Specification sheet Wheel Loader Ref caterpillar-972m-wheel-loader
Caterpillar 972M
The Caterpillar 972M is a wheel loader with an operating weight of 54,871 lb (24,889.07 kg), and a 299 hp engine.
✓ QA-verified — every figure checked for unit consistency, physical possibility, and class plausibility; failures withheld → Operating weight
54,871lb
24,889.07kg
Engine power
299hp
223kW
Net Power - Iso 9249 ◆Where it sits in its classpercentile · medium wheel loaders
Among 198 medium wheel loaders (45,000–90,000 lb), the Caterpillar 972M sits in the middle of its class:
- Operating weight 54,870 lb heavier than 54% (n=198)
- Engine power 299 hp more powerful than 66% (n=190)
Not positioned on bucket capacity — withheld or unpublished for this machine.
01 Engine Specification
| Displacement | 568cu in | 9.4L |
|---|---|---|
| Net Power - Iso 9249 | 299hp | 223kw |
| Engine Model | Cat C9.3 ACERT | |
| Note | The 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. | |
| Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 Rpm - Sae J1995 | 1275lb ft | 1728.7Nm |
| Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 Rpm - Iso 14396 | 1261lb ft | 1709.7Nm |
| Maximum Net Power - 1,700 Rpm - Iso 9249 | 299hp | 223kw |
| Maximum Net Torque - 1,100 Rpm | 1220lb ft | 1654.1Nm |
| Maximum Net Power - 1,700 Rpm - Iso 9249 - Metric | 303hp | 226kw |
| Maximum Net Power - 1,700 Rpm - Sae J1349 | 299hp | 223kw |
| Maximum Net Power - 1,700 Rpm - Sae J1349 - Metric | 303hp | 226kw |
| Maximum Net Torque - 1,000 Rpm | 1204lb ft | 1632.5Nm |
| Maximum Power - 1,800 Rpm - Iso 14396 | 331hp | 246.9kw |
| Maximum Power - 1,800 Rpm - Iso 14396 - Metric | 336hp | 250.6kw |
| Maximum Power - 1,800 Rpm - Sae J1995 | 337hp | 251.4kw |
| Maximum Power - 1,800 Rpm - Sae J1995 - Metric | 341hp | 254.3kw |
02 Operational Specification
| Operating Weight | 54871lb | 24889.1kg |
|---|
03 Transmission Specification
| Forward - 1 | 4.2mph | 6.8km/h |
|---|---|---|
| Forward - 2 | 8.1mph | 13.1km/h |
| Forward - 3 | 14.4mph | 23.2km/h |
| Forward - 4 | 24.5mph | 39.5km/h |
| Note | Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius. | |
| Reverse - 1 | 4.7mph | 7.6km/h |
| Reverse - 2 | 9.3mph | 15km/h |
| Reverse - 3 | 16.5mph | 26.6km/h |
| Reverse - 4 | 24.5mph | 39.5km/h |
04 Weights Specification
| Operating Weight | 54871lb | 24889.1kg |
|---|---|---|
| Note | Weight 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. |
05 Buckets Specification
| Bucket Capacities | 3.20-9.94 m (4.19-13.0 yd) |
|---|
06 Hydraulic System Specification
| Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total | 10.7 s | |
|---|---|---|
| Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure | 4496 psi | |
| Implement Pump Type | Variable Displacement Piston | |
| Implement System - Maximum Pump Output At 2,200 Rpm | 95 gal/min |
07 Operating Specifications Specification
| 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. | |
| Breakout Force | 44075lb | 19992.1kg |
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37 Degrees Turn - With Tire Deflection | 35626lb | 16159.7kg |
| Static Tipping Load - Full 37 Degrees Turn - No Tire Deflection | 38396lb | 17416.2kg |
08 Service Refill Capacities Specification
| Cooling System | 18.9gal | 71.6L |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Tank | 79.8gal | 302.1L |
| Crankcase | 6.5gal | 24.7L |
| Def Tank | 4.4gal | 16.7L |
| Hydraulic Tank | 33gal | 125L |
| Transmission | 14.3gal | 54.2L |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 15.1gal | 57.2L |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 15.1gal | 57.2L |
09 Sound Specification
| Note (1) | *Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio. | |
|---|---|---|
| Note (2) | **For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? | |
| Note (3) | ***European Union Directive ?2000/14/EC? as amended by ?2005/88/EC.? | |
| Note | *Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio. | |
| With Cooling Fan Speed At Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (Iso 6396:2008) | 70 dB(A) | |
| With Cooling Fan Speed At Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (Iso 6395:2008) | 109 dB(A) | |
| 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)** | 69 dB(A) | |
| With Cooling Fan Speed At 70% Of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (Iso 6395:2008)** | 108 LWA*** |
10 Bucket Capacities Specification
| Bucket Range | 3.20-9.94 m (4.19-13.0 yd) |
|---|
11 Engine - Tier 3/Stage Iiia Equivalent Specification
| Emissions | Tier 3/Stage IIIA |
|---|
12 Engine - Tier 4 Final/Stage Iv Specification
| Emissions | Tier 4/Stage IV |
|---|
13 Dimensions - High Lift Dimensions
| Ground Clearance | 1.42ft in | 0.44m |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Base | 11.67ft in | 3.56m |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Edge Of Counterweight | 8.17ft in | 2.5m |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Hitch | 5.83ft in | 1.78m |
| Height - Top Of Exhaust Pipe | 11.58ft in | 3.53m |
| Height - Top Of Hood | 9.17ft in | 2.8m |
| Height - Top Of Rops | 11.75ft in | 3.59m |
| Hinge Pin Height At Carry | 2.58ft in | 0.79m |
| Hinge Pin Height At Maximum Lift | 15.75ft in | 4.81m |
| Lift Arm Clearance At Maximum Lift | 13.5ft in | 4.12m |
| Maximum Width Over Tires | 9.92ft in | 3.03m |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 26.67ft in | 8.13m |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 49 degrees | |
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 71 degrees | |
| Rack Back At Ground | 39 degrees | |
| Tread Width | 7.33ft in | 2.24m |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. |
14 Dimensions - Standard Lift Dimensions
| Ground Clearance | 1.42ft in | 0.44m |
|---|---|---|
| Rack Back - Maximum Lift | 56 degrees | |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Edge Of Counterweight | 8.17ft in | 2.5m |
| Lift Arm Clearance At Maximum Lift | 12.58ft in | 3.84m |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Hitch | 5.83ft in | 1.78m |
| Maximum Width Over Tires | 9.92ft in | 3.03m |
| Note | All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. | |
| Tread Width | 7.33ft in | 2.24m |
| Height - Top Of Exhaust Pipe | 11.58ft in | 3.53m |
| Height - Top Of Hood | 9.17ft in | 2.8m |
| Overall Length - Without Bucket | 25.58ft in | 7.8m |
| Height - Top Of Rops | 11.75ft in | 3.59m |
| Rack Back At Ground | 41 degrees | |
| Hinge Pin Height At Carry | 2.25ft in | 0.69m |
| Rack Back - Carry Height | 50 degrees | |
| Wheel Base | 11.67ft in | 3.56m |
| Hinge Pin Height At Maximum Lift | 14.67ft in | 4.48m |
Method. Figures are manufacturer reference specifications, not measurements. Every value is checked for unit consistency, physically possible magnitude, and plausibility for its equipment class before publication; figures that fail any check are withheld rather than shown, and figures reconstructed from related data are marked above. Imperial and metric figures are reproduced as published, except where a note states otherwise.