Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200
The Caterpillar 988K is a heavy-duty wheel loader designed for high productivity in mining, construction, and quarry applications. Featuring a robust Cat C18 engine, the 988K delivers powerful performance with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its advanced hydraulic system enhances lifting capacity and cycle times, while the durable frame and reinforced components ensure long service life under demanding conditions. Operator comfort is optimized with an ergonomic cab, intuitive controls, and excellent visibility. The 988K supports various attachments, increasing versatility for material handling, loading, and stockpiling tasks. This wheel loader model is recognized for reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance in heavy equipment fleets.
| Breakout Force | 98,421 lbs ft (133,439 nm) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Bucket Capacity | 6.5 - 13.5 (5.0 - 10.3) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Bucket Capacity cu. yd. (cu m) | 8.3 - 10.0 (6.3 - 7.6) Starting 2016 Model Year |
| Engine | C18 Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Engine Power | 541 (403) Starting 2019 Model Year |
| Engine Power hp (kw) | 541 (403) Starting 2016 Model Year |
| Engine type | Cat C18 Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Full-Turn Tip Load | 79,435 lbs (36,031 kg) Starting 2021 Model Year |
| Full-Turn Tipping Load | 79,435 lbs (36,031 kg) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Max Dump Height | 11.3 (3.4) Starting 2019 Model Year |
| Max Dump Height ft.( m) | 6.8 (2.1) Starting 2016 Model Year |
| Net Power | 538 hp (401 kw) Starting 2023 Model Year |
| Operating Weight | 112,574 lbs (51,063 kg) Starting 2021 Model Year |
| Operating Weight lbs (kg) | 112,574 (51,063) Starting 2016 Model Year |
| Tip Load | 63,404 (28,760) Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Travel Speed | 24 / 25.4 mph Starting 2024 Model Year |
| Travel Speed(Fwd/Rev) | 24 / 25.4 mph Starting 2021 Model Year |
| Front | Fixed |
| Rear | Trunnion |
| Brakes | SAE J1473 OCT90 ISO 3450:1992 |
| Bore | 6 in (14 cm) |
| Displacement | 1,105 cu in (18,108 cu cm) |
| Engine Model | Cat C18 ACERT |
| Gross - ISO 14396 | 580 hp (433 kw) |
| Make | Cat |
| Net Power | 541 hp (403 kw) |
| Net Power - SAE J1349 | 541 hp (403 kw) |
| Peak Power Speed - 1,500 rpm - Gross - ISO 14396 | 580 hp (433 kw) |
| Peak Power Speed - 1,500 rpm - Gross - SAE J1995 | 588 hp (438 kw) |
| Peak Power Speed - 1,500 rpm - Net Power - SAE J1349 | 541 hp (403 kw) |
| Peak Torque - 1,200 rpm | 2,104 lbs ft (2,853 nm) |
| Rated Speed | 1700 rpm |
| Stroke | 7 in (18 cm) |
| Torque Rise | 58% |
| Dump | 2.2 seconds |
| Lower Float Down | 3.5 seconds |
| Rack Back | 4.5 seconds |
| Raise | 8 seconds |
| Total Hydraulic Cycle Time - Empty Bucket | 18.2 seconds |
| Lift/Tilt System | Variable displacement piston |
| Maximum Flow at 1,400-1,860 rpm | 153 gpm (579 lpm) |
| Pilot System | Variable displacement piston |
| Steering Cycle Times - High Idle | 3.4 seconds |
| Steering Cycle Times - Low Idle | 5.6 seconds |
| Steering System - Circuit | Pilot load sensing |
| Steering System - Pump | Piston variable displacement |
| Cat Truck Match - High Lift | 773-775 |
| Cat Truck Match - Standard | 770-772 |
| Rated Bucket Capacity | 8.3-10 cu yd (6-8 cu m) |
| Rated Payload | 27,558 lbs (12,500 kg) |
| Rated Payload - High Lift | 27,558 lbs (12,500 kg) |
| Rated Payload - Standard | 27,558 lbs (12,500 kg) |
| Tipping Load - Articulated 37 degrees | 68,005 lbs (30,847 kg) |
| Tipping Load - Straight | 78,115 lbs (35,432 kg) |
| Cooling System | 32 gal (120 l) |
| Crankcase | 16 gal (60 l) |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank | 9 gal (33 l) |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 49 gal (186 l) |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 49 gal (186 l) |
| Hydraulic System - Tank Only | 63 gal (240 l) |
| Hydraulic System Factory Fill | 126 gal (475 l) |
| Transmission | 32 gal (120 l) |
| Machine Sound Level (ISO 6395) | 111 dB(A) |
| Operator Sound Level (ISO 6396) | 71 dB(A) |
| Machine Sound Level (ISO 6395) | 109 dB(A) |
| Operator Sound Level (ISO 6396) | 70 dB(A) |
| Direct Drive - Forward 1 | Lock-up disabled |
| Transmission Type | Cat planetary power shift |