972 Wheel Loader

The Cat® 972 Wheel Loader is built for relentless output and smooth control, no matter the terrain. Its advanced systems help operators stay sharp and productive, while extended maintenance intervals keep downtime off the schedule. From heavy-duty cleanup to material handling, this machine delivers the muscle, smarts, and staying power to keep your operation moving forward.

Engine

Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 339hp
Engine Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 14396:2002 344 hp (metric)
Engine Model Cat® C9.3B
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 343hp
Gross Power - 1,600 rpm SAE J1995:2014 348 hp (metric)
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 316hp
Net Power - 1,600 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 321 hp (metric)
Engine Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 14396:2002 1375lbf·ft
Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm SAE J1995:2014 1388kW
Net Torque - 1,200 rpm ISO 9249:2007, SAE J1349:2011 1316lbf·ft
Displacement 567.5in³
Emissions Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Stage V, China Nonroad Stage IV and Japan 2014 emission standards.
Biodiesel Capability Up to B20¹
Note (1) The net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan, alternator, air cleaner, and aftertreatment.
Note (2) ¹Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) and are compatible* with ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels**up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) ***100%
Engine Torque @ 1,200 rpm – ISO 14396:2002 1375lb/ft
Gross Torque @ 1,200 rpm – SAE J1995:2014 1388lb/ft
Note (3) Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: • 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)* • 100% renewable diesel, HVO (h
Displacement 9.3 L

Weights

Operating Weight 54858lb
Note Weight based on a machine configuration with Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires, full fluids, operator, standard counterweight, ride control, cold start, roading fenders, Product Link™, front manual differential/open rear axles, powertrain guard, sec

Transmission

Forward - 1 4.1mile/h
Forward - 2 8.4mile/h
Forward - 3 15mile/h
Forward - 4 24.5mile/h
Reverse - 1 4.5mile/h
Reverse - 2 9.2mile/h
Reverse - 3 16.5mile/h
Reverse - 4 24.5mile/h
Note Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 849 mm (33 in) roll radius.

Sound

Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 70dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008 109dB(A)
Operator Sound Pressure Level - ISO 6396:2008 ¹ 69dB(A)
Exterior Sound Power Level - ISO 6395:2008² 108dB(A)
Note (1) ¹Including countries that adopt the EU and UK Directives.
Note (2) ²Exterior Sound Power Level - European Union Directive 2000/14/EC and UK Noise Regulation 2001 No. 1701.
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Note Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio.

Air Conditioning System

Air Conditioning The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf. See the label or instruction manual for identification of the gas. - If equipped with R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430), the system

Operating Specifications

Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn 35919lb
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection 38582lb
Breakout Force 44072lbf
Note (1) For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.”
Note (2) Full compliance to ISO 14397-1:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.

Service Refill Capacities

Fuel Tank 80.1gal (US)
DEF Tank 6.9gal (US)
Cooling System 17.4gal (US)
Crankcase 6.1gal (US)
Transmission 15.5gal (US)
Differential - Final Drives - Front 15.1gal (US)
Differential - Final Drives - Rear 15.1gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank 30.1gal (US)

Hydraulic System

Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,275 rpm 99gpm
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure 4496psi
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.7s
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.7 seconds

Dimensions - Standard Lift

Height - Top of Hood 9.33ft
Height - Top of ROPS 11.83ft
Ground Clearance 1.33ft
Wheel Base 11.67ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket 25.42ft
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height 2.27ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 14.58ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 12.58ft
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 56°
Rack Back - Carry Height 49°
Width over Tires (Loaded) 9.92ft
Tread Width 7.25ft
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 degrees
Rack Back at Ground 39 degrees
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 56 degrees

Dimensions - High Lift

Height - Top of Hood 9.33ft
Height - Top of ROPS 11.83ft
Ground Clearance 1.33ft
Wheel Base 11.67ft
Overall Length - Without Bucket 26.5ft
Hinge Pin Height at Carry Height 2.5ft
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift 15.67ft
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift 13.67ft
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 71°
Rack Back - Carry Height 49°
Width over Tires (Loaded) 9.92ft
Tread Width 7.25ft
Note All dimensions are approximate and based on machine equipped with 4.8 m³ (6.25 yd³) general purpose bucket with BOCE and Bridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial tires.
Rack Back at Ground 37 degrees
Rack Back - Carry Height 49 degrees
Rack Back - Maximum Lift 71 degrees

Standard Equipment

  • Note
    • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
  • Operator Environment
    • Cab, pressurized, sound suppression
    • EH implement controls, parking brake
    • Steering, joystick
    • Seat, cloth, air suspension
    • Touchscreen display
    • Keypad, programmable buttons
    • Air conditioner, heater, defroster (auto temp, fan)
    • Sun visor, front and rear retractable
    • Windows, front, laminated
  • Powertrain
    • Cat® C9.3B engine
    • Electric fuel priming pump
    • Fuel-water separator and secondary fuel filter
    • Engine, air precleaner
    • Axles, auto front differential lock
    • Transmission, planetary, automatic powershift
    • Torque converter with lock-up
    • Service brakes, hydraulic, fully enclosed wet disc, wear indicators
    • Integrated Braking System (IBS)
    • Park brake, caliper on front axles, spring applied-pressure released
    • Brake pedal neutralizer with decel function
  • Electrical
    • Starting and charging system, 24V
    • Starter, electric, heavy duty
    • Lights: halogen, 4 work lights, 2 front roading lights with turn signals, 2 rearview lights
  • Hydraulics
    • Implement system, load sensing with variable displacement piston pump
    • Steering system, load sensing with dedicated variable displacement piston pump
    • Ride control, dual accumulators
    • Oil sampling valves, Cat XT hoses
  • Linkage
    • Standard lift, Z-bar
    • Kickouts: lift and tilt
  • Monitoring System
    • Front dash with analog gauges, LCD display, and warning lights
    • Primary touchscreen monitor (Cat Payload, quad screens, machine settings and messages)
    • Maintenance reminders
  • Onboard Technologies
    • Autodig with auto set tires
    • Operator ID and machine security
    • Application profiles
    • Job aids
    • Controls help and eOMM (Not available in all languages)
    • Cat Payload
    • Key Features Inform
    • Bucket Carry Display Widget
    • Remote Flash
  • Safety
    • Seat belt reminder
    • 2-point seat belt
    • Rear vision camera
    • Window cleaning platform, front
    • Visibility: mirrors, rear-vision camera
    • Window cleaning platform, front

Optional Equipment

  • Note
    • Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
  • Operator Environment
    • Door, remote opening system
    • Footrest
    • HMU steering wheel
    • Implement joystick (2V, 3V only)
    • Entertainment radio (FM, AM, USB, BT)
    • Entertainment radio (DAB+)
    • CB radio ready
    • Seat, suede/cloth, air suspension, heated
    • Seat, leather/cloth, air suspension, heated/cooled
    • Mirrors, heated
    • Windows, front, heavy duty
    • Full cab window guard
  • Powertrain
    • Turbine, air precleaner
    • Radiator, high debris
    • Cooling fan, reversible
    • Axles, auto front and rear differential locks
    • Axles, ecology drains, AOC ready, extreme temperature seals
    • Axles, oil cooler
  • Electrical
    • Cold start, 120V or 240V
    • Lights: LED
  • Hydraulics
    • 3rd and 4th auxiliary functions with ride control
    • Quick coupler control
  • Linkage
    • High lift, Z-bar
  • Monitoring System
    • Tire pressure monitor
  • Onboard Technologies
    • Cat Advanced Payload
    • Cat Payload for Trade (Available in Europe and Australia. Country certifications vary. Contact your Cat dealer for more information.)
    • Cat Payload Printer with E-ticket
  • Safety
    • 4-point seat belt (kit)
    • Rear vision camera, dedicated
    • Surround vision, dedicated
    • Window cleaning platform, front
    • Collision warning system
    • Collision mitigation system
    • Reverse strobe lights (Not compatible with roading arrangements)
    • Warning beacon
    • Secondary steering system, electrical (Standard where mandated)
    • Wheel chocks
    • Remote control
  • Additional Equipment
    • Cat Autolube system
    • Fenders, extensions or roading
    • Guards: powertrain, crankcase, window glass, cylinders, rear
    • Biodegradable hydraulic oil
    • High-speed oil change system
    • Rear cab access
    • Single Life Cutting Edge GET
    • Toolbox
  • Special Configurations
    • Aggregate handler
    • Waste and industrial
    • Steel mill