Caterpillar 966 Wheel Loader Specs (2021-2026)

Among the key figures for the Caterpillar 966 Wheel Loader (2021-2026) are high engine power at 303 hp (226 kW) and above-average weight at 51,191 lb (23.2 t). The listed bucket capacity is 5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³).
Specification profile

Wheel Loader • 2021-2026

Weight: 51,191 lb (23.2 t)Engine power: 303 hp (226 kW)Bucket capacity: 5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)Minimum bucket capacity: 5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)
51,191 lb (23.2 t)Weight
303 hp (226 kW)Engine power
5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)Bucket capacity
5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)Minimum bucket capacity
39,117 lbf (174 kN)Lifting Force
24.5 mph (39.5 km/h)Travel speed
1,600 rpmEngine speed at max torque
1,193 lb-ft (1,618 Nm)Maximum torque
How it compares

Low, average or high?

Engine power

High

303 hp (226 kW)
Low 44.3 hp (33 kW)Typical 212 hp (158 kW)High 814 hp (607 kW)

Engine power is well above the typical figure.

Weight

Above average

51,191 lb (23.2 t)
Low 7,419 lb (3.37 t)Typical 43,268 lb (19.6 t)High 210,541 lb (95.5 t)

Weight is above the typical figure.

Bucket capacity

High

5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)
Low 0.78 yd³ (0.6 m³)Typical 4 yd³ (3.06 m³)High 15 yd³ (11.5 m³)

Bucket capacity is well above the typical figure.

Lifting Force

Average

39,117 lbf (174 kN)
Low 809 lbf (3.6 kN)Typical 36,528 lbf (162 kN)High 161,413 lbf (718 kN)

Lifting Force is close to the typical figure.

Travel speed

Above average

24.5 mph (39.5 km/h)
Low 12 mph (19.3 km/h)Typical 21.4 mph (34.4 km/h)High 26.7 mph (43 km/h)

Travel speed is above the typical figure.

Maximum torque

High

1,193 lb-ft (1,618 Nm)
Low 107 lb-ft (145 Nm)Typical 732 lb-ft (992 Nm)High 2,104 lb-ft (2,852 Nm)

Maximum torque is well above the typical figure.

Visual overview

Key measurements

Working dimensions

Useful working and clearance measurements shown side by side.

Outside turning radius25.1 ft (7.64 m)
Bucket width10.5 ft (3.2 m)
Maximum discharge height9.81 ft (2.99 m)

Overall size

The main published dimensions shown together at a glance.

Transport length23.9 ft (7.29 m)
Transport height11.5 ft (3.52 m)
Transport width9.88 ft (3.01 m)
Equipment

Features & equipment

Published equipment and feature availability for this model.

Air conditioningYES
Diesel particulate filterYES
Hydraulic quick hitchNO
Mechanical quick hitchNO
Swing loaderYES
TelescopicNO
Overview

Model information

Manufacturer Caterpillar
Model 966
Category Wheel Loader
Model year / production 2021-2026
Full specifications

Technical details

Performance

Engine power303 hp (226 kW)
Lifting Force39,117 lbf (174 kN)
Maximum torque1,193 lb-ft (1,618 Nm)
Engine speed at max torque1,600 rpm
Travel speed24.5 mph (39.5 km/h)

Dimensions

Bucket width10.5 ft (3.2 m)
Maximum discharge height9.81 ft (2.99 m)
Transport height11.5 ft (3.52 m)
Transport length23.9 ft (7.29 m)
Transport width9.88 ft (3.01 m)
Outside turning radius25.1 ft (7.64 m)

Capacity & weight

Bucket capacity5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)
Minimum bucket capacity5.75 yd³ (4.4 m³)
Weight51,191 lb (23.2 t)
Swing loaderYes

Engine & drivetrain

Displacement2.46 US gal (9.3 L)
Emission levelEU V
Engine manufacturerCaterpillar
Engine typeC9.3B

Setup & fitment

Hydraulic quick hitchNo
Mechanical quick hitchNo
Standard tyres26.5-25

Features

Air conditioningYes
Diesel particulate filterYes
TelescopicNo

Other specifications

Steering modeKL