Caterpillar 966c Wheel Loader Specs (1976-1981)

The Caterpillar 966c Wheel Loader (1976-1981) is characterised by below-average engine power at 170 hp (127 kW) and below-average weight at 36,905 lb (16.7 t). It also has maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³).
Specification profile

Wheel Loader • 1976-1981

Weight: 36,905 lb (16.7 t)Engine power: 170 hp (127 kW)Maximum bucket capacity: 4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³)Minimum bucket capacity: 3 yd³ (2.29 m³)
36,905 lb (16.7 t)Weight
170 hp (127 kW)Engine power
4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³)Maximum bucket capacity
3 yd³ (2.29 m³)Minimum bucket capacity
28,101 lbf (125 kN)Lifting Force
23.6 mph (38 km/h)Travel speed
9.58 ft (2.92 m)Transport width
9.58 ft (2.92 m)Bucket width
How it compares

Low, average or high?

Engine power

Below average

170 hp (127 kW)
Low 44.3 hp (33 kW)Typical 212 hp (158 kW)High 814 hp (607 kW)

Engine power is below the typical figure.

Weight

Below average

36,905 lb (16.7 t)
Low 7,419 lb (3.37 t)Typical 43,268 lb (19.6 t)High 210,541 lb (95.5 t)

Weight is below the typical figure.

Maximum bucket capacity

Below average

4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³)
Low 1.05 yd³ (0.8 m³)Typical 5.37 yd³ (4.11 m³)High 17 yd³ (13 m³)

Maximum bucket capacity is below the typical figure.

Minimum bucket capacity

Below average

3 yd³ (2.29 m³)
Low 0.78 yd³ (0.6 m³)Typical 3.71 yd³ (2.84 m³)High 12.4 yd³ (9.5 m³)

Minimum bucket capacity is below the typical figure.

Lifting Force

Below average

28,101 lbf (125 kN)
Low 809 lbf (3.6 kN)Typical 36,528 lbf (162 kN)High 161,413 lbf (718 kN)

Lifting Force is below the typical figure.

Travel speed

Above average

23.6 mph (38 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.

Visual overview

Key measurements

Capacity

Published capacity figures shown together for quick comparison.

Maximum bucket capacity4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³)
Minimum bucket capacity3 yd³ (2.29 m³)

Working dimensions

Useful working and clearance measurements shown side by side.

Outside turning radius20.7 ft (6.32 m)
Maximum discharge height9.84 ft (3 m)
Bucket width9.58 ft (2.92 m)

Overall size

The main published dimensions shown together at a glance.

Transport length22.4 ft (6.83 m)
Transport height17.6 ft (5.36 m)
Transport width9.58 ft (2.92 m)
Equipment

Features & equipment

Published equipment and feature availability for this model.

Air conditioningNO
Diesel particulate filterNO
Hydraulic quick hitchNO
Mechanical quick hitchNO
Swing loaderNO
TelescopicNO
Overview

Model information

Manufacturer Caterpillar
Model 966c
Category Wheel Loader
Model year / production 1976-1981
Full specifications

Technical details

Performance

Engine power170 hp (127 kW)
Lifting Force28,101 lbf (125 kN)
Travel speed23.6 mph (38 km/h)

Dimensions

Bucket width9.58 ft (2.92 m)
Maximum discharge height9.84 ft (3 m)
Transport height17.6 ft (5.36 m)
Transport length22.4 ft (6.83 m)
Transport width9.58 ft (2.92 m)
Outside turning radius20.7 ft (6.32 m)

Capacity & weight

Maximum bucket capacity4.5 yd³ (3.44 m³)
Minimum bucket capacity3 yd³ (2.29 m³)
Weight36,905 lb (16.7 t)
Swing loaderNo

Engine & drivetrain

Cylinder bore × stroke121×152 mm
Displacement2.77 US gal (10.5 L)
Engine manufacturerCaterpillar
Engine type3036
Number of cylinders6.0

Setup & fitment

Hydraulic quick hitchNo
Mechanical quick hitchNo
Standard tyres23.5-25.12 PR (L-2)

Features

Air conditioningNo
Diesel particulate filterNo
TelescopicNo