®

972G Series II
Wheel Loader
Engine
Cat® 3196 ATAAC diesel engine is built for
performance, durability, excellent fuel economy, low
sound levels and meets all world-wide emission
regulations through 2005.

Electronic Transmission
Planetary power shift transmission with automatic
shift capability provides on-the-go speed and
direction changes. The Electronic Clutch Pressure
Control (ECPC) delivers smoother shifts. Variable
Shift Control matches shift patterns to the application.

Cooling System
New G Series II cooling package reduces radiator
plugging and contributes to increased fuel efficiency.
The new cooling package traps less airborne debris
and is more accessible for cleaning.

Axles
Caterpillar® designed and built with proven
durability, the heavy-duty, four-piece axle design
continues with the G Series features providing
maximum performance and serviceability.
Operator Station: Conventional Steering Wheel
Conventional steering wheel with pilot hydraulic
controls is one of two operator station options. The
972G Series II cab is ergonomically designed and sets
the industry standard for operator comfort and
efficiency.
Operator Station: Command Control Steering
Command Control steering with electro-hydraulic
controls features a semicircular steering wheel with
integrated transmission controls. The cab is
ergonomically designed and sets the industry standard
for operator comfort and efficiency.
Versatility And Application Match
Choose from a wide variety of Caterpillar buckets,
Ground Engaging Tools, Work Tools, and Special
Arrangements to match your application.
Environmental Features
The 972G Series II is designed and built with the
environment in mind with features including the new
3196 electronic engine, electronically controlled on-
demand fan, ecology drains, environmental fluids,
and recyclable and remanufacturable components.
Serviceability
The 972G Series II leads the pack in serviceability
with extended service intervals; ground-level access
to all major service points; sight gauges for fluid level
checks of engine coolant, hydraulic oil, and
transmission oil; convenient system access; and
performance feedback via the Caterpillar Monitoring
System.
Complete Customer Support
In addition to machine selection, Cat dealers offer a
wide range of services, from purchase options to
operator training, maintenance programs and parts
support.

Preliminary October 30, 2002 2:36 PM

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Specifications

Bucket/Work Tool System - 20 700 kPa 3,000 psi

Engine Relief Valve Setting
Engine Model Caterpillar 3196 with Hydraulic Cycle Time - Raise 6.9 Seconds
ATAAC Hydraulic Cycle Time - Dump 1.7 Seconds
Flywheel Power 201 kW 270 hp Hydraulic Cycle Time - 1.8 Seconds
Max. Flywheel Power 213 kW 285 hp Lower, Empty, Float Down
Flywheel Power - ISO 9249 209 kW 280 hp Hydraulic Cycle Time - Total 10.4 Seconds
Flywheel Power - EEC 80/1269 209 kW 280 hp Pilot System - Pump Output 46 L/min 12 gal/min
Total Torque Rise 49 % Pilot System - Working 2585 kPa 375 psi
Bore 130 mm 5.1 in Pressure - Pilot
Stroke 150 mm 5.9 in Pilot System - Working 3450 kPa 500 psi
Displacement 12 L 732 in3 Pressure - E/H
• These ratings apply at 2100 rpm when tested under the • Bucket/Work Tool System, Vane-Type Pump - Rated at 2111
specific standard conditions for the specific standard. rpm and 1000 psi (6900 kPa).
• Power rating conditions for flywheel advertised is the power
available when the engine is equipped with alternator, air
cleaner, muffler and on-demand hydraulic fan drive at
Brakes
maximum fan speed. Brakes Meets the required
• No derating required up to 3600 m (11,811 ft) altitude. standards.
• The 3196 meets the following emission requirements: EU Stage • Meets the following standard: ISO 3450-1996.
II, US EPA Tier II, and Japan MOC.

Axles
Weights Front Fixed front
Operating Weight 25 490 kg 56,180 lb Rear Oscillating +/-13°
Maximum Single-Wheel Rise 502 mm 19.8 in
and Fall
Buckets
Bucket Capacities 3.8-4.7 m3 (5.0-6.0 yd3)
Cab
ROPS/FOPS Meets SAE and ISO
Transmission standards
Forward 1 7.2 kph 4.5 mph • Caterpillar cab with integrated Rollover Protective Structure
Forward 2 12.6 kph 7.8 mph (ROPS) are standard in North America and Europe.
Forward 3 21.4 kph 13.3 mph • ROPS meets SAE J1040 APR88 and ISO 3471:1994 criteria.
Forward 4 36.9 kph 22.9 mph • Falling Objects Protective Structure (FOPS) meets SAE J231
Reverse 1 8.2 kph 5.1 mph JAN81 and ISO 3449:1992 Level II criteria.
Reverse 2 14.2 kph 8.8 mph • The operator sound pressure level measured according to the
Reverse 3 24.3 kph 15.1 mph procedures specified in ISO 6394:1998 is 75 dB(A) for the cab
Reverse 4 38.8 kph 24 mph offered by Caterpillar, when properly installed and maintained
and tested with the doors and windows closed.
• Maximum travel speeds (standard 26.5-R25 XHA L-3 tires)

• Hearing protection may be needed when operating with an

Hydraulic System open operator station and cab (when not properly maintained
or doors/windows open) for extended periods or in noisy
Bucket/Work Tool System - 375 L/min 99 gal/min
environment.
Pump Output

October 30, 2002 2:36 PM 2 Preliminary

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Operation Specifications
General Purpose Buckets

Teeth Teeth Teeth

Bolt-on and Bolt-on and Bolt-on and
edges segments Teeth edges segments Teeth edges segments Teeth

Rated capacity m3 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.0
yd3 6.0 6.0 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.25
Struck capacity m3 3.95 3.95 3.8 3.82 3.82 3.67 3.62 3.62 3.43
yd3 5.14 5.14 4.94 4.97 4.97 4.77 4.7 4.7 4.46
Width mm 3218 3193 3193 3220 3311 3311 3220 3311 3311
ft/in 10'6" 10'5" 10'5" 10'6" 10'10" 10'10" 10'6" 10'10" 10'10"
Dump clearance at full lift mm 3232 3070 3070 3250 3111 3111 3289 3151 3151
and 45° discharge ft/in 10'7" 10'0" 10'0" 10'7" 10'2" 10'2" 10'9" 10'4" 10'4"
Reach at full lift mm 1325 1457 1457 1310 1430 1430 1281 1401 1401
and 45° discharge ft/in 4'4" 4'9" 4'9" 4'3" 4'8" 4'8" 4'2" 4'7" 4'7"
Reach with lift arms mm 2938 3144 3144 2916 3097 3097 2866 3047 3047
horizontal and bucket level ft/in 9'7" 10'3" 10'3" 9'6" 10'1" 10'1" 9'4" 9'11" 9'11"
Digging depth mm 118 118 88 108 108 78 108 108 78
in 4.6" 4.6" 3.4" 4.2" 4.2" 3.0" 4.2" 4.2" 3.0"
Overall length mm 9159 9392 9392 9129 9330 9330 9079 9280 9280
ft/in 30'0" 30'9" 30'9" 29'11" 30'7" 30'7" 29'9" 30'5" 30'5"
Overall height with bucket mm 5990 5990 5990 6100 6100 6100 6054 6054 6054
at full raise ft/in 19'7" 19'7" 19'7" 20'0" 20'0" 20'0" 19'10" 19'10" 19'10"
Loader clearance circle with mm 14 922 15 042 15 042 14 904 15 107 15 107 14 877 15 079 15 079
bucket in carry position ft/in 48'11" 49'4" 49'4" 48'10" 49'6" 49'6" 48'9" 49'5" 49'5"
Static tipping load, straight** kg 18 975 18 800 19 150 18 360 18 230 18 545 18 520 18 350 18 670
lb 41,821 41,435 42,207 40,465 40,179 40,885 40,818 40,443 41,153
Static tipping load, kg 16 670 16 490 16 830 16 200 16 060 16 360 16 340 16 180 16 480
articulated at full 37° turn lb 36,741 36,344 37,093 35,705 35,396 36,068 36,013 35,661 36,318
Breakout force*** kN 216.1 212.9 227.2 219.2 218.6 231.6 228.1 227.2 243.0
lb 48,554 47,286 51,034 49,257 49,107 52,032 51,242 51,052 54,592
Operating weight** kg 25 490 25 610 25 455 25 087 25 229 25 063 24 981 25 154 24 988
lb 56,180 56,444 56,103 55,292 55,605 55,254 55,058 55,439 55,074

Bucket Selection Guide/Material Density

1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 kg/m3
yd3 m3
5.0 3.8

5.25 4.0

5.5 4.25

5.75 4.5

6.0 4.7

2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 lb/yd3

% = Bucket Fill Factor

115% 100% 95%

Preliminary 3 October 30, 2002 2:36 PM

972G Series II Wheel Loader

Material Handling Buckets Rock Buckets Heavy-Duty

Rock Buckets

Teeth Teeth Teeth Teeth Teeth

Bolt-on and Bolt-on and Bolt-on and Bolt-on and Bolt-on and
edges segments Teeth edges segments Teeth edges segments Teeth edges segments edges segments

4.0 4.0 3.8 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.25 4.25 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
5.25 5.25 5.0 6.0 6.0 5.75 5.5 5.5 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25
3.43 3.43 3.28 4.03 4.03 3.88 3.66 3.66 3.51 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45
4.46 4.46 4.27 5.24 5.24 5.04 4.76 4.76 4.56 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.49
3059 3150 3150 3220 3311 3311 3220 3311 3311 3306 3252 3306 3252
10'0" 10'4" 10'4" 10'6" 10'10" 10'10" 10'6" 10'10" 10'10" 10'10" 10'8" 10'10" 10'8"
3289 3151 3151 3144 2997 2997 3208 3061 3061 3215 3034 3215 3034
10'9" 10'4" 10'4" 10'3" 9'10" 9'10" 10'6" 10'0" 10'0" 10'6" 9'11" 10'6" 9'11"
1281 1401 1401 1255 1364 1364 1192 1301 1301 1458 1587 1458 1587
4'2" 4'7" 4'7" 4'1" 4'5" 4'5" 3'10" 4'3" 4'3" 4'9" 5'2" 4'9" 5'2"
2866 3047 3047 2971 3152 3152 2881 3062 3062 3039 3253 3039 3253
9'4" 9'11" 9'11" 9'8" 10'4" 10'4" 9'5" 10'0" 10'0" 9'11" 10'8" 9'11" 10'8"
108 108 78 108 108 78 108 108 78 108 78 108 108
4.2" 4.2" 3.0" 4.2" 4.2" 3.0" 4.2" 4.2" 3.0" 4.2" 3.0" 4.2" 4.2"
9079 9280 9280 9184 9385 9385 9094 9295 9295 9252 9512 9252 9512
29'9" 30'5" 30'5" 30'1" 30'9" 30'9" 29'10" 30'5" 30'5" 30'4" 31'2" 30'4" 31'2"
6054 6054 6054 6135 6135 6135 6051 6051 6051 6047 6047 6207 6207
19'10" 19'10" 19'10" 20'1" 20'1" 20'1" 19'10" 19'10" 19'10" 19'10" 19'10" 20'4" 20'4"
14 731 14 934 14 934 14 934 15 137 15 137 14 885 15 087 15 087 15 049 15 168 15 049 15 168
48'3" 48'11" 48'11" 48'11" 49'7" 49'7" 48'10" 49'5" 49'5" 49'4" 49'9" 49'4" 49'9"
18 590 18 420 18 730 18 040 17 880 18 180 18 240 18 080 18 390 18 800 18 720 18 660 18 580
40,972 40,598 41,281 39,760 39,408 40,069 40,201 39,848 40,532 41,435 41,259 41,127 40,950
16 410 16 250 16 540 15 900 15 740 16 020 16 090 15 920 16 220 16 610 16 530 16 460 16 380
36,168 35,815 36,454 35,044 34,691 35,308 35,462 35,088 35,749 36,600 36,430 36,278 36,102
228.5 227.6 243.3 211.9 211.2 224.6 226.8 226.0 241.4 203.9 212.8 203.3 203.0
51,328 51,137 54,668 47,598 47,439 50,470 50,949 50,785 54,242 45,813 46,333 45,680 45,612
24 907 25 080 24 926 25 135 25 308 25 142 25 027 25 200 25 034 25 148 25 241 25 320 25 411
54,895 55,276 54,937 55,396 55,779 55,413 55,160 55,541 55,175 55,426 55,631 55,805 56,006

October 30, 2002 2:36 PM 4 Preliminary

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Operation Specifications
Quick Coupler Buckets Waste High-
Buckets Lift
Delta*

Teeth
Bolt-on and Bolt-on All
edges segments Teeth edges buckets

Rated capacity m3 4.2 4.2 4.0 6.5

yd3 5.5 5.5 5.25 8.5
Struck capacity m3 3.6 3.6 3.4 5.6
yd3 4.7 4.7 4.5 7.28
Width mm 3218 3193 3193 3355
ft/in 10'6" 10'5" 10'5" 11'0"
Dump clearance at full lift mm 3198 3035 3035 3191 336
and 45° discharge ft/in 10'5" 9'11" 9'11" 10'5" 1'1"
Reach at full lift mm 1366 1498 1498 1173 25
and 45° discharge ft/in 4'5" 4'10" 4'10" 3'10" 0'1"
Reach with lift arms mm 2992 3197 3197 2880 274
horizontal and bucket level ft/in 9'9" 10'5" 10'5" 9'5" 0'10"
Digging depth mm 118 118 88 133 0
in 4.6" 4.6" 3.4" 5.2" 0'0"
Overall length mm 9212 9446 9446 9111 335
ft/in 30'2" 30'11" 30'11" 29'10" 1'1"
Overall height with bucket mm 6015 6015 6015 6385 335
at full raise ft/in 19'8" 19'8" 19'8" 20'11" 1'1"
Loader clearance circle with mm 14 951 15 072 15 072 15 027 335
bucket in carry position ft/in 49'0" 49'5" 49'5" 49'3" 1'1"
Static tipping load, straight** kg 19,530 19,490 19 310 20,830 –1500
lb 43,044 42,956 42,559 45,909 –3306
Static tipping load, kg 17 220 17 170 17 040 18,300 –1370
articulated at full 37° turn lb 37,953 37,843 37,556 40,333 –3019
Breakout force*** kN 204.6 206.2 219.7 223.8 –7.1
lb 45,966 46,330 49,366 50,282 –1595
Operating weight** kg 24 909 25 010 24 855 25 557 87
lb 54,879 52,918 54,780 56,328 192

* High lift column shows changes in specifications from standard lift to high lift.
Add or subtract as indicated to or from specifications given for appropriate bucket
to calculate high lift specifications.
** Static tipping load and operating weight shown include sound-suppression cab
and ROPS, 26.5 R25 XHA (L-3) steel radial tires, full fuel tank, coolant, lubricants
and operator.
*** Measured 102 mm (4.0"): behind tip of cutting edge with bucket hinge pin as pivot
point in accordance with SAE J732c.

Preliminary 5 October 30, 2002 2:36 PM

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Dimensions
All dimensions are approximate.

11

12 6
18
5
1 2
3 13
14

19 10 15 9
4 17
7 8
16

1 Height to top of ROPS 3580 mm 11'9" 11 Rack back @ maximum lift 55°
2 Height to top of exhaust pipe 3535 mm 11'7" 12 Dump angle @ maximum lift
50°**
3 Height to top of hood 2555 mm 8'5" (GP bucket)
4 Ground clearance/ 13 Rack back @ carry 47°
Standard tire 26.5 R25 XHA (L-3) 565 mm 22" 14 Rack back @ ground 42°
See chart below for other tires 15 Axle Housing Clearance 430 mm 1'5"
5 B-Pin height 4445 mm 14'7" 16 Overall Length* Dimensions vary with bucket
6 Overall height* Dimensions vary with bucket 17 Digging Depth* Dimensions vary with bucket
7 Center line of rear axle to edge 18 Reach* Dimensions vary with bucket
of counterweight 2460 mm 8'1"
19 Height to center line of axle 795 mm 2'7"
8 Wheelbase 3450 mm 11'4"
9 B-Pin height @ carry 485 mm 19" **Refer to Operation Specifications chart.
**MH bucket is 45°.
10 Center line of rear axle to hitch 1725 mm 5'8"

Tires

Tread width for all tires is 2230 mm (7'4")

Change in Change in Change in
vertical operating static tipping
Width over tires dimensions weight load – straight
mm inches mm inches kg lb kg lb
26.5-25 20PR (L-2) 2965 117 –80 –3.2 –469 –1030 –349 –770
26.5-25 20PR (L-3) 3035 119 –25 –1.0 –224 –490 –168 –370
26.5 R25 XHA 1 (L-3)
standard 2965 117 — — — — — —
26.5 R25 GP-2B 1 (L-3) 3000 118 –30 –1.2 –49 –100 –36 –80
26.5 R25 MX (L-5) 3000 118 +63 +2.5 +1012 +2230 +686 +1512
NOTE:
Tire options include tires and rims.

In certain applications (such as load-and-carry work) the loader’s productive capabilities might exceed the tires’ tonnes-km/h (ton-mph)
capabilities. Caterpillar recommends consulting a tire supplier to evaluate all conditions before selecting a tire model.

October 30, 2002 2:36 PM 6 Preliminary

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.

Electrical Power Train

Alarm, back-up Brakes, full hydraulic enclosed wet-disc
Alternator (65-amp, brushless) with Integrated Braking System (IBS)
Batteries, maintenance-free (2) 950CCA Engine, Cat 3176C diesel with ATAAC
Ignition key; start/stop switch Fan, radiator, hydraulically driven, variable speed
Lighting system, halogen (6 total) Filters, fuel/engine air, primary/secondary
Main disconnect switch Fuel priming aid (electric pump)
Starter, electric, heavy-duty Muffler, sound suppressed
Starting and charging system (24-volt) Precleaner, engine air intake
Operator Environment Radiator, unit core with ATAAC (6 fins)
Air conditioner, heater, defroster Starting aid (ether)
Bucket/Work Tool function lockout Switch, transmission neutralizer lockout
Cab, pressurized and sound suppressed Torque converter (free wheel stator)
ROPS/FOPS, radio ready (entertainment) includes antenna, Transmission, automatic planetary power shift (4F/4R)
speakers and converter (12-volt, 10-amp) Variable Shift Control (VSC)
Cigar lighter and ashtray Other
Coat hooks (2) with straps Automatic bucket positioner
Controls, lift and tilt (function) Counterweight
Computerized Monitoring System Doors, service access (locking)
Instrumentation, Gauges: Ecology drains for engine, transmission, and hydraulics
Digital gear range indicator Fenders (front and rear)
Engine coolant temperature Hitch, drawbar with pin
Fuel level Hood, non-metallic power tiltng
Hydraulic oil temperature Hydraulic oil cooler
Transmission oil temperature Kickout, lift automatic (tilt on CC version)
Speedomter/Tachometer Linkage, Z-bar, cast crosstube/tilt lever
Instrumentation, Warning Indicators: Oil samplimg valves
Axle oil temperature Product Link Ready
Electrical, alternator output Sight gauges:
Engine air filter restriction Engine coolant
Engine inlet manifold temperature Hydraulic oil level
Engine oil pressure Transmission oil level
Fuel level and pressure, Hi/Low Vandalism protection caplocks
Hydraulic filter bypass
Hydraulic oil level
Parking brake
Primary steering oil pressure
Service brake oil pressure
Transmission filter bypass
Horn, electric
Lunchbox and beverage holders
Mirrors, rearview (internally mounted)
Seat, Cat Comfort (cloth), air suspension on (CC) version
Seat, KAB (cloth) mechanical suspension on (SW) version
Seat belt, retractable, 76 mm (3 in) wide
Steering column, adjustable (angle) SW (angle and length) CC
Wet-arm, wipers/washers (front and rear),
Intermittent front wiper
Window, sliding (left and right side)

Preliminary 7 October 30, 2002 2:36 PM

972G Series II Wheel Loader
Optional Equipment
Optional equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.

Drive Train Preventive Maintenance

Axle oil cooler Cat Turbine PreCleaner
Differential Limited Slip, front/rear axle Ecology drain, axle
Differential No SPIN, rear axle Extended Life Coolant antifreeze (-35° to -50°C)
Electrical Product Link 201
Auxiliary halogen lighting on cab, 2 front/2 rear Remote Diagnostics Pressure Taps
Directional lights Starting Aid
Starting aid receptacle Heater, engine coolant, 110-volt
Fenders Other Optional attachments
Roading fenders Airborne debris grill
Fender extensions Auto reversing fan
Guards Corrosion resistant paint
Power train Forest arrangement
Hydraulic High Lift arrangement
Hydraulic arrangement, third valve High Lift arrangement with hydraulic third valve
Automatic Ride Control High speed oil change
Operator Environment Lift cylinder baffle
Autodig on CC/EH Open cab, including ROPS structure (for conventional steering
Joystick control only)
Machine Security System Payload Control System
On the Conevtional steering version: Secondary steering
Caterpillar Contour Series seat, 6-way adjustable, with air Value package
suspension Waste arrangement
Radio-ready cab for CB
Rearview mirrors, exterior
Lift lever F-N-R switch
Visor
Radio, AM/FM/Cassette with weatherband

October 30, 2002 2:36 PM 8 Preliminary

972G Series II Wheel Loader

Materials and specifications subject to change without notice.

Featured machines in photo may include additional equipment.

For more complete information on Cat products, dealer services,

and industry solutions, visit us on the web at www.CAT.com.

© 2002 Caterpillar

Product ID: 972G Series II

AEHQ9047 October 30, 2002 2:36 PM