Caterpillar® Product Information

Competitive Bulletin
March 2008

Cat 972H vs. Volvo

L180E Wheel Loader

For Dealer Sales Personnel

Table of Contents

Key Selling Points ............................................................................................................................ 3

Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 4

Test Description ................................................................................................................................ 5 - 6

Aggressive Truck Loading ................................................................................................................ 7

Moderate Truck Loading .................................................................................................................. 8

Load and Carry with Short Ramp ..................................................................................................... 9

Load and Carry with Long Ramp ..................................................................................................... 10

Roading & Low Idle Fuel Consumption .......................................................................................... 11

Duty Cycles ....................................................................................................................................... 12

972 Key Features and Benefits ......................................................................................................... 13

L180E Key Features and Benefits .................................................................................................... 14

Key Feature Comparisons ................................................................................................................. 15 - 23

Engine ................................................................................................................................... 15
Transmission ......................................................................................................................... 16
Axles ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Hydraulics ............................................................................................................................. 18
Cooling System .................................................................................................................... 19
Structures .............................................................................................................................. 20
Linkage ................................................................................................................................. 21
Operator Cab ......................................................................................................................... 22
Service .................................................................................................................................. 23

 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 972H Key Selling Points

Reliability
• Proven components and technology equal proven reliability
• Diagnostic systems monitor product health to ensure reliability
• Unmatched parts availability and dealer support
Durability
• ACERT technology maintains performance, efficiency and durability while meeting emissions regulations
• Heavy duty components stand up to operating conditions
• Proven structures and drive train components with a legacy of excellent durability
Productivity
• Improved cycle times with Load-Sensing Hydraulics System
• Constant net horsepower throughout the operating range
• Aggregate Auto-dig automates the loading process (Optional)
• Better response
• More production
• More breakout force
• Simultaneous lift and tilt
Versatility
• Special machine arrangements for unique applications
• Large variety of Cat work tools
Operator Comfort
• Easy entry and exit (180° door opening)
• Excellent visibility
• Good bucket corner visibility
• Comfortable environment
• Choice of steering and implement control systems
• Larger cab
• Seat-mounted controls
Owning and Operating Costs
• Proven fuel efficiency
• Best in class low-idle fuel consumption through use of Engine Idle Management System (EIMS)
• Superior maintenance
• Electronic systems monitor product health and performance
• Cat dealer network is proven and unparalleled in customer support
• Perforated airborne debris-resistant, swing-out grill standard
Serviceability
• Hydraulic and Electric Service Centers
• Service centers for convenient maintenance
• Exceptional access to service points
• One-piece tilting hood for easy service and maintenance access
• Full access to engine and cooling compartment with one-piece tilting hood
• Monitoring systems and dealer support reduce unexpected downtime
• Jump start receptacle standard
• Fluid sampling valves standard

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 

Specifications

Cat 972H Volvo L180E

Engine Type Cat C13 ACERT Volvo D12D LA E3
Gross Power kW(hp) 232 (311) 235 (320)
rpm 1800 1400
Net Power - ISO 9249 kW(hp) 214 (287) 234 (318)
rpm 1800 1600
Net Peak Torque Nm(ft-lb) 1332 (983) 1594 (1176)
rpm 1400 1200
Engine Displacement L(in3) 12.5 (762.8) 12.1 (732)
Number of Cylinders 6 6
Transmission - Auto Shift Powershift Powershift
4th Gear Forward km/h (mph) 36.9 (22.9) 37.3 (23.2)
Hydraulic Cycle Time seconds 10.4 11.5
Tires 26.5R25 L3 26.5R25 L3
Steering System Load Sensing Load Sensing
Sound Level in Cab dB (A) 75 70
Sound Level External dB (A) 111 108
Bucket Used for Spec Comparison m3 (yd3) 4.6 (6) 4.6 (6)
Operating Weight kg (lb) 25,114 (55,376) 26,430 (58,270)
Breakout Force kN (lb) 230 (51,750) 204.9 (46,060)
Full Turn Static Tipping Load kg (lb) 16,879 (37,218) 18,070 (39,840)
Dump Clearance mm (ft in) 3232 (10’7”) 3090 (10’2”)
Reach @ Full Lift and 45 Discharge mm (ft in) 1291 (4’3”) 1290 (4’3”)

Reference: CAT Specalog 972H : AEHQ5658-01 (5/07)

Volvo Specalog L180E : 21A1001565

4 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 Test Description
972H Productivity Study

Truck Loading Set-Up Truck Scales

This Productivity study was completed at a customer site (Laurent) in Cuesmes, Belgium.

Manufacturer Caterpillar Volvo

Model 972H L180E
Machine S/N A7G00225 V9023
Bucket 248-0565 93731
Capacity 5.08 m³ (6.64 yd³) 4.75 m³ (6.21 yd³)
Tire Manufacture Michelin Bridgstone
Tires XHA26.5 R25 V-Steel M-Traction
26.5 R-25
Tire Pressure Front: 55 psi/3.8 Bar Front: 62psi/4.25bar*
Rear: 41 psi/2.8 Bar Rear: 36psi/2.5bar

* Values are as tested. Used equipment manufacturer recommended tire pressure.

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 

Test Description

Ambient temperature ranged between 55 - 62 °F (13 - 17 °C). Material used was 2” (51 mm) lime-
stone, with a density of 2,321 – 2,510 lb/yd3 (1,373 – 1,485 kg/m3). All machines were Tier III EPA
Compliant and EU Stage III.
Tests included:

• Aggressive Truck Loading – 20-sec cycles.

• Moderate Truck Loading – 23-sec cycles
• Short Load & Carry w/ Short Ramp
• Long Load & Carry w/ Long Ramp
• Low Idle Fuel Consumption
• Roading Fuel Consumption

For loading operations, three on-highway trucks were used. In the Loading cycles, trucks were four-pass
loaded. Each machine was equipped with an auxiliary fuel pipe. Each pipe was filled before each cycle.
Upon completion of each cycle, the temperature – compensated change in fuel height in the pipe was
used to determine consumption. All cycle times were recorded using a spreadsheet to capture travel time
empty, loading time, travel time loaded and dump time.

 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 Aggressive Truck Loading

• 18.8-20.2 sec cycles

• 18 trucks loaded
• 4 passes per truck
• Trucks load weighed on scales
• Tight “V” cycle at max
machine performance

3 X off-road trucks

Scale

Cycle Tim e Productivity

25.0 1500 1381
1269
20.0 1200
2.3 2.6
Met Tons/Hr

15.0 900
6.9 7.7
Sec

10.0 600
5.0 3.9
5.0 300
4.6 5.5
0.0
0
972H L180E
972H L180E
Tr avel Empty Load Tr avel Loaded Dump

Fuel Efficiency Fuel Efficiency

30.0 120
25.0 24.7 104 103
25.0 100
Short Tons/Gal
Met Tons/Ltr

20.0 80
15.0 60
10.0 40
5.0 20
0.0 0
972H L180E 972H L180E

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 

 Moderate Truck Loading

• 21.7-22.9 sec cycles

• 15 trucks loaded
• 4 passes per truck
• Trucks load weighed on scales
• Tight “V” cycle at operator’s
10-Hr day pace

3 X off-road trucks

Scale

Cycle Time Productivity

25.0 1400 1267 1196
20.0 2.8 2.9 1200
Met Tons/Hr

1000
15.0 8.1 8.1
800
Sec

10.0 600
5.7 5.3
400
5.0 200
5.7 6.0
0.0 0
972H L180E 972H L180E
Tr avel Empty Load Tr avel Loaded Dump

Fuel Efficiency Fuel Efficiency

35.0 31.3 150.0 130.5

27.8 116.0
30.0
Short Tons/Gal
Met Tons/Ltr

25.0 100.0
20.0
15.0
50.0
10.0
5.0
0.0 0.0
972H L180E 972H L180E

 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 Load and Carry with Short Ramp

19 meter ramp
8% grade

• 37.7-39.5 sec cycles

• 9 trucks loaded
• 4 passes per truck
• Trucks load weighed on scales
• Total travel distance was 58 m

Scale

Cycle Tim e Productivity

80.0 400 370 364
70.0 2.6 3.0
350
60.0 27.7 23.8 300
Met Tons/HR

50.0
250
Sec

40.0 12.3 12.5

200
30.0 6.7 6.3
20.0 150
10.0 25.5 26.4 100
0.0 50
972H L180E 0
Tr avel Empty Load Tr avel Loaded UpRampLoaded Dump 972H L180E

Fuel Efficiency Fuel Efficiency

10.0 35.0 30.2 31.1

7.2 7.4 30.0
Short Tons/Gal

7.5 25.0
Met Tons/Ltr

20.0
5.0 15.0
10.0
2.5
5.0
0.0
0.0
972H L180E
972H L180E

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 

 Load and Carry with Long Ramp
27m 55m 31m

55 meter ramp
12% grade

• 72-79 sec cycles

• 6 trucks loaded
• 4 passes per truck
• Trucks load weighed on scales
• Total travel distance was 226 m

Scale

Cycle Tim e Productivity

40.0 724
2.6 3.0 800 695
30.0 8.0 7.5 700
600
Met Tons/Hr

8.3 9.1
Sec

20.0 500
6.1 5.4 400
10.0 300
12.6 12.9
200
0.0
100
972H L180E 0
Tr avel Empt y Load Tr avel Loaded Up Ramp Loaded Dump 972H L180E

Fuel Efficiency Fuel Efficiency

17.0
18.0 16.1 80.0 70.9 67.2
15.0
Short Tons/Gal

60.0
Met Tons/Ltr

12.0
9.0 40.0
6.0
20.0
3.0
0.0 0.0
972H L180E 972H L180E

10 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 Roading & Low Idle Fuel Consumption

Length of Track = 380 m

Total Distance = 7.6 km (20 laps)

Start
Finish

Caterpillar Volvo
Model 972H L180E
Machine S/N A7G00225 V9023
Average Speed (kph) 12.28 13.76
Fuel Rate (L/hr) 33.45 34.50

Low Idle Fuel Consumption

Caterpillar Volvo
Model 972H L180E
Machine S/N A7G00225 V9023
Engine Idle Speed (rpm) 600 750
Total Run Time (sec) 3622.2 3697.85
Fuel Rate (L/hr) 3.15 4.15

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 11

 Duty Cycles
Truck Loading
972H 972H L180E L180E
% of time Material Fuel Material Fuel
M. tons (S. tons) L (gal) M. tons (S. tons) L (gal)
Truck Loading 70% 2,217,250 70,875 2,093,000 75,250
(2,444,100) (18,723) (2,307,137) (19,879)
Hopper Charging 5% 90,500 5,325 86,875 5,400
(99,759) (1,407) (95,763) (1427)
Roading 5% 4,181 4,313
(1,105) (1139)
Idle 20% 1,575 2,075
(416) (548)
Eff M.tons/ltr 28.2 25.0
Eff S. tons/gal 117.5 104.5
Hopper Charging - Short Ramp
972H 972H L180E L180E
% of time Material Fuel Material Fuel
M. tons (S. tons) L (gal) M. tons (S. tons) L (gal)
Truck Loading 5% 158,375 5,063 149,500 5,375
(174,579) (1,338) (164,795) (1,420)
Hopper Charging 70% 1,267,000 74,550 1,216,250 75,600
(1,396,628) (19,694) (1,340,686) (19,971)
Roading 5% 4,181 4,313
(1,105) (1,139)
Idle 20% 1,575 2,075
(416) (548)
Eff M.tons/ltr 16.7 15.6
Eff S. tons/gal 69.7 65.2
Long Ramp
972H 972H L180E L180E
% of time Material Fuel Material Fuel
M. tons (S. tons) L (gal) M. tons (S. tons) L (gal)
Truck Loading 5% 158,375 5,063 149,500 5,375
(174,579) (1,338) (184,571) (1,420)
Long Ramp 70% 647,500 89,250 637,000 85,400
(713,747) (23,577) (702,172) (22,540)
Roading 5% 4,181 4,313
(1,105) (1,139)
Idle 20% 1,575 2,075
(416) (548)
Eff M.tons/ltr 8.1 8.1
Eff S. tons/gal 33.6 34.6
Values based on a 2500 hour work year. Time percentages based on customer survey data. M.Tons =
Metric Tons S. Tons = Short Tons

12 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 972H Features and Benefits

The integrated braking system (IBS) reduces

Hydraulic and electric service centers, grease axle oil temperature and improves transmission
points, and remote pressure taps all at ground neutralizer smoothness to improve brake and
level make regular maintenance simple and axle durability.
convenient.

The load sensing hydraulics provide only the

flow required for the job, which improves fuel The Caterpillar Monitoring
efficiency. System (CMS) display alerts the
operator of critical system condi-
tions with 4 levels of warning
severity.

Product Link uses satellite technology to pro-

vide machine health, productivity, and location.
Ride control reduces shock felt by the operator
and air-suspended, seat-mounted implement
controls reduce vibrations through the cab
floor.
ACERT engine technology meets Tier III EPA/
EU Stage III standards while not sacrificing
fuel economy or performance.
Command control steering allows for full ma-
chine articulation with a 70° turn of the wheel.
A maximum of 6 lb of effort is needed to turn
the wheel.

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 13

L180E Features and Benefits
The Comfort Drive Control (CDC) is designed
to reduce operator fatigue by integrating shift
and steer controls into the left armrest.
The ergonomic seat has an adjustable suspen-
sion and a retracting seat belt.
The front axle is fixed, while the rear axle may
oscillate. There is a 100% differential lock on
the front axle.
The wet-disc hydraulic brakes are outboard
mounted and oil circulation cooled. When ap-
plying the break, the operator can select auto-
matic transmission declutch through Contronic.
The Boom Suspension System (BSS) smooth-
ens rough roads through gas/oil accumulators
connected to the lift cylinders.
14 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
The steering system is equipped
with load-sensing hydraulics. The
system has priority hydraulic feed
from a load-sensing axial piston
pump.
The engine has wet, replaceable
cylinder liners and replaceable
seats and guides for the valves.
The gears of the HTE 220 transmission shift
quickly and smoothly with the Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM) valve.
The Contronic monitoring system
displays machine status and infor-
mation clearly in the operator’s
working sight line.
February 2008

Cat - Engine
• C13 ACERT engine provides constant net hp
at full parasitic load
• High torque at low engine rpm for enhanced
productivity, 1332 Nm at 1,400 rpm gross
• 307 (229 kW) rated gross horsepower
(SAEJ1995), 287 (214 kW) rated net
horsepower (ISO9249) at 1800 rpm
• Meets EU Stage III and US EPA Tier III
emission regulations
• Durability proven across numerous models in
the Caterpillar product line-up
• Engine Idle Management System (EIMS)
maximizes fuel efficiency and provides
flexibility in managing idle speeds for specific
application requirements
• Constant net horsepower regardless of
conditions
• One engine oil filter, high efficiency bypass
• Wet, replaceable cylinder liners
+ ACERT Technology minimizes emission
contaminants which reduces wear and allows
for a 500 hr service interval
+ EIMS maximizes fuel efficiency, elevates
idle speed for warm-up and monitors and
maintains sufficient battery charge
+ Ground level access to secondary engine shut-
off switch
February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Key Feature Comparison
Volvo - Engine
• Volvo D12D LA E3
• High torque at low engine rpm for enhanced
productivity, 1594 Nm at 1200 rpm gross
• 320 (235kW) rated net horsepower (ISO9249)
at 1,400 – 1,600 rpm
• Meets EU Stage III and US EPA Tier III
emission regulations
• Wet replaceable cylinder liners
• Replaceable valve guides and seats
• Three stage air cleaner with ejector and inner
filter
• Two fuel filters
• Three engine oil filters; two full-flow and one
high efficiency bypass (higher maintenance)
- No ground level access to secondary engine
shut-off switch
- “Gull-wing” access panels hard to close
- Tools needed to replace engine oil filters
+ Dust ejector venturi through exhaust.
Maintains engine air filter life.
15
Key Feature Comparison
Cat - Transmission
• Planetary Power Shift transmission has
proven itself for over 40 years
• Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC)
provides constant shift control which means
smoother speed and directional shifting
• Operators can match transmission shift points
to the requirements of the application using
Variable Shift Control
+ Transmission filter easy to access in service
center
16 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Volvo - Transmission
• Countershaft transmission offers automatic or
manual shift modes in fully automatic 1-4 or 2-4
shift system, adapting to operator style
• Transmission neutralizer on/off by Contronic
Monitoring System
• Dextron ATF oil used to minimize loses and
increase shift comfort
• 4 Forward, 4 Reverse (4F4R)
- Transmission filter hard to get to
+ Adapts to operator style
February 2008

Cat - Axles/Brakes
• Multi-disc brakes
• Axle oil cooler ready design improves field
retro-fit capabilities (bolt on design)
• Integrated Braking System reduces axle oil
temperatures and potentially improves brake
life
• IBS has direct impact on durability of axles
and brakes especially in applications involving
long distances and/or heavy braking
• Ecology drain ready
February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Key Feature Comparison
Volvo - Axles/Brakes
• Front: 100% hydraulic differential lock
• Rear: Optional limited slip
• Wet oil circulation cooled disc brakes on all
four wheels (Impeller built-in)
• Duel brake circuits
• Secondary brake system
• Brake wear indicators easy to reach. No
tooling required.
• Axle cooler/heat exchanger ready
• Rear axle trunnion oscillates 15°, maintenance
free
+ 100% diff lock standard
+ Rear axle trunnion maintenance free
17
Key Feature Comparison
Cat - Hydraulics
• Load-sensing hydraulic provides only the
hydraulic flow required by the implements for
improved fuel efficiency
• Low effort implement control provides
for simultaneous lift & tilt functions and
fine modulation is repeatable for improved
productivity
• On-demand fan regulates fan speed to match
cooling requirements, lowers noise levels and
improves fuel efficiency
• In cab adjustable boom and bucket kick-outs
• Seat-mounted EH controls
• Factory developed and supported load
weighing system (PCS 2.11R Optional)
• Optional 3rd function
+ Seat-mounted EH controls
+ Soft detents
+ Simultaneous lift and tilt
+ Adjustable boom and bucket kick-outs from
cab
18 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Volvo - Hydraulics
• Three variable displacement axial piston
pumps for:
> working hydraulics
> steering system, pilot hydraulics, brakes
> fan motor
• Full-flow return filtration
• Load-sensing hydraulic system adjusts to
operating conditions to provide only the
hydraulic flow required by the implements for
improved fuel efficiency
• Automatic boom kick out, mechanically
adjustable
• Automatic bucket positioner, with
mechanically adjustable indicator
• Optional (Ride Control) boom suspension
system (3 settings: speed dependent, gear
dependent or off)
• Optional single lever control
• Optional 3rd and 4th functions (single axis
only)
- No seat-mounted controls
+ 4th hydraulic function available
February 2008
 Key Feature Comparison

Cat - Cooling System Volvo - Cooling System

• Standard perforated and corrugated rear grill • Reversing fan (optional)
minimized debris build-up and swings out for • Swing out (90 deg) grill for easy access to
easy cleaning and access to the cooling cores cooling components
• Full width AC condenser and oil cooler • Access panel allows easy entry to front of
cores swing out to allow easy cleaning of the cooling system for cleaning
radiator and ATAAC cores
• Mesh perforated grill (optional)
• Lockable access panels on both sides of the
cooling arrangement allow for easy access to
the front side of both the radiator and ATAAC
cores
• Coolant service life 12,000 hours using
Caterpillar extended life coolant (ELC) and
extender at 6,000 hrs
• Standard 6 fins per inch core spacing allow
debris to pass through the arrangement and
reduce the likelihood of plugging
• Fin spacing is larger than the openings in the
perforated rear grill, therefore, if material
passes through the grill, likelihood of plugging
the cores is reduced

+ Perforated and corrugated rear grill comes - Perforated grill (optional)

standard
+ Access panels swing out both sides for
+ Access panels swing out both sides for cleaning
cleaning
+ Optional auto reversing fan
- No auto-reversing fan available

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 19

 Key Feature Comparison

Cat - Structures Volvo - Structures

• Full box section engine end frame absorbs • Well integrated component mounting (engine,
shock loads and twisting forces while transmission) provides more optimum
supporting the driveline for rigid component structure
alignment • Box section sized for counterweight,
• Frame is over 90 percent robotically especially over axle cutout
welded providing deep weld penetration for • Cast header provides strength with less weight
maximum durability
• Header loads tend to be back and upward and
• The four plate loader tower absorbs forces much larger than Z-bar
associated with loading twisting and
penetration • Less material packing (more open)
• Lift arms are solid steel, providing superior
strength, excellent dump clearance and reach
• The cast steel cross tube is heat treated for
maximum resistance to torsion loads
• The spread hitch design of the articulation
joint reduces stresses on the hitch pins and
roller bearings for extended service life

+ Reduced material build-up on lift cylinders

20 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader February 2008

 Key Feature Comparison

Cat -Linkage Volvo - Linkage

• Z-bar lift arrangement is optimized for bucket • Single Torque Parallel linkage, optimized for
applications, providing excellent break-out both bucket and non-bucket applications
force when the work tool is positioned close to
ground level
• All pin joints are sealed
• Multiple work tools available
• Full Autodig

+ Better material retention (loading in pile; load

and carry)
+ Good visibility to quick coupler hooks and
work tools
+ Single linkage for bucket, pallet forks and
logging applications
+ Right sized linkage pins
- Heavy linkage: machine weight, dynamic
stability when moving linkage

February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader 21

 Key Feature Comparison
Cat - Cab
• Steering neutralizer values to avoid harsh stop
at full steer
• Adjustable neutralizer pedal optimizes
machine performance to meet customer
applications
• Ride control dampens lift arm movement over
rough terrain, thus reducing shock loads into
operator environment
• FNR, horn and transmission kick-down
switches are all conveniently located on the
implement control pod for efficient operation
• Easy to adjust armrest provides operators with
maximum comfort
• Seat mounted implement controls standard
• Standard high back air-suspension seat
provides operator with multiple adjustments
• Optional heated seat and external mirrors are
available for colder climates
• Optional Command Control Steering provides
efficient operation in tight truck loading cycles
• Optional windshield cleaning package
provides additional steps and handrails to
provide easy access for cleaning the front
windows
• Product Link standard (U.S.)
22 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Volvo - Cab
• Contronic monitoring system with log and
analysis system
• FNR, horn, transmission kick-down are all
conveniently located to the right and front of
the lift lever
• No steering neutralizer valves available, rubber
stops only
• Fully adjustable air-cushion seat with heater,
head rest and lumbar support
• Easy to use, ergonometric controls on the fully
adjustable, hydraulic console
• Windshield washers, front and rear
• Optional air conditioning
• Optional rubber mounted ladder
• Optional rear view camera
• Optional Comfort Drive Control
• Optional secondary steering
• Product Link standard
• Care Track optional
• Standard heated seats
February 2008

Cat - Service
Serviceability
• Hydraulic and Electrical service centers make
for convenient maintenance
• Ground level access to service points
• Remote fluid sampling valves
Electrical Service Center
• Hood actuator, battery box, electrical
disconnect switch, remote starting receptacle
and electrical relay panel are all grouped in one
ground level location for easy access
Hydraulic Service Center
• Hydraulic and transmission filters carrying the
same change interval are conveniently located
in one ground level location for quick and easy
service
Hood
• One-piece tilting hood provides excellent
access to the engine and cooling compartments
• New design provides improved durability while
maintaining visibility to the ground
• The reinforced design is more resistant to wind
and mud build-up
• The actuation system has been improved for
better durability
Autolube (Optional)
• Reduces downtime through timed greasing of
key pins and joints
• Quick and easy refill of grease reservoir
+ Remote fluid sampling valves (standard)
+ Maintenance free batteries
February 2008 Cat 972H vs Volvo L180E Wheel Loader
Key Feature Comparison
Volvo - Service
Serviceability
• Contronic provides system monitoring
capability
• Engine oil filters located in centralized
arrangement, tools needed to access filters
• The engine air filter can be easily accessed
from platform while the transmission oil filters
are externally mounted
• Hydraulic filter mounted in tank behind cab,
tools required
• Optional fluid sampling valves
Hood
• Gull wing engine enclosure doors provide
partial access to engine compartment
• Full access requires rotation of large panels
with fenders
External Fluid Drains
• All fluids can be drained through externally
ounted valves for easy maintenance and
reduced spillage
• Oil sampling valves optional
Autolube (Optional)
• Reduces downtime through timed greasing of
key pins and joints
• Quick and easy refill of grease reservoir
- Fluid sampling valves (optional)
- Gull wing doors take considerable force to
close
23
The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge
of such reports and is intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and facts observed by
various Caterpillar or dealer employees. However, effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding any information compar-
ing Caterpillar built and competitive machines. Effort has been made to use the latest available spec sheet and other material in the
full understanding that these are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction of this release without the foregoing explanation
is prohibited.

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January 2008
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