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Caterpillar
972 Wheel Loader
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
The Cat® 972 Wheel Loader brings premium performance with simple-to-use technologies, helping to boost operator efficiencies and deliver consistent high bucket fill factors, resulting in highly efficient productivity. Long service intervals help to reduce your downtime. This machine is designed to meet emission standards without interrupting operation, delivering great performance, reliability, durability, and versatility, resulting in a machine that is built to meet your needs.
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Purpose-Built Specialty Configurations
Details
Specifications
Engine
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 | 321 hp 239 kW |
| Net Power – 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 | 326 hp (metric) 326 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 engines are compatible with diesel fuel blended with 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. *For use of blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer. **Tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from lower-carbon intensity fuels are essentially the same as traditional fuels. ¹Cat engines are compatible with diesel fuel blended with 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. *For use of blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer. **Tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from lower-carbon intensity fuels are essentially the same as traditional fuels. |
| Engine Torque @ 1,200 rpm – ISO 14396:2002 | 1375 lb/ft 1864 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. |
| Gross Torque @ 1,200 rpm – SAE J1995:2014 | 1388 lb/ft 1882 N·m |
| Displacement | 9.3 L 9.3 L |
Weights
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Transmission
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Sound
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 System
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent 2.288 metric tonnes (2.522 tons). The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent 2.288 metric tonnes (2.522 tons). |
Operating Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Service Refill Capacities
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Hydraulic System
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Implement System – Maximum Pump Output at 2,275 rpm | 99 gal/min 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 |
Dimensions - Standard Lift
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 – Maximum Lift | 56 degrees 56 degrees |
| Rack Back at Ground | 39 degrees 39 degrees |
| Rack Back – Carry Height | 49 degrees 49 degrees |
Dimensions - High Lift
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 – Maximum Lift | 71 degrees 71 degrees |
| Rack Back at Ground | 37 degrees 37 degrees |
| Rack Back – Carry Height | 49 degrees 49 degrees |
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 belt, monitored
- Seat, cloth, air suspension
- Touchscreen display
- Keypad, programmable buttons
- Air conditioner, heater, defroster (auto temp, fan)
- Sun visor, front, retractable
- Sun visor, rear, retractable
- Window, front, laminated
ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGIES
- Cat Payload scale
- Autodig with Auto Set Tires
- Operator ID & machine security
- Application Profiles
- Job Aids
- Controls Help and eOMM (not available in all languages)
- Key Features Inform
- Bucket Carry Display Widget
- Remote Flash
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
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
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
MONITORING SYSTEM
- Front dash with analog gauges, LCD display, and warning lights
- Primary touchscreen monitor (Cat Payload, quad screens, machine settings & messages)
- Maintenance reminders
LINKAGE
- Standard lift, Z-bar
- Kickouts: lift and tilt
SAFETY
- Visibility: mirrors, rear-vision camera
- Window cleaning platform, front
- Visibility: mirrors, rear-vision camera
- Window cleaning platform, front
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
ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGIES
- Cat Advanced Payload
- Cat Payload Printer with E-ticket
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
HYDRAULICS
- 3rd and 4th auxiliary functions with ride control
- Quick coupler control
ELECTRICAL
- Cold start, 120V or 240V
- Lights: roading with turn signals
MONITORING SYSTEM
- Tire pressure monitor
LINKAGE
- High lift, Z-bar
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Cat Autolube system
- Fenders, extensions or roading
- Guards: power train, crankcase, cab, cylinders, rear
- Biodegradable hydraulic oil
- High-speed oil change system
- Rear cab access
- Toolbox
SAFETY
- Cat Detect rear radar system
- Dedicated rearview screen
- Multiview (360°) vision system
- 4-point seat belt retractor
- Reversing strobe lights (not compatible with roading arrangements)
- Seat belt monitoring beacon
- Secondary steering system, electrical (Standard where mandated)
- Wheel chocks
- Warning beacon
SPECIAL CONFIGURATIONS
- Aggregate handler
- Waste and industrial
- Steel Mill
- Corrosion resistant