Cat 980 vs Volvo L120
The Cat 980 is the heavier machine, at 30.3 t against 19.6 t, and the Cat 980 has more power (282 kW against 190 kW).
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. The Volvo L120 is ahead on: faster, narrower to transport, lower to transport.
Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 980 and the Volvo L120 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 980 | Volvo L120 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 30,344 kg | 19,610 kg |
| Gross powerHigher is better | 303 kW+59% | 190 kW |
| Max torqueHigher is better | 2,172 Nm+93% | 1,125 Nm |
| Dump clearance at max liftHigher is better | 3.287 m+20% | 2.75 m |
| Hinge pin height (max lift)Higher is better | 4.554 m+11% | 4.1 m |
| Bucket capacityHigher is better | 5.4 m³+59% | 3.4 m³ |
| Static tipping load (full turn)Higher is better | 19,706 kg+66% | 11,840 kg |
| Breakout forceHigher is better | 227 kN+42% | 160 kN |
| Pump flowHigher is better | 449 L/min+251% | 128 L/min |
| Fuel tankHigher is better | 426 L+58% | 270 L |
| Top speedHigher is better | 39.5 km/h | 40 km/h+1% |
| Width over tyresLower is better | 3.24 m | 2.67 m+18% |
| Height to top of cabLower is better | 3.829 m | 3.38 m+12% |
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 980 Wheel Loader Technical Specifications AEXQ3162-00 (3-2021), Tier 3-equivalent · 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.
Cat 980 vs Volvo L120: questions
Which is bigger, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
By operating weight the Cat 980 is the biggest at 30.3 t, then the Volvo L120 at 19.6 t.
Which has more power, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
The Cat 980: Cat 980 303 kW (406 hp), Volvo L120 190 kW (255 hp) (gross power), a 59% difference.
Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
The Cat 980: Cat 980 5.4 m³, Volvo L120 3.4 m³ (bucket capacity), a 59% difference.
Which lifts or carries more, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
The Cat 980: Cat 980 19,706 kg, Volvo L120 11,840 kg (static tipping load (full turn)), a 66% difference.
Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
The Cat 980: Cat 980 426 L, Volvo L120 270 L (fuel tank), a 58% difference.
Which is narrower to transport, the Cat 980 or Volvo L120?
The Volvo L120: Cat 980 3.24 m, Volvo L120 2.67 m (width over tyres), a 18% 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.
