Overview
The Cat® 988 GC Wheel Loader helps you move more material at a low cost per hour for a fast return on your investment. This machine offers significant fuel savings and up to 10% lower owning and operating cost than the 988K.
Specifications
Units:
| Operating Weight | — |
| Bucket Capacity Range | 6.4-7.6 m3 (8.3-10 yd3) |
| Engine Model | Cat® C15 |
Benefits & Features
December 19, 2025
Specifications
Units:
| Engine Model | Cat® C15 |
| Rated Speed | 2000 rpm |
| Peak Power Speed | 1600 rpm |
| Gross Power - SAE J1995:2014 | — |
| Net Power - SAE J1349:2011 | — |
| Bore | — |
| Stroke | — |
| Displacement | — |
| Peak Torque (1,200 rpm) - SAE J1995:2014 | — |
| Torque Rise | 16% |
| Note (1) | Two engine emission options are available: 1. Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan emission standards. 2. Meets Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA. |
| Note (2) | Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan at minimum speed, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator. |
| Note (3) | Net power at the flywheel when the fan is at maximum speed is 304 kW / 408 hp per SAE reference conditions. |
| Operating Weight | — |
| Bucket Capacity Range | 6.4-7.6 m3 (8.3-10 yd3) |
| Rated Payload - Quarry Face | — |
| Cat Truck Match - High Lift | 772/773/775 |
| Transmission Type | Cat planetary power shift |
| Forward - 1 | — |
| Forward - 2 | — |
| Reverse - 1 | — |
| Reverse - 2 | — |
| Direct Drive - Forward 1 | Lock-up disabled |
| Direct Drive - Forward 2 | — |
| Direct Drive - Forward 3 | — |
| Direct Drive - Forward 4 | — |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 1 | Lock-up disabled |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 2 | — |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 3 | — |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 4 | — |
| Note | Travel speeds based on 35/65-R33 tires. |
| Lift/Tilt System - Circuit | EH - Load Sense |
| Lift/Tilt System - Pump | Variable displacement piston |
| Maximum Flow at 2,165 rpm | — |
| Relief Valve Setting - Lift/Tilt | — |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Lift, Bore and Stroke | 190 mm x 1216 mm (7.5 in x 48 in) |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Tilt, Bore and Stroke | 170 mm x 722 mm (6.7 in x 28.4 in) |
| Pilot System | Variable displacement piston |
| Relief Valve Setting | — |
| Rack Back | — |
| Raise | — |
| Dump | — |
| Lower Float Down | — |
| Total Hydraulic Cycle Time - Empty Bucket | — |
| Steering System - Circuit | Pilot, load sensing |
| Steering System - Pump | Piston, variable displacement |
| Maximum Flow at 2,165 rpm | — |
| Relief Valve Setting - Steering | — |
| Total Steering Angle | 70° |
| Steering Cycle Times - High Idle | — |
| Steering Cycle Times - Low Idle | — |
| Air Conditioning | The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf. See the label or instruction manual for identification of the gas. - If equipped with R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430), the system contains 1.8 kg (3.9 lb) of refrigerant, which has a CO2 equivalent of 2.574 metric tonnes (2.837 tons). |
| Front | Fixed |
| Rear | Trunnion |
| Oscillation Angle | +/-12.5° |
| Brakes | ISO 3450:2011 |
| ROPS/FOPS | Rollover Protective Structure/Falling Objects Protective Structure (ROPS/FOPS) meet ISO 3471:2008 and ISO 3449:2005 Level II standards |
| Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008) | — |
| Machine Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008) | — |
| Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)* | — |
| Machine Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)** | — |
| Note (1) | * For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the “EU Directives” and “UK Directives.” |
| Note (2) | ** European Union Directive “2000/14/EC” as amended by “2005/88/EC” and UK Noise Regulation 2001 No. 1701. |
| Note (3) | The machine sound power level was measured according to ISO 6395:2008. The measurement was conducted at 70% of the maximum engine cooling fan speed. |
| Note (4) | The operator sound pressure level was measured according to ISO 6396:2008. The measurement was conducted at 70% of the maximum engine cooling fan speed. |
| Note (5) | Hearing protection may be needed when the machine is operated with a cab that is not properly maintained or when the doors or windows are open for extended periods or in a noisy environment. |
| Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008) | — |
| Machine Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008) | — |
| Operator Sound Pressure Level (ISO 6396:2008)* | — |
| Machine Sound Power Level (ISO 6395:2008)** | — |
| Note (1) | * For machines in European Union countries and in countries that adopt the “EU Directives” and “UK Directives.” |
| Note (2) | ** European Union Directive “2000/14/EC” as amended by “2005/88/EC” and UK Noise Regulation 2001 No. 1701. |
| Note (3) | The machine sound power level was measured according to ISO 6395:2008. The measurement was conducted at 70% of the maximum engine cooling fan speed. |
| Note (4) | The operator sound pressure level was measured according to ISO 6396:2008. The measurement was conducted at 70% of the maximum engine cooling fan speed. |
| Note (5) | Hearing protection may be needed when the machine is operated with a cab that is not properly maintained or when the doors or windows are open for extended periods or in a noisy environment. |
| Fuel Tank | — |
| Cooling System | — |
| Engine Crankcase | — |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank | — |
| Transmission | — |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | — |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | — |
| Hydraulic System Factory Fill | — |
| Note | Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) and are compatible* with ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels** up to: - 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) *** - 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details. * While Caterpillar engines are compatible with these alternative fuels, some regions may not allow their use. ** Tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from lower-carbon intensity fuels are essentially the same as traditional fuels. *** Engines with no aftertreatment devices are compatible with higher blends, up to 100% biodiesel (for use of blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer). |
| Ground to Top of ROPS | — |
| Ground to Top of Exhaust Stacks | — |
| Ground to Top of Hood | — |
| Ground to Fuel Tank Clearance | — |
| Rear Axle - Centerline to Bumper | — |
| Front Axle Centerline to Bucket Tip | — |
| Wheel Base | — |
| Maximum Overall Length | — |
| Ground to Lower Hitch Clearance | — |
| Ground to Center of Front Axle | — |
| Clearance at Maximum Lift (45° Dump) | — |
| B-Pin Height - Maximum Lift | — |
| Maximum Overall Height - Bucket Raised | — |
| Reach at Maximum Lift (45° Dump) | — |
| Note | Specifications are calculated with 6.9 m3 (9.0 yd3 ) rock bucket equipped with Michelin XLDD1 35/65 R33 tires. |
Benefits & Features
PROVEN RELIABILITY
- Cat C15 engine is built and tested to meet your most demanding applications.
- Cat torque converter with lock-up clutch eliminates torque converter losses and lowers system heat.
- Maximum responsiveness with Steering and Transmission Integrated Control (STIC™).
- Moves more material more efficiently with improved power and control.
- Transmission neutralizer pedal helps extend service brake life and allows full power during stationary loading.
- Mechanically Actuated Electronic Unit Injection (MEUI™) fuel system and Advanced Diesel Engine Management (ADEM™) A5 electronic control module manage fuel delivery for optimum performance and quick engine response.
LONG TERM VALUE AND DURABILITY
- World-class transmission for long life and consistent, smooth shifting; specifically designed for mining applications.
- Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Shifting (APECS) transmission controls for greater momentum on grades.
- Positive Flow Control (PFC) hydraulic system helps increase efficiency, bucket feel, and responsiveness with consistent performance.
- Advanced filtration system for extended performance and reliability of the hydraulic system.
- Impeller Clutch Torque Converter (ICTC) helps minimize tire spin by allowing torque to adjust to underfoot conditions.
- Advanced filtration system for extended performance and reliability of the hydraulic system.
ACHIEVE GREATER PRODUCTIVITY
- Optimum 50-ton truck match loader.
- Dump clearance designed for efficient truck loading up to 775.
- Improved visibility over the top of the linkage.
- Rated payload aligned with 988.
- Convenient, responsive electro-hydraulic controls help increase operator productivity.
- Integrated steering and transmission controls.
POWERFUL EFFICIENCY
- Up to 5% less fuel consumption than the 988K.
- Flow sharing hydraulics for full flow at reduced engine rpm.
- Fully integrated electronic engine controls make your fuel go farther.
- Engine Idle Shutdown for less fuel used while idling.
PRODUCTIVITY WITH TECHNOLOGY
- Cat Technologies developed to monitor, manage, and enhance your jobsite operations.
- Cat Payload ready provides accurate weighing* of the materials you are loading and hauling. Payload data is displayed in real-time to improve productivity and reduce overloading.
- Optional Cat Detect enhances awareness of the environment around working equipment and provides alerts to help keep people and assets safe on the jobsite.
- Product Link™ wirelessly connects you to your equipment, giving you access to essential information you need to know to run your business. Gain valuable insight into how your machine or fleet is performing.
- Optional Advanced Productivity subscription provides comprehensive actionable information to help you manage and improve the productivity and profitability of your operations.
- Standard work tool recognition provides awareness of bucket install.
SAFETY FIRST
- Achieve precise positioning for easy loading in tight areas with 43 degrees of steering articulation.
- Precise machine control by load-sensing hydraulic steering system.
- Standard LED lights for improved visibility.
- Optional left- and right-hand stairs with 45-degree angle.
- Computerized monitoring system with warning indicators.
- Standard rear Cat Vision enhances visibility behind the machine, helping you work safely and confidently.
- Pressurized cabin with filtered air and reduced sound levels.
SAVE ON SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
- Up to 25% lower maintenance costs than the 988K.
- Grouped service points provide easy access to critical daily service checks.
- Electro-hydraulic controls.
- Swing-out engine compartment service doors.
- Reduced waste with maintenance-free batteries.
- Ecology drains to help prevent spills and allow for easy service.
- Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS™) notifications to help resolve problems before failure.
- Ground level access to transmission control valves.
OPERATOR COMFORT AND CONTROL
- World-class operator comfort and ergonomics.
- Comfort Series III seats with extra thick, contoured cushions help provide total comfort throughout the workday.
- Easy-to-reach levers and seat-mounted implement pod to help reduce fatigue.
- Ergonomic switch placement and displays with large, backlit switches and LED indicators.
- Two-position rocker switch activates the electro hydraulic parking brake.
- Reduced vibrations from isolated cab mounts and seat air suspension.
- Automatic cab temperature controls.
- Up to 47% quieter STIC steering significantly reduces operator sound levels.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability
- The Cat® C15 engine is available in configurations that meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards or Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA.
- The 988 GC emits up to 5% less CO2/hr than the 988K.
- Cat U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)* or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels
- Cat engines meeting Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA, are compatible with diesel fuel blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: 100% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)** or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids
- Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.
- Engine Idle Management System and Auto Engine Idle Shutdown reduces idle RPM and maximize fuel efficiency.
- Load sensing hydraulics produce flow and pressure on-demand and only in amounts necessary to perform the needed functions.
- Cat Payload technology maximizes loading efficiency, helping operators of every skill level work more accurately to reduce load time, fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Extended maintenance intervals not only reduce downtime but decrease the amount of fluid and filters that are replaced over the life of the machine.
- Optional Cat clean emissions module includes Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technologies to reduce the engine’s emissions.
Data not available.
Standard Equipment
- NOTE
- Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
- ELECTRICAL
- Alarm, back-up
- Alternator, single 145 amp
- Batteries, maintenance free
- Converter, 10/15 amp, 24V to 12V
- Lighting system (LED, work lights, access and service platform lighting)
- Starting and charging system, 24V
- Auxiliary jump start receptacle
- OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
- Cab precleaner
- Lights, LED
- AM/FM radio
- Graphical Information Display, displays real time operating information, performs calibrations and customizes operator settings
- Air conditioner
- Cat Vision, rear vision camera system
- Cab, sound suppressed and pressurized, integrated rollover protective structure/falling objects protective structure (ROPS/FOPS) radio ready for entertainment, includes antenna, speakers and converter (12‑volt 5-amp) and power port
- Controls, lift and tilt function
- Heater, defroster
- Horn, electric
- Instrumentation, gauges<br>– Coolant temperature<br>– Engine hour meter<br>– Hydraulic oil temperature<br>– Powertrain oil temperature
- Light, cab, dome
- Lunchbox, beverage holders
- Mirrors, rearview (externally mounted)
- Seat, Cat Comfort Cloth, air suspension, six-way adjustable
- Seat belt minder
- Seat belt, retractable, 76 mm (3 in) wide
- Steering and Transmission Integrated Control (STIC™) system
- UV glass
- Transmission gear indicator
- Wet-Arm wipers/washers (front and rear)<br>– Intermittent front and rear wipers
- Lights, directional
- Cat Production Measurement ready
- POWERTRAIN
- Brakes, oil-cooled, multi-disc, service/secondary
- Case drain screens
- Electro hydraulic parking brake
- Engine, C15 MEUI™ diesel, turbocharged/aftercooled
- Ground level emergency engine shutdown switch
- Turbine precleaner, engine air intake
- Manual switch and automatic fuel priming
- Torque converter, neutralizer
- Transmission, planetary power shift, 4F/4R electronic control
- Cat Integrated Powered Electronics
- Automatic retarding controls
- Crankcase guard
- ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Automatic bucket lift kickout/positioner
- Base machine price includes a rim allowance
- Hydraulically driven demand fan
- Couplings, Cat O-ring face seals
- Doors, service access (locking)
- Ecology drains for engine, radiator, hydraulic tank
- Fuel tank, 535 L (141 gal)
- Hoses, Cat XT™
- Hydraulic, steering and brake filtration/screening system
- Cat Clean Emission Module
- Oil sampling valves
- Premixed 50 percent concentration of extended life coolant with freeze protection to –34° C (–29° F)
- Rear access to cab and service platform
- Steering, load sensing
- Toe kicks
- Vandalism protection caplocks
Optional Equipment
- NOTE
- Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Cat dealer for details.
- POWERTRAIN
- High ambient cooling – software
- Starting aid, ether, automatic
- Antifreeze -50°C (-58°F)
- OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
- Cat Production Measurement
- CB radio-ready
- Cat Detect, object detection system
- ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Front and rear roading fenders