- Category: Wheel Loaders ➔
- Manufacturer: Caterpillar ➔
- Model: 972K ➔
The Caterpillar 972K is a large wheel loader designed for material handling, aggregate, construction, and quarry applications. It is part of Caterpillar's K-series wheel loader lineup and is commonly used for loading trucks, stockpiling, site preparation, and general earthmoving. The 972K features a diesel engine, articulated steering, hydraulic lift and tilt systems, and a heavy-duty frame built for demanding jobsite conditions. It is typically equipped with a bucket and can be configured with a range of attachments. The model is known for its balance of productivity, operator visibility, and serviceability in medium- to heavy-duty loading operations.
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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