966 GC Wheel Loader

The new Cat® 966 GC Wheel Loader is easy to own and operate. It offers low fuel consumption with an on-demand fan, load-sensing hydraulics, intuitive controls and performance series buckets. This machine is built to be just the right machine for a broad range of applications. Great machine performance combined with the low owning and operating costs makes the 966 GC the right choice for your business.

Proven Reliability

  • Cat C9.3B engine offers high power density with a combination of proven and improved electronic, fuel, and air systems.
  • Engine meets China Nonroad Stage III and Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA.
  • Thorough component choice, design and in-machine validation processes result in excellent reliability and uptime.
  • Advansys™ GET system features stronger adapters; tips with a new shape to better protect the adapter and an integrated retainer.

Achieve Greater Productivity

  • The proven Cat Z-bar linkage geometry with Performance Series Buckets offer excellent penetration into the pile and high breakout forces. This results in low fuel consumption and exceptional production capabilities.
  • Cat designed, electronically controlled, automatic powershift heavy duty planetary transmission features shift protection and single clutch gear shifting for efficiency, durability, and smooth gear changes.
  • Optional Fusion™ quick-coupler and third hydraulic function can make the machine a versatile tool carrier for buckets, grapples or forks.

Superior Fuel Efficiency

  • Engine Idle Management System (EIMS) reduces idle RPM and fuel consumption.
  • Variable speed fan adjusts to meet the varying cooling requirements of the machine resulting in a reduced average fan speed and lowered fuel consumption, noise levels, and radiator plugging.
  • Load sensing hydraulics produce flow and pressure for the implement system upon demand and only in amounts necessary to perform the needed work functions.

Easy, Comfortable Operator Environment

  • The spacious cab features easy, intuitive controls and excellent visibility which provides a comfortable working environment for efficient operation.
  • A comfortable cloth covered suspension (mechanical) seat is standard, an optional air suspended seat is available.
  • Pilot-operated hydraulic implement controls deliver comfortable, low-effort operation. Two single-axis levers or one joystick are available. Both arrangements are equipped with kick-down switches.
  • Unmatched viewing area with a wide, flat, and distortion-free front windshield.
  • The glass stretches to the floor of the cab for excellent visibility to the bucket and front tires.
  • Sliding side windows on both sides allow natural ventilation and easy communication to ground staff.
  • The cab roof has channels which direct rain off the corners of the cab, keeping windows clear.
  • Air conditioning and heating systems are standard. Ten louvered vents allow the operator to direct the air flow to remain productive and efficient all shift long.
  • Optional windshield guard.

Safety Features

  • Ladders are standard on both sides of the machine; the main cab access features a 15-degree angle to easily access the operator environment.
  • Steps are equipped with hand and/or guardrails to safely access the cab and maintenance points of the machine.
  • The main cab door opens to the front and provides wide access to the operator environment.
  • Front and back wipers ensure that a clear view is maintained.
  • External rearview mirrors with integrated spot mirrors are standard.
  • A rear vision camera is standard to enhance visibility behind the machine.

Reduced Maintenance Time and Costs

  • Grouped service points and sight gauges allow for easy daily maintenance.
  • Convenient access to left, right, and rear of engine compartment provides excellent serviceability.
  • Electrical service center, along with additional key serviceability features, help make servicing and in-field component exchange quick, easy, and efficient.
  • A rear swing-up grill gives easy cleaning access to the cooling cores.
  • Hinged wheel guards are easy to remove/re-install providing wide access to all maintenance points and to the engine compartment.
  • Optional power train bottom guard protects the machine against damage to reduced downtime.
  • Optional Cat Autolube system provides full lube system monitoring and diagnostic test visibility. One-button control, including fault flash function.
  • Caterpillar design and manufacturing techniques assure outstanding service life.

Cat Production Measurement Kit – Optional*

  • On-the-go weighing** for precise load targets with proven accuracy, flexible installation, and easy calibration and setup.
  • Brings payload weighing to the cab so operators can work more productively and deliver consistently accurate loads.
  • Increases productivity, weighing while lifting with no interruptions in loading cycle.
  • High efficiency: load to exact specification, load more trucks faster, and move more material for more revenue.
  • Improve efficiency with less rework; save time, labor, fuel, and costs.
  • Simple installation.

*Not available in all markets
**Not legal for trade

Standard Equipment

NOTE
  • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
  • Air conditioning (HVAC) with 10 vents and filter unit located outside of cab
  • Bucket/work tool function lockout
  • Switch, transmission neutralizer lockout
  • Cab, pressurized and sound suppressed
  • Camera, rearview
  • Coat hook
  • Computerized monitoring system
  • Cup holders and personal tray on right console and behind seat
  • Heater and defroster
  • Horn
  • Mirrors, rearview external
  • Pilot hydraulic controls, lift and tilt function; two (2) single axis levers or joystick
  • 12V power port (10A)
  • Radio ready
  • ROPS/FOPS structure
  • Seat, Cat Comfort (cloth), mechanical suspension
  • Steering column, adjustable angle
  • Window, sliding (left and right sides)
  • Wipers/washers (front and rear)
POWER TRAIN
  • Brakes, full hydraulic enclosed wet-disc
  • Cat C9.3B equivalent to Tier 3
  • EIMS (Engine Idle Management System)
  • Fan, radiator, electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, temperature sensing, on demand
  • Filter, fuel primary/secondary/tertiary
  • Filters, engine air, primary/secondary
  • Fuel priming pump (electric)
  • Fuel/water separator
  • Muffler, sound suppressed
  • Radiator, unit core (9.5 fpi) with ATAAC
  • Torque converter
  • Transmission, automatic, power shift (4F/4R), kick-down function, overspeed protection
LINKAGE
  • Lift and bucket return-to-dig kickouts (electro‑magnetic), mechanical adjustment
  • Z-bar, cast tilt lever
HYDRAULICS
  • Dedicated brake and fan piston pump
  • Dedicated load sensing steering pump
  • Load sensing implement system pilot operated
  • S O·SSM oil sampling valves
ELECTRICAL
  • Alarm, back-up/main disconnect switch
  • Alternator (115-amp, brush type)
  • Batteries, maintenance free (2×1,125 CCA)
  • Ignition key; start/stop
  • Lighting system: 4 halogen work lights, cab mounted
  • Lighting system: 2 halogen work lights, loader tower mounted
  • Starter, electric (heavy duty)
  • Starting and charging system, 24V
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
  • Counterweight, 700 kg (1,545 lb)
  • Fenders (front and rear) steel
  • Grill, airborne debris
  • Hitch, drawbar with pin
  • Hood, non-metallic on steel structure
  • Doors, service access (locking)
  • L3 bias or radial tires
  • Product Link™ ready

Additional information

Engine - Net Power - ISO 9249

196 kW ( 263 HP )

Engine Model

Cat C9.3B

Engine - Stroke

149 mm ( 5.87 in )

Engine - Displacement

9.3 l ( 568 in³ )

Engine - Rated Net Power - 2,200 rpm - ISO 9249

196 kW ( 263 HP )

Engine - Rated Gross Power - 2,200 rpm - ISO 14396

219 kW ( 294 HP )

Engine - Max Net Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396

1671 N·m ( 1233 ft·lbf )

Engine - Bore - ISO 9249

115 mm ( 4.53 in )

Engine - Max Gross Power - 1,600 rpm - ISO 14396

239 kW ( 321 HP )

Engine - Max Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396

1779 N·m ( 1312 ft·lbf )

Weights - Operating Weight

21577 kg ( 47569 lb )

Buckets - Bucket Capacities

3.8-7.1 m³ (5.0-9.25 yd³)

Weights and Operating Specifications - Operating Weight

21577 kg ( 47569 lb )

Weights and Operating Specifications - Breakout Force

164 kN ( 36869 lbf )

Weights and Operating Specifications - Note (1)

For 4.0 m³ (5.2 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE.

Weights and Operating Specifications - Note (3)

**Compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 5.

Weights and Operating Specifications - Note (2)

*Full compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.

Weights and Operating Specifications - Tipping Load - Full Turn - Rigid Tires**

14568 kg ( 32117 lb )

Weights and Operating Specifications - Tipping Load - Full Turn - ISO 14397-1:2007*

13594 kg ( 29970 lb )

With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)

75 dB(A) ( 75 dB(A) )

Sound - Note (2)

**European Union Directive “2000/14/EC” as amended by “2005/88/EC.”

Sound - Note (1)

*For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the “EU Directives.”

With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)

110 dB(A) ( 110 dB(A) )

With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)*

75 dB(A) ( 75 dB(A) )

With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level*

108 LWA**

Transmission - Forward - 1

6.4 km/h ( 4 mile/h )

Transmission - Forward - 2

12.1 km/h ( 7.5 mile/h )

Transmission - Forward - 3

21 km/h ( 13 mile/h )

Transmission - Forward - 4

34.8 km/h ( 21.6 mile/h )

Transmission - Reverse - 1

7 km/h ( 4.3 mile/h )

Transmission - Reverse - 2

13.2 km/h ( 8.2 mile/h )

Transmission - Reverse - 3

23 km/h ( 14.3 mile/h )

Transmission - Reverse - 4

36.9 km/h ( 22.9 mile/h )

Transmission - Note (1)

Maximum travel speeds (26.5R25 tires).

Transmission - Note (2)

Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 825 mm (32.5 in) roll radius.

Service Refill Capacities - Differential - Final Drives - Front

57 l ( 15.1 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Fuel Tank

320 l ( 84.5 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Crankcase

25 l ( 6.6 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Cooling System

53 l ( 14 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Transmission

55 l ( 14.5 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Differential - Final Drives - Rear

57 l ( 15.1 gal (US) )

Service Refill Capacities - Hydraulic Tank

120 l ( 31.7 gal (US) )

Hydraulic System - Steering System - Pump Type

Piston

Hydraulic System - Hydraulic Cycle Time - Raise from Carry Position

6.5 s ( 6.5 s )

Hydraulic System - Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total Cycle Time

12 s ( 12 s )

Loader Hydraulic System - Hydraulic Cycle Time - Dump, at Maximum Raise

2.7 s ( 2.7 s )

Hydraulic System - Hydraulic Cycle Time - Lower, Empty, Float Down

2.8 s ( 2.8 s )

Hydraulic System - Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure

27900 kPa ( 4047 psi )

Hydraulic System - Implement System - Maximum Flow 3rd Function

320 l/min ( 85 gal/min )

Hydraulic System - Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure 3rd Function

23500 kPa ( 3408 psi )

Hydraulic System - Implement System - Maximum Flow - 2,200 rpm

320 l/min ( 85 gal/min )

Tires - Choices

Choices include: Triangle 26.5-25 20PR L3 (TL612); Triangle 26.5R25, L3 (TB516); Maxam 26.5R25, L3 (MS302); Bridgestone 26.5R25, L3 (VJT); Maxam 26.5R25, L5 (MS503); Bridgestone 26.5R25, L5 (VSDT); Triangle 26.5R25, L5 (TL538S+)

Cab - ROPS/FOPS

ROPS/FOPS meet ISO 3471:2008 and ISO 3449:2005 Level II standards

Brakes

Brakes meet ISO 3450:2011 standards

Dimensions - Lift Arm Clearance

3705 mm ( 12.16 ft )

Dimensions - B-Pin Height

4256 mm ( 14 ft )

Dimensions - Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight

2453 mm ( 8 ft )

Dimensions - Height - Top of ROPS

3582 mm ( 11.75 ft )

Dimensions - Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe

3539 mm ( 11.61 ft )

Dimensions - Height - Top of Hood

2804 mm ( 9.2 ft )

Dimensions - Ground Clearance

455 mm ( 1.49 ft )

Dimensions - Wheel Base

3550 mm ( 11.65 ft )

Dimensions - Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch

1775 mm ( 5.82 ft )

Dimensions - Rack Back - Maximum Lift

62 ° ( 62 ° )

Dimensions - Rack Back - Carry

50 ° ( 50 ° )

Dimensions - Rack Back - Ground

42 ° ( 42 ° )

  • Fusion™ Coupler - Loader

    966/972 Fusion Coupler

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (5.5yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (5.5yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (5.5yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Abrasion Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Technology Kits

    Cat® Detect with Smart Camera

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  • Technology Kits

    Cat® Detect with Surround Cameras

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (4yd³), Fusion

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (5.5yd³), Fusion

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.2m³ (5.5yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Fusion

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.4m³ (5.75yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.6m³ (6yd³), Pin On

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  • Flat Floor Buckets - Performance Series

    Standard Flat Floor PS, 4.8m³ (6.25yd³), Pin On

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