Cat 966 vs Cat 980
The Cat 980 is the heavier machine, at 30.3 t against 23.2 t, and the Cat 980 has more power (282 kW against 226 kW).
The Cat 966 is ahead on: turns tighter, narrower to transport, lower to transport. The Cat 980 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.
Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 966 and the Cat 980 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 966 | Cat 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 23,196 kg | 30,344 kg |
| Gross powerHigher is better | 239 kW | 303 kW+27% |
| Max torqueHigher is better | 1,781 Nm | 2,172 Nm+22% |
| Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better | 3.001 m | 3.287 m+10% |
| Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better | 4.245 m | 4.554 m+7% |
| Bucket capacityHigher is better | 4.2 m³ | 5.4 m³+29% |
| Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better | 14,849 kg | 19,706 kg+33% |
| Breakout forceHigher is better | 174 kN | 227 kN+30% |
| Pump flowHigher is better | 373 L/min | 449 L/min+20% |
| Fuel tankHigher is better | 303 L | 426 L+41% |
| Turning radius (outside of bucket)Lower is better | 7.512 m+1% | 7.612 m |
| Width over tyresLower is better | 2.978 m+8% | 3.24 m |
| Height to top of cabLower is better | 3.593 m+6% | 3.829 m |
All specifications
Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.
Dimensions
Weight
Engine
Performance
Hydraulics
Transmission
Tyres
Service capacities
Sources: Cat 966 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3856-01 (1-2025), Tier 3-equivalent · Cat 980 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3162-00 (3-2021), Tier 3-equivalent
Drawn to scale
Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.
Cat 966 vs Cat 980: questions
Which is bigger, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
By operating weight the Cat 980 is the biggest at 30.3 t, then the Cat 966 at 23.2 t.
Which has more power, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 980: Cat 966 239 kW (321 hp), Cat 980 303 kW (406 hp) (gross power), a 27% difference.
Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 980: Cat 966 4.2 m³, Cat 980 5.4 m³ (bucket capacity), a 29% difference.
Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 980: Cat 966 14,849 kg, Cat 980 19,706 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 33% difference.
Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 980: Cat 966 303 L, Cat 980 426 L (fuel tank), a 41% difference.
Which turns tighter, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 966: Cat 966 7.512 m, Cat 980 7.612 m (turning radius (outside of bucket)), a 1% difference.
Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 966 or Cat 980?
The Cat 966: Cat 966 2.978 m, Cat 980 3.24 m (width over tyres), a 8% 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.
