972M Wheel Loader | Front Loader | Tier 4

The 972M Wheel Loader is equipped with built-in proven technologies to help meet your expectations for productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability and service life. Deep system integration results in a machine built to help you reduce emissions, improve performance and improve fuel economy. All of this is done without interrupting machine performance and making it seamless to you. This machine deliversthe reliability, durability, and versatility you’ve come to expect from a Cat machine.



RELIABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ONTest

  • Cat C9.3 engine offers increased power density with a combination of proven electronic fuel and air systems.
  • Equipped with automatic Cat regeneration system, Cat clean emissions module (CEM) with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank and pump (Tier 4 Final, Stage IV, and Stage V only).
  • Features an electric fuel priming pump and a fuel/water separator.
  • Thorough component design and machine validation processes result in unmatched reliability and uptime.
 

LONG TERM VALUE AND DURABILITYTest

  • Heavy-duty transmission and axles handle extreme applications.
  • Automatic planetary powershift (4F/4R) transmission features durable, long-lasting components.
  • Full-flow hydraulic filtration system with additional loop filtration improves hydraulic system strength and component life.
  • Full hydraulic enclosed wet-disc with Integrated Braking System (IBS) and brake wear indicators add valued safety on the job.
 

BUILT TO PERFORMTest

  • Increased engine power resulting in improved machine performance and response.
  • Lock-up clutch transmission, matching the engine power to increase fuel efficiency while delivering optimal performance.
  • Z-bar linkage provides high breakout force at ground level.
  • Easy-to-load performance series buckets improve material retention and reduce dig times, significantly improving productivity and fuel efficiency.
  • Manual/automatic differential locks increase traction and reduce tire scuffing compared to other traction aids, reducing your operating costs.
  • Optional aggregate handler configuration offers higher payload capability for loose aggregate handling.*
  • Automatic idle engine shutdown system significantly reduces idle time, overall operating hours, and fuel consumption.

    * Optional configurations and equipment may vary from region to region and requires conformance to Caterpillar payload policy. Consult your dealer or Caterpillar representative for details.
 

DO MORE WITH LESS FUELTest

  • Deep system integration results in lower fuel consumption.
  • Significantly more fuel efficient than both the H and K Series loaders.
  • Power dense engine burns less fuel by providing power and torque when needed.
  • Standard productive economy mode delivers more fuel savings with minimal productivity impact.
  • New split-flow oil system uses multi-viscosity oil to improve fuel economy.
 

DESIGNED FOR OPERATORSTest

  • The next generation easily adjustable seat with updated styling and a revolutionary suspension system. It comes in three trim levels and can be equipped with a 4-point harness.
  • Sound-suppression, seals, and damping cab mounts decrease noise and vibration for a quieter work environment.
  • The seat-mounted electro-hydraulic joystick steering system provides precision control and dramatically reduces arm fatigue, resulting in excellent comfort and accuracy.
  • Electrohydraulic (EH) controls, parking brake, and Single Axis Lever (SAL) lift and tilt function allow for better handling and control management.
  • Smart ergonomic controls are easy to use, intuitive, anduser-friendly.
  • Touchscreen multi-function color display keeps operators focused.
  • The next generation of ride control works as a shock absorber, improving ride quality over rough terrain.
  • Inclined steps and convenient grab handles ease accessibility to the operating space.
  • Extended windows enhance visibility while convex and spot mirrors extend the driver’s view on the sides and rear.
 

SAFELY HOME EVERY DAYTest

  • Cab access with wide door, optional remote door opening,and stair-like steps add solid stability.
  • Floor-to-ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors, and rear-vision camera provide industry leading all-around visibility.
  • Computerized monitoring system includes several warning indicators.
  • Rear vision camera enhances visibility behind the machine, helping you work safely and confidently.
  • Optional rear object detection radar system warns you of an object in critical zone while going in reverse, enhancing job site safety.
 

SAVE ON SERVICE AND MAINTENANCETest

  • Extended service intervals including -
  1. Engine oil and engine oil filter change interval up to 1000 hours (Tier 4 Final, Stage IV, and Stage V only)
  2. Hydraulic filter change interval up to 1000 hours
  3. Transmission oil change interval up to 2000 hours
  • One-piece tilting hood makes cab access fast and easy.
  • Electrical service centers enhance convenience and accessibility.
  • Access to fuel fill and daily maintenance points means less servicing time is required.
  • Optional integrated Cat autolube system provides full lube system monitoring and diagnostic test visibility.
  • Remote flash support.
  • Longer tire life with on-the-go traction aids.
 

TECHNOLOGY THAT GETS WORK DONETest

  • Developed to monitor, manage, and enhance your job site operations.
  • Payload provides accurate weighing* of the materials you are loading and hauling. Payload data is displayed in real-time to improve productivity and reduce overloading.
  • Detect enhances awareness of the environment around working equipment and provides alerts to help keep people and assets safe on the job site.
  • Link wirelessly connects you to your equipment, giving you access to essential information you need to know to run your business. Gain valuable insight into how your machine or fleet is performing allowing you to make timely, fact-based decisions that can boost job site efficiency and productivity.
  • Optional Advanced Productivity subscription provides comprehensive actionable information to help you manage and improve the productivity and profitability of your operations.

    * Not legal for trade.
 

PURPOSE BUILT SPECIALTY MODELSTest

INDUSTRIAL & WASTE
  • Engineered for work in Transfer Stations, Recycling Depots, Scrap Yards and Demolition Sites.
  • Factory installed guarding improves uptime; guards protect axle seals, steering cylinders, crankcase, front frame, powertrain, tilt cylinders, lower cab and rear box. Package includes reinforced service centers, heavy duty cable steps, lift cylinder baffles, narrow front fenders, and steel rear fender deflectors.
  • Factory installed options available are solid tires, rear machine guard, rubber mounted cab glass, engine precleaner, powered and filtered cab precleaner and variable pitch cooling fan.
  • Cat Waste Buckets available separately are Load & Carry, Tamp & Clamp, Dozing, and Grapple can be fitted with steel or rubber cutting edge.
STEEL MILL
  • Designed for the challenging work environment of steel mills and slag handling applications.
  • Purpose built package provides heat protection for hydraulic hoses and electrical harness and components.
  • Guarding protects tilt cylinder, working lights and the underside of the machine.
  • Reinforcement strengthens fenders, wheel wells, service centers and metallic roof.
  • A Rear Egress System provides emergency stair down the back of the machine.
  • Ground level redundant controls including transmission, engine, and parking brake controls provide an added level of safety.
  • The CAT Slag Bucket is available separately.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
  • Designed for corrosive environments such as fertilizer plants, chemical industries, agriculture, salt water ports and others.
  • Factory protection of all machine components that can be affected by corrosive materials.
  • Treatment includes E-Coat cooler cores, additional coating on main hydraulic valve, heat treated shrink sealant on hydraulic hoses, fittings and electrical wiring, all hinges greased, Zerust® vapor enclosure for electronic components, extra heavy duty alternator, turbine engine precleaner and varnish protection on engine compartment, internal chassis and all non-painted metallic parts.
 

Engine

Net Power - ISO 9249223kW299HP
EmissionsTier 4/Stage IV
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - SAE J1995 - Metric251kW341HP
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - SAE J1995251kW337HP
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - SAE J1349 - Metric223kW303HP
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - ISO 14396247kW331HP
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - SAE J1349223kW299HP
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - ISO 14396 - Metric247kW336HP
Displacement9.3l568in³
Engine ModelCat C9.3
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249 - Metric223kW303HP
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249223kW299HP
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 143961710N·m1261ft·lbf
Maximum Net Torque - 1,100 rpm1654N·m1220ft·lbf
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - SAE J19951728N·m1275ft·lbf
NoteThe air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 1.6 kg of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent of 2.288 metric tonnes.

Weights

Operating Weight24897kg54871lb
NoteWeight based on a machine configuration with Michelin 26.5R25 XHA2 L3 radial tires, full fluids, operator, standard counterweight, cold start, roading fenders, Product Link™, manual diff lock/open axles (front/rear), power train guard, secondary steering, sound suppression and a 4.8 m³ (6.28 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE.

Buckets

Bucket Capacities3.20-9.94 m³ (4.19-13.0 yd³)

Operating Specifications

Breakout Force196kN44075lbf
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection17421kg38396lb
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - With Tire Deflection16164kg35626lb
Note (1)For a machine configuration as defined under "Weight."
Note (2)Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.

Transmission

Forward - 16.7km/h4.2mile/h
Forward - 323.2km/h14.4mile/h
Reverse - 17.6km/h4.7mile/h
Reverse - 215km/h9.3mile/h
Forward - 213.1km/h8.1mile/h
Reverse - 326.5km/h16.5mile/h
Forward - 439.5km/h24.5mile/h
NoteMaximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius.
Reverse - 439.5km/h24.5mile/h

Hydraulic System

Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,200 rpm360l/min95gal/min
Implement Pump TypeVariable Displacement Piston
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total10.7s10.7s
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure31000kPa4496psi

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System71.6l18.9gal (US)
Differential - Final Drives - Rear57l15.1gal (US)
Fuel Tank302l79.8gal (US)
Transmission54l14.3gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank125l33gal (US)
Differential - Final Drives - Front57l15.1gal (US)
Crankcase24.5l6.5gal (US)
DEF Tank16.8l4.4gal (US)

Sound

Note (1)*Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio.
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)109dB(A)109dB(A)
Note (2)**For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the EU Directives.
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Pressure Level (SAE J88:2013)76 dB(A)*
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)**69dB(A)69dB(A)
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)70dB(A)70dB(A)
Note (3)***European Union Directive 2000/14/EC as amended by 2005/88/EC.
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)**108 LWA***

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Hinge Pin Height at Carry680mm2.25ft
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch1775mm5.83ft
Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight2500mm8.17ft
Height - Top of ROPS3587mm11.75ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift3843mm12.58ft
Wheel Base3550mm11.67ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket7774mm25.58ft
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe3522mm11.58ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift4458mm14.67ft
Tread Width2230mm7.33ft
Rack Back - Carry Height50 degrees
NoteAll dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.
Height - Top of Hood2818mm9.17ft
Maximum Width over Tires3009mm9.92ft
Ground Clearance434mm1.42ft
Rack Back at Ground41 degrees
Rack Back - Maximum Lift56 degrees

Dimensions - High Lift

Maximum Width over Tires3009mm9.92ft
Height - Top of Hood2818mm9.17ft
Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight2500mm8.17ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift4140mm13.5ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket8109mm26.67ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift4793mm15.75ft
Rack Back - Maximum Lift71 degrees
Height - Top of ROPS3587mm11.75ft
Hinge Pin Height at Carry778mm2.58ft
Rack Back at Ground39 degrees
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe3522mm11.58ft
Wheel Base3550mm11.67ft
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch1775mm5.83ft
Tread Width2230mm7.33ft
Ground Clearance434mm1.42ft
Rack Back - Carry Height49 degrees
NoteAll dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.

Engine - Tier 4 Final/Stage IV

EmissionsTier 4/Stage IV

Bucket Capacities

Bucket Range3.20-9.94 m³ (4.19-13.0 yd³)

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