Used Caterpillar 988: 15 live listings, €160k–€275k

How much does a used Caterpillar 988 cost in Europe?

Across independent European dealers, used Caterpillar 988 listings currently run from €160,000 to €275,000, with a market average around €255,736. Year, operating hours and configuration move the price within that band. Based on 15 active listings, refreshed daily.

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Specification · Comparison

How the 988 lines up in its class.

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

Caterpillar

988

At a glance

Weight class

52 t

53 t

35 t

Power

Engine

Cat C18 ACERT

Volvo D16

SAA6D140E-7

Power

541 hp

532–540 hp

353 hp

Dimensions

Operating weight

52,500 kg

50,500–56,300 kg

35,315 kg

Length

12,192 mm

11,150–11,190 mm

9,235 mm

Width

3,861 mm

3,630 mm

3,191 mm

Height

4,572 mm

4,180 mm

3,861 mm

Working range

Bucket capacity

6.9 m³

6.2–12.7 m³

6.3 m³

Breakout force

381 kN

440–450 kN

247.6 kN

Lift height

5,486 mm

5,330 mm

4,499 mm

Drive

Travel speed

39.3 km/h

38 km/h

Market

Market average ask · EU

€256k

€216k

€89k

Price range

€160k – €275k

€216k – €216k

€89k – €89k

Active listings

15

1

2

About · Caterpillar 988

Overview

The Caterpillar 988 is a large-capacity wheel loader operating at approximately 52,500 kg and producing 541 hp, placing it firmly in the upper tier of the wheel-loader class. With a bucket capacity of 6.9 m3, it is engineered for high-volume material movement where cycle efficiency and payload per pass are primary performance criteria. The 988 represents Caterpillar's established presence in the heavy wheel-loader segment, a line with decades of field history in demanding bulk-handling environments.

Typical applications

Where this machine is used

Machines in this class are deployed primarily in surface mining, large-scale quarrying, and high-tonnage aggregate or ore stockpile management where maximising tonnes moved per hour is the operational priority. Port and bulk-terminal applications also rely on equipment at this weight and capacity for ship-loading support and stockpile reclaim. Infrastructure and dam-construction projects requiring mass earthmoving represent a further core use case for this category.

Used-market inspection

What to check before buying

Inspection of a used machine in this class should prioritise the condition of the articulation joint and centre-pin assembly, as wear in these areas directly affects steering response and long-term structural integrity. The hydraulic system warrants close attention, including cylinder seals, hose routing, and the condition of the lift and tilt circuits under full load. Drivetrain components, specifically the torque converter, transmission, and all four axle assemblies including differential locks and planetary ends, should be evaluated through operational testing and oil sampling. Tyre condition and remaining tread depth represent a significant variable in overall machine value at this operating weight. A thorough review of available service records, fluid analysis history, and any documented structural repairs is essential before committing to a purchase at this machine class.

Current market

Price position

The Caterpillar 988 competes directly with the Volvo L350 and the Komatsu WA500 in the heavy wheel-loader segment. Against the Volvo L350, the 988 offers a higher rated engine output at 541 hp alongside comparable bucket capacity, while the L350 is recognised for its articulation geometry and cab ergonomics. Against the Komatsu WA500, the 988's 6.9 m3 bucket capacity and 52,500 kg operating weight position it as the heavier, higher-output option, which influences suitability for the largest loading faces and truck-match scenarios. Within this competitive set, a specific unit's position in the market is driven principally by accumulated operating hours, service and maintenance history, configuration choices such as high-lift or standard-lift boom arrangement, installed attachments including bucket type and wear-package specification, and overall physical condition of structural, hydraulic, and drivetrain components.

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