Wheel Loaders feature electro-hydraulic implement controls.

Press Release Summary:

Designed with 5° forward-inclined left access ladder, H-Series provides simultaneous lift-and-tilt capabilities. Model 966H produces gross power of 283 hp and handles buckets from 4.5-5.5 yd³, while Model 972H produces 307 hp and uses 5.0-6.5 yd³ buckets. ACERT(TM) technology is US EPA Tier 3 compliant and provides advanced electronic control. Load Sensing Hydraulic Implement System automatically adjusts to operating conditions to provide only hydraulic flow required by implement.


Original Press Release:

Caterpillar(TM) 966H and 972H Wheel Loaders Feature New Cat(TM) Engines, New Load Sensing Hydraulics, Improved Operator Comfort, Serviceability

Two new Caterpillar(TM) H-Series medium wheel loaders, the 966H and 972H, feature key changes to boost productivity and reduce owning and operating costs. New Cat(TM) engines featuring ACERT(TM) technology provide increased power and US EPA Tier 3 emissions compliance for the new loaders. A new load sensing hydraulic implement system, which is proprietary to Caterpillar, works more efficiently for improved fuel benefits of 4 to 7 percent and a 20 percent increase in lift force over previous models. The new models replace the 966G Series II and 972G Series II. Along with improved productivity, enhanced operator comfort and serviceability have been built into the 966H and 972H. Key changes include electro-hydraulic implement controls with simultaneous lift and tilt capabilities, a 5-degree forward-inclined left access ladder, a new cooling system, and centralized hydraulic and electric service centers for improved maintenance. The new wheel loaders are designed to handle a wide range of tasks in construction, aggregates, forestry, and bulk materials handling. The 966H produces gross power of 283 hp (211 kW) and handles buckets of 4.5 to 5.5 cubic yards (3.4 to 4.2 cubic meters). The 972H produces gross power of 307 hp (229 kW) and uses buckets of 5.0 to 6.5 cubic yards (3.8 to 4.6 cubic meters). Leading the Way with ACERT(TM) Technology Building on Caterpillar's proven track record with the on-highway Cat engines using ACERT technology, the 972H leverages this technology with the new Cat C13 Engine, and the 966H uses the Cat C11 Engine. The proprietary ACERT technology is US EPA Tier 3 compliant and provides advanced electronic control, precision fuel delivery, and refined air management for outstanding engine performance and durability. The Cat C13 has 12.5 liters displacement, and the Cat C11 has 11.1 liters displacement. Both are inline 6-cylinder engines with mechanically actuated electronic fuel injection (MEUI). The Cat MEUI fuel system has a field proven record of efficiency and reliability. The system is comprised of four major components: injectors, a low-pressure fuel transfer pump, sensors to monitor speed, temperature and pressure, and an ADEM(TM) A4:E4V2 controller. The ADEM(TM) A4 controller is the brains behind engine responsiveness, self-diagnosis, emissions control and fuel economy. The system provides constant net horsepower through the operating range. Constant net horsepower maintains a constant level of productivity regardless of parasitic loads, such as air conditioning. For additional efficiencies, the 966H and 972H offer the new Engine Idle Management Software (EIMS), designed to maximize fuel efficiency by enabling customers to change idle speeds to best suit the application. EIMS has four idle control settings: hibernate (fuel economy), work (set idle per application requirements), warm up (cold weather operations) and low voltage mode. New Load Sensing Hydraulics System The new, proprietary Load Sensing Hydraulic Implement System is a closed loop system that automatically adjusts to operating conditions to provide only the hydraulic flow required by the implement. The result is optimum fuel efficiency. Additional benefits are found with a new proprietary valve, the M3PC Priority Proportional Pressure Compensated Valve with integrated functions. The valve can set priority of one function over another and proportionally decrease or increase pressure on both the lift and tilt function to ensure no work stalls. With integrated functions on the M3PC valve, such as ride control and anti-drift, there are fewer line connections and less time required to retrofit. Enhancing Operator Efficiency and Comfort The H-Series electro-hydraulic implement controls feature soft detents. With electro-hydraulic controls and the new load sensing system, the operators can simultaneous lift and tilt the bucket. The result is better bucket control and less spillage. The control levers are detented in the kickout positions (tilt back or dump). When the lever is moved into soft detent, the operator will feel an increased resistance from the lever. Once the lever is in the detent, the operator releases it and the bucket continues to dump or tilt back until it reaches the angle that is preset by the kickout. Kickouts are programmable from within the cab for easy changes when the dump height of the target changes. An optional electro-hydraulic joystick is available with the same functionality. For easier operator access and egress, the new loaders each have a redesigned left-side ladder. The self-cleaning ladder features a 5-degree forward incline. A full-length ladder is standard on the right side of the machine as well. As with the GII Series, the 966H and 972H offer a choice of the standard steering wheel and the optional Command Control steering wheel. Turning the Command Control steering wheel about 70 degrees from the center point achieves full machine articulation. The system reduces operator effort in applications such as truck loading. New Cooling System, Improved Serviceability An electronically controlled, hydraulically driven fan automatically changes speed to meet the cooling requirements of the machine. The system saves fuel and reduces noise. The new cooling package also provides excellent access for service. A new corrugated and perforated swing out rear grill minimizes entry of debris into the cooling cores and provides easy access to the hydraulic oil cooler and air conditioner condenser. The unit core joints are brazed for superior durability. The standard, square wave unit core has six fins per inch for greater resistance to plugging and easier cleaning. The 966H and 972H offer enhanced serviceability with a redesigned hood and counterweight and key changes to maintenance points. The new non-metallic hood is strengthened with robust reinforcing ribs and a new contour that adds rigidity. The new one-piece counterweight is integrated into the machine design and styling, and the rear bumper counterweight incorporates the rear lights in the top structure. For ease of maintenance, grease fittings have been grouped on the right side of the machine in two convenient locations. An access panel below the right side service platform covers all the remote pressure ports for the steering, hydraulic system and brakes. A new hydraulic service center is located in a swing out door just below the right side access platform. It allows easy access to transmission oil and hydraulic filters. The hydraulic filter has a 500-hour service interval and the transmission filter has a 1000-hour interval for reduced maintenance costs. The H-Series also provides ground level sight gauges for the transmission, hydraulic oil and radiator coolant. Several new factory options allow equipping the loaders to meet specific needs. A new rearview camera is available. The windshield-cleaning package includes steps and handrails for ready access to the windshield. Another option, Caterpillar Autolube, lubricates pins and bushings while the machine is in operation. Other new factory options include next generation Product Link, which offers expanded options for more powerful equipment management. High intensity discharge lights and a high ambient cooling package also are available. The Cat 966H and 972H Wheel Loaders offer high productivity reduced owning and operating costs and a comfortable environment for operators while meeting US EPA Tier 3 emissions regulations. For additional information, customers should contact their local Caterpillar dealer or visit the Cat web site at www.cat.com. Basic Specifications for 966H and 972H Wheel Loaders

966H 972H Engine Cat C11 with ATAAC Cat C13 with ATAAC Flywheel (net) power 262 hp (195 kW) 287 hp (214 kW) Max flywheel power 283 hp (211 kW) 307 hp (229 kW) Bucket capacities 4.5-5.5 yd3 (3.4-4.2 m3) 5.0-6.0 yd3 (3.8-4.6 m3) Operating weight 52,254 lbs (23 693 kg) 54,908 lbs (24,913 kg) Static tipping load, full turn 34,120 lb (15 474 kg) 37,271 lb (16,903 kg) Breakout force 42,300 lb (188 kN) 51,750 lb (230 kN)

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