Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A vs Cat 972L: the two differ on 72 of 85 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cummins 320 HP vs Cat 302 HP), Max Torque (1478 Nm @ 1000 - 1400 rpm vs 1710 Nm @ 1200 rpm), Operating Weight (22540 kg vs 24897 kg), Bucket Capacity (3.4 - 4.5 m³ vs 3.4-9.90 m³). The other 13 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Jul 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
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A
Cat 972L
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A
VS
Cat 972L
Wheel Loader
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A vs Cat 972L: the two differ on 72 of 85 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (Cummins 320 HP vs Cat 302 HP), Max Torque (1478 Nm @ 1000 - 1400 rpm vs 1710 Nm @ 1200 rpm), Operating Weight (22540 kg vs 24897 kg), Bucket Capacity (3.4 - 4.5 m³ vs 3.4-9.90 m³). The other 13 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Jul 2026
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A
Price Available Soon
Cat 972L
Price Available Soon
Particulars
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A
Cat 972L
Cat 972L vs Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A: Which One to Buy?
Both are large wheel loaders for quarries, ports and big material yards. The tables below give the numbers, so here is the plain difference. The Cat 972L has more engine power and meets a newer emission standard, which some contracts now demand. The Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A carries more fuel and sits higher off the ground for rough, stony floors.
Read your contract and look at your yard. If you bid for work where emission norms are written into the tender, the Cat keeps you eligible and gives strong power with heavy loads. If you run long shifts on a broken floor far from a fuel point, the Tata Hitachi keeps going longer and takes less damage underneath. See more Cat loaders, all wheel loaders, or our wheel loader guide.
Cat 972L Wheel Loader
Pros:
Higher engine power at 302 HP for potentially better performance.
Slightly higher max torque at 1710 Nm.
Equipped with a Cat Planetary Power Shift Transmission known for durability and smooth shifting.
Higher tipping load capacity providing better stability with heavy loads.
More advanced emission compliance with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV.
Cons:
Lower top forward and reverse speed at 39.5 km/h than Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A.
Payload capacity is unspecified, making it difficult to compare the load-carrying capability directly.
Turning radius data is not available, which is crucial for manoeuvrability assessment.
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Wheel Loader
Pros:
Slightly more engine power at 320 HP, which may provide a marginal performance edge.
Larger fuel tank capacity of 370 L, indicating potentially longer operation intervals.
Larger piston displacement at 10.82 L, suggesting a robust engine build.
Higher ground clearance at 505 mm, providing advantage on rough terrains.
Specific payload capacity provided at 7000 kg, which is beneficial for precise load management.
Cons:
Lower maximum pump flow at 323 L/min compared to Cat 972L's 360 L/min, which might affect hydraulic performance.
Engine emission compliance is U.S. EPA Tier 3 / CARB Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA, less advanced than Cat 972L.
Slightly lower tipping load indicating lesser stability under specific conditions.
Top forward and reverse speed also slightly lower at 34.7 km/h.
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both are strong loaders in the same class, so pick by your contracts and your yard conditions. Choose the Cat 972L when tenders name emission norms and your loading involves heavy loads and long ramps, because more engine power keeps the machine steady under full buckets. Choose the Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A for long shifts on rough, stony floors far from fuel, because a bigger tank and more ground clearance keep it working with fewer stops. So match the machine to your work: 972L for emission-bound tenders and heavy loads, ZW 310-5A for long shifts on rough ground.
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Vs Cat 972L Wheel Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
Built for durability, the Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A wheel loader performs efficiently in India’s diverse terrains and heavy-duty applications as a high-performance wheel loader for demanding worksites.
Aggregate yards, cement plants and ports run on medium wheel loaders like the Cat 972L. A Cat C9.3 ACERT engine rated 302 HP drives it to a 39.5 km/h top speed, useful on long carries and stockpile duty, while bucket options span 3.4-9.90 m³ on a 24897 kg machine. Load-sensing hydraulics meter power to the work instead of burning fuel at idle.
For Indian owners the 972L makes sense where one loader must handle rehandling, truck loading and hopper feeding in a single shift. It meets Tier 4 Final norms, carries GPS as standard, and Cat’s parts network keeps availability high.
Cat 972L vs Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A: Which One to Buy?
Both are large wheel loaders for quarries, ports and big material yards. The tables below give the numbers, so here is the plain difference. The Cat 972L has more engine power and meets a newer emission standard, which some contracts now demand. The Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A carries more fuel and sits higher off the ground for rough, stony floors.
Read your contract and look at your yard. If you bid for work where emission norms are written into the tender, the Cat keeps you eligible and gives strong power with heavy loads. If you run long shifts on a broken floor far from a fuel point, the Tata Hitachi keeps going longer and takes less damage underneath. See more Cat loaders, all wheel loaders, or our wheel loader guide.
Cat 972L Wheel Loader
Pros:
Higher engine power at 302 HP for potentially better performance.
Slightly higher max torque at 1710 Nm.
Equipped with a Cat Planetary Power Shift Transmission known for durability and smooth shifting.
Higher tipping load capacity providing better stability with heavy loads.
More advanced emission compliance with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV.
Cons:
Lower top forward and reverse speed at 39.5 km/h than Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A.
Payload capacity is unspecified, making it difficult to compare the load-carrying capability directly.
Turning radius data is not available, which is crucial for manoeuvrability assessment.
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Wheel Loader
Pros:
Slightly more engine power at 320 HP, which may provide a marginal performance edge.
Larger fuel tank capacity of 370 L, indicating potentially longer operation intervals.
Larger piston displacement at 10.82 L, suggesting a robust engine build.
Higher ground clearance at 505 mm, providing advantage on rough terrains.
Specific payload capacity provided at 7000 kg, which is beneficial for precise load management.
Cons:
Lower maximum pump flow at 323 L/min compared to Cat 972L's 360 L/min, which might affect hydraulic performance.
Engine emission compliance is U.S. EPA Tier 3 / CARB Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA, less advanced than Cat 972L.
Slightly lower tipping load indicating lesser stability under specific conditions.
Top forward and reverse speed also slightly lower at 34.7 km/h.
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both are strong loaders in the same class, so pick by your contracts and your yard conditions. Choose the Cat 972L when tenders name emission norms and your loading involves heavy loads and long ramps, because more engine power keeps the machine steady under full buckets. Choose the Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A for long shifts on rough, stony floors far from fuel, because a bigger tank and more ground clearance keep it working with fewer stops. So match the machine to your work: 972L for emission-bound tenders and heavy loads, ZW 310-5A for long shifts on rough ground.
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Vs Cat 972L Wheel Loader Price, Technical Specifications & Features
Built for durability, the Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A wheel loader performs efficiently in India’s diverse terrains and heavy-duty applications as a high-performance wheel loader for demanding worksites.
Aggregate yards, cement plants and ports run on medium wheel loaders like the Cat 972L. A Cat C9.3 ACERT engine rated 302 HP drives it to a 39.5 km/h top speed, useful on long carries and stockpile duty, while bucket options span 3.4-9.90 m³ on a 24897 kg machine. Load-sensing hydraulics meter power to the work instead of burning fuel at idle.
For Indian owners the 972L makes sense where one loader must handle rehandling, truck loading and hopper feeding in a single shift. It meets Tier 4 Final norms, carries GPS as standard, and Cat’s parts network keeps availability high.
Questions buyers ask about the Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A vs Cat 972L
Ans.
Because many tenders now name it. Government, port and city contracts often require machines meeting a stated emission norm, and the Cat 972L helps you stay eligible. Check the tender wording, since this can decide whether you can bid.
Ans.
The Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A works longer between fills. Its bigger fuel tank suits long shifts and remote yards where the bowser comes once a day. Fewer stops means more trucks loaded.
Ans.
The Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A is better on a rough floor. Higher ground clearance keeps stone and rubble away from the underside, so you get fewer damage stops in a quarry or crusher yard.
Ans.
The Cat 972L is steadier with heavy loads. More engine power keeps the bucket and the wheels working together when the load is full, which helps on long ramps and when pushing into a tight pile.
Ans.
Tata Hitachi service reaches more small towns and its parts usually cost less. Cat support is strongest near cities, ports and large projects. Choose by which workshop sits closer to your yard.
Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Vs Cat 972L - Compare Price & Availability Across 600+ Locations in India
Compare Tata Hitachi ZW 310-5A Vs Cat 972L 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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