US
Metric

Overview

Introducing a new model: The new 972M XE Wheel Loader has a U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV ACERT™ engine equipped with a combination of proven electronic, fuel, air and aftertreatment components. Applying proven technologies systematically and strategically lets us meet our customer’s high expectations for productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability and service life. Deep system integration results in reduced emissions, improved performance and improved fuel economy without interrupting machine performance making it seamless to operators. The XE technology results in a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency over the M Series standard configuration and 35% over the K Series standard configuration. (Fuel efficiency is measured in mass of material moved per volume of fuel burned. Average efficiency improvement as tested and analyzed for an average composite cycle and stand configuration with variations per comparable model with and without economy mode active. Factors influence result variation such as, but not limited to, machine configuration, operator technique, machine application, climate, etc.) The 972M XE Wheel Loader, with an advanced power train, has been designed to deliver superior performance and fuel efficiency while simplifying the operator’s interface and operating technique. The 972M XE excels at truck loading and is a 3-pass match for many on-highway trucks. Aggregate Handler and other optional configurations are available. (Optional configuration and equipment may vary from region to region. Consult your Caterpillar representative for further details.)

Engine

Net Power – ISO 9249
311.00 hp
232.00 kW
Engine Model
Cat C9.3 ACERT
Displacement
568.00 in³
9.30 L
Maximum Net Power @ 1,600 rpm – SAE J1349
311.00 hp
232.00 kW
Maximum Net Power @ 1,600 rpm – SAE J1349 (metric)
315.00 hp
232.00 kW
Maximum Net Power @ 1,600 rpm – ISO 9249
311.00 hp
232.00 kW
Maximum Net Power @ 1,600 rpm – ISO 9249 (metric)
315.00 hp
232.00 kW
Peak Gross Torque (1,200 rpm) – SAE J1995
1275.00 lbf-ft
1728.00 N·m
Peak Gross Torque (1,200 rpm) – ISO 14396
1260.00 lbf-ft
1708.00 N·m

Weights

Operating Weight
54871.00 lb
24896.00 kg
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.

Bucket Capacities

Bucket Capacities
2.90-9.90 m³ (3.75-13.0 yd³)

Hydraulic System

Implement Pump Type
Variable Displacement Piston
Implement System: Maximum Pump Output (1,600 rpm)
102.00 gal/min
385.00 L/min
Implement System: Maximum Operating Pressure
4496.00 psi
31000.00 kPa
Hydraulic Cycle Time – Total
11.00 Seconds
11.00 Seconds

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System
19.00 gal
71.60 L
Crankcase
6.50 gal
24.50 L
Transmission
16.60 gal
63.00 L
Differentials and Final Drives – Front
15.10 gal
57.00 L
Differentials and Final Drives – Rear
15.10 gal
57.00 L
Hydraulic Tank
33.00 gal
125.00 L
DEF Tank
4.40 gal
16.80 L
Fuel Tank
82.70 gal
313.00 L

Transmission – Virtual Gears

Forward 1
4.10 mph
6.70 km/h
Forward 2
7.70 mph
12.60 km/h
Forward 3
13.50 mph
22.10 km/h
Forward 4
24.50 mph
39.50 km/h
Reverse 1
4.10 mph
6.70 km/h
Reverse 2
7.70 mph
12.60 km/h
Reverse 3
17.10 mph
28.00 km/h

Operating Specifications

Static Tipping Load – Full 37° Turn – with Tire Deflection
35626.00 lb
16164.00 kg
Static Tipping Load – Full 37° Turn – No Tire Deflection
38396.00 lb
17421.00 kg
Breakout Force
44075.00 lbf
196.00 kN

Sound

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

Engine

Maximum Net Torque (1,200 rpm)
1193.00 lbf-ft
1618.00 N·m

Operating Specifications

Note
For a machine configuration as defined under “Weight.”
Note
Full compliance to ISO 143971:2007 Sections 1 thru 6, which requires 2% verification between calculations and testing.

Transmission – Virtual Gears

Note
Maximum travel speed in standard vehicle with empty bucket and standard L3 tires with 826 mm (32.5 in) roll radius.

Sound

With Cooling Fan Speed at 70% of Maximum Value: Exterior Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)**
105 LWA***

Dimensions – Standard Lift

Height to Top of Hood
9.17 ft
2818.00 mm
Height to Top of Exhaust Pipe
11.50 ft
3522.00 mm
Height to Top of ROPS
11.75 ft
3587.00 mm
Ground Clearance
1.42 ft
434.00 mm
Center Line of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight
8.17 ft
2500.00 mm
Center Line of Rear Axle to Hitch
5.75 ft
1775.00 mm
Wheelbase
11.58 ft
3550.00 mm
Overall Length (without bucket)
25.50 ft
7774.00 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift
14.58 ft
4458.00 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Carry
2.17 ft
680.00 mm
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift
12.58 ft
3843.00 mm
Rack Back at Maximum Lift
56 degrees
Rack Back at Carry Height
50 degrees
Rack Back at Ground
41 degrees
Maximum Width over Tires
9.83 ft
3009.00 mm
Tread Width
7.25 ft
2230.00 mm
Note
All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.

Dimensions – High Lift

Height to Top of Hood
9.17 ft
2818.00 mm
Height to Top of Exhaust Pipe
11.50 ft
3522.00 mm
Height to Top of ROPS
11.75 ft
3587.00 mm
Ground Clearance
1.42 ft
434.00 mm
Center Line of Rear Axle to Edge of Counterweight
8.17 ft
2500.00 mm
Center Line of Rear Axle to Hitch
5.75 ft
1775.00 mm
Wheelbase
11.58 ft
3550.00 mm
Overall Length (without bucket)
26.58 ft
8109.00 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Maximum Lift
15.67 ft
4793.00 mm
Hinge Pin Height at Carry
2.50 ft
778.00 mm
Lift Arm Clearance at Maximum Lift
13.58 ft
4140.00 mm
Rack Back at Maximum Lift
71 degrees
Rack Back at Carry Height
49 degrees
Rack Back at Ground
39 degrees
Maximum Width over Tires
9.83 ft
3009.00 mm
Tread Width
7.25 ft
2230.00 mm
Note
All dimensions are approximate and based on L3 XHA2 tires.
Features

Key Features

Benefits to help get your work done efficiently and effectively

RELIABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

  • 25% more fuel efficient than M Series standard configuration*
  • 35% more fuel efficient than K Series standard configuration*
*Fuel efficiency is measured in mass of material moved per volume of fuel burned. Average efficiency improvement as tested and analyzed for an average composite cycle and stand configuration with variations per comparable model with and without economy mode active. Factors influence result variation such as, but not limited to, machine configuration, operator technique, machine application, climate, etc.

Linkage and Work Tools

  • Performance Series buckets and range of work tools
  • Fusion™ « zero-offset » coupler (option)

Engine and Aftertreatment Advancements

  • Cat® engine with ACERT Technology
  • U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emission standards
  • Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM) with Selective Catalytic Reduction and automatic Cat Regeneration System

Transmission Advancements

  • Next generation integrated continuously variable transmission with multi-viscosity oil
  • Power train control independent of engine speed with energy recovery

Axle Advancements

  • On-the-go disc-type front differential locks (front and rear fully automatic option)
  • Caliper disc parking brake
  • Bevel gear shrouds

Next Generation Hydraulic Systems

  • Next generation main valve
  • Next generation ride control system with dual accumulators
  • Next generation implement pumps
  • Full flow and kidney loop filtration
  • Load-sensing hydraulics with simultaneous hydraulic functions
  • 3rd and 4th function (option)

EASE OF OPERATION – Best-in-class Operator Environment

  • Optimized all-around visibility
  • E-H joystick steering (steering wheel optional)
  • Touch screen multifunction color display with integrated controls and rearview camera
  • Stair-like ingress and egress
  • New wider door and increased glass area
  • Seat-mounted fingertip electro-hydraulic implement controls
  • Large convex rearview mirrors with integrated spot mirror
  • Remote door opening (option)
  • Automatic climate control
  • Viscous cab mounts
  • Low operator sound levels
  • Simplified 2-pedal propulsion controls

EASE OF OPERATION – Advanced Technology with Cat Connect

  • Link technologies, like Product Link™ to monitor equipment and manage production using online VisionLink® software
  • Payload technologies, like Cat Production Measurement (option) to measure payloads and optimize productivity
  • Detect technologies, like the rear vision camera to keep people safe and help the operator work more productively

SERVICE ACCESS

  • One-piece tilting hood with side and rear doors
  • Centralized service centers for hydraulic and electrical components
  • Windshield cleaning platform and harness tie-off