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Cat 966 Wheel loaders tech specs

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Interior [2]
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2014-2025
25,500 kg Operating weight
34.5 m Max dump height
10,500 kg Lifting capacity
5.6 m3 Bucket capacity
224.46 kw Gross power
1,280 mm Max dump reach

The Cat 966 (2014–2025) in H and M trims is a production-class loader that balances high-capacity bulk work with reliable handling. Operating weights run 23.5–24.6 t, buckets range 3.2–4.2 m³, and net power sits around 195–239 kW (261–321 hp) from Cat’s C9.3 ACERT or C9.3B diesel. The H trim is Tier 4 Interim, rugged and straightforward, while the M is Tier 4 Final, bringing integrated Payload weighing, OptiShift-like drivetrain refinements, and more precise electro-hydraulic controls.

Engine: Cat C9.3 ACERT or 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 with variable-displacement pumps; EH controls on M

Fuel Tank: ~300–350 L

Show features

Makana rating

Owner rating

| 3

Market average

AED 550,000

Starting from

AED 275,000

Cat 966 technical specifications

Highlight differences

Cat 966H

Cat 966M

Cat 966L

General
Engine model Cat C13 ACERT
Engine model Cat C13B
Engine model C9.3
Operating weight 25,500 kg
Operating weight 26,800 kg
Operating weight 23,220 kg
Max dump height 34.5 m
Max dump height 3,480 mm
Max dump height -
Lifting capacity 10,500 kg
Lifting capacity 11,000 kg
Lifting capacity 14,686 kg
Bucket width 3,700 mm
Bucket width 3,700 mm
Bucket width 3,201 mm
Bucket capacity 5.6 m3
Bucket capacity 5.8 cu m
Bucket capacity 4.6 cu m
Max speed forward 40 kph
Max speed forward 42 kph
Max speed forward 39.5 kph
Tipping load 21,000 kg
Tipping load 22,000 kg
Tipping load 14,686 kg
Transmission type -
Transmission type -
Transmission type Automatic planetary powershift
Years 2014-2025
Years 2014-2025
Years 2014-2025
Market Average AED 550,000
Market Average AED 550,000
Market Average AED 550,000
Price AED 275,000
Price AED 275,000
Price AED 275,000
Engine
Displacement 12,500 cu cm
Displacement 12,500 cu cm
Displacement 9,300 cu cm
Gross power 224.46 kw
Gross power 236.39 kw
Gross power 227.44 kw
Max torque 1,650 Nm
Max torque 1,750 Nm
Max torque 1,700 Nm
Dimensions
Height - top of cab 3.65 m
Height - top of cab 3.65 m
Height - top of cab 3.59 m
Wheelbase 3,400 mm
Wheelbase 3.4 m
Wheelbase 3.55 m
Hydraulic system
Pump flow cap 320 lpm
Pump flow cap 340 lpm
Pump flow cap 360 lpm
Relief valve pressure 248.21 bar
Relief valve pressure 248.21 bar
Relief valve pressure 310 bar
Pump type Piston pump
Pump type Piston pump
Pump type piston-type, variable displacement
Loader
Breakout force 195 kN
Breakout force 205 kN
Breakout force 174 kN
Loader dump height -
Loader dump height -
Loader dump height 2,991 mm
Loader dump reach -
Loader dump reach -
Loader dump reach 1,353 mm
Service refill capacities
Fuel cap 530 liter
Fuel cap 530 liter
Fuel cap 302 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 195 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 205 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 125 liter
Operating specifications
Rack back angle 45 º
Rack back angle 45 º
Rack back angle -
Max dump reach 1,280 mm
Max dump reach 1,300 mm
Max dump reach -
Download datasheets

Cat 966 expert review

Reviewed by Mohamad H. on September 4, 2025

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.

Cat 966 owner rating

Cat 966 Wheel loaders [2014-2025]

2014-2025

Overall rating

Based on 3 ratings

4.3
performance

4.7

comfort

4.3

fuel efficiency

4.7

safety

4.3

features

4.3

5 stars

33 %

4 stars

67 %

3 stars

0 %

2 stars

0 %

1 stars

0 %

Read more

Cat 966 similar models

Highlight differences
Cat 966H
966H
Cat 980G
980G
John deere 644K
644K
General
Engine model Cat C13 ACERT
Engine model Cat C18 ACERT
Engine model John Deere PowerTech PSS 6090
Operating weight 25,500 kg
Operating weight 35,500 kg
Operating weight 18,682 kg
Max dump height 34.5 m
Max dump height 3,800 mm
Max dump height 2,896 mm
Lifting capacity 10,500 kg
Lifting capacity 14,500 kg
Lifting capacity -
Bucket width 3,700 mm
Bucket width 4,300 mm
Bucket width -
Bucket capacity 5.6 m3
Bucket capacity 7.5 cu m
Bucket capacity 3.06 cu m
Max speed forward 40 kph
Max speed forward 44 kph
Max speed forward -
Tipping load 21,000 kg
Tipping load 29,000 kg
Tipping load -
Tire size -
Tire size -
Tire size 23.5 R25
Transmission type -
Transmission type -
Transmission type Powershift
Years 2014-2025
Years 2006-2014
Years 2015-2019
Market Average AED 550,000
Market Average AED 500,000
Market Average AED 850,000
Price AED 275,000
Price AED 200,000
Price AED 690,000
Engine
Displacement 12,500 cu cm
Displacement 18,100 cu cm
Displacement 9,001.43 cu cm
Gross power 224.46 kw
Gross power 340.04 kw
Gross power 173.01 kw
Max torque 1,650 Nm
Max torque 2,500 Nm
Max torque 1,062 Nm
Alternator supplied amperage -
Alternator supplied amperage -
Alternator supplied amperage 130 Amh
Emissions -
Emissions -
Emissions Tier 4
Torque rise -
Torque rise -
Torque rise 56 %
Dimensions
Height - top of cab 3.65 m
Height - top of cab 4 m
Height - top of cab 3.44 m
Wheelbase 3,400 mm
Wheelbase 3.9 m
Wheelbase 3.26 m
Transport length -
Transport length -
Transport length 8 m
Turning radius -
Turning radius -
Turning radius 13.29 m
Transport width -
Transport width -
Transport width 2 m
Hydraulic system
Pump flow cap 320 lpm
Pump flow cap 480 lpm
Pump flow cap 297.12 lpm
Relief valve pressure 248.21 bar
Relief valve pressure 262 bar
Relief valve pressure 250.97 bar
Pump type Piston pump
Pump type Piston pump
Pump type Piston
Loader
Breakout force 195 kN
Breakout force 285 kN
Breakout force 150.81 kN
Service refill capacities
Fuel cap 530 liter
Fuel cap 757 liter
Fuel cap 397.05 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 195 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 290 liter
Hydraulic fluid cap 105.22 liter
Transmission fluid cap -
Transmission fluid cap -
Transmission fluid cap 23.09 liter
Front axle fluid capacity -
Front axle fluid capacity -
Front axle fluid capacity 22.33 liter
Rear axle fluid capacity -
Rear axle fluid capacity -
Rear axle fluid capacity 22.33 liter
Operating specifications
Rack back angle 45 º
Rack back angle 45 º
Rack back angle -
Max dump reach 1,280 mm
Max dump reach 1,450 mm
Max dump reach 1,615.44 mm
Brake system -
Brake system -
Brake system Wet Multi Disc - Transmission

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build datetime: 2/17/2026, 2:43:18 PM