Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200
The Caterpillar 972 is a wheel loader designed for material handling, stockpiling, loading trucks, and general earthmoving in construction, quarry, aggregate, and industrial applications. As part of Caterpillar's wheel loader lineup, the 972 is built for high productivity, strong breakout force, and efficient cycle times. It typically features a front-mounted bucket, articulated steering, and a diesel powertrain suited to demanding site conditions. The model is used in bulk material operations where reliable loading performance, operator visibility, and durability are important. Caterpillar 972 wheel loaders are commonly selected for heavy-duty loading tasks across construction and material processing environments.
| Breakout Force | 44,072 lbs ft (59,753 nm) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Bucket Capacity | 3.75 - 18.25 (2.8 - 14) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Bucket Capacity cu. yd. (cu m) | 3.75 - 18.25 (2.8 - 14) Starting 2025 Model Year |
| Engine | C9.3B Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Engine Power | 339 (253) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Engine Power Net hp (kW) | 339 (253) Starting 2025 Model Year |
| Engine type | Cat C9.3B Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Full-Turn Tipping Load | 35,919 lbs (16,293 kg) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Net Power | 321 hp (239 kw) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Operating Weight | 54,858 (24,883) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Operating Weight lbs (kg) | 54,858 (24,883) Starting 2025 Model Year |
| Tip Load | 35,919 (16,296) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Tip Load lbs. (kg) | 35,919 (16,296) Starting 2025 Model Year |
| Travel Speed | 24.5 / 24.5 mph Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Travel Speed (Fwd/Rev) | 24.5 / 24.5 mph Starting 2025 Model Year |
| Travel Speed(Fwd/Rev) | 24.5 / 24.5 mph Starting 2022 Model Year |