Caterpillarexcavator

Caterpillar 213B

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar 213B and 213B LC are 18-19 tonne (39,900 lb) class crawler hydraulic excavators built from 1991 to 1994, identified by the 1EJ serial prefix (1EJ00001-up). Every 213B left the factory with the same power source: a turbocharged Cat 3116 inline-6 diesel of 6.6 L (402.8 cu in) displacement, rated near 82 kW (110 hp) at 2000 rpm, fed by a mechanical sleeve-metering injection pump with mechanical governing and no electronic engine control. Caterpillar offered a one-piece boom with four stick length options - 1.8, 2.3, 2.8, and 4.0 m - paired with buckets from 0.46 to 0.99 m3 (0.6 to 1.3 yd3), and in standard and LC (long-carriage, wide-gauge undercarriage) widths for added stability. The 213B succeeded the earlier base Cat 213 and 213 LC, which ran a naturally aspirated, Perkins-derived 6.354 diesel rated well below the 3116's output; the 213B's own turbocharged engine brought a real power step up onto the same size-class chassis.

The main change from the base 213 to the 213B was the engine swap: out went the naturally aspirated Perkins-derived 6.354, in came Caterpillar's own turbocharged 3116, adding flywheel power without moving the machine out of its 20-tonne weight class. The 213B ran a short, roughly four-year production span before Caterpillar retired the 200-series naming in the mid-1990s in favor of the newer 300-series medium excavators, which picked up that same weight class around the same time; Caterpillar did not market a single, direct one-for-one replacement under the 213B nameplate. In today's used and parts market, the 213B's appeal is its mechanical simplicity: no ECM, no fault codes, and a fuel system a field mechanic can service without a laptop. The 3116 saw broad use across Cat trucks, loaders, and generator sets of the same era, so engine wear parts stay comparatively easy to source; undercarriage, hydraulic pump, and cab components are the harder items to find given the machine's short run and age, and are worth close inspection before buying a used unit.

Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.

Caterpillar 213B specifications

Engine

Engine modelCat 3116, inline-6, turbocharged diesel
Power82 kW (110 hp) at 2000 rpm, published as a single flywheel/net rating; no separate gross figure documented
Displacement6.6 L (402.8 cu in)
Cylinders6, inline, turbocharged, no charge-air cooling documented
Emissions tierPredates emissions-tier regulation; produced 1991-1994, before nonroad diesel emissions-tier standards existed

Weights

Operating weight18,100 kg (39,904 lb), documented for the LC (long-undercarriage) configuration; no separate standard-undercarriage figure found
Ground pressure0.047 MPa (6.8 psi)
Transport weightNot separately documented; available sources give only the operating weight above

Dimensions

Transport length8.6-8.8 m (28.3-28.9 ft), figure varies slightly by source and boom/stick fitted
Transport width (over tracks)2.74-2.84 m (9.0-9.3 ft), varies by track shoe width fitted
Transport height (to cab top)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Tail swing radius2.40 m (7.88 ft)
Track shoe width500 mm (19.7 in) standard; some sources cite up to about 600 mm for wider low-ground-pressure shoes
Ground clearance0.43 m (1.42 ft)
Undercarriage length (track on ground)3.38 m (11.08 ft); track gauge center-to-center 2.24 m (7.35 ft)

Performance

Max dig depth5.20-7.38 m (17.1-24.2 ft), depends on stick length fitted (1.8 m, 2.3 m, 2.8 m, or 4.0 m stick options)
Max reach at ground level8.58-10.60 m (28.2-34.8 ft), same stick-dependent range as dig depth
Max dump/loading height5.58-6.31 m (18.3-20.7 ft), stick-dependent
Max cutting height8.20-8.89 m (26.9-29.2 ft), stick-dependent
Swing speed8.5 rpm
Max travel speed3.9 km/h (2.4 mph), single travel range
GradeabilityNot documented in available spec sheets for this model — verify with dealer literature
Drawbar pullAbout 163 kN / 16,580 kgf (36,554 lbf)
Hydraulic pump flow / relief pressureAbout 270 L/min (71.4 gpm) combined flow, relief setting about 32 MPa (4,640 psi)

Forces

Bucket digging forceNot documented in available spec sheets for this exact model — verify with dealer or OEM literature
Stick/arm digging forceNot documented in available spec sheets for this exact model, for either the standard or long-stick configuration

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank287 L (75.9 gal)
Hydraulic system330 L (87.2 gal)
Engine oil15.1 L (4.0 gal)
Cooling system30.3 L (8.0 gal)

Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.

213B fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)15.1 L (4.0 US gal)Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil), multigrade. Use SAE 10W-30 across a broad -18C to 40C (0F to 104F) ambient range; step up to SAE 15W-40 for -9.5C to 50C (15F to 122F) warmer service. This is the sump for the 3116 diesel that powers the 213B (not the older, smaller mechanical engine used in the earlier plain 213).
Cooling system30.3 L (8.0 US gal)Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant), ethylene-glycol base, full-strength or premixed 50/50 with water. Freeze protection to about -37C (-34F). Maintain corrosion-inhibitor concentration on schedule; a low-silicate commercial heavy-duty coolant meeting the equivalent ASTM spec is an acceptable substitute if dosed with supplemental coolant additive.
Fuel tank287.3 L (75.9 US gal)No. 2-D diesel fuel (ASTM D975 grade). Switch to No. 1-D, or blend, for reliable cold starting below roughly -7C (20F).
Hydraulic system (tank, lines, and cylinders combined)330.1 L (87.2 US gal) total system; no separate tank-only figure is published apart from the totalCat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil, TO-4 performance level) is the shared fluid for hydraulics, final drives, and swing drive on this excavator generation, cutting down the number of oils carried on the job site. Grade by ambient temperature: SAE 10W for roughly -20C to 40C (-4F to 104F), stepping to SAE 30 above that range or where a heavier hydraulic oil is wanted in sustained heat.
Final drive (each)Not published for the 213B specifically in available spec sheets; confirm against the machine's own O&M manual or a dealer parts lookup before servicingCat TDTO (TO-4), same viscosity-by-climate selection as the hydraulic system.
Swing driveNot confirmed for the 213B. A same-class but earlier-generation 213 (different, smaller engine) lists roughly 8.3 L (2.2 US gal) for its swing drive, but that figure belongs to the older machine and should not be assumed to carry over to the 213B without checking the unit's own manualCat TDTO (TO-4), same viscosity-by-climate selection as the hydraulic system.
Pilot / other circuitsNo separate reservoir documented; the pilot circuit draws from the main hydraulic tankSame fluid as the hydraulic system: Cat TDTO (TO-4).
Grease (spec only)N/A - spec only, no published total consumption figureCat Multipurpose Grease, NLGI 2, for general service across roughly -30C to 40C (-22F to 104F). Drop to NLGI 1 or 0 for easier pumpability in sustained cold below about -15C to -20C (5F to -4F).

Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.

Caterpillar 213B maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Check engine oil and coolant level on the 3116 before starting; top off with Cat DEO and the correct coolant.
  • Drain water and sediment from the fuel-water separator before starting; this mechanical injection pump is unforgiving of contaminated fuel.
  • Walk around the machine and check for hydraulic leaks, loose fasteners, and track damage.
  • Grease boom, stick, and bucket pins daily in wet or abrasive ground, weekly otherwise.
  • Check track sag and adjust tension if it has loosened.
  • Check hydraulic oil level at the sight gauge and top off as needed.
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and filter on the 3116.
  • Pull an oil sample from the engine, hydraulic system, and swing drive for lab analysis.
  • Check swing drive and final drive gear oil levels, and look for weeping at the swing gearbox seal.
  • Inspect the alternator and fan belt for tension and wear.
  • Check battery electrolyte level, and clean and tighten terminals and ground straps.
  • Inspect the primary fuel filter and fuel lines for water or contamination.
Every 500 h
  • Replace the primary and secondary fuel filters ahead of the mechanical injection pump.
  • Service or replace the engine air filter element.
  • Replace the hydraulic system return filter.
  • Cycle the swing function and check for play or roughness in the slew ring bearing.
  • Inspect the seal between each final-drive sprocket and travel motor for early leakage.
Every 1,000 h
  • Change final drive gear oil in both travel motors.
  • Change swing drive gear oil and inspect the sample for metal content.
  • Check and adjust valve lash on the 3116.
  • Check the injection pump and injectors for timing drift or wear if hard starting or power loss has been reported.
  • Sample coolant condition and correct additive levels.
Every 2,000 h
  • Change hydraulic tank oil and clean the tank strainer.
  • Change engine coolant.
  • Flow- and pressure-test the main hydraulic pump and the travel and swing motors.
  • Check the turbocharger for shaft play and inspect boost performance.
  • Re-torque swing bearing and undercarriage mounting bolts.
  • Inspect the complete wiring harness, starter, and alternator for age-related wear.
Every 4,000 h
  • Evaluate the injection pump and injectors for overhaul based on starting and power performance.
  • Check the slew ring bearing for play; plan replacement rather than adjustment if play is found.
  • Assess undercarriage wear on sprockets, rollers, idlers, and chain against rebuild limits.
  • Plan a swing gearbox reseal if oil-and-grease weeping has started.
Every 6,000 h
  • Plan an inframe rebuild of the 3116 (liners, pistons, main and rod bearings) if oil analysis and compression trend down.
  • Rebuild or exchange the turbocharger if shaft play or rising oil consumption shows up.
  • Rebuild final drives as a pair once travel speed or pulling power falls off noticeably.
  • Recondition or replace the hydraulic pump if a flow test shows below-spec output.

Servicing the 213B beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

The 213B's 3116 runs a mechanical sleeve-metering injection pump with no ECM, so there is no fault-code history to check; scheduled S.O.S sampling of engine oil, hydraulic oil, and swing-drive and final-drive gear oil carries the diagnostic load instead. Watch swing-drive and final-drive samples for metal content, an early sign of gear or bearing wear before it reaches the seal. Track hydraulic oil cleanliness closely; the 330 L system feeds the pump, swing motor, and both travel motors, and contamination there gets expensive once components start wearing.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Hard starting, rough idle, or a sudden power loss on the 213B usually trace back to the mechanical injection pump and sleeve-metering fuel system: air in the fuel lines, a clogged filter, or worn pump internals, not an electronic fault. Troubleshooting stays manual, following the fuel-system checks in the OMM rather than a diagnostic scanner. On the undercarriage, watch the seal between each final-drive sprocket and travel motor; packed mud works it loose and gear oil weeps out. Swing gearbox seal weeping is another common complaint as hours climb.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Once a 213B starts weeping oil and grease at the swing gearbox, plan a reseal rather than a top-off, and check the pinion and ring gear for wear while it is open. The turbocharger is a wear item on the 3116 by this age; shaft play or rising oil consumption calls for a rebuild or exchange rather than adjustment. Final drives usually get rebuilt as a pair once pulling power falls off. An inframe rebuild of the 3116 is the standard path once analysis and compression trend down.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Wash the undercarriage at the end of a shift in mud or clay; packed debris around the final-drive housings pushes seals out of position and drains gear oil. Ahead of cold weather, switch to a winter-grade engine oil and treat the fuel against gelling, since this mechanical pump has no electronic cold-start assist beyond a standard starting aid. In hot, dusty conditions, check coolant and hydraulic levels more often and keep the radiator and cooler fins clear, since the 3116's turbo adds heat load its naturally aspirated predecessor never had.

213B fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
Coolant Temperature Gauge – red segment, action lamp flashingEngine coolant temperature has exceeded the normal operating range.Low coolant level, restricted radiator core, slipping or broken fan belt, stuck thermostat, or engine overload.Reduce load and let engine idle to cool. Once safe, check coolant level and radiator/fan belt condition before restarting work. Shut down if the lamp stays on.
Engine Oil Pressure warning lampEngine oil pressure has dropped below the safe minimum.Low oil level, worn oil pump, plugged oil filter, or diluted/degraded oil.Shut the engine down immediately, do not continue operating. Check oil level and filter condition before attempting a restart.
Alternator / Charging System warning lampThe charging system is not producing adequate output voltage.Loose or worn alternator belt, failed alternator, corroded battery connections, or wiring fault.Check belt tension and battery terminal connections first, then test alternator output if the lamp stays lit with the engine running.
Hydraulic Oil Filter bypass indicatorThe hydraulic return-line filter element is restricted enough that oil is bypassing it unfiltered.Filter element overdue for change, cold/high-viscosity oil at startup, or internal contamination.Let hydraulic oil warm up before heavy work in cold weather; replace the filter element at the next service interval if the indicator stays tripped after warm-up.
Air Filter restriction indicatorEngine intake air filter restriction has exceeded the allowable limit.Clogged primary or secondary air filter element, dusty operating environment.Service or replace the air filter element and reset the restriction indicator.
Hydraulic Oil Temperature gauge – red zoneHydraulic system oil is overheating.Low hydraulic oil level, oil cooler fins blocked with debris, relief valve stuck, or sustained high-load operation.Reduce workload and idle to allow cooling. Check oil level and clean cooler fins before resuming normal operation.
Engine will not start / no-start condition (mechanical diagnosis, no coded fault)No fuel delivery, no compression, or no cranking condition; the mechanical fuel system gives no coded indication of the cause.Air in the fuel system, plugged fuel filter, weak batteries, faulty starter, or governor/injection pump fault.Follow the shop manual's mechanical no-start sequence: check batteries and starter first, then bleed the fuel system and check filter condition.

Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.

213B attachments & work tools

Buckets

Factory bucket capacity on the 213B LC runs 0.46-0.99 m3 (0.6-1.3 yd3), with the standard general-purpose bucket around 0.76-0.92 m3 (1.0-1.2 yd3) depending on production year and boom/stick pairing. General-purpose buckets in this weight class typically run 900-1,370 mm (36-54 in) wide; severe-duty and rock buckets run narrower, around 600 mm (24 in), trading width for breakout force in abrasive or dense material. The machine mounts buckets pin-on from the factory; hydraulic quick-coupler use is an aftermarket addition, not stock.

Hydraulic hammers

The 213B's operating weight of about 18.1 tonnes (39,900 lb) falls inside the carrier range for a mid-size hammer class built for roughly 17,000-26,000 kg (37,400-57,200 lb) carriers, the same class used on 320-size excavators. A hammer in this class runs a service weight near 1,300 kg (2,860 lb), impact energy around 4,000 J, and an impact rate of 350-620 bpm. Oil flow demand runs about 100-170 L/min (26-45 gpm) at roughly 14,000-18,000 kPa (2,030-2,610 psi) working pressure; exact figures vary by hammer model.

Quick couplers

The 213B ships with a pin-on tool carrier; there is no factory quick coupler for this era of machine. Aftermarket mechanical pin-grabber and hydraulic wedge-style couplers built for the 18-20 tonne excavator class bolt to the same stick and link pin centers as the OEM bucket linkage. Pin diameter for this weight class commonly falls in the 70-85 mm range, but this isn't separately published for the 213B, so confirm the actual pin diameter on the machine before ordering.

Thumbs/grapples

Hydraulic thumbs sized for 18-20 tonne excavators mount off the bucket stick pin and run on a double-acting cylinder circuit; thumb reach and jaw width are matched to the general-purpose bucket range noted above. Rehandling and log grapples in the same tonnage class also fit the linkage, but the 213B needs an aftermarket double-acting auxiliary circuit added first, since one isn't standard on this machine.

Rippers

Single-shank hydraulic rippers built for the 20-ton excavator class mount at the stick pin in place of the bucket, for frost, hardpan, and fractured-rock work. These units are typically rated for carriers in roughly the 12,000-20,000+ kg range, which covers the 213B's operating weight; shank style (single vs multi-shank) and beam width vary by supplier.

Hydraulic-kit notes

As a pin-on machine from the early 1990s, the 213B is unlikely to carry factory auxiliary hydraulics. A hammer needs a single-acting circuit and a thumb or shear needs a double-acting circuit, both added through a retrofit wet kit sized to the attachment rather than to the machine's full main-pump output. Main pump flow on this machine runs around 270 L/min (71.4 gal/min) at about 32,000 kPa (4,640 psi) relief; any wet kit for a hammer or thumb must be regulated down to the attachment's own flow and pressure spec (for a hammer in this class, roughly 100-170 L/min at 14,000-18,000 kPa), not run at full main-pump pressure.

All 213B assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 213B. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Basic Engine
7c1683 Alternator Gp
7C***83Alternator Group-Charging; Charging Alternator Group (24v, 55a)1
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9w3043 Alternator Gp-Charging*R
9W***43Alternator Group-Charging; (24-Volt, 52-Ampere)1
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1n3477 Breather Gp
2w9608 Camshaft Gp-Single
4w3462 Carrier Gp-Seal
4W***62Carrier Group-Seal; Carrier Group (Seal)1
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7c5624 Cartridge Gp-Turbocharger
4p4686 Cartridge Gp-Turbocharger*R
7w6989 Control Gp-Fuel Injection
7W***89Control Group-Fuel Injection; Fuel Injection Control Group1
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7e1524 Control Gp-Governor
7c5201 Control Gp-Governor
4w2913 Cooler Gp-Engine Oil
4w2108 Cover Gp-Cylinder Block
7c0299 Cover Gp-Cylinder Block
7C***99Cover Group-Cylinder Block; Cylinder Block Cover Group1
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7l0004 Cover Gp-Front
7L***04Cover Group-Front; (Front Housing)1
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1n4877 Cover Gp-Inlet Manifold
9y7620 Cover Gp-Valve Mechanism
4w2172 Cover Gp-Valve Mechanism
4W***72Cover Group-Valve Mechanism; Valve Mechanism Cover Group1
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4w2197 Crankshaft Gp
4W***97Crankshaft Group; Crankshaft Group1
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2w9746 Cylinder Block Gp*R
7c5826 Cylinder Block Gp
9y6166 Cylinder Head As*R
4w0737 Cylinder Head Gp*R
9y8871 Cylinder Head Gp
4w1099 Cylinder Head Gp
4W***99Cylinder Head Group; Cylinder Head Group1
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9y8850 Cylinder Head Gp*R
7c2428 Pulley & Damper Gp
7C***28Damper & Pulley Group; Damper And Pulley Group1
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7c4532 Drain Gp-Oil Pan
7C***32Drain Group-Oil Pan; Oil Pan Drain Group1
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7c0044 Drive Gp-Fan
7C***44Drive Group-Fan; Fan Drive Group1
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7w8179 Drive Gp-Governor & Transfer Pump
7W***79Drive Group-Gov & Transfer Pump1
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4p0666 Drive Gp-Governor & Transfer Pump
4P***66Drive Group-Gov & Transfer Pump1
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6i0232 Drive Gp-Governor & Transfer Pump
6I***32Drive Group-Gov & Transfer Pump1
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7e8794 Drive Gp-Gov & Transfer Pump
7E***94Drive Group-Gov & Transfer Pump1
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4p4775 Drive Gp-Governor & Transfer Pump-Flexible Drive
4P***75Drive Group-Gov & Transfer Pump1
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4w5428 Drive Gp-Water Pump
4W***28Drive Group-Water Pump; Water Pump Drive Group1
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7w4812 Fastener Gp-Governor
7W***12Fastener Group-Governor; Fastener Group(Governor) (~1c K5811)1
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7w5645 Filler Gp-Engine Oil
7c0271 Filter Gp-Engine Oil
1n3476 Filter Gp-Fuel
7w9375 Flywheel Gp
7w8420 Fumes Disposal Gp
7W***20Fumes Disposal Group; Fumes Disposal Group1
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4w2793 Gauge Gp-Engine Oil Level
4W***93Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick); Oil Level Gage Group (Dipstick)1
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4p4437 Gauge Gp-Oil Level (Dipstick)
4P***37Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick); Oil Level Gauge Group(Dipstick) (1c K4295~)1
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9y8240 Gauge Gp-Oil Level (Dipstick)
9Y***40Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick); Oil Level Gauge Group(Dipstick) (~1c K4294)1
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2w8475 Gear Gp-Front
2W***75Gear Group-Front; Front Gear Group1
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7w5557 Governor Gp
7C***89Plug-Orifice1
7C***66Spring-Dashpot1
7C***89Plate-Governor Information1
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7e3630 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
6I***31Governor Group-Unit Injector1
7C***89Plug-Orifice1
7C***66Spring-Dashpot1
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7c6951 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
4p1582 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
4p4777 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
1006179 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
7e7659 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
4P***26Governor Group-Unit Injector1
7E***30Governor Group-Unit Injector1
7E***59Governor Group-Unit Injector1
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4p5726 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
4p5503 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
9y4148 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
7c4022 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
6i0231 Governor Gp-Unit Injector
7w8813 Housing Gp-Flywheel
7l0002 Housing Gp-Front
7c1685 Instrument Gp
4w2515 Lifting Eye Gp-Engine
1w6029 Lines Gp-Air
4w2914 Lines Gp-Engine Oil
7c9651 Lines Gp-Fuel Filter
7w8434 Lines Gp-Governor Oil
7W***34Lines Group-Governor Oil; Governor Oil Lines Group1
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1w6030 Lines Gp-Turbocharger Oil
7c1136 Lines Gp-Water
7w9248 Manifold Gp-Exhaust
7W***48Manifold Group-Exhaust; Exhaust Manifold Group1
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4w3480 Manifold Gp-Inlet
4W***80Manifold Group-Inlet; Inlet Manifold Group1
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4w0269 Pan Gp-Oil
4w3652 Piston & Rod Gp
7c4479 Piston Gp
7c1684 Pulley Gp-Fan Belt
4w5429 Pulley Gp-Crankshaft
4W***29Pulley Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Pulley Group1
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4w2195 Pump Gp-Engine Oil
4W***95Pump Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Pump Group1
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2w8625 Pump Gp-Engine Oil*R
7c1500 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
7C***00Pump Group-Fuel Injection; Fuel Injection Punp Group1
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7c5799 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
4p0723 Pump Gp-Fuel Priming & Primary Filter
4P***23Pump Group-Fuel Prime & Prim Filter1
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7c4508 Pump Gp-Water*R
4w7589 Pump Gp-Water
1077722 Rocker Arm Gp-Valve
7c6077 Arm Gp-Valve Rocker
7c6077 Rocker Arm Gp-Valve
4w1016 Seal Gp-Crankshaft
9x5524 Solenoid As-Latching
7c4028 Solenoid Gp-Shut-Off-24 Volt Dc, Boss Mounted
8c4773 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
8C***73Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Group (Robert Bosch)1
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8c4774 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
8C***73Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Group (Robert Bosch)1
8C***74Starting Motor Group-Electric1
8C***75Starting Motor Group-Electric1
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8c4775 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
7c0747 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
7C***47Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Group (Electric) (24v)1
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7c1687 Support Gp-Engine
7c2183 Turbocharger Gp*R
4w2107 Turbocharger Gp
4p4681 Turbocharger Gp*R
2w9607 Valve Mechanism Gp
2W***07Valve Mechanism Group; Fuel Pump And Valve Mechanism Group1
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Boom, Sticks, Linkage & Buckets
8u2137 Bkt Gp-Brg & (Dtch Clng)(2300)(Tltbl)
8U***37Bkt Group-Bearing &; -Ditch Cleaning1
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8u2136 Bkt Gp-Brg & (Dtch Clng)(2000)(Tltbl)
8u2135 Bkt Gp-Brg & (Dtch Clng)(1800)(Tltbl)
8U***35Bkt Group-Bearing &; -Ditch Cleaning1
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8u2746 Boom Ar-Hoe (1 Piece)
8u2749 Boom Ar-Hoe (2 Piece)
8u7834 Boom Gp-Fore
8u7833 Boom Gp-Stub
8u0452 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)700 W/T 520l
8u0474 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Rock)750 W/T 565l
8u0444 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)500 W/T 320l
8u0465 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)1000 W/T 810l
8u0456 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)800 W/T 615l
8u2711 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Rock)(1200)(1150ltr)
8u0469 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)1100 W/T 905l
8u0460 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)900 W/T 710l
8u2710 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Rock)(1100)(1040ltr)
8u0481 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Rock)850 W/T 665l
8u0484 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Rock)1000 W/T 815l
8u0449 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)600 W/T 405l
8u2123 Bucket Gp-Brg & (Gp)1200 W/T 1010l
8u0664 Cyl Gp-Link & (Bkt)(Without Check Valve)
8u0660 Cylinder Gp
8u5358 Cylinder Gp
8u0661 Cylinder As
8u4769 Cylinder Gp
8u2132 Mounting Gp-Bracket(Hammer)(Krupp)
8u0656 Stick Gp-Hoe (2800)
8u0654 Stick Gp-Hoe (2300)
8u0651 Stick Gp-Hoe (1800)
8u0658 Stick Gp-Hoe (4000)
8j4955 Tip Gp -J 350
9j3167 Tip Gp -J 300
8u0973 Valve Gp (Standard)
Cab, Gauges & Accessories
8u0180 Cab Gp (920)
8u0180 Cab Gp (920) (Glass Panes)
Cab, Gauges & Accessories
5w6255 Belt Gp-Seat
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 4 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 1 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 3 Of 8
8u0183 Cab Gp (920) (Lexan Panes)
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 4 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 6 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 6 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 2 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 3 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 7 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 5 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 8 Of 8
8u0183 Cab Gp (920)
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 1 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 5 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 7a Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 8 Of 8
8u0543 Cab Gp (Lexan)-Part 7 Of 8
8u0181 Cab Gp (Laminated)-Part 2 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 5 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 8 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 7 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 1 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 3 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 4 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 2 Of 8
8u7743 Cab Gp-Glass-Part 6 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 6 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 2 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 5 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 3 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 4 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 8 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 1 Of 8
8u7865 Cab Gp-Lexan-Part 7 Of 8
5w7308 Cable Gp-Operator Manual
8u0938 Gage Gp-Part 1 Of 3
8u0938 Gage Gp-Part 3b Of 3
8u0938 Gage Gp-Part 2 Of 3
8u0938 Gage Gp-Part 3 Of 3
8u1324 Gage Gp-Pilot Pressure
5w9255 Guard Gp-Roof (Fops)
5w9476 Guard Gp. - Vandalism (Glass Panes)
5w9775 Guard Gp.-Vandlism (For Use With Lexan)
8u0811 Harness Gp
8u0812 Harness Gp
5w9945 Heater Gp-Cab-Part 3 Of 3
5w9945 Heater Gp-Cab-Part 1 Of 3
5w9945 Heater Gp-Cab-Part 1a Of 3
5w9945 Heater Gp-Cab-Part 3a Of 3
5w9945 Heater Gp-Cab-Part 2 Of 3
5w6001 Heater Gp-Water
8u4246 Heater Gp-Water
5w9239 Lighting Gp-Beacon
5w9475 Mirror Gp (Lh)
5w9809 Plug Gp-Heater
5w9250 Radio Gp
8u2511 Visor Gp - Rain
8u2138 Washer Gp-Windshield
8u7748/8u7759 Windshield Gp
5w9656 Windshield Gp (For Glass Cab)-Part 1 Of 2
5w9656 Windshield Gp (For Glass Cab)-Part 2 Of 2
Windshield Gp (For Lexan Cab)-Part 2 Of 2
Windshield Gp (For Lexan Cab)-Part 1 Of 2
8u0817 Wire Gp/ 8u0818 Wire Gp/ 8u0819 Wire Gp
Chassis & Undercarriage
5w9910 Box Gp-Battery
5w9836 Chain Gp-Track
8u0178 Counterweight Gp (2500 Kg)
8u0176 Counterweight Gp (3000 Kg)
8u0135 Cover Gp
8u5129 Cover Gp
8u5126 Door Gp
8u5125 Door Gp
8u2721 Door Gp-Radiator Cap (Lockable)
8u2512 Drive Gp
5w7304 Drive Gp-Final
5w9848 Drive Gp-Final
5w9928 Drive Gp-Swing
8u0843 Firewall Gp
5w9860 Frame Ar-Undercarriage (Lc)-Part 1 Of 5
5w9860 Frame Ar-Undercarriage (Lc)-Part 5 Of 5
5w9860 Frame Ar-Undercarriage (Lc)-Part 2 Of 5
5w9860 Frame Ar-Undercarriage (Lc)-Part 4 Of 5
5w9860 Frame Ar-Undercarriage (Lc)-Part 3 Of 5
5w9923 Frame Ar-Upper-Part 3 Of 3
5w9923 Frame Ar-Upper -Part 2 Of 3
5w9923 Frame Ar-Upper-Part 1 Of 3
5w9923 Frame Ar-Upper -Part 1a Of 3
5w4581 Guard Gp-Headlight
5w3829 Guard Gp-Pinion
5w9891 Guard Gp-Swing Gear & Pinion
5W***91Guard Group-Swing Gear & Pinion1
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8u0506 Hood Gp-Guard-Part 2 Of 2
8u0506 Hood Gp-Guard-Part 1 Of 2
5w9847 Idler Gp
5w9806 Mirror Gp (Rh)
8u7330 Mirror Gp (Rh)
8u2556 Motor Gp-Swing
8u1806 Panel Gp
8u0139 Panel Gp
8u1843 Platform Gp
5w9815 Platform Gp-Pilot Lines
5w4144 Roller Gp-Track
5w9846 Swivel Gp-Part 2 Of 2
5w9846 Swivel Gp-Part 1 Of 2
5w9840 Track Gp (1000mm)(39.370in) Lc
5W***40Track Group (1000mm)(39.370in) Lc1
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5w9835 Track Gp (500mm)(19.685in) Lc
5W***35Track Group (500mm)(19.685in) Lc1
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5w9837 Track Gp (600mm)(23.622in) Lc
5W***37Track Group (600mm)(23.622in) Lc1
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5w9838 Track Gp (750mm)(29.527in) Lc
5W***38Track Group (750mm)(29.527in) Lc1
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5w9839 Track Gp (900mm)(35.433in) Lc
5W***39Track Group (900mm)(35.433in) Lc1
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8u3105 Valve Gp-Hyd-Part 1 Of 2
8u3105 Valve Gp-Hyd-Part 1a Of 2
8u3105 Valve Gp-Hyd-Part 2 Of 2
Cooling System
5w9923 Frame Ar-Upper
5w9929 Radiator Gp
8u7366 Radiator Gp
8u7353 Radiator Gp
Decals
8c6588 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (Arabic)
8c6582 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (English)
8C***82Lubricant Group-Paint & (English)1
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8c6583 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (French)
8C***83Lubricant Group-Paint & (French)1
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8c6586 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (German)
8C***86Lubricant Group-Paint & (German)1
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8c6587 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (Italian)
8C***87Lubricant Group-Paint & (Italian)1
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8c6585 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (Portugeese)
8C***85Lubricant Group-Paint & (Portugeese)1
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8c6584 Lubricant Gp-Paint & (Spain)
8C***84Lubricant Group-Paint & (Spain)1
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Electrical System
8u2616 Alarm Gp-Travel
5w5860 Horn Gp-Air
8u2139 Horn Gp-Warning (Addtl)
8u2140 Lighting Gp-Boom(1 Pc)(Addtl)
8u2620 Lighting Gp-Engine Compart
8u2141 Lighting Gp-Rear
8u0937 Wiring Gp-Batt-Part 3a Of 3
8u0937 Wiring Gp-Batt-Part 2 Of 3
8u0937 Wiring Gp-Batt-Part 1 Of 3
8u0937 Wiring Gp-Batt-Part 3 Of 3
Engine Arrangement
9y5173 Engine Ar-Part 1 Of 2
1N***76Filter Group-Fuel1
1N***77Breather Group; Breather Group1
1N***77Cover Group-Inlet Manifold1
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9y5173 Engine Ar-Part 2 Of 2
1W***29Lines Group-Air1
1W***30Lines Group-Turbocharger Oil1
2W***07Valve Mechanism Group; Fuel Pump And Valve Mechanism Group1
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Engine Installation
8u1091 Aid Gp-Ether Starting
8u0950 Coupling Gp
5w9569 Installation Ar-Engine
8u2709 Installation Ar-Engine
8u4226 Pump Gp
8u0691 Pump Gp-Double-Part 2 Of 3
8u0691 Pump Gp-Double-Part 1 Of 3
8u0691 Pump Gp-Double-Part 3 Of 3
8u0691 Pump Gp-Double-Part 2a Of 3
8u2052 Pump Gp-Pilot
8u2829 Pump Gp-Double-Part 3 Of 3
8u2829 Pump Gp-Double-Part 2 Of 3
8u2829 Pump Gp-Piston-Part 1 Of 3
8u2091 Regulator Gp / 8u2117 Manifold Gp
8u3564 Regulator Gp / 8u3565 Manifold Gp
8u4228 Regulator / 8u4229 Housing Gp
Fuel System & Governors
8u0546 Cable Gp
8u4611 Cable Gp-Governor Control
5w9950 Control Gp-Governor
8u0931/8u3949 Lines Gp-Pump
5w8633 Pump Gp-Fuel Filler
5W***33Pump Group-Fuel Filler; -Refueling1
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8u0871 Pump Gp-Refueling
8u1804 Tank Gp-Fuel (287l)
Hydraulic System
8u7832 Boom Ar-Hoe (Lines &)(Hab)-Part 2 Of 4
8u7832 Boom Ar-Hoe(Lines &)(Hab)-Part 1 Of 4
8u7832 Boom Ar-Hoe (Lines &)(Hab)-Part 3 Of 4
8u7832 Boom Ar-Hoe (Lines &)(Hab)-Part 4 Of 4
8u2746 Boom Ar-Hoe (1 Piece)
8u2749 Boom Ar-Hoe (2 Piece)
8u2720 Cam Gp-Indicator (Boom Load Lift)
8U***20Cam Group-Indicator (Boom Load Lift)1
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8u2125 Connection Gp-Hammer (Krupp)
8u1337 Cont.Gp-Lines &(Hmr)(W/Var Blow Rte)-Part 1 Of 2
8u1337 Cont.Gp-Lines &(Hmr)(W/Var Blow Rte)-Part 2 Of 2
8u0336 Control Gp-Hand
5w9818 Control Gp-Implement & Seat-Part 2 Of 3
5w9818 Control Gp-Implement & Seat-Part 3 Of 3
5w9818 Control Gp-Implement & Seat-Part 1 Of 3
8u0187 Cooler Gp-Hyd Oil
8u2640 Cyl Gp-Lines & (Stick Chk Valves)
8u1348 Cyl Gp-Lines & (Boom)(With Check Valve)-Part 1 Of 2
8u1348 Cyl Gp-Lines & (Boom)(With Check Valve)-Part 2 Of 2
8u0524 Cyl Gp-Lines & (Boom)(W/O Check Valve)-Part 1 Of 2
8u0524 Cyl Gp-Lines & (Boom)(W/O Check Valve)-Part 2 Of 2
8u5346 Cylinder Gp
8u4770 Cylinder Gp
8u1065 Cylinder Gp(Lh) (Without Check Valve)
8u1319 Cylinder Gp-Boom(Lh)(With Check Valve)
8u1322 Cylinder Gp-Boom(Rh)(With Check Valve)
8u4771 Cylinder Gp
8u2683 Cylinder Gp
8u1066 Cylinder Gp(Rh) (Without Check Valve)
8u0499 Cylinder Gp
8u1275 Cylinder Gp
8u5349 Cylinder Gp
8u4350 Cylinder Gp-Fore Boom
8u7299 Cylinder Gp-Fore Boom
8u0487 Cylinder Gp-Stick
8u0189 Filter Gp
8u0198 Filter Gp
8u1340 Indicator Gp-Lift (Boom Load)(W/Check Valve)
8u1346 Indicator Gp-Lift (Boom Load)(W/O Check Valve)
8u0357 Lines Gp-Additional Function
8U***57Lines Group-Additional Function1
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8u0971 Lines Gp-Hammer(1800 & 2300)
8u0963 Lines Gp-Hammer (2 Piece Boom)
8u0972 Lines Gp-Hammer(2800)
8u2648 Lines Gp-Hmr(1pc Boom)(W/Blow Adj)
8u2656 Lines Gp-Hmr(2pc Boom)(W/Blow Adj)
8u0668 Lines Gp-Hyd (1800)
8u0673 Lines Gp-Hyd (2 Piece Boom)
8u0670 Lines Gp-Hyd (2300)
8u0678 Lines Gp-Hyd (1 Piece Boom)
8u7443 Lines Gp-Hyd (Hab)(Addt Func)
8u7445 Lines Gp-Hyd (Hab)(Hammer)-Part 1 Of 2
8u7445 Lines Gp-Hyd (Hab)(Hammer)-Part 2 Of 2
8u0970 Lines Gp-Hyd(Add.Func)(W/Bkt Cyl)
8u0964 Lines Gp-Hyd(Add.Func)(W/O Bkt Cyl)
8u0671 Lines Gp-Hyd (2800)
8u1884 Lines Gp-Hyd(Add Function)(4000)
8u0685 Lines Gp-Hyd Add Function (2300)
8U***85Lines Group-Hydraulic Add Function1
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8u0688 Lines Gp-Hyd Add Function (2800)
8U***88Lines Group-Hydraulic Add Function1
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8u0681 Lines Gp-Hyd Add Function (1800)
8U***81Lines Group-Hydraulic Add Function1
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8u0881 Lines Gp-Hyd Hammer (1 Piece Boom)
8u0889 Lines Gp-Hyd Hammer (1800 & 2300)
8u0898 Lines Gp-Hyd Hammer (2800)
5w9817 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 2 Of 3
5w9817 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 3 Of 3
5w9817 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 1 Of 3
5w9817 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 3a Of 3
8u0931 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 2 Of 3
8u0931 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 3a Of 3
8u3949 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 1 Of 3
8u0931 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 1 Of 3
8u0931 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 3 Of 3
8u3949 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 2 Of 3
8u3949 Lines Gp-Pump-Part 3 Of 3
8u0982 Lines Gp-Stick (4000)
8u2657 Lines Gp-Stick Chk Valve(1pc Boom)
8u7573 Lines Gp-Stick Chk Valve
8u2663 Lines Gp-Stick Chk Valve(2pc Boom)
8u2674 Linkage Ar-Bucket (Tilting)-Part 1 Of 2
8u2674 Linkage Ar-Bucket (Tilting)-Part 2 Of 2
8u1931 Manifold Gp-Filter&
5w9815 Platform Gp-Pilot Lines-Part 1 Of 2
5w9815 Platform Gp-Pilot Lines-Part 2 Of 2
8u0188 Pump Gp-Gear
5w4666 Seat Gp-Operator
8u2592 Switch Gp-Overload
8u0262 Tank Gp-Hydraulic
5w9816 Tank Gp-Valve & Lines-Part 3 Of 4
5w9816 Tank Gp-Valve & Lines-Part 2 Of 4
5w9816 Tank Gp-Valve & Lines-Part 4 Of 4
5w9816 Tank Gp-Valve & Lines-Part 2a Of 4
5w9816 Tank Gp-Valve & Lines-Part 1 Of 4
8u2284 Valve Gp (Pressure Cut Off)
8u2281 Valve Gp (Stick)
8u3797 Valve Gp
5w9422 Valve Gp
8u0296 Valve Gp
8u0190 Valve Gp
8u1328 Valve Gp
5w9967 Valve Gp
8u2282 Valve Gp (Bucket)
8u2269 Valve Gp (Swing)
8u0358 Valve Gp
8u0339 Valve Gp
8u0329 Valve Gp
8u1068 Valve Gp
8u1067 Valve Gp
8u2651 Valve Gp
8u0301 Valve Gp
8u2270 Valve Gp (Boom)
8u2300 Valve Gp (Travel Control)
8u7220 Valve Gp-Check
8u7219 Valve Gp-Check
8u7347 Valve Gp-Check
8u1944 Valve Gp-Diverter
8u4023 Valve Gp-Selector (Work Mode)
8u0359 Valve Gp-Solenoid
8u0117 Valve Gp-Steering-Part 1 Of 3
8u0117 Valve Gp-Steering-Part 3 Of 3
8u0117 Valve Gp-Steering-Part 2 Of 3
Intake & Exhaust System
8u2599 Filter Gp-Air
5w9925 Muffler Gp

213B serial number reference

The PIN plate on a 213B is riveted to the upper structure near the operator's cab, usually on the right-hand side by the cab step or door post; some machines of this era also carry a duplicate plate low on the left side near the operator's seat. Read the first three characters as the prefix identifying the model/parts-book family, then the following digits as the sequential unit number within that prefix (for example 1EJ00001 and up). Always match the full stamped PIN against the plate itself, not just a machine tag or decal, since decals can be swapped or repainted over.

PrefixIdentifies
1EJ213B / 213B LC hydraulic excavator

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar 213B excavator use?

Every Caterpillar 213B and 213B LC uses the same power plant: a turbocharged Cat 3116 inline-6 diesel of 6.6 L (402.8 cu in) displacement, rated near 82 kW (110 hp) at 2000 rpm. It runs a mechanical sleeve-metering injection pump with mechanical governing and has no electronic engine control. This replaced the naturally aspirated, Perkins-derived 6.354 diesel used in the earlier base Cat 213.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar 213B?

Operating weight runs close to 18,100 kg (39,900 lb) in LC (long-carriage) configuration, the most commonly documented build. Figures vary somewhat with boom, stick, bucket, and standard-vs-LC undercarriage choice, so treat any single number as an estimate and check it against your machine's own configuration plate.

What replaced the Caterpillar 213B?

Caterpillar did not carry the 213B nameplate forward under a direct lettered successor. The company retired the 200-series naming in the mid-1990s and moved to the newer 300-series medium excavators, which picked up roughly the same 20-tonne weight class around the same time; no single factory replacement for the 213B specifically is documented, so treat any claimed successor as an approximation.

What 213B owners discuss

How does the Cat 3116 in the 213B hold up, and what quirks does its mechanical injection system have?
Mechanics who still work on mechanical-unit-injection era Cat engines describe the 3116 as a rugged, simple block once you understand its fuel system. It runs mechanical unit injectors, no separate injection pump, no electronic control module, with dedicated cam lobes pushing each injector open. The main quirk: pulling an injector for service means the fuel rack has to be re-synced by hand afterward, or the engine runs rough with uneven cylinder timing. A second known weak point across 3116 applications is the injector cup fitted into the cylinder head. With age and heat cycling those cups crack, letting fuel and coolant cross-contaminate, a fault that gets misdiagnosed as a blown head gasket more often than not. Worn injector lower seals show up as hard starting and heavier smoke on start-up. None of this is unique to the 213B, it is simply how this engine family ages, so plan on a mechanic who still knows mechanical unit injection rather than a shop only used to modern common-rail diesels.
What is the consensus on the 213B's hydraulic pump and pilot control behavior?
This generation of excavator predates electronic pump and valve coordination, so the circuit is straightforward: fixed pilot pressure works the control valve spools and the swing parking brake, and main pump output is managed mechanically rather than by a controller. The practical takeaway mechanics report on machines this age is that if power drops off when running two functions together (boom and swing at once, for example) before it drops on any single function alone, that points to main pump or relief-valve wear rather than an electrical fault, since there is no computer to fault out. Pump wear tends to show up first as metal in the return filter, not as a warning light. Swing brake release depends on adequate pilot pressure holding the brake piston off the discs, so weak pilot pressure or a clogged pilot filter can make the brake drag or fail to release cleanly. Because that affects how the house holds when parked on a slope, have your dealer or a qualified hydraulic tech verify swing brake release pressure before relying on it.
What undercarriage wear patterns should owners expect on the 213B LC?
The LC (wide-gauge) undercarriage on a machine in this roughly 18 tonne (39,900 lb) class wears the same way any excavator undercarriage this size does: sprockets, idlers, and rollers wear fastest, chains stretch and sag over time, and shoes wear unevenly on machines that spent most of their life digging to one side. Because the LC undercarriage was chosen for extra stability on soft or wet ground, machines that worked wet sites tend to show faster roller seal and bushing wear from packed material working the sealed joints. Across older excavators generally, undercarriage condition is consistently treated as the single most expensive wear item, more than engine or hydraulic repairs, so percentage of undercarriage worn is weighed more heavily than the hour meter reading alone.
Is there confusion between the 213B and the earlier plain 213 model?
Yes, and it trips up parts searches and used listings regularly. The 213B and the earlier 213 share a bare model number but are different machines, built with a different engine family in a different era. Spec sheets and parts listings often place them side by side or blend their figures, which is how a plain 213 spec ends up quoted against a 213B or the reverse. Before trusting any spec, complaint, or parts fitment found under '213', confirm it actually names the 213B or matches the 1EJ serial prefix, otherwise it may describe the older, unrelated variant.
What electrical or sensor issues come up on the 213B?
This machine predates ECM-based engine and machine control, so there is no fault-code system and very little to fail electronically compared to later Cat excavators. What does turn up on machines this old is ordinary age-related electrical wear: alternator bearing failure, corroded or chafed harness connections, and worn gauge sending units giving inaccurate temperature or pressure readings. Cold-weather starting on a mechanical diesel like this one depends more on glow plug or ether starting-aid condition and battery health than on any sensor, so intermittent hard cold starts get chased there first rather than treated as an electronics fault.
Given the age of this machine, how easy is it to find parts and technicians who know it?
Production ended in the mid-1990s and total numbers built were modest, so the 213B is a niche machine today. Undercarriage and final drive components are still available through aftermarket suppliers, but mechanical-injection engine parts and the expertise to diagnose them are thinner on the ground than for later electronic-injection Cat models. Owners of equipment this age generally find it worth sourcing a mechanic with direct mechanical-unit-injection experience before committing to keep one in daily service, since a shop only familiar with modern common-rail engines may not recognize a rack-sync issue or a cracked injector cup for what it is.
What should a buyer check before purchasing a used 213B?
Start with the engine: pull an oil sample and check the coolant for a fuel smell or sheen, which flags injector cup leakage before it turns into a bigger repair. Confirm the fuel rack is properly synced and the engine idles smoothly through the rev range, since a rack out of sync causes rough running that a short test drive can mask. On the undercarriage, measure chain and track wear percentage rather than trusting the hour meter alone, and check for oil weeping at rollers and idlers. Cycle every hydraulic function together, not one at a time, to expose main pump or relief-valve wear that only shows under combined load. Check boom, stick, and bucket pins and bushings for play, and walk the frame and counterweight mounts for cracks or repair welds given the machine's age. Confirm the serial prefix reads 1EJ so any parts or specs relied on actually apply to this model and not the unrelated earlier 213. Because swing brake holding ability and frame integrity are safety-critical on a machine this old, have your dealer or a qualified inspector verify those items before putting it to work.

Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.

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