966 Wheel Loader

More Productivity in Every Pass

The Cat® 966 is a versatile wheel loader with an operating weight of 51,124 lb (23 196 kg). Designed for quarry, aggregate, construction and material handling applications, it delivers the productivity and efficiency needed to lower cost per ton.

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.

Highlights
Features & Specs
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Equipment Highlights

Latest Features
        
  • Cat Detect vision systems help improve visibility, increase operator awareness and support safer operation.
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  • Rear and surround vision systems provide enhanced visibility around the machine, including the articulation area.
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  • Collision mitigation technologies help detect people and objects, provide collision alerts and support automatic braking.
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  • Collision Warning helps operators identify potential hazards behind the machine before they become incidents.
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  • People Detection highlights individuals behind the machine to improve awareness and support safer operation.
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  • Motion Inhibit helps prevent unintended machine movement when a rear collision risk is detected.
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  • Automatic Emergency Braking helps stop the machine when a potential collision is detected and operator action is not taken.
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  • VisionLink™ provides visibility into safety events and trends to support proactive fleet management.
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  • Cat Advanced Payload helps improve loading accuracy, productivity and material management.
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  • Single Life Cutting Edge GET helps reduce maintenance, minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
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  • Auto Set Tires simplifies tire management and helps optimize machine performance and tire life.
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  • Onboard QR code access puts operator training and machine information at your fingertips.
Comfort That Keeps You Productive
        
  • Adjustable seating and spacious cab design support operator comfort.
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  • Left footrest improves stability on rough ground.
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  • Automatic climate control helps maintain a comfortable cab temperature.
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  • Intuitive touchscreen display simplifies machine operation.
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  • Onboard QR code provide immediate access to operator training and machine information.
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  • Noise and vibration reduction help minimize operator fatigue.
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  • Electro-hydraulic steering delivers precise control and improved comfort.
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  • Ride Control enhances ride quality and machine stability on rough terrain.
Performance You Can Count On
        
  • Load consistently with Autodig and Auto Set Tires.
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  • Reduce wear and simplify setup with Auto Set Tires.
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  • Lower maintenance costs with Single Life Cutting Edge GET.
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  • Save fuel with a lock-up clutch powershift transmission.
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  • Optimize machine settings with Application Profiles.
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  • Reduce fuel consumption with automatic idle shutdown.
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  • Maintain traction with automatic differential lock.
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  • Change work tools quickly with the Fusion™ Quick Coupler.
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  • Optional Aggregate Handler configuration provides added payload capacity for loose aggregates.
Technology That Moves More Material
        
  • Cat Detect – Enhance visibility and operator awareness.
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  • Collision Mitigation – Detect potential hazards and support operator response.
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  • Cat Payload* – Improve payload accuracy and loading efficiency.
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  • Visionlink™ – Turn fleet and jobsite data into actionable insights.
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  • Autodig – Automate loading for consistent bucket fill.
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  • Auto Set Tires – Simplify setup and reduce tire wear.
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  • Cat Advanced Payload – Manage material, load targets and productivity.
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  • Cat Payload for Trade** – Connect approved scale data to business processes.
*Not legal for trade.
**Available in Europe and Australia. Country certifications vary.  Contact your Cat dealer for more information.
 
Safety Built In
        
  • Cat Detect Collision Warning with Motion Inhibit helps operators identify potential hazards and improve jobsite awareness.
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  • People Detection provides alerts when people are detected behind the machine.
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  • Motion Inhibit helps prevent reverse movement when a potential hazard is detected.
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  • Cat Command enables remote machine operation in select applications.
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  • Rear vision camera enhances visibility behind the machine.
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  • Available 4-point seat belt improves operator comfort and support throughout the shift.
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  • Wide cab entry, remote door opening and inclined steps help improve machine access.
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  • A floor-to-ceiling windshield, large mirrors and rear vision camera provide excellent visibility around the machine.
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  • Machine alerts help keep operators informed.
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  • Monitored seat belt system supports operator awareness.
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  • Available Multiview Vision provides 360o machine visibility.
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  • Available Cat Detect radar helps monitor the work area.
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  • Available lighting supports access and inspection in low-light conditions.
Built For Maximum Uptime
        
  • Cat® C9.3B engine delivers the power and performance needed for demanding loading applications.
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  • Integrated emissions technologies help maintain performance while meeting emissions requirements.
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  • Simplified fuel system components support reliable operation and easy serviceability.
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  • Engineered and tested for long-term durability in tough working environments.
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  • Designed to maximize uptime and help lower operating costs.
Less Time Servicing. More Tim Working.
        
  • Long service intervals help maximize uptime and lower maintenance costs.
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  • Tire Pressure Monitoring supports machine performance and tire life.
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  • Maintenance reminders help reduce unplanned downtime.
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  • Ground-level service points simplify routine maintenance.
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  • Remote Troubleshoot helps identify issues faster.
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  • Remote Flash updates machine software remotely.
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  • Visionlink™ helps monitor machine health, maintenance, utilization, and fleet performance.
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  • Integrated Autolube helps extend component life and reduce service time.
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  • One-piece hood design provides quick service access.
Power Through Demanding Work
        
  • Heavy-duty drivetrain components help deliver long-term durability.
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  • Proven transmission design supports reliable performance.
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  • Advanced hydraulic filtration helps extend component life.
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  • Next generation hydraulics improve response and operating efficiency.
Configured For The Job
Factory-built configurations help optimize performance, durability and machine life for demanding work environments, including:
        
  • Waste and Industrial configurations include added protection and reinforcement for transfer stations, recycling facilities, scrap yards, and demolition sites.
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  • Forestry configurations support productive log and chip handling with increased lift and tilt capability.
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  • Block Handler configurations deliver the strength and stability required for block quarry applications.
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  • Tunneling packages add protection and performance for underground operations.
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  • Corrosion Resistant packages help protect critical machine components in corrosive environments. 

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Features + Specs

Equipment Features
Optional Equipment
Specs
  • 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 ¹: 69 dB(A)
  • Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008²: 108 dB(A)
  • Note (1): 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.
  • With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Note: Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio.
  • 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 in³
  • 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 B20¹
  • Note (2): ¹Cat 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.
  • 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: 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 m³ (5.5 yd³) 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
  • 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)
  • 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 m³ (5.5 yd³) 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
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