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Wheel loaders with highest bucket capacity

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Need a wheel loader capable of moving more material with every pass? This ranking compares the Komatsu WA900, Cat 988, Komatsu WA600, Cat 980, Cat 966 and John Deere 644 based on their highest conventional bucket capacities.

The machines range from mid-size production loaders to mining-class equipment. We compare bucket volume, machine size, loading application and practical productivity for quarry, aggregate, stockpile and bulk material-handling work.

Table of contents

01

Komatsu WA900 Wheel loaders
2007-2019

Generation--cover

The Komatsu WA900 is an ultra-heavy wheel loader with an 11.5 cubic meter bucket, 665.9 kN breakout force, and the operating weight required for mines, quarries, and high-output aggregate operations. Compared with the smaller Komatsu WA500 and WA600, it delivers substantially greater loading capacity and hydraulic output, but requires specialized transport, large working areas, and significantly higher operating costs.

Overview

The Komatsu WA900 (WA900-3E0) (2007–2019) is a 107.35-ton wheel loader aimed at mine operators, large quarry fleets, aggregate producers, and contractors that move very high volumes of material. Its 672 kilowatt Komatsu SAA12V140E-3 engine, 11.5 cubic meter bucket, 41-ton lifting capacity, and 665.9 kN breakout force make it suitable for loading large haul trucks, handling blasted rock, feeding crushers, and managing major stockpiles.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Pros Massive bucket capacity and breakout force support high-volume loading in mines and large quarries.
Cons Extremely high fuel, tire, transport, and maintenance costs limit it to major production sites.

Performance & Efficiency

The 672 kilowatt Komatsu SAA12V140E-3 engine produces up to 4,090 Nm of torque for pushing into dense rock piles and maintaining loaded travel performance. Its 665.9 kN breakout force helps fill the 11.5 cubic meter bucket in heavy material, while the variable-displacement piston pump delivers 1,015 liters per minute at 314 bar for responsive lifting, tilting, and rack-back movements. The 41-ton lifting capacity and 57.4-ton tipping load provide the stability needed for repetitive loading in mine and quarry production.

In Comparison

Komatsu WA500: Easier to transport and more practical for general quarry and aggregate work, but offers far less bucket capacity, lifting strength, and breakout force.
Komatsu WA600: A heavy production loader with lower operating weight and simpler site logistics, but it remains substantially smaller than the Komatsu WA900 in loading capacity and hydraulic output.
Komatsu WA900: Provides the highest production potential of the three, combining a 107.35-ton platform, 11.5 cubic meter bucket, 41-ton lifting capacity, and 665.9 kN breakout force.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Komatsu WA900 is a high-production wheel loader within the AED 735,000–2,750,000 range. Its large bucket, high engine output, substantial lifting capacity, and heavy-duty hydraulic system make it a practical choice for mines, major quarries, and large aggregate operations where production volume justifies the high ownership and operating costs.

11.5 cu m Bucket capacity
672 kw Gross power
41,000 kg Lifting capacity
4,640 mm Max dump height
2,450 mm Max dump reach
107,350 kg Operating weight
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 4

Market average

AED 2,750,000

Starting from

AED 735,000
See owner ratings

Wheel loaders. For sale.

02

Cat 988 Wheel loaders
2004-2014

Generation--cover

The Cat 988 is a high-capacity wheel loader with a 6.9 cubic meter bucket, 415.3 kN breakout force, and the operating weight needed for quarry and aggregate production. Compared with the smaller Cat 966 and Cat 980, it delivers greater loading capacity and material-handling output, but requires more transport space, fuel, and working room.

Overview

The Cat 988 (988H) (2004–2014) is a 49.55-ton wheel loader aimed at quarry operators, aggregate producers, mining support fleets, and contractors that regularly move large volumes of material. Its 414 kilowatt Cat C18 ACERT engine, 6.9 cubic meter bucket, 11.4-ton lifting capacity, and 415.3 kN breakout force make it suitable for loading haul trucks, handling blasted rock, feeding crushers, and managing large stockpiles.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Pros High breakout force and large bucket capacity support fast loading cycles and heavy material handling.
Cons High fuel, tire, and transport costs make it excessive for routine construction loading.

Performance & Efficiency

The 414 kilowatt Cat C18 ACERT turbocharged engine produces up to 2,852 Nm of torque for pushing into dense stockpiles and maintaining loaded travel performance. Its 415.3 kN breakout force helps fill the 6.9 cubic meter bucket in compacted material, while the 492-liter-per-minute variable-displacement piston pump supports responsive lifting, tilting, and rack-back movements. The 11.4-ton lifting capacity and 30.07-ton tipping load provide a stable working platform for repetitive quarry and aggregate loading.

In Comparison

Cat 966: Easier to transport and more practical for general construction and medium-volume loading, but offers substantially less bucket capacity and breakout force.
Cat 980: A closer alternative for quarry and aggregate work, with lower operating weight and easier site logistics, but less overall loading capacity than the Cat 988.
Cat 988: Provides the strongest production package of the three, combining a 6.9 cubic meter bucket, 415.3 kN breakout force, and 414 kilowatt engine power for high-volume material handling.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Cat 988 is a high-production wheel loader within the AED 440,000–670,000 range. Its large bucket, strong breakout force, high engine output, and substantial tipping load make it a practical choice for quarries, aggregate plants, mines, and major stockpile operations where production justifies the higher fuel, tire, and transport costs.

6.9 cu m Bucket capacity
414 kw Gross power
11,400 kg Lifting capacity
4 mm Max dump height
2 mm Max dump reach
49,550 kg Operating weight
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 5

Market average

AED 670,000

Starting from

AED 440,000
See owner ratings

Wheel loaders. For sale.

03

Cat 980 Wheel loaders
2006-2014

Generation-Cat-980-Wheel-loaders-cover

The Cat 980 (2006–2014) comes in G and H variants. Operating weight ~29.4–30.5 t, bucket size ~4.6–6.1 m³, power ~250–274 kW (335–367 hp) from the Cat C15 ACERT engine. G is Tier 3 with proven durability; H adds improved hydraulics, better fuel economy, and cab comfort upgrades.

  • Engine: Cat C15 ACERT (~250–274 kW / 335–367 hp)
  • Operating Weight: ~29,400–30,500 kg
  • Bucket Capacity: ~4.6–6.1 m³
  • Breakout Force: ~250–265 kN
  • Tipping Load (Straight): ~22,000–23,500 kg
  • Travel Speed: ~39–40 km/h
  • Hydraulics: Load-sensing, variable-displacement; refined in H
  • Fuel Tank: ~454 L

Variants

  • 980G (2006–2008): Tier 3 ACERT engine, mechanical joystick, strong Z-bar breakout, heavy-duty axles.
  • 980H (2009–2014): Enhanced powertrain tuning, load-sensing hydraulics, improved HVAC, and better cab insulation.

Overview

Large production loader for quarry, stockpile, and load-out work. G is rugged and serviceable; H adds tech refinements for efficiency and comfort.

Pros High breakout and load capacity.
H has smoother hydraulics and better fuel use.
Cons G burns more fuel under heavy loads.
Large footprint reduces mobility.

Performance & Efficiency

Handles heavy production well. H runs cooler and more efficiently with refined hydraulics and powertrain tuning.

In Comparison

Komatsu WA500-6 matches capacity with faster travel; Volvo L220F rides smoother but costs more upfront.

Verdict

G for remote-site toughness, H for efficiency and operator comfort.

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 500,000

Starting from

AED 200,000
See owner ratings

Wheel loaders. For sale.

04

Cat 966 Wheel loaders
2013-2025

Generation-Cat 966 Wheel loaders-cover

The Cat 966 (2013–2025) comes in H and M variants. Operating weight ~23.5–24.6 t, bucket size ~3.2–4.2 m³, power ~195–239 kW (261–321 hp) from the Cat C9.3 ACERT or C9.3B. H is Tier 4 Interim with proven durability; M is Tier 4 Final with Payload, drivetrain refinements, and improved EH controls.

  • Engine: Cat C9.3 ACERT / C9.3B (~195–239 kW / 261–321 hp)
  • Operating Weight: ~23,500–24,600 kg
  • Bucket Capacity: ~3.2–4.2 m³
  • Breakout Force: ~195–210 kN
  • Tipping Load (Straight): ~17,000–18,200 kg
  • Travel Speed: ~37–40 km/h
  • Hydraulics: Load-sensing, variable-displacement; EH controls on M
  • Fuel Tank: ~300–350 L

Variants

  • 966H (2013–2016): Tier 4 Interim ACERT, mechanical joystick, robust Z-bar linkage, proven field serviceability.
  • 966M (2017–2025): Tier 4 Final, Payload weighing, more efficient powertrain tuning, improved cab ergonomics, better parallel lift with Optimized Z-bar.

Overview

Heavy-duty loader for quarry, aggregate, and bulk handling. H trim is tough and simple; M trim adds Payload, tech upgrades, and fuel efficiency improvements.

Pros High breakout for quick loading.
M adds Payload and parallel lift improvements.
Cons H burns more fuel than M.
M electronics require skilled servicing.

Performance & Efficiency

Both trims are fast and stable. M's Smart Mode optimizes fuel use and reduces operator fatigue. H is predictable and service-friendly for remote work.

In Comparison

Volvo L150H matches lift but rides smoother; Komatsu WA470-8 has more bucket volume but heavier frame.

Verdict

H for tough-site reliability, M for tech integration and efficiency gains.

25,500 kg Operating weight
34.5 m Max dump height
10,500 kg Lifting capacity
5.6 m3 Bucket capacity
1,280 mm Max dump reach
224.46 kw Gross power
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 550,000

Starting from

AED 275,000
See owner ratings

Wheel loaders. For sale.

05

John Deere 644 Wheel loaders
2015-2019

Generation-John Deere 644 Wheel loaders-cover

The John Deere 644K (2015–2019) is a mid-size wheel loader delivering ~173 kW (232 hp) from a Tier 3 PowerTech engine. Weighs ~18.3–18.7 t, bucket size ~2.8–3.2 m³, and offers ~15,378 kg of breakout force.

  • Engine: PowerTech 6068H Tier 3 — 173 kW (232 hp)
  • Operating Weight: ~18,333–18,682 kg
  • Bucket Capacity: ~2.8–3.2 m³
  • Breakout Force: ~15,378 kg
  • Travel Speed: Up to ~40 km/h via PowerShift

Overview

Heavy-duty loader built to last. Designed for high-output performance with engineering for uptime—Quad-Cool, payload options, and service accessibility.

Pros Exceptional breakout and bucket fit.
Technology for uptime: Payload, LCD, PowerShift.
Cons Size demands site/transport prep.
Fuel efficiency less than Tier 4 loaders.

Performance & Efficiency

Consistent breakout with smart thermal control and fast cycles via PowerShift transmission.

In Comparison

Volvo L110E offers smoother ride, Komatsu WA470-8 has larger bucket—Deere wins on support and uptime.

Verdict

For serious loader work where uptime, power, and simplicity matter—the 644K is a sharp pick. K-Series II adds newer emissions tech, but the original stays robust.

2,896 mm Max dump height
1,615.44 mm Max dump reach
John Deere PowerTech PSS 6090 Engine model
173.01 kw Gross power
3.06 cu m Bucket capacity
18,682 kg Operating weight
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 850,000

Starting from

AED 690,000
See owner ratings
06

Komatsu WA600 Wheel loaders
1994-2005

Generation--cover

The Komatsu WA600 is a heavy wheel loader with 368.75 kN of breakout force, a 31-ton lifting capacity, and the operating weight needed for quarry and aggregate work. Compared with the smaller Komatsu WA470 and WA500, it provides greater lifting strength and material-handling capability, but its older platform carries higher condition, fuel, tire, and maintenance considerations.

Overview

The Komatsu WA600 (WA600-3) (1994–2005) is a 44.16-ton wheel loader aimed at quarry operators, aggregate producers, mining support fleets, and contractors that regularly handle heavy material. Its 389.3 kilowatt turbocharged Komatsu SAA6D170E-3 engine, 2.1 cubic meter bucket, 31-ton lifting capacity, and 368.75 kN breakout force make it suitable for loading trucks, moving rock, feeding processing equipment, and managing large stockpiles.

Expert rating: 4 stars

Pros High lifting capacity and strong breakout force support demanding quarry and stockpile work.
Cons Older platform, high operating costs, and a modest stated bucket capacity for its machine size.

Performance & Efficiency

The 389.3 kilowatt Komatsu SAA6D170E-3 turbocharged engine produces up to 2,250 Nm of torque for pushing into dense stockpiles and maintaining performance under load. Its 368.75 kN breakout force supports bucket filling in compacted material, while the 492.05-liter-per-minute variable-displacement piston pump handles lifting, tilting, and rack-back functions. The 31-ton lifting capacity and 33.2-ton tipping load provide strong working stability, while the 33.5 kph maximum travel speed supports movement across large production sites.

In Comparison

Komatsu WA470: Easier to transport and better suited to general construction and medium-volume loading, but provides considerably less lifting capacity and breakout force.
Komatsu WA500: A closer alternative for quarry and aggregate work, with lower operating weight and easier site logistics, but less overall lifting strength than the Komatsu WA600.
Komatsu WA600: Provides the strongest production package of the three, combining a 44.16-ton platform, 31-ton lifting capacity, and 368.75 kN breakout force for heavy material handling.

Final Verdict

Rated 4 stars, the Komatsu WA600 is a capable heavy wheel loader within the AED 320,000–490,000 range. Its strong lifting capacity, high engine output, substantial tipping load, and heavy-duty hydraulic system suit quarry and aggregate work, but buyers should inspect the engine, transmission, articulation joint, hydraulics, tires, and service history carefully due to the machine’s age.

2.1 cu m Bucket capacity
389.3 kw Gross power
31,000 kg Lifting capacity
3,360 mm Max dump height
1,990 mm Max dump reach
44,160 kg Operating weight
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 5

Market average

AED 490,000

Starting from

AED 320,000
See owner ratings

Wheel loaders. For sale.

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Wheel loaders with highest bucket capacity FAQ.

The Komatsu WA900 ranks first, with available bucket capacities reaching approximately 14.5 m³ on current configurations. This mining-class loader is designed for high-volume loading and matching with large haul trucks.

The Cat 988 offers bucket capacities reaching approximately 13 m³, depending on its configuration and application. It ranks second behind the Komatsu WA900 and remains one of the strongest options for quarry, mining and large aggregate operations.

No. The bucket must match the loader’s rated payload, tipping load, breakout force and the density of the material being handled. An oversized bucket may reduce stability, increase spillage, slow cycle times and place additional stress on the loader arms and drivetrain.

Inspect the bucket floor, cutting edge, side plates and mounting pins for heavy wear or repairs. Check the loader arms, linkage, hydraulic cylinders, articulation joint, transmission, axles and tires. The bucket type and rated capacity should also match the machine’s data plate and intended application.

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