Cat 988 Wheel loaders tech specs

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

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.