Caterpillar introduced the industry's first Integrated Toolcarrier in the mid-80s. The 924G and 924Gz loaders replace both the IT24GF Integrated Toolcarrier and the 924F wheel loader.

The 924Gz features conventional Z-Bar linkage and an improved pilot-controlled loader hydraulic system with a low-effort, joystick control. A hydraulic pump, separate from the steering pump, drives the load-sensing system.

For more versatility, VersaLink loader linkage is available on the 924G. It can be configured with a hydraulic Quick Coupler and a variety of work tools, or with pin-on attachments like a bucket or forks.

The Caterpillar 3056T turbocharged, six-cylinder, diesel engine with 114 hp powers the 924Gz and 924G. It provides an 8% increase in power compared with the Cat 3114T used in the former model.

The engine compartment of the 924Gz and 924G is completely enclosed. This system helps lower overall noise levels and also helps keep the engine clean. The cooling system on the loaders has a separate air intake system.

The 966G and 972G wheel loaders replace the 966F Series II and the 970F.

The Caterpillar 3306 DITA six-cylinder, direct-injected turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine produces 235 hp and 60% torque rise in the 966G for more rimpull. The 972G has 265 hp and 56% torque rise.

The 966G offers nine combinations of general purpose buckets, four combinations of rock buckets and six combinations of materials handling buckets, from 4.25 to 5.25 cu yd. The 972G provides six combinations of general purpose buckets, four combinations of rock buckets and six combinations of material handling buckets, from 5 to 6 cu yd.

The 966G and 972G are available in two operator control configurations. Conventional steering provides low-effort steering by producing pilot hydraulic flow when the operator rotates the steering wheel. This version uses pilot hydraulic bucket controls.

Command Control steering incorporates hydraulics and a mechanical feedback system to link steering wheel position to articulation angle. It features nearly half-turn steering, approximately 70 degrees each direction.

Compact wheel loaders Caterpillar's compact wheel loader line includes the 902, 906 and 908 models.

The 902 has an operating weight of 9,600 lb and a 0.8-cu-yd bucket capacity. Weighing 11,060 lb, the 906 wheel loader has a 1.3-cu-yd bucket capacity. The 908 weighs 13,288 lb and has a bucket capacity of 1.3 cu yd.

The loaders can be equipped with a range of general purpose buckets in widths of 70 to 74 in.

The 902 and 906 also can be outfitted with 51-in.-wide Class II rated pallet forks with 44-in.-long tines. Additional work tools include an angle broom and a pickup sweeper. The fork capacity of the 902 is 3,600 lb and 4,150 lb for the 906.

All models are powered by Cat four-cylinder diesel engines with direct injection. The 902 is powered by a 45-hp Caterpillar 3024 engine. The 906 is powered by a 60-hp Caterpillar 3034 engine. The 908 is powered by a 82-hp Caterpillar 3054T engine.

The wheel loaders are equipped with vertically mounted, spin-on hydraulic oil filter, fuel filter, engine oil filter, and fuel/water separator to keep maintenance time to a minimum, according to the company.

The 902 loader generates a breakout force of 8,200 lb and a tipping load of 5,700 lb. The 906 has a bucket breakout force of 10,230 lb and a full turn static tipping load of 6,440 lb. With a bucket breakout force of 13,050 lb, the 908 has a full turn static tipping load of 8,270 lb.

The VersaLink loader linkage provides forward visibility to each side of the work tool. Virtual reality technology in the design process tested the operator's line of sight to the work tool and surrounding work area with the VersaLink loader linkage on the compact wheel loader.