |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 49 ° |
| Width over Tires (Loaded) | 9.92 ft |
| Tread Width | 7.25 ft |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.2 mÂł (5.5 ydÂł) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires. |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 71 degrees |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 49 degrees |
| Rack Back at Ground | 37 degrees |
