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Cat 950 vs Volvo L120

The Volvo L120 is the heavier machine, at 19.6 t against 18.1 t, and the Volvo L120 has more power (190 kW against 172 kW).

The Cat 950 is ahead on: more torque, dumps higher, more hydraulic flow. The Volvo L120 is ahead on: more power, reaches higher, bigger bucket or body, lifts or carries more, more digging or pushing force, bigger fuel tank, faster, narrower to transport, lower to transport.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 950 and the Volvo L120 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Cat · wheel loader

    Cat 950

    Full specsPDF

  2. Volvo · wheel loader

    Volvo L120

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

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

FigureCat 950Volvo L120
Operating weight18,076 kg19,610 kg
Gross powerHigher is better186 kW190 kW+2%
Max torqueHigher is better1,236 Nm+10%1,125 Nm
Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better2.844 m+3%2.75 m
Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better3.981 m4.1 m+3%
Bucket capacityHigher is better3.1 mÂł3.4 mÂł+10%
Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better10,936 kg11,840 kg+8%
Breakout forceHigher is better152 kN160 kN+5%
Pump flowHigher is better322 L/min+152%128 L/min
Fuel tankHigher is better259.5 L270 L+4%
Top speedHigher is better39.5 km/h40 km/h+1%
Width over tyresLower is better2.8 m2.67 m+5%
Height to top of cabLower is better3.456 m3.38 m+2%

All specifications

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

Dimensions

Overall length (bucket on ground)8.238 m8.35 m
Overall length (without bucket)6.797 mStandard liftNot published
Wheelbase3.35 m3.2 m
Height to top of cab3.456 mHeight to top of ROPS3.38 m
Height to top of exhaust3.408 mNot published
Height to top of hood2.695 mNot published
Ground clearance0.354 m0.43 m
Tread width2.14 m2.07 m
Width over tyres2.8 mUnloaded, over tyre bulge2.67 m
Bucket width2.927 m3 m
Hinge pin height (max lift)3.981 mStandard lift4.1 mStandard boom (long boom 4610 mm)
Dump clearance at max lift2.844 m2.75 m
Reach at max lift1.325 m1.35 m
Overall height, bucket at max lift5.313 m5.59 m
Rear axle to rear bumper1.942 m2.12 mRear axle centre to rear end
Turning radius (outside of bucket)6.679 mNot published
Clearance circle (dia) to outside of tyres12.028 mNot published
Length to bucket hinge pinNot published6.66 mStandard boom
Turning radius (outside of tyres)Not published5.73 m
Clearance circle (bucket)Not published13.11 m

Weight

Operating weight18,076 kg19,610 kg
Operating weight rangeNot published19 000 – 21 600 kg

Engine

Engine modelCat C7.1Volvo D8L
EmissionsBrazil MAR-1 / UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIA)Stage II / Tier 3
Displacement7 L7.8 L
Gross power186 kW (249 hp)ISO 14396:2002 @ 2,100 rpm190 kW (255 hp)ISO 14396 @ 1,700–2,240 rpm
Gross power (SAE J1995:2014)191 kW (256 hp)SAE J1995:2014 @ 2,100 rpmNot published
Net power172 kW (231 hp)ISO 9249:2007 / SAE J1349:2011 @ 2,100 rpm190 kW (255 hp)ISO 9249 / SAE J1349 @ 1,700–2,240 rpm
Max torque1,236 NmISO 14396:2002 @ 1,400 rpm1,125 Nm
CylindersNot published6In-line, turbocharged

Performance

Bucket capacity3.1 mÂł3.4 mÂł
Bucket capacity range2.5–9.9 m³ (3.3–13.0 yd³)2.6 – 9.5 m³
Static tipping load (full turn)10,936 kg11,840 kg
Breakout force152 kNMachine configuration defined under "Weight"160 kN
Top speed39.5 km/hForward 5, empty bucket, standard L3 tyres40 km/h

Hydraulics

Pump flow322 L/minImplement pump, maximum output at 2,340 rpm128 L/min
Max pressure279 bar290 bar
Max pressure (pump 2)Not published310 bar

Transmission

Forward 16.9 km/hNot published
Forward 212 km/hNot published
Forward 319.3 km/hNot published
Forward 425.7 km/hNot published
Forward 539.5 km/hNot published
Reverse 16.9 km/hNot published
Reverse 212 km/hNot published
Reverse 325.7 km/hNot published
1st gearNot published7.2 km/h
2nd gearNot published13.6 km/h
3rd gearNot published28.1 km/h
4th gearNot published40 km/hForward/reverse; limited by ECU

Tyres

TyresBridgestone 23.5R25 VJT L3 radial23.5 R25 L3Tyres the dimension table is based on

Service capacities

Fuel tank259.5 L270 L
Cooling system54 LTier 3 engine38 LEngine coolant
Engine oil, with filter21 LNot published
Transmission43 LVolvo HTE 206F countershaft powershift, Automatic Power Shift (APS), 4 speeds
Differentials and final drives, front43 L36 L
Differentials and final drives, rear43 L41 L
Hydraulic tank97 L140 L
Engine oilNot published30 L

Service intervals

Engine oil and filter1,000 hoursCat DEO-ULS; 950M/962M chartNot published
Fuel filters500 hoursNot published
Hydraulic oil filter1,000 hoursNot published
Transmission oil filter1,000 hoursAlso at the first 500 h; 950M/962M chartNot published
Transmission oil2,000 hoursCat SATO; 950M/962M chartNot published
Differential oil (front and rear)2,000 hoursNot published
Hydraulic oil3,000 hoursCat HYDO Advanced; 950M/962M chartNot published
Coolant extender6,000 hoursCat ELC Extender; 950M/962M chartNot published
Coolant12,000 hoursCat ELC; 950M/962M chartNot published

Sources: Cat 950 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3868-00 (7-2024) · Volvo L120H product guide, Tier 3 (20062977-D), from Volvo CE Middle East

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 950Volvo L120Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 950 vs Volvo L120: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

By operating weight the Volvo L120 is the biggest at 19.6 t, then the Cat 950 at 18.1 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

The Volvo L120: Cat 950 186 kW (249 hp), Volvo L120 190 kW (255 hp) (gross power), a 2% difference.

Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

The Volvo L120: Cat 950 3.1 mÂł, Volvo L120 3.4 mÂł (bucket capacity), a 10% difference.

Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

The Volvo L120: Cat 950 10,936 kg, Volvo L120 11,840 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 8% difference.

Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

The Volvo L120: Cat 950 259.5 L, Volvo L120 270 L (fuel tank), a 4% difference.

Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 950 or Volvo L120?

The Volvo L120: Cat 950 2.8 m, Volvo L120 2.67 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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