Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H: the two differ on 73 of 85 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cat 281 HP vs Volvo 337 HP), Max Torque (1299 Nm @ 1400 rpm vs 000 rpm , 2071 Nm @1), Operating Weight (23125 kg vs 27000 - 28400 kg), Weight (23125 kg vs 28400 kg). The other 12 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Sep 2026
* Ex-factory price ranges are indicative for Sep 2026 and change with variant, city and offers; confirm with the dealer. On-road cost adds transport, RTO, insurance and accessories. Disclaimer
The comparisons provided are based on the technical specifications published by the respective OEMs on their official websites and brochures. Please confirm these details directly with the OEMs before making any final decision.
Key Highlights
Cat 966H
Volvo L180H
Cat 966H
VS
Volvo L180H
Wheel Loader
Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H: the two differ on 73 of 85 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cat 281 HP vs Volvo 337 HP), Max Torque (1299 Nm @ 1400 rpm vs 000 rpm , 2071 Nm @1), Operating Weight (23125 kg vs 27000 - 28400 kg), Weight (23125 kg vs 28400 kg). The other 12 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Sep 2026
Cat 966H
Price Available Soon
Volvo L180H
Price Available Soon
Particulars
Cat 966H
Volvo L180H
Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H: Which Wheel Loader Should You Buy?
Both machines are big wheel loaders. Both load trucks fast and work hard all day. The tables below give you all the numbers. The real question is which one fits your work and your site. The Cat 966H is a little lighter and quick to move around. It is a good choice for mixed jobsite work, road jobs, and loading many trucks in a day. The Volvo L180H is heavier and has more power. It can lift more weight in one go. It is better for hard mining and quarry work, and for big EPC sites where you load all day.
Before you buy, think about a few simple things. Is there a service centre near your site? How fast will spare parts reach you if the machine stops? How much fuel will it burn in a full day? These things decide your running cost more than a few extra HP. You can also see the full Volvo wheel loader range, read our wheel loader buying guide, or look at all wheel loaders together.
Cat 966H Wheel Loader
Pros:
Robust design suitable for heavy-duty applications
Engine aspiration features turbocharged air-to-air aftercooled technology
High torque at lower rpm, beneficial for heavy lifting
Max Power of 281 HP is effective for challenging conditions
Load-Sensing Hydraulic System for optimal power and fuel efficiency
Fast top speeds in both forward and reverse at 37.4 km/h
Large bucket capacity range from 3.40-4.60 m³
Cons:
Operating weight is slightly less, potentially affecting stability in certain conditions
Lower breakout force compared to the Volvo L180H
Smaller wheelbase might affect stability during heavy operations
Volvo L180H Wheel Loader
Pros:
Higher engine output with 337 HP, potentially providing better performance
Larger tipping load capacity, indicating stronger front-end stability under load
Greater oscillation angle at ±15°, offering improved maneuverability on uneven terrain
More extensive bucket capacity choices, ranging up to 16 m³
AC cabin comes as an option, allowing for operator comfort customization
Higher axle load limits may translate to more durability and load-bearing capacity
Optional differential locks on the front axle for improved traction
Cons:
Higher operating weight which may restrict access to weight-limited sites
The maximum pump flow is lower than the Cat 966H's, indicating a potential difference in hydraulic efficiency
Lacks standard AC cabin, which may be a drawback in hot climates
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both are strong wheel loaders, so pick the one that fits the work you do most days. Choose the Cat 966H for mixed jobsite work, road jobs, and loading many trucks fast, as it is lighter and easy to move around. Choose the Volvo L180H for hard mining and quarry work and big all-day loading, as it is heavier and lifts more in one go. Also check that a service centre is near you and spare parts and trained drivers reach you fast, since that keeps the machine working. So match the machine to your work: Cat 966H for quick, mixed jobs, Volvo L180H for heavy, all-day lifting.
Cat 966H Vs Volvo L180H Wheel Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
With robust design, the Cat 966H wheel loader excels in India’s heavy-duty construction and mining operations, enabling this wheel loader to deliver exceptional productivity in challenging environments.
The Volvo L180H wheel loader is a strong payloader and front-end loader designed for heavy-duty construction, mining, and material-handling tasks. It is powered by a reliable Volvo D13F diesel engine from Volvo Construction Equipment that delivers up to 337 hp (250 kW) providing strong torque for consistent, fuel-efficient performance. With an operating weight of roughly 27,000 to 28,400 kg and a bucket capacity range of 3.7 to 16 m³, this Volvo wheel loader ensures high productivity, excellent stability, and on-site versatility.
Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H: Which Wheel Loader Should You Buy?
Both machines are big wheel loaders. Both load trucks fast and work hard all day. The tables below give you all the numbers. The real question is which one fits your work and your site. The Cat 966H is a little lighter and quick to move around. It is a good choice for mixed jobsite work, road jobs, and loading many trucks in a day. The Volvo L180H is heavier and has more power. It can lift more weight in one go. It is better for hard mining and quarry work, and for big EPC sites where you load all day.
Before you buy, think about a few simple things. Is there a service centre near your site? How fast will spare parts reach you if the machine stops? How much fuel will it burn in a full day? These things decide your running cost more than a few extra HP. You can also see the full Volvo wheel loader range, read our wheel loader buying guide, or look at all wheel loaders together.
Cat 966H Wheel Loader
Pros:
Robust design suitable for heavy-duty applications
Engine aspiration features turbocharged air-to-air aftercooled technology
High torque at lower rpm, beneficial for heavy lifting
Max Power of 281 HP is effective for challenging conditions
Load-Sensing Hydraulic System for optimal power and fuel efficiency
Fast top speeds in both forward and reverse at 37.4 km/h
Large bucket capacity range from 3.40-4.60 m³
Cons:
Operating weight is slightly less, potentially affecting stability in certain conditions
Lower breakout force compared to the Volvo L180H
Smaller wheelbase might affect stability during heavy operations
Volvo L180H Wheel Loader
Pros:
Higher engine output with 337 HP, potentially providing better performance
Larger tipping load capacity, indicating stronger front-end stability under load
Greater oscillation angle at ±15°, offering improved maneuverability on uneven terrain
More extensive bucket capacity choices, ranging up to 16 m³
AC cabin comes as an option, allowing for operator comfort customization
Higher axle load limits may translate to more durability and load-bearing capacity
Optional differential locks on the front axle for improved traction
Cons:
Higher operating weight which may restrict access to weight-limited sites
The maximum pump flow is lower than the Cat 966H's, indicating a potential difference in hydraulic efficiency
Lacks standard AC cabin, which may be a drawback in hot climates
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both are strong wheel loaders, so pick the one that fits the work you do most days. Choose the Cat 966H for mixed jobsite work, road jobs, and loading many trucks fast, as it is lighter and easy to move around. Choose the Volvo L180H for hard mining and quarry work and big all-day loading, as it is heavier and lifts more in one go. Also check that a service centre is near you and spare parts and trained drivers reach you fast, since that keeps the machine working. So match the machine to your work: Cat 966H for quick, mixed jobs, Volvo L180H for heavy, all-day lifting.
Cat 966H Vs Volvo L180H Wheel Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
With robust design, the Cat 966H wheel loader excels in India’s heavy-duty construction and mining operations, enabling this wheel loader to deliver exceptional productivity in challenging environments.
The Volvo L180H wheel loader is a strong payloader and front-end loader designed for heavy-duty construction, mining, and material-handling tasks. It is powered by a reliable Volvo D13F diesel engine from Volvo Construction Equipment that delivers up to 337 hp (250 kW) providing strong torque for consistent, fuel-efficient performance. With an operating weight of roughly 27,000 to 28,400 kg and a bucket capacity range of 3.7 to 16 m³, this Volvo wheel loader ensures high productivity, excellent stability, and on-site versatility.
73 differ · 12 identical
Key highlights: Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H Wheel Loader
Cat 966H
Volvo L180H
Engine Make
Cat® C11 ACERT™
Volvo D13F
Max Torque
1299 Nm @ 1400 rpm
000 rpm
,
2071 Nm @1
Fuel Tank
380 L
367 L
Hydraulic System
320 L/min
217 L/min
Min. Ground Clearance
434 mm
480 mm
Payload
NA
NA
Steering Angle
±40°
±37°
Drive Type
4-wheel drive (4WD)
4-wheel drive (4WD)
Wheelbase
3450 mm
3550 mm
Tyres
26.5-25 tires
26.5 R25 L3
Max. Breakout Force
185 KN
236 kN
Overall Length
8693 mm
9080 mm
Warranty
1 Year
1 Yr. / 2000 hr.
AC Cabin
Standard
Optional
GPS
Standard
Standard
Key highlights: Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H Wheel Loader
Cat 966H
Volvo L180H
Engine Make
Cat® C11 ACERT™
Volvo D13F
Max Torque
1299 Nm @ 1400 rpm
000 rpm , 2071 Nm @1
Fuel Tank
380 L
367 L
Hydraulic System
320 L/min
217 L/min
Min. Ground Clearance
434 mm
480 mm
Payload
NA
NA
Steering Angle
±40°
±37°
Drive Type
4-wheel drive (4WD)
4-wheel drive (4WD)
Wheelbase
3450 mm
3550 mm
Tyres
26.5-25 tires
26.5 R25 L3
Max. Breakout Force
185 KN
236 kN
Overall Length
8693 mm
9080 mm
Warranty
1 Year
1 Yr. / 2000 hr.
AC Cabin
Standard
Optional
GPS
Standard
Standard
Full specifications: Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H Wheel Loader
Questions buyers ask about the Cat 966H vs Volvo L180H
Ans.
The Cat 966H is usually easier to sell later. Cat wheel loaders are very common in India, so many buyers look for a used one. The Volvo L180H also sells, but to fewer buyers, mostly big mining and quarry firms. If a quick, easy sale later is important to you, the Cat is the safer choice. If you plan to keep the machine for its full life, this matters less.
Ans.
The Cat 966H usually burns less fuel because it is lighter and has a smaller engine. The Volvo L180H has more power, so it uses more fuel, but it also moves more material in each pass. So the real question is your work. For heavy, non-stop loading the Volvo can still cost less per tonne. For mixed or lighter work the Cat is cheaper to run. Ask both dealers for the fuel use per hour for your kind of job.
Ans.
Yes, both brands have good service in India, but check what is near your site. Cat has a very wide dealer network, so parts often reach you fast. Volvo service is strong too, but centres can be fewer in some areas. For a machine that works far from a city, ask the dealer how quickly parts and a mechanic can reach you. Downtime on a big loader costs a lot each day.
Ans.
The Volvo L180H is better for heavy mining and quarry work. It is heavier, has more power, and can lift more in one bucket. This helps when you load big rocks and hard material all day. The Cat 966H can also do this work, but it suits mixed jobsite and road work more. For a full-time mine or quarry, the Volvo is the stronger pick.
Ans.
Tyres are one of your biggest running costs on a machine this size, so plan for them. Both loaders use large 26.5-25 class tyres that are not cheap to replace. Hard, rocky ground wears them faster. Ask about tyre life and price before you buy, and keep some money aside for a set. Good driving and a smooth work area make the tyres last longer.
Ans.
Yes, very easily. Banks, finance companies, and the Cat and Volvo dealers all give loans and lease plans for big loaders. How much you pay each month depends on your down payment and your loan record. Many contractors take a lease so the machine pays for itself from the work it does. Ask two or three lenders first and compare before you decide.
Cat 966H Vs Volvo L180H - Compare Price & Availability Across 600+ Locations in India
Compare Cat 966H Vs Volvo L180H price and availability across all major cities in India including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Jaipur, Guwahati, and 600+ more locations.
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