Overview
The Caterpillar 972H is a wheel loader listed in the Heavy Equipment Hub equipment database with structured specifications for comparison, research, and machine selection. Key specification points include engine power of 287 hp, operating weight of 55,451 lb, fuel capacity of 100.4 gal and hydraulic capacity of 29.0 gal. This model can be reviewed for loading, stockpile work, material handling, yard operations, and fleet comparison workflows. Use the full specifications table to compare the Caterpillar 972H against similar wheel loader models by power, weight, capacity, dimensions, speed, and other technical values.
Key Specifications
Operating Weight
55,451
lb
Net Power
287
hp
Gross Power
311
hp
Bucket Capacity - Heaped
6
yd3
Full Specifications
82 specs
Dimensions
B-Pin Height - Standard
14.65 ft / 4.47 m
Breakout Force
51,750 lb / 23,473 kg
Bucket Capacity - Heaped
6 yd³ / 4.59 m³
Bucket Capacity - Struck
5.23 yd³ / 4.00 m³
Bucket Width
10.58 ft / 3.22 m
Centerline Of Rear Axle To Hitch
67.92 in / 1,725 mm
Centerline Rear Axle To Edge Of Counterweight
8.07 in / 205 mm
Dump Clearance At Max Raise
10.66 ft / 3.25 m
Ground Clearance
1.63 ft / 0.50 m
Height - Top Of Exhaust Pipe
140.04 in / 3,557 mm
Height - Top Of Hood
105.60 in / 2,682 mm
Height - Top Of Rops
11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Height to Top of Cab
11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Hinge Pin - Max Height
14.67 ft / 4.47 m
Length With Bucket On Ground
30 ft / 9.14 m
Reach At Max Lift And Dump
4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Wheel Base
11.32 in / 288 mm
Wheelbase
11.32 ft / 3.45 m
Width Over Tires
9.67 ft / 2.95 m
Engine
Alternator Supplied Amperage
80 A
Bore
5.20 in / 132 mm
Cooling System Fluid Capacity
10.30 gal / 39.0 L
Displacement
763 cu in / 12.5 L
Engine Make
2236
Engine Model
C13 ACERT
Engine Oil Fluid Capacity
9.30 gal / 35.2 L
Flywheel Power
287 hp / 214.0 kW
Forward - 1
4.50 mph / 7.2 km/h
Forward - 2
7.80 mph / 12.6 km/h
Forward - 3
13.30 mph / 21.4 km/h
Forward - 4
22.90 mph / 36.9 km/h
Front Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity
16.90 gal / 64.0 L
Fuel Capacity
100.40 gal / 380.1 L
Gross Power
311 hp / 231.9 kW
Gross Power - Sae J1995
311 hp / 231.9 kW
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity
29 gal / 109.8 L
Hydraulic Tank
29 gal / 109.8 L
Max Speed - Forward
22.90 mph / 36.9 km/h
Max Speed - Reverse
24 mph / 38.6 km/h
Max Torque
983 lb-ft / 1,333 Nm
Maximum Bucket Capacity
6 yd³ / 4.59 m³
Net Power
287 hp / 214.0 kW
Net Power - 80/1269/Eec
287 hp / 214.0 kW
Net Power - Iso 9249
287 hp / 214.0 kW
Net Power - Sae J1349
284 hp / 211.8 kW
Number of Forward Gears
4
Number of Reverse Gears
4
Operating Voltage
24 V
Operating Weight
55,451 lb / 25,152 kg
Peak Torque - 1,400 Rpm - Net
983 lb-ft / 1,333 Nm
Power Measured @
1,800 rpm
Rear
Oscillating +/- 13?
Rear Axle Oscillation
26 lb / 12 kg
Rear Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity
16.90 gal / 64.0 L
Reverse - 1
5.10 mph / 8.2 km/h
Reverse - 2
8.80 mph / 14.2 km/h
Reverse - 3
15.10 mph / 24.3 km/h
Reverse - 4
24 mph / 38.6 km/h
Static Tipping Weight
42,043 lb / 19,070 kg
Stroke
6.20 in / 157 mm
Tire Size
26.50 in / 673 mm
Torque Measured @
1,400 rpm
Transmission Fluid Capacity
9.30 gal / 35.2 L
Turning Radius
24 ft / 7.32 m
Hydraulics
Bucket/Work Tool System - Pump Output
80.60 gal/min / 305.1 L/min
Dump Time
2.10 sec
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Dump
2.10
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Raise
5.90
Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total
10.40
Lower Time
2.40 sec
Maximum Single-Wheel Rise And Fall
19.80
Pump Flow Capacity
80.60 gal/min / 305.1 L/min
Raise Time
5.90 sec
Relief Valve Setting
1,000 psi / 68.9 bar
Other
Dump Clearance
10,357.60 ft / 3,157.00 m
Static Tipping Load - Full Turn
37,271 lb / 16,906 kg
Cooling System
10.30 gal / 39.0 L
Crankcase
9.30 gal / 35.2 L
Differential - Final Drives - Front
16.9
Differential - Final Drives - Rear
16.9
Fuel Tank - Standard
100.40 gal / 380.1 L
Transmission
9.3
Videos 1
Related Machines
Related Guides & Articles
Mar 14, 2026
Wheel Loader vs Skid Steer: Which Machine Fits Your Job Best?
Read article →
Mar 17, 2026
Inside the Power of Two Giant Cat 990 Wheel Loaders – Massive Coal Loading Operation
Read article →
Mar 17, 2026
Ultimate Guide to Mega Machines: Excavators, Haulers, Wheel Loaders & Bulldozers in 4K
Read article →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar 972H? +
The Caterpillar 972H has an operating weight of 55,451 lb (25,152 kg). This places it in a class suited for wheel loader applications where ground pressure and transport weight are key considerations.
How powerful is the Caterpillar 972H engine? +
The Caterpillar 972H produces 311 hp (231.9 kW) of engine power. This output is typical for its weight class and designed to handle demanding Wheel Loader work cycles efficiently.
How does the Caterpillar 972H compare to similar Wheel Loader models? +
You can compare the Caterpillar 972H side by side with any other model using the Heavy Equipment Hub compare tool. Key comparison points include engine power, operating weight, digging depth, hydraulic flow, and overall dimensions.