- Category: Wheel Loaders ➔
- Manufacturer: Caterpillar ➔
- Model: 972K ➔
The Caterpillar 972K is a large wheel loader designed for material handling, stockpiling, truck loading, and general earthmoving applications. It is part of Caterpillar's K Series wheel loader lineup and is commonly used in construction, quarry, aggregate, and industrial sites. The 972K features a diesel engine, articulated steering, hydraulic lift and tilt systems, and a front-mounted loader bucket for efficient loading and transport of bulk materials. It is built for high productivity, operator comfort, and durability in demanding jobsite conditions. The model is often selected for medium- to heavy-duty loading tasks requiring strong breakout force and reliable cycle performance.
Axles
| Front | Fixed
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| Maximum Single-Wheel Rise and Fall | 19.50 in (49.53 cm)
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| Rear | Oscillating ?13 degrees
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Brakes
| Brakes | Meet OSHA SAE J1473 OCT90 and ISO 3450-1985 required standards
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Bucket
| Bucket Capacities | 13.00 cu yd (9.94 cu m)
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Cab
| ROPS/FOPS | Meets SAE and ISO standards
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Engine
| Bore | 4.50 in (11.43 cm)
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| Engine Model | Cat C9.3 ACERT
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| Gross Power | 322.00 hp (240.12 kw)
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| Maximum Net Power - 1,800 rpm - EEC 80/1269 | 288.00 hp (214.77 kw)
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| Maximum Net Power - 1,800 rpm - EEC 80/1269 - Metric | 292.00 hp (217.75 kw)
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| Net Power | 288.00 hp (214.77 kw)
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| Net Power - ISO 9249 | 288.00 hp (214.77 kw)
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| Peak Net Torque - 1,400 rpm - SAE J1349 | 985.00 lbs ft (1,335.46 nm)
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| Stroke | 5.90 in (14.99 cm)
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Hydraulic System
| Dump Time | 2 seconds
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| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Dump, at Maximum Raise | 2 seconds
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| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Lower, Empty, Float Down | 2.4 seconds
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| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Raise from Carry Position | 5.9 seconds
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| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total | 10.3 seconds
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| Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure | 4496 psi
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| Implement System - Optional 3rd Function Maximum Flow | 79.30 gpm (300.15 lpm)
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| Implement System - Optional 3rd Function Maximum Pressure | 3000 psi
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| Pump Flow Capacity | 90.00 gpm (340.65 lpm)
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| Pump Type | PISTON
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| Raise Time | 5.9 seconds
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| Relief Valve Setting | 4496 psi
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| Steering System - Pump Type | Piston
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Operating Specifications
| Breakout Force | 44,075.00 lbs (19,992.11 kg)
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| Cooling System Fluid Capacity | 17.40 gal (65.86 l)
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| Fuel Capacity | 101.00 gal (382.29 l)
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| Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity | 52.30 gal (197.96 l)
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| Operating Weight | 57,770.00 lbs (26,204.06 kg)
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| Transmission Fluid Capacity | 13.20 gal (49.96 l)
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Service Refill Capacities
| Cooling System | 17.40 gal (65.86 l)
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| Crankcase | 6.50 gal (24.60 l)
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| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 16.90 gal (63.97 l)
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| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 16.90 gal (63.97 l)
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| Fuel Tank - Standard | 101.00 gal (382.29 l)
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| Hydraulic Tank | 52.30 gal (197.96 l)
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| Transmission | 13.20 gal (49.96 l)
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Sound
Tires
Transmission
| Forward - 1 | 4.40 mph (7.08 kph)
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| Forward - 2 | 7.80 mph (12.55 kph)
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| Forward - 3 | 13.30 mph (21.40 kph)
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| Forward - 4 | 22.90 mph (36.85 kph)
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| Max Speed - Forward | 22.90 mph (36.85 kph)
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| Max Speed - Reverse | 26.20 mph (42.16 kph)
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| Number of Forward Gears | 4
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| Number of Reverse Gears | 4
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| Reverse - 1 | 5.00 mph (8.05 kph)
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| Reverse - 2 | 8.90 mph (14.32 kph)
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| Reverse - 3 | 15.20 mph (24.46 kph)
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| Reverse - 4 | 26.20 mph (42.16 kph)
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Weights
| Operating Weight | 57,770.00 lbs (26,204.06 kg)
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