Machine models
Cat 988H specifications
988H linkage faults need the correct calibration
A 988H owner reported active 350-13 and 351-13 linkage-sensor codes even though a calibration had reported success. The crucial distinction in the replies was between the cab's control-lever sensors and the sensors measuring movement of the front linkage. Calibrating the levers had not calibrated the linkage.
The owner subsequently cleared the faults using the linkage procedures, then reported that tilt calibration was being lost again during work.
That follow-up matters. New sensors did not establish a lasting repair; the conversation moved to worn stops, sensor operating hardware and linkage pins or bushes. It describes one machine, BXY01906.
A later contributor brought different 966H and 980H questions into the thread, so those exchanges should not be presented as further failures of the original 988H. The original case does not document a final mechanical repair.
Source: 988H linkage-calibration discussion.Match the H update to its hydraulic and bucket schedule
The H update uses Positive Flow Control: an electronically controlled variable piston pump works with the implement valve so oil delivery follows lever movement. Its published main relief is 5,075 psi; the 348.1 psi low-idle entry belongs to the pilot system. These are different circuits.
Neither value is a generic pressure to set on every pump connection.
The brochure's bucket schedules distinguish standard and higher-lift arrangements, and report tipping loads both with and without tyre squash. A full-turn value taken from the no-squash rows cannot be compared directly with a value calculated with tyre deformation. The listed attachment, turn angle and footnote must remain together.
Higher clearance also changes the relevant reach and stability entries.
Source: 988H AEHQ6117-01, hydraulic and bucket tables.Keep the hydraulic tank and complete fill separate
The manufacturer's archived H listing gives 70.5 US gallons for the hydraulic tank and 124.2 US gallons for the factory-filled system. The difference is not an extra tank option: the labels describe different boundaries. Its converter-drive and direct-drive travel rows likewise describe different conditions, with first-forward lock-up disabled.
Before ordering fluid or comparing travel performance, use the named system or drive mode instead of selecting whichever number is largest.
Source: Caterpillar archived 988H specifications.| Listing-entry count |
|---|
| 1 |
Short answer
Cat 988H: wheel loader.
| Configuration | Documented field and quantity |
|---|---|
| 988H |
|
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Dump Clearance At Max Raise | 11.33 ft |
| Breakout Force | 85,068 lb |
| Bucket Width | 12.5 ft |
| Bucket Capacity - Struck | 6.9 yd3 |
| Bucket Capacity - Heaped | 8.33 yd3 |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 1.67 ft |
| Length With Bucket On Ground | 40.08 ft |
| Width Over Tires | 11.75 ft |
| Height To Top Of Cab | 13.42 ft |
| Wheelbase | 14.83 ft |
| Hinge Pin - Max Height | 19.18 ft |
| Reach At Max Lift And Dump | 6.66 ft |
| Rack Back Angle - Maximum Lift | 45 degrees |
| Wheel Base Length | 14.93 ft |
| Height - Top Of Air Cleaner | 11.1 ft |
| C-Pin Height | 3.31 ft |
| Centerline Of Front Axle To Hitch | 7.46 ft |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Edge Of Rear Bumper | 10.28 ft |
| Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump | 12.73 ft |
| Dig Depth | 0.74 ft |
| Height - Spillguard | 17.82 ft |
| B-Pin Height | 19.2 ft |
| Height - Top Of Cab | 13.54 ft |
| Height - Top Of Exhaust Stack | 13.49 ft |
| Height - Top Of Hood | 10.35 ft |
| Rack Back Angle - Carry | 56.5 degrees |
| Rack Back Angle - Ground | 47.8 degrees |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Number Of Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine Model | C18 ACERT |
| Net Power | 501 hp |
| Gross Power | 555 hp |
| Power Measured @ | 1,800 rpm |
| Displacement | 1,105 cu in |
| Bore | 5.7 in |
| Stroke | 7.2 in |
| Net Power - ISO 9249 | 501 hp |
| Flywheel Power | 501 hp |
| Net Power - ISO 14396 | 540 hp |
| Gross Power - ISO 3046-2 | 520 hp |
| Net Power - Eec 80/1269 | 501 hp |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 109,249 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 188 gal |
| Hydraulic Tank Refill — Not Complete System | 70.5 US gal / 267 L (tank only; factory fill 124.2 US gal / 470 L) |
| Engine Oil Fluid Capacity | 15.9 gal |
| Cooling System Fluid Capacity | 27.2 gal |
| Transmission Fluid Capacity | 18.5 gal |
| Front Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 49 gal |
| Rear Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 49 gal |
| Static Tipping Weight | 76,776 lb |
| Turning Radius | 28 ft |
| Operating Voltage | 24 V |
| Alternator Supplied Amperage | 100 amps |
| Rear Axle Oscillation | 26 degrees |
| Tire Size | 35/65 |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Number Of Forward Gears | 4 |
| Number Of Reverse Gears | 3 |
| Max Speed - Forward | 24 mph |
| Max Speed - Reverse | 15.6 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 3 | 13.6 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 3 | 15.6 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 4 | 24 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 2 | 7.7 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 2 | 8.8 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 3 | 12.9 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 3 | 14.7 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 1 | Lock-up disables |
| Converter Drive - Forward 4 | 22.3 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 1 | 4.2 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 2 | 7.3 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 1 | 4.9 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 1 | 4.7 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 2 | 8.4 mph |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Steering | Meets SAE and ISO standards |
| Total Steering Angle | 86 degrees |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bucket Capacity | 10 yd3 |
| Bucket Capacities | 6.4 m3-7.7 m3 8.3 yd3-10 yd3 |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Main Implement Relief — AEHQ6117-01 | 5075 psi / 35000 kPa (main implement system; AEHQ6117-01) |
| Pump Flow Capacity | 130 gpm |
| Raise Time | 9.4 sec |
| Dump Time | 2.4 sec |
| Lower Time | 3.8 sec |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Front | Fixed |
| Rear | Oscillating 13 degrees |
| Maximum Single-Wheel Rise And Fall | 22.4 in |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Meet SAE ISO 3450:1996 |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Tipping Load - Straight | 84,038 lb |
| Attachment Type | Cat quick coupler and forks |
| Hinge Pin Height, Unloaded | 16.2 ft |
| Overall Length | 39.9 ft |
| Turning Radius - SAE Carry | 31 ft |
| Tipping Load - Articulated 37 Degrees | 73,826 lb |
| Rated Payload | 27,558 lb |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Cooling System | 27.2 gal |
| Fuel Tank | 188 gal |
| Crankcase | 15.9 gal |
| Transmission | 18.5 gal |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 49 gal |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 49 gal |
| Hydraulic System Factory Fill | 124.2 gal |
| Hydraulic System - Tank Only | 70.5 gal |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Raise | 9.4 s |
| Dump | 2.4 s |
| Total Hydraulic Cycle Time | 15.6 s |
| Lower Float Down - Empty | 3.8 s |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Cab - ROPS/FOPS | Meets SAE and ISO standards |
| Sound Performance | Meets ANSI, SAE and ISO standards |
| Specification | 988H |
|---|---|
| Main Implement Relief — AEHQ6117-01 | 5075 psi / 35000 kPa (main implement system; AEHQ6117-01) |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Lift, Bore And Stroke | 220 911 mm 8.7 35.9 in |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Tilt, Bore And Stroke | 220 1770 mm 8.7 69.7 |
| Relief Valve Setting - Low Idle | 348.1 psi |
| Main Hydraulic System Output At 2010 Rpm And 6900 Kpa (1000 Psi) | 130 gpm |
| Pilot System - Gear-Type Pump Output At 2,010 Rpm And 2500 Kpa (363 Psi) | 20.1 gpm |
| Loader Hydraulic System Main Hydraulic System Output At 2,010 Rpm And 6900 Kpa (1,000 Psi) | 130 gpm |
| Figure | 988H |
|---|---|
| Engine horsepower per 1,000 lb of weight | 4.6 |
| Pump flow per engine horsepower | 0.26 gpm |
| Fuel tank per engine horsepower | 0.38 gal |
| Equipment group | wheel loader |
|---|
| Brand | Equipment group | Compared entry | Sort order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | wheel loader | 988H | Descending quantity; 1 is largest |
| Figure | 988H | Rank | Lowest in line | Highest in line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 501.0 hp | 11 of 54 | 40.0 hp | 1,870.0 hp |
| Listed weight | 109,249 lb | 10 of 53 | 9,150 lb | 417,430 lb |
| Pump flow | 130.0 gpm | 2 of 15 | 14.0 gpm | 4,015.0 gpm |
| Fuel capacity | 188.0 gal | 8 (tied) of 54 | 11.4 gal | 1,505.0 gal |
| Horsepower per 1,000 lb | 4.6 hp | 37 of 50 | 2.8 hp | 6.7 hp |
| Rated payload | 27,558.0 lb | 3 of 3 | 27,558.0 lb | 76,000.0 lb |
| Base version | 988G | 988H | 988F Series II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 475 hp | 501 hp | 675 hp |
| Weight | 110,635 lb | 109,249 lb | 100,703 lb |
| Pump flow | 988H: 130 gpm | ||
| Fuel capacity | 179.4 gal | 188 gal | 174.1 gal |
| Wheelbase | 988G: 14.93 ft; 988H: 14.83 ft | ||
| Rated payload | 988H: 27,558 lb | ||
988H: owner reports
Related account: “Implement hydraulics and position sensors”: 988 and 988 XE.
| Forum index | Equipment class queried | Names in the search | Matching titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Forums | wheel loader | Cat and the 988H | 6 |
| Title topic | Titles |
|---|---|
| hydraulics | 2 |
| Topic in the title | Threads | Share of matching threads |
|---|---|---|
| hydraulics | 2 | 33% |
- CAT 988h Lift And And Tilt Linkage Position Sensors Not Calibrating (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-04-17)
- CAT 988 H Inching Pedal Adjustment (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2020-09-18)
- CAT 988h (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2019-03-26)
- CAT 988h Bucket Tilt Cylinder (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2018-05-14)
| Observation date | Listing source | Equipment search | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-24 | MachineryTrader | Cat wheel loader | 33 |
| Model | Listed | Model years | Lowest asking | Highest asking | Median asking | Median hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 988H | 33 | 2005 to 2023 | $22,659 | $854,000 | $195,000 | 12,000 |
| Search date | Database | Names queried | Search result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-24 | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission | Cat together with the wheel loader 988H | No matching recall in this search |
| Evidence class | Document, classification and recorded date |
|---|---|
| Reference site |
|
| Forum threads |
|
| Used-market listings |
|
| Federal agency data |
|
| Quantity | Earlier entry | Corrected manufacturer scope |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity | 70.5 gal | 70.5 US gal / 267 L (tank only; factory fill 124.2 US gal / 470 L) |
| Relief Valve Setting | 4,500 psi | 5075 psi / 35000 kPa (main implement system; AEHQ6117-01) |
| Relief Valve Setting | 5,075 psi | 5075 psi / 35000 kPa (main implement system; AEHQ6117-01) |
Cat 988H: Configuration records
988H
| Specification | Source figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Number Of Cylinders | 6 |
| Net Power | 501 hp |
| Gross Power | 555 hp |
| Net Power - ISO 9249 | 501 hp |
| Power Measured @ | 1,800 rpm |
| Flywheel Power | 501 hp |
| Net Power - ISO 14396 | 540 hp |
| Gross Power - ISO 3046-2 | 520 hp |
| Net Power - Eec 80/1269 | 501 hp |
| Transmission and speeds | |
| Number Of Forward Gears | 4 |
| Number Of Reverse Gears | 3 |
| Max Speed - Forward | 24 mph |
| Max Speed - Reverse | 15.6 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 1 | Lock-up disables |
| Direct Drive - Forward 2 | 7.7 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 3 | 13.6 mph |
| Direct Drive - Forward 4 | 24 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 1 | 4.9 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 2 | 8.8 mph |
| Direct Drive - Reverse 3 | 15.6 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 3 | 12.9 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 3 | 14.7 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 4 | 22.3 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 1 | 4.2 mph |
| Converter Drive - Forward 2 | 7.3 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 1 | 4.7 mph |
| Converter Drive - Reverse 2 | 8.4 mph |
| Operating Specifications | |
| Tipping Load - Straight | 84,038 lb |
| Attachment Type | Cat quick coupler and forks |
| Hinge Pin Height, Unloaded | 16.2 ft |
| Overall Length | 39.9 ft |
| Turning Radius - SAE Carry | 31 ft |
| Tipping Load - Articulated 37 Degrees | 73,826 lb |
| Rated Payload | 27,558 lb |
| Service Refill Capacities | |
| Cooling System | 27.2 gal |
| Fuel Tank | 188 gal |
| Crankcase | 15.9 gal |
| Transmission | 18.5 gal |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | 49 gal |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | 49 gal |
| Hydraulic System Factory Fill | 124.2 gal |
| Hydraulic System - Tank Only | 70.5 gal |
| Hydraulic System | |
| Pump Flow Capacity | 130 gpm |
| Raise Time | 9.4 sec |
| Dump Time | 2.4 sec |
| Lower Time | 3.8 sec |
| Buckets | |
| Maximum Bucket Capacity | 10 yd3 |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length With Bucket On Ground | 40.08 ft |
| Width Over Tires | 11.75 ft |
| Height To Top Of Cab | 13.42 ft |
| Wheelbase | 14.83 ft |
| Hinge Pin - Max Height | 19.18 ft |
| Reach At Max Lift And Dump | 6.66 ft |
| Rack Back Angle - Maximum Lift | 45 degrees |
| Wheel Base Length | 14.93 ft |
| Height - Top Of Air Cleaner | 11.1 ft |
| C-Pin Height | 3.31 ft |
| Centerline Of Front Axle To Hitch | 7.46 ft |
| Centerline Of Rear Axle To Edge Of Rear Bumper | 10.28 ft |
| Clearance At Maximum Lift And Dump | 12.73 ft |
| Dig Depth | 0.74 ft |
| Height - Spillguard | 17.82 ft |
| B-Pin Height | 19.2 ft |
| Height - Top Of Cab | 13.54 ft |
| Height - Top Of Exhaust Stack | 13.49 ft |
| Rack Back Angle - Carry | 56.5 degrees |
| Rack Back Angle - Ground | 47.8 degrees |
| Operational | |
| Fuel Capacity | 188 gal |
| Hydraulic Tank Refill — Not Complete System | 70.5 US gal / 267 L (tank only; factory fill 124.2 US gal / 470 L) |
| Cooling System Fluid Capacity | 27.2 gal |
| Transmission Fluid Capacity | 18.5 gal |
| Front Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 49 gal |
| Rear Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 49 gal |
| Engine Oil Fluid Capacity | 15.9 gal |
| Static Tipping Weight | 76,776 lb |
| Turning Radius | 28 ft |
| Rear Axle Oscillation | 26 degrees |
| Tire Size | 35/65 |
| Operating Voltage | 24 V |
| Alternator Supplied Amperage | 100 amps |
| Axles | |
| Front | Fixed |
| Rear | Oscillating 13 degrees |
| Maximum Single-Wheel Rise And Fall | 22.4 in |
| Cab | |
| Cab - ROPS/FOPS | Meets SAE and ISO standards |
| Sound Performance | Meets ANSI, SAE and ISO standards |
| Hydraulic Cycle Times | |
| Total Hydraulic Cycle Time | 15.6 s |
| Lower Float Down - Empty | 3.8 s |
| Bucket | |
| Dump Clearance At Max Raise | 11.33 ft |
| Bucket Capacity - Heaped | 8.33 yd3 |
| Bucket Width | 12.5 ft |
| Bucket Capacity - Struck | 6.9 yd3 |
| Loader Hydraulic System | |
| Relief Valve Setting - Low Idle | 348.1 psi |
| Main Hydraulic System Output At 2010 Rpm And 6900 Kpa (1000 Psi) | 130 gpm |
| Pilot System - Gear-Type Pump Output At 2,010 Rpm And 2500 Kpa (363 Psi) | 20.1 gpm |
| Loader Hydraulic System Main Hydraulic System Output At 2,010 Rpm And 6900 Kpa (1,000 Psi) | 130 gpm |
| Additional specifications | |
| Ground Clearance | 1.67 ft |
| Height - Top Of Hood | 10.35 ft |
| Engine Model | C18 ACERT |
| Displacement | 1,105 cu in |
| Bore | 5.7 in |
| Stroke | 7.2 in |
| Operating Weight | 109,249 lb |
| Bucket Capacities | 6.4 m3-7.7 m3 8.3 yd3-10 yd3 |
| Main Implement Relief — AEHQ6117-01 | 5075 psi / 35000 kPa (main implement system; AEHQ6117-01) |
| Brakes | Meet SAE ISO 3450:1996 |
| Breakout Force | 85,068 lb |
| Raise | 9.4 s |
| Dump | 2.4 s |
| Steering | Meets SAE and ISO standards |
| Total Steering Angle | 86 degrees |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Lift, Bore And Stroke | 220 911 mm 8.7 35.9 in |
| Cylinders, Double Acting - Tilt, Bore And Stroke | 220 1770 mm 8.7 69.7 |
More in Cat: 988/988 XE, 982/982 XE, 988F Series II: bucket ratings/rimpull/service differences.