Used Caterpillar 966: 46 live listings, €60k–€125k

How much does a used Caterpillar 966 cost in Europe?

Across independent European dealers, used Caterpillar 966 listings currently run from €59,500 to €125,000, with a market average around €78,350. Year, operating hours and configuration move the price within that band. Based on 46 active listings, refreshed daily.

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Specification · Comparison

How the 966 lines up in its class.

Nearest competitors auto-selected by category and weight class. Specs from manufacturer datasheets; prices from recent dealer listings.

Caterpillar

966

1966–present

At a glance

Weight class

23 t

Power

Engine

Cat C9.3 ACERT

Hyundai HE 8.9

Komatsu SAA6D125E-5

Power

276 hp

266–297 hp

271–273 hp

Dimensions

Operating weight

23,213 kg

22,801–23,500 kg

22,776–25,670 kg

Length

7,292 mm

8,700 mm

8,826–8,891 mm

Width

2,996 mm

3,100 mm

3,011 mm

Height

3,581 mm

3,560 mm

3,502 mm

Working range

Bucket capacity

4.4 m³

4–4.2 m³

3.56–4.65 m³

Breakout force

173.4 kN

213 kN

87–192 kN

Lift height

4,801 mm

4,310 mm

4,339–4,366 mm

Drive

Travel speed

40.1 km/h

41 km/h

36.2–39.7 km/h

Market

Market average ask · EU

€78k

—

€48k

Price range

€60k – €125k

— – —

€36k – €60k

Active listings

46

0

13

About · Caterpillar 966

Overview

The Caterpillar 966 is a large wheel loader with an operating weight of 23,213 kg and an engine output of 276 hp, positioning it firmly in the upper tier of the general-purpose wheel loader class. With a standard bucket capacity of 4.4 m3, it is sized for high-volume material handling in demanding production environments. The model has been continuously produced since 1966, giving it one of the longest track records in its segment and a correspondingly deep base of operator familiarity and parts support.

Typical applications

Where this machine is used

Machines in this class are deployed across quarrying, mining support, large-scale earthmoving, bulk aggregate handling, and port or stockyard operations where high cycle volumes and robust push-out forces are required. The 966 is also regularly specified for heavy construction site work, road base preparation, and loading duties at recycling or waste processing facilities. Its payload and reach characteristics make it suitable wherever a standard articulated wheel loader must service large trucks or process significant quantities of loose or blasted material per shift.

Used-market inspection

What to check before buying

Before purchasing a used 966 or comparable large wheel loader, commission a full pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician independent of the selling party. Priority inspection points for this class include the condition of the articulation joint and steering cylinders, lift arm and tilt cylinder bushings, brake accumulator function, and transmission engagement quality across all ranges. Check for frame cracks at the articulation pivot, inspect the front and rear axle differentials for oil contamination, and verify that the cooling package for both engine and hydraulics is clean and fully functional. Review available service records to confirm that major scheduled maintenance, particularly transmission, axle, and hydraulic filter intervals, has been performed. Tire condition and remaining tread depth represent a significant portion of refurbishment exposure in this weight class and should be evaluated separately. Machines with documented dealer or customer service histories and full attachment records consistently command stronger buyer confidence regardless of configuration.

Current market

Price position

The Caterpillar 966 is cross-shopped most directly against the Komatsu WA470 and the Hyundai HL770, all of which compete in the same operating-weight and horsepower bracket. Compared with the WA470, the 966 carries a weight advantage of 23,213 kg versus comparable figures for the Komatsu, and Cat's established global dealer network is frequently cited as a differentiator for fleet buyers with multinational operations. The Hyundai HL770 typically appeals to buyers prioritising initial acquisition cost, while the 966 and WA470 compete more directly on residual value and total cost of ownership over extended service intervals. Within the 966's own price band, the principal attributes that move a unit are accumulated service hours, configuration choices such as high-lift versus standard lift arms, the presence of a quick coupler or dedicated attachment packages, overall mechanical condition, and whether the machine carries a current service history or certified rebuild documentation.

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