4
TM 5-3805-291-10
THEORY OF OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
1.
The 966H Wheel Loader consists of the following functional systems: engine; power train; brake systems; electrical
system; and steering, hydraulic, ride control, and earthmoving equipment.
2.
This work package explains how the systems and components of the machine work together. A functional description is
provided for each major component and system.
3.
The machine has a sound suppressing Rollover Protective Structure/Falling Object Protective Structure (ROPS/FOPS)
cab with insulation, heater, and air conditioning, which allows for all-weather operation. Removal of the ROPS/FOPS
and exhaust stack is required for highway, Gabarit International de Chargement (GIC) rail transport, and Association of
American Railroads (AAR).
0003 00
ENGINE
General. The machine is equipped with a Caterpillar C11 heavy-duty, Air-to-Air Aftercooling (ATAAC) diesel engine
1.
with six in-line cylinders, generating 259 hp (net) and 283 hp (gross) at 1,800 rpm.
2.
Fuel System.
a.
Diesel fuel is drawn from the tank by a mechanical transfer pump, filtered by a primary fuel filter and a fuel/water
separator, routed to the fuel injection pump and secondary filter, and then injected through the fuel injector nozzles
into the engine cylinders.
b.
Air is drawn in through dry-type, replaceable filter elements. A precleaner removes incoming dust from the air.
c.
An Electronic Control Module (ECM) functions as the throttle and computer for the fuel system.
Cooling System. The cooling system provides coolant to the engine. Coolant is circulated through the engine by a gear-
3.
driven water pump. Hydraulic oil, transmission oil, and aftercoolers are located near the radiator. The engine oil cooler
is mounted on the right side of the engine.
Lubrication System. The engine lubrication system consists of a gear-driven oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, and oil pan.
4.
The engine is lubricated by cooled and pressurized oil that is circulated through the engine block and head.
5.
Exhaust System.
a.
The exhaust system routes exhaust gases from the engine through the exhaust manifold and turbocharger. The
gases flow into exhaust pipes and a muffler to the atmosphere above the cab.
b.
The turbocharger has a wastegate, which helps improve engine emissions.
0003 00
POWERTRAIN
1.
Transmission.
a.
The machine is equipped with an ECM-controlled Caterpillar autoshift transmission with four forward speeds and
four reverse speeds.
b.
Manual, automatic, or economy modes of transmission operation can be selected.
c.
To increase operator efficiency, direction of travel can be controlled by using either a steering column-mounted
transmission control lever or a transmission direction control switch (remote F/N/R switch) on the loader control
joystick.
d.
A transmission neutralizer system allows the operator to disengage the transmission by pressing the service brake
pedals. This serves to stop the machine while increasing hydraulic response. This function can be turned off using
Messenger.
Front Axle. This axle is fixed and mounted to the frame.
2.
3.
Rear Axle. This axle is trunnion mounted to allow axle oscillation of 13 degrees.
