CAT 966 vs Komatsu WA380 — Wheel Loader Head-to-Head
The Komatsu WA380 is the direct competitor to the CAT 966 in the 5-yard wheel loader class. Very similar footprint. Very different ownership experience.
Caterpillar 966
The CAT 966 is the go-to wheeled front-end loader for SA quarries, aggregate yards and stockpile handling. IronYard lists 966G, 966H, 966K and 966M stock with hours, tyre life and finance available.
Komatsu WA380
The Komatsu WA380 is the direct rival to the CAT 966 and Volvo L120 in the 20-ton wheel loader class — with Komatsu's proven parallel-lift linkage and strong fuel economy on the WA380-8 platform. IronYard lists WA380-6, -7 and -8 stock with hours, tyre life and finance available.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Caterpillar 966 | Komatsu WA380 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 23 400 kg | 22 400 kg |
| Engine | CAT C9 / C9.3 | Komatsu SAA6D107E |
| Net power | 222 kW (298 hp) | 142 kW (191 hp) |
| Bucket capacity | 3.4 – 4.4 m³ | 3.1 – 4.0 m³ |
| Payload | 6 500 kg (standard bucket) | 6 000 kg (standard bucket) |
| Tyres | 26.5 R25 | 23.5 R25 |
| Fuel tank | 435 L | 310 L |
| Typical fuel burn | 18 – 26 L/hr | 17 – 23 L/hr |
The verdict
The CAT 966 wins on dealer footprint (Barloworld) and resale. The Komatsu WA380 typically has a slightly larger bucket for the class and softer entry pricing on the used market. If you're near a Komatsu SA branch, the WA380 is competitive. If you're upcountry or resale-focused, the 966 is the safer buy.
Fleet operators, resale-focused buyers, upcountry contractors.
Price-sensitive buyers, operators near a Komatsu dealer, quarry work.
Live stock — both machines
Caterpillar 966
No live stock right now — get notified.
Komatsu WA380
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