
Product Description Specifications of 952 956 front end articulated wheel loader with CAT engine 1.The frame of the loader is arranged centrally and the turning radius is small; the steering system of the loader with coaxial flow amplification makes steering flexible. 2.162kW Weichai...


952 & 956 Front End Articulated Wheel Loaders - Twin Models, One Proven Platform
Two 5-ton articulated wheel loaders built on China's most proven ZL50 platform. The LT952 delivers heavier breakout force (≥160kN) for tough digging; the LT956 optimizes fuel efficiency (-10%) and cycle speed for general-purpose loading. Both feature ±35° articulated steering, 162kW Weichai turbocharged engines, 5000kg rated load and front-end discharge - engineered for construction, quarries, ports and material-handling operations where maneuverability and productivity matter most.
LT952 & LT956
Articulated Steering
Rated Load (Both)
Weichai Engine (Both)
The articulated frame is the defining structural feature - and the core advantage
Vertical Hinge Pin Joint
The frame is split into front and rear sections connected by a heavy-duty vertical hinge pin. Hydraulic steering cylinders rotate the two sections relative to each other - enabling ±35° articulation for a dramatically smaller turning radius than rigid-frame designs.
Tight Turning Radius
Articulated steering delivers a minimum turning radius of just 5,800–6,300mm (outside of bucket) - allowing the loader to work efficiently in confined stockpile lanes, narrow construction sites and tight quarry faces where rigid machines cannot maneuver.
Reduced Tyre Wear & Better Traction
Because the front and rear wheels follow the same path during turns (unlike skid-steer designs), articulated steering dramatically reduces tyre scrubbing and wear. Traction is maintained throughout the turn - critical for loaded operation on soft or uneven ground.

Side-by-side specifications to help you choose the right articulated loader
| Specification | LT952 Articulated Loader | LT956 Articulated Loader |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Rated Load | 5,000 kg | 5,000 kg |
| Bucket Capacity | 2.8 m³ (2.4–4.5 optional) | 3.0 m³ |
| Operating Weight | 16,600 kg | 16,500 kg |
| Breakout Force | ≥160 kN | ≥145 kN |
| Max. Traction Force | 155 kN | ≥150 kN |
| Engine | ||
| Engine Model | Weichai WP10G220E343 | Weichai WD10G220E23 |
| Rated Power | 162 kW (220 HP) | 162 kW (220 HP) |
| Max. Torque | 980 N·m | ≥745 N·m |
| Rated Speed | 2,000 r/min | 2,000 r/min |
| Articulated Steering | ||
| Steering Type | Articulated, full-hydraulic | Articulated, full-hydraulic |
| Steering Angle | ±35° | ±35° |
| Min. Turning Radius | ~6,300 mm | ~5,800 mm |
| Performance | ||
| Forward I / II | 0–13 / 0–38 km/h | 0–11.5 / 0–38 km/h |
| Max. Gradeability | ≥30° | ≥28° |
| Total Cycle Time (3-item) | ≤10.2 s | ≤11.5 s |
| Fuel Saving | Standard | up to -10% (energy-saving hydraulics) |
| Dimensions & Dumping | ||
| Overall Length | 7,800 mm | 7,660 mm |
| Overall Width | 3,036 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Overall Height | 3,400 mm | 3,410 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,900 mm |
| Max. Dumping Height | 3,080 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Max. Dumping Reach | 1,105 mm | 1,300 mm |
| Best Application | ||
| Primary Use | Heavy digging, quarries, mines | General loading, construction, logistics |

Common engineering DNA across both LT952 and LT956
±35° Articulated Maneuverability
Vertical hinge-pin articulated frame delivers a tight 5,800–6,300mm turning radius - work efficiently in confined stockpile lanes, narrow sites and tight quarry faces where rigid machines cannot operate.
Proven Weichai Powertrain
Both models use the Weichai 162kW turbocharged diesel engine - China's most serviceable heavy-duty powerplant, with worldwide parts network and proven reliability in harsh conditions.
4-Wheel Drive & Low Tyre Wear
4WD with 23.5-25 heavy-duty tyres. Articulated steering tracks front wheels in the rear wheel path - minimal tyre scrubbing, longer tyre life, maintained traction during loaded turns.
Front-End Discharge
Standard front-end discharge with 3,000–3,080mm dumping height - clean, direct loading into dump trucks, hoppers and feed wagons. Simple, reliable, excellent operator visibility.
Sealed Dust-Proof Articulation
Articulation joint features sealed, lubricated, dust-proof layers - extended bushing and pin life even in abrasive quarry and mine environments. Bigger hinge pins raise carrying capacity.
Pilot Control Comfort
Single/double-handle pilot hydraulic control with electronic gearshift. ROPS/FOPS cabin with broad view, A/C and adjustable seat - easy operation, low fatigue, high productivity.

Complete parameters of both articulated wheel loader models
| Parameter | LT952 | LT956 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | LT952 | LT956 |
| Rated Load | 5,000 kg | 5,000 kg |
| Bucket Capacity | 2.8 m³ (2.4–4.5 optional) | 3.0 m³ |
| Operating Weight | 16,600 kg | 16,500 kg |
| Max. Breakout Force | ≥160 kN | ≥145 kN |
| Max. Traction Force | 155 kN | ≥150 kN |
| Articulated Steering | ||
| Frame Type | Articulated, front + rear sections | Articulated, front + rear sections |
| Hinge Joint | Vertical pin, sealed & lubricated | Vertical pin, sealed & lubricated |
| Steering Angle | ±35° | ±35° |
| Steering System | Full-hydraulic flow amplification | Full-hydraulic flow amplification |
| Min. Turning Radius (bucket) | ~6,300 mm | ~5,800 mm |
| Engine | ||
| Engine Model | Weichai WP10G220E343 | Weichai WD10G220E23 |
| Rated Power | 162 kW / 220 HP | 162 kW / 220 HP |
| Rated Speed | 2,000 r/min | 2,000 r/min |
| Max. Torque | 980 N·m | ≥745 N·m |
| Optional Engines | Cummins / Shangchai / Steyr | Cummins / Shangchai / Steyr |
| Performance | ||
| Forward I | 0–13 km/h | 0–11.5 km/h |
| Forward II | 0–38 km/h | 0–38 km/h |
| Reverse | 0–16 km/h | 0–16 km/h |
| Max. Gradeability | ≥30° | ≥28° |
| Boom Raise Time | ≤5.5 s | ≤6.3 s |
| Total Cycle Time (3-item) | ≤10.2 s | ≤11.5 s |
| Dimensions & Dumping | ||
| Overall Length | 7,800 mm | 7,660 mm |
| Overall Width | 3,036 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Overall Height | 3,400 mm | 3,410 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,900 mm |
| Max. Dumping Height | 3,080 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Max. Dumping Reach | 1,105 mm | 1,300 mm |
| Min. Ground Clearance | 450 mm | 470 mm |
| Tyre Type | 23.5-25, 20PR | 23.5-25, 20PR |
| Transmission & Hydraulics | ||
| Transmission | Planet-type, power-shift | Planet-type, power-shift |
| Hydraulic System | Dual-pump confluence | Dual-pump confluence, equal-unloading (-10% fuel) |
| Brakes | Dual-circuit caliper disc, 4-wheel | Dual-circuit caliper disc, 4-wheel |
| Drive | 4-wheel drive | 4-wheel drive |
| Cabin & Warranty | ||
| Cabin | ROPS/FOPS, broad view, A/C | ROPS/FOPS, broad view, A/C |
| Control | Pilot joystick, electronic gearshift | Pilot joystick, electronic gearshift |
| Warranty | 1 Year / 2000 Hours | 1 Year / 2000 Hours |

Answers to help you understand articulated loaders and choose between models
Q:1.What is an articulated wheel loader?
A: An articulated wheel loader has a frame divided into front and rear sections connected by a vertical hinge pin (articulation joint). Hydraulic steering cylinders rotate the two sections relative to each other - typically ±35° - enabling a much smaller turning radius than skid-steer or rigid-frame loaders. This articulated steering provides superior maneuverability, reduced tyre wear and better traction retention during turns, making it the standard design for 5-ton and larger wheel loaders.
Q:2.What is the difference between LT952 and LT956 wheel loader?
A: Both are 5-ton articulated wheel loaders with 162kW Weichai engines and 5000kg rated load. The LT952 has a 2.8m³ bucket, 16600kg operating weight and ≥160kN breakout force - slightly heavier and more powerful for tough digging. The LT956 has a 3.0m³ bucket, 16500kg operating weight, 2900mm wheelbase and energy-saving dual-pump hydraulics (up to 10% fuel saving) - optimized for efficiency and general-purpose loading. Choose LT952 for heavier digging; LT956 for fuel-efficient general operation.
Q:3.What is the steering angle of the LT952 and LT956 articulated loader?
A: Both the LT952 and LT956 feature ±35° articulated steering, delivering a minimum turning radius of approximately 5,800–6,300mm (outside of bucket). This tight turning capability allows the loaders to work efficiently in confined spaces such as stockpile lanes, construction sites and quarry faces.
Q:4.What is front-end discharge and why does it matter?
A: Front-end discharge means the bucket dumps material forward over the front of the machine - the simplest, most reliable and most visible discharge method. It offers excellent operator visibility of the dumping point, straightforward loading into dump trucks and hoppers, and lower structural complexity than side-dump or rotary designs. Both LT952 and LT956 use front-end discharge as standard.
Q:5.Can I order attachments for the articulated loaders?
A: Yes. Both models support optional attachments including floating forks, log grapples, block forks, snow blades, grass forks, enlarged buckets, tooth buckets and tire chains. A quick-coupler system is available for fast attachment changes. Tell us your application and we will recommend the right attachment package.
Q:6.What is the warranty and delivery time?
A: Both models come with a 1-year or 2000-working-hour warranty (whichever comes first), with overseas third-party service support. Standard delivery is 15–30 days, shipped from Qingdao, Xiamen or any Chinese port via RO-RO or bulk shipping. A free spare-parts package ships with every machine.
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