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Cat 966 vs Volvo L220H

The Volvo L220H is the heavier machine, at 31.3 t against 23.2 t, and the Volvo L220H has more power (279 kW against 226 kW).

The Cat 966 is ahead on: more hydraulic flow, faster, narrower to transport, lower to transport. The Volvo L220H is ahead on: more power, more torque, dumps higher, reaches higher, bigger bucket or body, lifts or carries more, more digging or pushing force, bigger fuel tank.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 966 and the Volvo L220H drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Cat · wheel loader

    Cat 966

    Full specsPDF

  2. Volvo · wheel loader

    Volvo L220H

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

FigureCat 966Volvo L220H
Operating weight23,196 kg31,260 kg
Net powerHigher is better226 kW279 kW+23%
Max torqueHigher is better1,781 Nm2,265 Nm+27%
Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better3.001 m3.07 m+2%
Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better4.245 m4.65 m+10%
Bucket capacityHigher is better4.2 m³5.2 m³+24%
Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better14,849 kg20,710 kg+39%
Breakout forceHigher is better174 kN241 kN+39%
Pump flowHigher is better373 L/min+48%252 L/min
Fuel tankHigher is better303 L366 L+21%
Top speedHigher is better39.5 km/h+8%36.5 km/h
Width over tyresLower is better2.978 m+5%3.15 m
Height to top of cabLower is better3.593 m+3%3.71 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Dimensions

Overall length (bucket on ground)8.851 m9.41 m5.2 m3 GP STE P T SEG bucket
Overall length (without bucket)7.399 mStandard liftNot published
Wheelbase3.55 m3.7 m
Height to top of cab3.593 mHeight to top of ROPS3.71 m
Height to top of exhaust3.531 mNot published
Height to top of hood2.85 mNot published
Ground clearance0.424 m0.52 m
Tread width2.23 m2.4 m
Width over tyres2.978 mUnloaded, over tyre bulge3.15 m29.5 R25 L3 tyres
Bucket width3.22 m3.4 m
Hinge pin height (max lift)4.245 mStandard lift4.65 m
Dump clearance at max lift3.001 m3.07 mTo bucket tip, 45 deg dump
Reach at max lift1.35 m1.5 m
Overall height, bucket at max lift5.898 m6.37 m
Rear axle to rear bumper2.29 m2.24 m
Turning radius (outside of bucket)7.512 mNot published
Clearance circle (dia) to outside of tyres13.621 mNot published
Length to bucket hinge pinNot published7.49 m
Turning radius (outside of tyres)Not published7.1 m
Clearance circle (bucket)Not published15.88 mOuter clearance circle, diameter
Digging depth, max dumpNot published1.59 m

Weight

Operating weight23,196 kg31,260 kgWithout load, 5.2 m3 GP STE P T SEG bucket
Operating weight rangeNot published31,200 - 33,100 kg

Engine

Engine modelCat C9.3BVolvo D13J, 6-cyl turbo diesel, Stage V
EmissionsBrazil MAR-1 (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3, EU Stage IIIA, China Nonroad Stage III)Not published
Displacement9.3 L12.8 L
Gross power239 kW (321 hp)ISO 14396:2002 @ 1,600 rpmNot published
Gross power (SAE J1995:2014)242 kW (325 hp)SAE J1995:2014 @ 1,600 rpmNot published
Net power226 kW (303 hp)ISO 9249:2007 / SAE J1349:2011 @ 1,600 rpm279 kW (374 hp)
Max torque1,781 NmISO 14396:2002 @ 1,200 rpm2,265 Nm
CylindersNot published6

Performance

Bucket capacity4.2 m³5.2 m³
Bucket capacity range2.80–11.90 m³ (3.75–15.50 yd³)Not published
Static tipping load (full turn)14,849 kg20,710 kg
Breakout force174 kNMachine configuration defined under "Weight"241 kN
Top speed39.5 km/hForward 4, empty bucket, standard L3 tyres36.5 km/h
Static tipping load (straight)Not published23,680 kg

Hydraulics

Pump flow373 L/minImplement pump, maximum output at 2,275 rpm252 L/min
Max pressure310 bar290 barPump 1; pump 2 310 bar
Lift timeNot published6.8 s lift / 1.6 s tilt / 3.2 s lower / 11.6 s total cycle

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic planetary powershift, 4F/4RVolvo HTL 310 powershift, fully automatic (APS), torque converter with lockup
Forward 16.7 km/hNot published
Forward 213.5 km/hNot published
Forward 324.2 km/hNot published
Forward 439.5 km/hNot published
Reverse 17.3 km/hNot published
Reverse 214.8 km/hNot published
Reverse 326.6 km/hNot published
Reverse 439.5 km/hNot published
1st gearNot published6.7 km/hForward; reverse 6.6
2nd gearNot published11.6 km/hForward; reverse 11.4
3rd gearNot published21.7 km/hForward; reverse 21.4
4th gearNot published36.5 km/hForward; reverse 36.1

Tyres

TyresBridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial29.5 R25 L3Optional 875/65 R29 L4

Service capacities

Fuel tank303 L366 L
Cooling system66 L55 L
Engine oil, with filter23 LNot published
Differentials and final drives, front57 L77 L
Differentials and final drives, rear57 L71 L
Hydraulic tank114 L226 L
DEF / AdBlue tankNot published31 L
Engine oilNot published50 L

Sources: Cat 966 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3856-01 (1-2025), Tier 3-equivalent · Volvo L150H, L180H, L220H Stage V brochure 20057314-I (English, 2021)

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7 m8 m9 m
Cat 966Volvo L220HSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 966 vs Volvo L220H: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

By operating weight the Volvo L220H is the biggest at 31.3 t, then the Cat 966 at 23.2 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

The Volvo L220H: Cat 966 226 kW (303 hp), Volvo L220H 279 kW (374 hp) (net power), a 23% difference.

Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

The Volvo L220H: Cat 966 4.2 m³, Volvo L220H 5.2 m³ (bucket capacity), a 24% difference.

Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

The Volvo L220H: Cat 966 14,849 kg, Volvo L220H 20,710 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 39% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

The Volvo L220H: Cat 966 303 L, Volvo L220H 366 L (fuel tank), a 21% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 966 or Volvo L220H?

The Cat 966: Cat 966 2.978 m, Volvo L220H 3.15 m (width over tyres), a 5% 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.

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