Caterpillar Mid-Size Wheel Loaders

New Load-Sensing Hydraulic System

Construction Equipment

Walt Moore
Senior Editor

According to Caterpillar, the combination of its Tier-3 ACERT engine technology and the new load-sensing hydraulic system in its H-Series medium wheel loaders (announced last fall) results in a 4- to 7-percent "improved fuel benefit." This closed-loop system, says the company, also uses the M3PC Priority Pressure Compensated Valve, which can "set priority of one function over another to ensure no work stalls."

Number of models: 3

New models: 962H/IT962H, 966H, 972H

Product-line features: H-Series wheel loaders feature hydraulically driven cooling fans (part of new, "more balanced" cooling system); "electro-hydraulic" implement controls; and the optional Command Control steering system, allowing full machine articulation through only 70 degrees of steering-wheel movement. Sound levels for the operator and bystander also are significantly reduced.

Specifications
Model	Horsepower (Rated)	Operating Weight (lb.)*	Bucket Range Or Nominal Bucket (cu. yd.)**
962H	209	42,700	3.5–5.0
966H	262	52,300	4.5–5.5
972H	287	55,500	5.0–6.0
* Approximate operating weight; exact weight varies with specific configuration **Approximate bucket capacities