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Cat 966 vs Volvo L90H

The Cat 966 is the heavier machine, at 23.2 t against 15.1 t, and the Cat 966 has more power (226 kW against 134 kW).

The Cat 966 is ahead on: more power, more torque, dumps higher, reaches higher, bigger bucket or body, lifts or carries more, more digging or pushing force, more hydraulic flow, bigger fuel tank. The Volvo L90H is ahead on: faster, narrower to transport, lower to transport.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 966 and the Volvo L90H drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Cat · wheel loader

    Cat 966

    Full specsPDF

  2. Volvo · wheel loader

    Volvo L90H

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

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

FigureCat 966Volvo L90H
Operating weight23,196 kg15,120 kg
Gross powerHigher is better239 kW+78%134 kW
Max torqueHigher is better1,781 Nm+123%800 Nm
Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better3.001 m+3%2.9 m
Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better4.245 m+5%4.04 m
Bucket capacityHigher is better4.2 m³+50%2.8 m³
Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better14,849 kg+47%10,070 kg
Breakout forceHigher is better174 kN+26%138 kN
Pump flowHigher is better373 L/min+118%171 L/min
Fuel tankHigher is better303 L+36%222 L
Top speedHigher is better39.5 km/h50 km/h+27%
Width over tyresLower is better2.978 m2.49 m+16%
Height to top of cabLower is better3.593 m3.28 m+9%

All specifications

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

Dimensions

Overall length (bucket on ground)8.851 m7.59 m
Overall length (without bucket)7.399 mStandard liftNot published
Wheelbase3.55 m3.05 m
Height to top of cab3.593 mHeight to top of ROPS3.28 m
Height to top of exhaust3.531 mNot published
Height to top of hood2.85 mNot published
Ground clearance0.424 m0.45 m
Tread width2.23 m1.96 m
Width over tyres2.978 mUnloaded, over tyre bulge2.49 m20.5 R25 L3 tyres
Bucket width3.22 m2.75 m
Hinge pin height (max lift)4.245 mStandard lift4.04 m
Dump clearance at max lift3.001 m2.9 m
Reach at max lift1.35 m0.99 m
Overall height, bucket at max lift5.898 mNot published
Rear axle to rear bumper2.29 m1.88 m
Turning radius (outside of bucket)7.512 mNot published
Clearance circle (dia) to outside of tyres13.621 mNot published
Bucket hinge pin to rear endNot published6.17 m
Dump height at reach N (position G)Not published2.132 m
Bucket bottom height at max liftNot published3.73 m
Operating heightNot published5.38 m
Reach at 45° discharge, position GNot published1.66 m
Digging depth, max dump (S)Not published1.18 m
Digging depthNot published0.112 m
Clearance circle (diameter)Not published12.24 m
Turning radius (outside of tyres)Not published5.43 m
Turning radius (inside of tyres)Not published2.94 m

Weight

Operating weight23,196 kg15,120 kg

Engine

Engine modelCat C9.3BVolvo D6E6-cylinder in-line turbo diesel, common rail
EmissionsBrazil MAR-1 (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3, EU Stage IIIA, China Nonroad Stage III)Tier 3 / Stage IIIA
Displacement9.3 L5.7 L
Gross power239 kW (321 hp)ISO 14396:2002 @ 1,600 rpm134 kW (180 hp)ISO 14396, at 1,600-1,900 rpm
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 rpm134 kW (180 hp)ISO 9249 / SAE J1349, at 1,600-1,900 rpm
Max torque1,781 NmISO 14396:2002 @ 1,200 rpm800 NmAt 1,600 rpm (gross and net)

Performance

Bucket capacity4.2 m³2.8 m³
Bucket capacity range2.80–11.90 m³ (3.75–15.50 yd³)Not published
Static tipping load (full turn)14,849 kg10,070 kg
Breakout force174 kNMachine configuration defined under "Weight"138 kN
Top speed39.5 km/hForward 4, empty bucket, standard L3 tyres50 km/h
Static tipping load (straight)Not published11,780 kg
Total hydraulic cycle timeNot published12 sLift 5.7 s, tilt 2.3 s, lower empty 4 s

Hydraulics

Pump flow373 L/minImplement pump, maximum output at 2,275 rpm171 L/minPump 2, at 10 MPa and 1,900 rpm
Max pressure310 bar310 bar

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic planetary powershift, 4F/4RVolvo HTE 125C countershaft powershift (HTL 125 with lock-up), APS automatic 1-4
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
AxlesNot publishedVolvo AWB 25 front / AWB 20 rear; 100% front differential lock
Rear axle oscillationNot published13°

Tyres

TyresBridgestone 26.5R25 VJT L3 radial20.5 R25 L3

Service capacities

Fuel tank303 L222 L
Cooling system66 L30 LEngine coolant
Engine oil, with filter23 L20 LEngine oil
Differentials and final drives, front57 L35 L
Differentials and final drives, rear57 L27 L
Hydraulic tank114 L90 L

Angles

Rack-back angle at full liftNot published57°
Dump angle at full liftNot published45°
Rack back angle at ground levelNot published44°
Rack-back angle at carryNot published49°
Max dump angle at groundNot published67°
Articulation angleNot published40°±40°

Sources: Cat 966 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3856-01 (1-2025), Tier 3-equivalent · Volvo L90H product guide (Tier 2/Tier 3 markets) Ref. 20061992_C, 2026.01

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 m
Cat 966Volvo L90HSame scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 966 vs Volvo L90H: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

By operating weight the Cat 966 is the biggest at 23.2 t, then the Volvo L90H at 15.1 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

The Cat 966: Cat 966 239 kW (321 hp), Volvo L90H 134 kW (180 hp) (gross power), a 78% difference.

Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

The Cat 966: Cat 966 4.2 m³, Volvo L90H 2.8 m³ (bucket capacity), a 50% difference.

Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

The Cat 966: Cat 966 14,849 kg, Volvo L90H 10,070 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 47% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

The Cat 966: Cat 966 303 L, Volvo L90H 222 L (fuel tank), a 36% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 966 or Volvo L90H?

The Volvo L90H: Cat 966 2.978 m, Volvo L90H 2.49 m (width over tyres), a 16% 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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