Reliability

• Cat® C9.3 ACERT™ engine and automatic Cat Regeneration System offers increased power density with a combination of proven electronic, fuel and air systems.
• Utilizing rigorous component design and machine validation processes results in unmatched reliability, durability and high uptime.

Durability

• Heavy-duty powershift transmission and axles handle extreme applications.
• Full flow hydraulic filtration system with additional loop filtration improves hydraulic system robustness and component life.

Productivity

• Engine power increased by approximately 8% improves machine performance and response (compared to H Series).
• Lock-up clutch torque converter, combined with lock-to-lock shifting, delivers smooth shifts, fast acceleration and speed on grade.
• Z-bar linkage provides high breakout force at ground level.
• Easy-to-load Performance Series Buckets feature a wider mouth and curved side plates that improve material retention (fill factor) and decrease cycle times.
• On-the-go disc-type front manual differential locks (front and rear fully automatic option).
• Optional Aggregate Handler configuration offers slightly higher payload capability for loose aggregate rehandling.*

*Optional configurations and equipment may vary from region to region and requires conformance to Caterpillar payload policy. Consult your dealer or Caterpillar representative for details.

Fuel Efficiency

• Up to 10% more fuel efficient than K Series and up to 25% more fuel efficient than H Series loaders.**
• Power dense ACERT engine burns less fuel by providing power and torque when needed.
• Standard productive Economy Mode provides maximum fuel savings with minimal productivity impact.

**Actual results may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, machine configuration, operator technique, machine application, climate, etc.

Ease of Operation

• Best-in-class operator environment provides unmatched comfort, visibility, and efficiency.
• E-H joystick steering (steering wheel optional) with force feedback for precision control and dramatically decreases operator arm fatigue.
• Intuitive, ergonomic controls and touch screen multifunction display keep operators focused on their work.
• Ride control system with dual accumulators provides excellent ride quality and lowers cab vibrations.

Safety

• Excellent cab access with wide door, remote door opening option and stair-like steps.
• Floor to ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear vision camera provide industry leading all-around visibility.

Serviceability

• One-piece tilting hood with side and rear doors; hydraulic and electrical service centers make access fast and easy.
• Safe, ground level access to fuel fill and daily maintenance points means less servicing time is required.
• Optional, fully integrated Cat Autolube system provides full lube system monitoring and diagnostic test visibility.

Cat Connect Technology

• Monitor, manage and enhance job site operations.
• Cat LINK Technologies: VisionLink® enables owners to access data wirelessly to monitor machine health, utilization and location.
• Cat DETECT Technologies: Integrated rear vision camera enhances visibility behind machine to help operators work safely. Optional Cat Rear Object Detection increases operator awareness of the working environment which enhances site safety.
• Cat PAYLOAD Technologies: Optional Cat Production Measurement 2.0 brings simple and accurate on-the-go payload scale allowing operators to deliver exact loads and work more efficiently. Advanced Productivity subscription provides comprehensive actionable information to help you manage and improve the productivity and profitability of your operations.

Overview

The new 972M Wheel Loader, with the 2017 product update, applies proven technologies systematically and strategically to meet your high expectations for reliability, productivity, fuel efficiency, and long service life. Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emission standards.

Net Power - ISO 9249	299.0 HP 223.0 kW	More Less
Engine Model	Cat C9.3 ACERT Cat C9.3 ACERT	More Less
Displacement	568.0 in³ 9.3 l	More Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - SAE J1349	299.0 HP 223.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - SAE J1349 - Metric	303.0 HP 223.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - ISO 14396	331.0 HP 247.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - ISO 14396 - Metric	336.0 HP 247.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - SAE J1995	337.0 HP 251.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Power - 1,800 rpm - SAE J1995 - Metric	341.0 HP 251.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249	299.0 HP 223.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Net Power - 1,700 rpm - ISO 9249 - Metric	303.0 HP 223.0 kW	More Less
Maximum Net Torque - 1,100 rpm	1220.0 ft·lbf 1654.0 N·m	More Less
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. 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.	More Less
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - ISO 14396	1261.0 ft·lbf 1710.0 N·m	More Less
Peak Gross Torque - 1,200 rpm - SAE J1995	1275.0 ft·lbf 1728.0 N·m	More Less

Operating Weight	54871.0 lb 24897.0 kg	More Less
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, 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,	More Less

Bucket Capacities

3.20-9.94 m? (4.19-13.0 yd?) 3.20-9.94 m? (4.19-13.0 yd?)

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Breakout Force	44075.0 lbf 196.0 kN	More Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - No Tire Deflection	38396.0 lb 17421.0 kg	More Less
Static Tipping Load - Full 37° Turn - With Tire Deflection	35626.0 lb 16164.0 kg	More Less
Note (1)	For a machine configuration as defined under ?Weight.? For a machine configuration as defined under ?Weight.?	More Less
Note (2)	Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing. Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.	More Less

Forward - 1	4.2 mile/h 6.7 km/h	More Less
Forward - 2	8.1 mile/h 13.1 km/h	More Less
Forward - 3	14.4 mile/h 23.2 km/h	More Less
Forward - 4	24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h	More Less
Reverse - 1	4.7 mile/h 7.6 km/h	More Less
Reverse - 2	9.3 mile/h 15.0 km/h	More Less
Reverse - 3	16.5 mile/h 26.5 km/h	More Less
Reverse - 4	24.5 mile/h 39.5 km/h	More Less
Note	Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius. Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius.	More Less

Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total	10.7 s 10.7 s	More Less
Implement Pump Type	Variable Displacement Piston Variable Displacement Piston	More Less
Implement System - Maximum Operating Pressure	4496.0 psi 31000.0 kPa	More Less
Implement System - Maximum Pump Output at 2,200 rpm	95.0 gal/min 360.0 l/min	More Less

Cooling System	18.9 gal (US) 71.6 l	More Less
Crankcase	6.5 gal (US) 24.5 l	More Less
Differential - Final Drives - Front	15.1 gal (US) 57.0 l	More Less
Differential - Final Drives - Rear	15.1 gal (US) 57.0 l	More Less
Fuel Tank	79.8 gal (US) 302.0 l	More Less
Hydraulic Tank	33.0 gal (US) 125.0 l	More Less
Transmission	14.3 gal (US) 54.0 l	More Less
DEF Tank	4.4 gal (US) 16.8 l	More Less

Note (1)	*Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio. *Distance of 15 m (49.2 ft), moving forward in second gear ratio.	More Less
Note (2)	**For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.? **For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the ?EU Directives.?	More Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)	109.0 dB(A) 109.0 dB(A)	More Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Pressure Level (SAE J88:2013)	76 dB(A)* 76 dB(A)*	More Less
Note (3)	***European Union Directive ?2000/14/EC? as amended by ?2005/88/EC.? ***European Union Directive ?2000/14/EC? as amended by ?2005/88/EC.?	More Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)**	108 LWA*** 108 LWA***	More Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)**	69.0 dB(A) 69.0 dB(A)	More Less
With Cooling Fan Speed at Maximum Value - Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)	70.0 dB(A) 70.0 dB(A)	More Less

Bucket Range

3.20-9.94 m? (4.19-13.0 yd?) 3.20-9.94 m? (4.19-13.0 yd?)

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Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight	8.17 ft 2500.0 mm	More Less
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch	5.83 ft 1775.0 mm	More Less
Ground Clearance	1.42 ft 434.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe	11.58 ft 3522.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of Hood	9.17 ft 2818.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of ROPS	11.75 ft 3587.0 mm	More Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry	2.58 ft 778.0 mm	More Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift	15.75 ft 4793.0 mm	More Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift	13.5 ft 4140.0 mm	More Less
Maximum Width over Tires	9.92 ft 3009.0 mm	More Less
Note	All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.	More Less
Overall Length - Without Bucket	26.67 ft 8109.0 mm	More Less
Rack Back - Carry Height	49 degrees 49 degrees	More Less
Rack Back - Maximum Lift	71 degrees 71 degrees	More Less
Rack Back at Ground	39 degrees 39 degrees	More Less
Tread Width	7.33 ft 2230.0 mm	More Less
Wheel Base	11.67 ft 3550.0 mm	More Less

Centerline of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight	8.17 ft 2500.0 mm	More Less
Centerline of Rear Axle to Hitch	5.83 ft 1775.0 mm	More Less
Ground Clearance	1.42 ft 434.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of Exhaust Pipe	11.58 ft 3522.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of Hood	9.17 ft 2818.0 mm	More Less
Height - Top of ROPS	11.75 ft 3587.0 mm	More Less
Hinge Pin Height at Carry	2.25 ft 680.0 mm	More Less
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift	14.67 ft 4458.0 mm	More Less
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift	12.58 ft 3843.0 mm	More Less
Maximum Width over Tires	9.92 ft 3009.0 mm	More Less
Note	All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires. All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.	More Less
Overall Length - Without Bucket	25.58 ft 7774.0 mm	More Less
Rack Back - Carry Height	50 degrees 50 degrees	More Less
Rack Back - Maximum Lift	56 degrees 56 degrees	More Less
Rack Back at Ground	41 degrees 41 degrees	More Less
Tread Width	7.33 ft 2230.0 mm	More Less
Wheel Base	11.67 ft 3550.0 mm	More Less