Cat 938K vs Cat 966
The Cat 966 is the heavier machine, at 23.2 t against 15.3 t, and the Cat 966 has more power (226 kW against 136 kW).
The Cat 938K is ahead on: faster, turns tighter, narrower to transport, lower to transport. The Cat 966 is ahead on: more power, more torque, dumps higher, reaches higher, bigger bucket or body, lifts or carries more, more hydraulic flow, bigger fuel tank.
Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 938K and the Cat 966 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.
At a glance
Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.
| Figure | Cat 938K | Cat 966 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 15,282 kg | 23,196 kg |
| Gross powerHigher is better | 140 kW | 239 kW+71% |
| Max torqueHigher is better | 912 Nm | 1,781 Nm+95% |
| Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better | 2.822 m | 3.001 m+6% |
| Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better | 3.969 m | 4.245 m+7% |
| Bucket capacityHigher is better | 2.7 m³ | 4.2 m³+56% |
| Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better | 9,633 kg | 14,849 kg+54% |
| Pump flowHigher is better | 190 L/min | 373 L/min+96% |
| Fuel tankHigher is better | 195 L | 303 L+55% |
| Top speedHigher is better | 40 km/h+1% | 39.5 km/h |
| Turning radius (outside of bucket)Lower is better | 6.127 m+18% | 7.512 m |
| Width over tyresLower is better | 2.693 m+10% | 2.978 m |
| Height to top of cabLower is better | 3.34 m+7% | 3.593 m |
All specifications
Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.
Dimensions
Angles
Weight
Engine
Performance
Hydraulics
Transmission
Tyres
Service capacities
Service intervals
Sources: Cat 938K Wheel Loader specifications AEHQ7682-01 (04-2021) (AME, AUZ, CIS, LACD, Southeast Asia, Turkey) · Cat 966 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3856-01 (1-2025), Tier 3-equivalent
Drawn to scale
Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.
Cat 938K vs Cat 966: questions
Which is bigger, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
By operating weight the Cat 966 is the biggest at 23.2 t, then the Cat 938K at 15.3 t.
Which has more power, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 966: Cat 938K 140 kW (188 hp), Cat 966 239 kW (321 hp) (gross power), a 71% difference.
Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 966: Cat 938K 2.7 m³, Cat 966 4.2 m³ (bucket capacity), a 56% difference.
Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 966: Cat 938K 9,633 kg, Cat 966 14,849 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 54% difference.
Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 966: Cat 938K 195 L, Cat 966 303 L (fuel tank), a 55% difference.
Which turns tighter, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 938K: Cat 938K 6.127 m, Cat 966 7.512 m (turning radius (outside of bucket)), a 18% difference.
Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 938K or Cat 966?
The Cat 938K: Cat 938K 2.693 m, Cat 966 2.978 m (width over tyres), a 10% difference.
Where do these figures come from?
Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.
Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?
Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.
