The new Cat 966 GC wheel loader comes with the Cat C9.3B engine, which has a maximum gross power rating of 239 kW (321 horsepower) and emitting equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA emission levels and features a new common-rail fuel injection system designed for fuels available in emerging markets. An electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan, combined with the Cat Engine Idle Management System, results in lower fuel consumption and reduced sound levels. An optional automatic reversing fan assists in cleaning cooling cores in high-debris environments.
The new loader uses a 4F/4R electronically controlled, planetary powershift transmission, designed and built by Caterpillar, and featuring an electronic clutch, pressure-compensated, single clutch shifting system for smooth, efficient gear changes in all operating situations.
The field-proven Caterpillar Z-bar loader linkage, with cast crossmember and tilt-lever, is designed to deliver both strong digging capabilities and high breakout forces with Cat Performance Series buckets. The load-sensing implement hydraulic system continuously controls flow and pressure to precisely match requirements of the operating situation, reducing both the load on the pump and overall fuel burn.
A range of available work tools includes a selection of Cat Performance Series buckets (general purpose, rock, and light material configurations), which incorporate a long floor, wide opening, and curved side plates. These design features enable operators of all experience levels to routinely attain 10 percent higher bucket-fill factors, compared with legacy designs, improving cycle times and reducing fuel consumption. The Cat Fusion quick coupler and controls also are available, and combined with optional third-function auxiliary hydraulics, the coupler allows use of a wide selection of Cat work tools.