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Comparison · Wheel loader

Caterpillar 938 vs Komatsu WA270-8

The Caterpillar 938 is about 26% heavier than the Komatsu WA270-8 (16,229 vs 12,880 kg), which usually means more stability and lifting capacity but higher transport weight.

The Caterpillar 938 has about 26% more engine power (140 kW (188 hp) vs 111 kW (149 hp)).

Beyond the numbers, compare local dealer support, parts availability and resale value for Caterpillar and Komatsu in your region: over the life of a machine they often matter more than small specification differences.

Caterpillar 938
Caterpillar Caterpillar 938
Komatsu WA270-8
Komatsu Komatsu WA270-8
Operating weight 16,229 kg (35,800 lb)12,880 kg (28,400 lb)
Engine power 140 kW (188 hp)111 kW (149 hp)
Net power ≈140 kW (188 hp)—
Bucket capacity 2.5–5.0 m³ (3.3–6.5 yd³)1.9–2.7 m³ (2.5–3.5 yd³); standard 2.3 m³
Static tipping load, full turn ≈9,860–9,950 kg (21,737–21,934 lb)8,930 kg (19,685 lb)
Drive Hydrostatic—
Emissions US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V—
Net power (ISO 9249) —111 kW (149 hp) at 2,000 rpm
Breakout force —131 kN (29,450 lbf)
Transmission —Hydrostatic (HST)
Engine model —Komatsu SAA6D107E-3, six cylinders
Gross power (SAE J1995) —115 kW (153 hp)
Aftertreatment —KDPF + SCR
Loader pump —Piston pump, 150 L/min (39.6 US gal/min)
Linkage —PZ (parallel Z-bar) linkage
Fuel-saving control —SmartLoader Logic
Dump clearance at 45° —2.98 m (9 ft 9 in)
Dump reach at 45° —0.95 m (3 ft 1 in)
Static tipping load, straight —10,330 kg (22,778 lb)
Steering angle —38° each direction
Fuel tank —186 L (49.2 US gal)
DEF tank —14 L (3.7 US gal)
Hydraulic system —80 L (21.1 US gal)
Strengths
  • + Largest of Cat’s small loaders — strong for aggregates
  • + Hydrostatic drive efficiency
  • + Next Gen cab and controls
  • + Cat support and resale
  • + Six-cylinder engine in a 13-tonne loader
  • + PZ linkage: parallel lift for forks plus Z-bar breakout
  • + Hydrostatic drive with SmartLoader Logic fuel savings
  • + Piston-pump hydraulics (150 L/min)
  • + Komtrax standard
Watch-outs
  • − Premium price
  • − Older 938M figures differ — check the generation
  • − Small fuel tank for the class
  • − KDPF + SCR to maintain
Full 938 reviewFull WA270-8 review

Specifications are typical figures for standard configurations and may be measured differently by each manufacturer (for example net vs gross power). Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer. Build another comparison.