Caterpillar 815
Caterpillarearthmoving compactorsoil compactor

Caterpillar 815

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Cat 815 Soil Compactor is a self-propelled, four-wheel tamping-foot compactor built for soil, clay and landfill compaction on grading and utility work. The current-production 815 runs a Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel offered in two emissions packages: a U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V package rated around 212 kW (284 hp) gross, or a Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent package rated around 213 kW (286 hp) gross, with net power landing near 186 kW (249 hp) on the Tier 4 Final engine. Operating weight runs 22.1-22.4 t (48,740-49,353 lb) depending on configuration. This 815 entered production in 2021 as the successor to the 815K, which itself followed the 815F and 815F Series 2 in the same wheeled tamping-compactor line. The machine carries four 991 mm (39 in) wide chevron-pattern tamping wheels on an articulated, oscillating-hitch frame, and Cat offers factory GPS compaction mapping to track cut, fill and coverage.

Across the F, K and current-generation 815, the core architecture holds steady: an articulated wheeled chassis, four replaceable chevron tamping wheels, and Cat's Machine Drive Power compaction-control system. What changed generation to generation is the engine emissions tier and the service layout. The current 815 groups hydraulic oil, fuel cooler and condenser service points together, centralizes grease banks, and fits a radial air filter with roughly three times the life of the prior element plus an electronic restriction indicator, cutting routine maintenance time compared to the 815K. An earlier, unrelated "815" nameplate ran from the 1970s into the 2000s on a mechanical Cat 3306 engine with no ECM; that machine is a separate design generation, and its parts and service data do not carry over to the current C7.1-powered 815. In the used and parts market, match parts against the current 815/815K generation by engine and emissions package first, since the two eras share a model number but almost nothing else underneath it.

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 815 specifications

Engine

Engine model (current production)Cat C7.1, 6-cylinder diesel
Bore x stroke (current production)105 mm x 135 mm (4.1 in x 5.3 in)
Displacement (current production)7.01 L (427.8 in3)
Net power, Tier 4 Final/Stage V option (SAE J1349/ISO 9249)186 kW (249 hp) at 2,200 rpm
Gross power, Tier 4 Final/Stage V option (SAE J1995)212 kW (284 hp)
Engine power, Tier 4 Final/Stage V option (ISO 14396)205 kW (275 hp)
Peak torque, Tier 4 Final/Stage V option1223 N*m (902 lbf-ft) at 1,400 rpm, 52% torque rise
Net power, Brazil MAR-1 / Tier 3-Stage IIIA equivalent option186 kW (249 hp) at 2,200 rpm
Gross power, Brazil MAR-1 / Tier 3-Stage IIIA equivalent option213 kW (286 hp)
Peak torque, Brazil MAR-1 / Tier 3-Stage IIIA equivalent option1016 N*m (749 lbf-ft) at 1,400 rpm, 26% torque rise
Emissions tier (current production)U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V, or Brazil MAR-1 (equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA) as an alternate configuration
High idle / low idle speed2,270 rpm / 800 rpm
Maximum altitude without derating3000 m (9,842 ft)
Earlier generation engine (older 815, pre-electronic era)Cat 3306, displacement 10.5 L (640.8 in3); gross power approximately 127 kW (170 hp). This is a distinctly earlier generation of the 815 nameplate, not the current C7.1-powered machine -- verify which generation applies by serial/build plate.

Weights

Operating weight, Tier 4 Final/Stage V configuration (current production)22,522 kg (49,652 lb)
Operating weight, Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent configuration (current production)22,232 kg (49,013 lb)
Straight blade weight (current production)800 kg (1,764 lb)
Tamping foot wheel group weight, per side (current production)4,409 kg (9,720 lb)
Operating weight, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 18,170 kg (40,058 lb) -- earlier generation, distinct from current production figures above
Shipping weightNot separately published for this model; consult dealer for transport/shipping configuration weight
Ground pressureNot published for this model

Dimensions

Wheelbase (current production)3350 mm (11.0 ft)
Width over platform (current production)3140 mm (10.3 ft)
Width over drums/wheels (current production)3243 mm (127.7 in / 10.6 ft)
Width between drums (current production)1261 mm (49.6 in)
Height to top of cab roof (current production)3650 mm (12.0 ft)
Height to top of beacon (current production)3933 mm (12.9 ft)
Height to top of exhaust pipe (current production)3394 mm (11.1 ft)
Height to top of hood (current production)2616 mm (8.6 ft)
Height to top of radiator guard (current production)2405 mm (7.9 ft)
Ground clearance to bottom of bumper (current production)665 mm (2.2 ft)
Ground clearance to hitch (current production)365 mm (1.2 ft)
Ground clearance to transmission guard (current production)375 mm (1.2 ft)
Tamping foot drum diameter (current production)1029 mm (40.5 in), outside diameter over tips 1412 mm (55.6 in)
Tamping foot drum width (current production)991 mm (39.0 in)
Straight blade overall width (current production)3761 mm (12.3 ft)
Straight blade height (current production)860 mm (2.8 ft)
Overall length with blade on ground, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 6.22 m (20.4 ft) -- earlier generation figure
Width over wheels, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 3.2 m (10.5 ft) -- earlier generation figure
Wheelbase, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 3.11 m (10.2 ft) -- earlier generation figure
Ground clearance, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 0.27 m (0.9 ft) -- earlier generation figure

Performance

Transmission type (current production)Cat planetary power shift, 3 forward/3 reverse
Travel speed, forward 1st/2nd/3rd (current production)6.3 km/h (3.9 mph) / 10.8 km/h (6.7 mph) / 18.2 km/h (11.3 mph)
Travel speed, reverse 1st/2nd/3rd (current production)7.2 km/h (4.5 mph) / 12.4 km/h (7.7 mph) / 18.4 km/h (11.4 mph)
Total steering angle (current production)84 degrees
Steering cycle time, high idle / low idle (current production)3.0 sec / 8.2 sec
Blade digging depth (current production)222 mm (0.7 ft)
Blade maximum tilt (current production)346 mm (1.1 ft)
Blade turning radius, outside corner of blade (current production)6437 mm (21.1 ft)
Blade capacity, straight blade (current production)2.06 m3 (2.69 yd3)
Axle configuration (current production)Front planetary fixed axle, rear planetary oscillating axle, oscillation angle +/-10 degrees
Max travel speed, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), 4 forward/4 reverse gears -- earlier generation figure
GradeabilityNot published for this model

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank (current production)500 L (132.1 gal)
Diesel exhaust fluid tank (current production, Tier 4 Final/Stage V option)16 L (4.2 gal)
Cooling system, Tier 4 Final/Stage V configuration (current production)81 L (21.4 gal)
Cooling system, Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent configuration (current production)73 L (19.3 gal)
Engine crankcase (current production)20 L (5.3 gal), fill with oil meeting Cat ECF-3, API CJ-4/CK-4, or ACEA E9 specification
Transmission (current production)56 L (14.8 gal)
Differentials and final drives, front (current production)65 L (17.2 gal)
Differentials and final drives, rear (current production)65 L (17.2 gal)
Hydraulic system, implement/steering total (current production)175 L (46.2 gal)
Hydraulic tank only (current production)75 L (19.8 gal)
Fuel tank, earlier generation (Cat 3306-powered 815)approximately 352 L (93 gal) -- earlier generation figure

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

815 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)20 L (5.3 US gal). Applies to the current-production 815 Soil Compactor, Cat C7.1 engine; same fill on both the Tier 4 Final/Stage V and the Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent rating.Cat DEO-ULS or Cat DEO Multigrade diesel engine oil meeting Cat ECF-3, API CJ-4, API CK-4, or ACEA E9. Select viscosity by expected start-up and operating temperature: SAE 0W-20 (-40 to 10 degC / -40 to 50 degF), SAE 0W-30 (-40 to 30 degC / -40 to 86 degF), SAE 0W-40 (-40 to 40 degC / -40 to 104 degF), SAE 5W-30 (-30 to 30 degC / -22 to 86 degF), SAE 5W-40 (-30 to 50 degC / -22 to 122 degF), SAE 10W-30 (-18 to 40 degC / 0 to 104 degF), SAE 10W-40 (-18 to 50 degC / 0 to 122 degF), SAE 15W-40 (-9.5 to 50 degC / 15 to 122 degF). Use the highest viscosity available for the temperature at start-up.
Cooling system81 L (21.4 US gal) on Tier 4 Final/Stage V engines; 73 L (19.3 US gal) on Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent engines.Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant), or a commercial extended-life coolant meeting the Cat EC-1 specification, is preferred. Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant), or a commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze meeting ASTM D4985 or ASTM D6210, is acceptable. A 50% ethylene glycol mix gives freeze protection to -37 degC (-34 degF) and boil protection to 106 degC (223 degF); 60% extends freeze protection to -52 degC (-62 degF).
Fuel tank500 L (132.1 US gal).Ultra-low sulfur diesel, 15 ppm sulfur or less. Biodiesel blends up to B20 (FAME) are acceptable when blended with ULSD; engines without aftertreatment can run higher blends up to B100 with dealer consultation. Up to 100% renewable diesel (HVO) or gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel is also permitted.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank16 L (4.2 US gal). Tier 4 Final/Stage V engines only; not fitted on Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent units.DEF meeting ISO 22241-1:2006.
Transmission56 L (14.8 US gal). Cat Planetary Powershift transmission.Cat TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, Cat Arctic TDTO, or a commercial TO-4/TO-4M oil. Viscosity by ambient temperature: SAE 0W-20 (-40 to 10 degC / -40 to 50 degF), SAE 0W-30 (-40 to 20 degC / -40 to 68 degF), SAE 5W-30 (-30 to 20 degC / -22 to 68 degF), SAE 10W (-20 to 10 degC / -4 to 50 degF), SAE 30 (0 to 35 degC / 32 to 95 degF), SAE 50 (10 to 50 degC / 50 to 122 degF); Cat TDTO-TMS covers -20 to 43 degC (-4 to 110 degF) in one grade.
Differentials and final drives - front65 L (17.2 US gal).Cat TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, Cat Arctic TDTO, or a commercial TO-4 oil. For this compactor class: SAE 10W (-25 to 15 degC / -13 to 59 degF), SAE 30 (-20 to 43 degC / -4 to 110 degF), SAE 50 (10 to 50 degC / 50 to 122 degF); Cat TDTO-TMS covers -30 to 43 degC (-22 to 110 degF).
Differentials and final drives - rear65 L (17.2 US gal).Same fluid and viscosity guidance as the front differential and final drive: Cat TDTO / TDTO-TMS / Arctic TDTO or commercial TO-4, graded SAE 10W to SAE 50 by ambient temperature.
Hydraulic system, implement and steering (total)175 L (46.2 US gal) total circuit; the hydraulic tank itself holds 75 L (19.8 US gal).Cat HYDO or Cat HYDO Advanced 10 hydraulic oil. Cat HYDO Advanced 10 (SAE 10W) is preferred between -20 degC and 40 degC (-4 degF to 104 degF) and supports extended drain intervals. Commercial alternative oils must meet a minimum viscosity of 6.6 cSt at 100 degC (212 degF) and should not be cross-contaminated with the previous fill beyond 10%.
Grease (specification only)Not a fill capacity - serviced at grease fittings per the lubrication schedule.Cat Multipurpose Grease, NLGI grade 2, lithium-complex thickener on a petroleum base, for moderate loads and temperatures. In sustained sub-zero climates, Cat Arctic Platinum Grease (NLGI grade 0, synthetic base) pumps down to -50 degC (-58 degF).

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

Caterpillar 815 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 50 h
  • Check engine oil level before starting and top off as needed
  • Inspect all four chevron tamping wheel tips for wear, cracking, or looseness
  • Drain the fuel/water separator bowl and check for contamination
  • Check engine coolant level at the sight gauge
  • Grease the centralized grease bank fittings
  • Walk around and check the grouped hydraulic oil, fuel cooler and condenser service points for leaks
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and filter or per S·O·S sample results
  • Replace primary and secondary fuel filters
  • Inspect the radial air filter element condition against the electronic restriction indicator
  • Check drive belt tension and condition
  • Grease and inspect the articulated frame's oscillating hitch joint
  • Pull engine oil and hydraulic oil samples for S·O·S analysis
Every 500 h
  • Change the hydraulic system filter
  • Check hydrostatic drive oil level and pull a sample
  • Inspect wheel drive motor housings and tamping wheel bearing housings for seepage
  • Clean battery terminals and test charge
  • Inspect ROPS/cab mounting fasteners for torque
Every 1,000 h
  • Change hydraulic oil or extend per S·O·S trend data
  • Change final drive/wheel-drive housing oil
  • Replace fuel filters as a full change-out
  • Inspect engine mounts and cooling system hoses for cracking or softening
  • Check tamping wheel bearing housing oil level and condition
Every 2,000 h
  • Test engine coolant/ELC condition and top off concentration
  • Inspect the turbocharger for shaft play and housing cracks
  • Check engine valve lash per the C7.1 service schedule
  • Inspect articulation and oscillation pins and bushings for wear
  • Torque-check wheel drive motor mounting bolts
Every 4,000 h
  • Adjust engine valve lash if not already done on the engine-scheduled interval
  • Rebuild or reseal tamping wheel bearing housings showing S·O·S wear trends
  • Inspect hydrostatic drive motors for internal wear and replace as trend data warrants
  • Replace worn articulation and oscillation bushings and pins
Every 6,000 h
  • Perform a full extended life coolant (ELC) service and change
  • Overhaul or exchange hydrostatic wheel drive motors reaching end of service life
  • Inspect and renew tamping wheel bearing seals across all four wheels
  • Reassess the articulated frame structure and hitch for fatigue cracking

Servicing the 815 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Run S·O·S sampling on the C7.1 engine oil, hydrostatic drive oil and hydraulic system at every scheduled interval to catch wheel-motor and bearing-housing wear before it becomes a leak. Watch the electronic air inlet restriction indicator rather than a fixed hour count for the radial air filter — it reads actual airflow blockage. Track Machine Drive Power (MDP) trend data; a rolling-resistance drift often flags a stiffening tamping wheel bearing or a soft hydrostatic drive circuit before performance visibly drops.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Expect chevron tamping tip wear, cracking, or loosening on the four wheels first — tips are full-perimeter and replaceable, so rotate and replace before they gouge the wheel rim. Check the articulated frame's oscillating hitch bushings and pins for slop, a common source of uneven compaction. Hydraulic leaks tend to show up at the grouped hydraulic oil, fuel cooler and condenser service points. Fuel/water separator clogging from field diesel is routine — drain the bowl and swap the element at the first sign of restriction.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Major rebuild points on the 815 center on the tamping wheel bearing housings and seals, the hydrostatic wheel-drive motors, and the C7.1 engine's top end (injectors, turbocharger, valve train). Plan bearing-housing reseals and drive-motor rebuilds around S·O·S trend data rather than a blind hour count. Articulation and oscillation pins and bushings wear steadily under compaction shock loads and are a standard mid-life rebuild item. Full-perimeter tamping tip sets typically need wholesale replacement, not patch repair, once wear reaches the base wheel.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Cold-start regions need a full engine coolant/ELC concentration check plus the block heater and correct winter-blend fuel, since the fuel/water separator clogs fast on cold, wet diesel. Hot, dusty compaction sites shorten radial air filter life even with its extended-life design, so watch the restriction indicator more often and clean cooling cores regularly. Wet clay or landfill work loads up the tamping wheel scraper bars and the oscillating hitch with packed material — clear them daily to prevent premature bushing and bearing wear.

815 common service parts

Part numberPart
1P-2299Filter As-FuelCheck fitment →
5S-9665Fuel FilterCheck fitment →

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815 fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
SPN 110 FMI 0Engine coolant temperature signal reads above the normal operating range.Low coolant level, blocked radiator core, fan drive or belt fault, coolant pump failure, or a stuck-closed thermostat.Shut down safely, check coolant level and radiator for debris or airflow blockage, and verify fan operation before restarting.
SPN 100 FMI 1Engine oil pressure signal reads below the normal operating range.Low oil level, a plugged oil filter, worn oil pump, or a faulty oil pressure sensor/circuit.Stop the engine immediately, check oil level and filter condition, and inspect for leaks before restart.
E360In-cab display alert for high engine coolant temperature, generated from the same coolant circuit that produces the SPN 110 code on this engine platform.Cooling system restriction, low coolant, or fan/belt failure causing overheating.Reduce load, monitor the temperature gauge, and correct the cooling system fault before continuing operation.
SPN 2650 FMI 7Diesel particulate filter differential pressure reading does not track the expected soot-load response (mechanical system not responding).Plugged or damaged pressure-sensing lines or ports at the DPF, more often blocked sampling tubes than an outright sensor failure.Inspect and clear the DPF pressure-sensing lines and ports, confirm actual soot load, then replace the sensor only if the fault remains.
SPN 3251 FMI 0Diesel particulate filter soot loading above the normal threshold.Extended idling, short duty cycles, or repeated interrupted regenerations preventing normal soot burn-off.Perform a stationary (parked) regeneration and review idle time and duty cycle.
SPN 3714 FMI 0SCR aftertreatment operator inducement warning tied to reduced NOx conversion efficiency or DEF quality.Contaminated or incorrect DEF, a NOx sensor fault, or a DEF dosing system problem.Verify DEF meets spec and top off if low, then check NOx sensors and the dosing unit if the warning persists.
SPN 5298DEF tank level below the low-level threshold.DEF not topped off, or a faulty DEF level sensor.Refill with correct-spec DEF fluid; check the level sensor if the warning persists after refilling.
SPN 168Battery/system voltage outside the normal range (high or low, depending on FMI).Failing alternator, loose or corroded battery connections, or a weak/bad battery.Check charging system output and battery connections, then load-test the battery.

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

815 attachments & work tools

Model generation / engine note

Current-generation 815 (successor to the 815K) runs a Cat 7.1 engine, offered in a Tier 4 Final/Stage V version and a Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent version. An older 815 nameplate from decades earlier used a Cat 3306 engine rated around 170 hp (127 kW); that is a distinct, much older machine and not this generation's driveline. Attachment data below applies to the current production 815.

Dozer blade

Front-mounted straight blade for spreading and rough grading, offered with manual tilt or hydraulic tilt cylinders. An optional four-way tilting blade adds angle and pitch control for high-production spreading. Blade width runs about 3.76 m (12 ft 4 in), in line with the machine's overall operating width class.

Tamping wheel tips

Standard tip design is a full-perimeter chevron tamping tip, replaceable in segments, sized roughly 190 mm (7.5 in) tall by 168 mm (6.6 in) wide. This tip geometry targets soil and fill compaction and traction, not waste shredding or demolition debris duty.

Cleaner bars

Each wheel carries cleaner bars fitted with adjustable, heat-treated, direct-hardened cutting-edge tips that strip packed material from between the tamping feet. Standard and abrasive-duty tip grades are offered depending on soil abrasiveness.

Coupler / mounting system

The blade mounts on pinned push-arms at the front frame rather than a universal quick-coupler plate. Tilt motion runs through dedicated hydraulic cylinders built into the blade linkage, so blade change-out is a pin-and-cylinder job, not a coupler-style swap.

Hydraulic kit / arrangement notes

Hydraulic tilt and four-way tilt blades need the machine's optional blade-tilt hydraulic circuit (extra cylinder plus valve arrangement) that base manual-tilt machines do not carry. Adding tilt function after the fact means ordering that hydraulic kit rather than a simple blade swap.

Compaction technology / grade control

Optional Compaction Control with Machine Drive Power gives an energy-based, rolling-resistance readout of soil stiffness pass by pass. An optional 3D mapping display lets the operator track pass count and coverage across the fill in real time.

Guarding and protective structures

Cab sits on a ROPS/FOPS structure as the base protective frame. Optional brick guards shield the front and top of the machine for rubble or debris-strewn fill sites.

Cold-weather and site-condition options

Factory options include 120V or 240V engine coolant heaters for cold starts, dual-stage engine precleaners for dusty fill sites, a fast-fill fuel tank, and a choice of standard or LED lighting.

Sound suppression package

An optional low-sound package trims exterior and operator sound levels for noise-restricted jobsites, layered on top of the standard cab sound package.

Axle configuration

Standard driveline pairs an open front axle with a no-spin rear axle for traction on uneven or soft fill surfaces; this is a factory driveline configuration choice rather than a bolt-on attachment.

All 815 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 815. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Central Structure
2p6202 Camshaft Group
2P***02Camshaft Group-Single; Single Camshaft Group1
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5s6429 Connecting Rod And Piston Group--6 Required
5S***29Connecting Rod And Piston; Connecting Rod And Piston Group1
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6a6611 Cylinder Block Cover Group
6A***11Cover Group-Cylinder Block; Cylinder Block Cover Group1
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5c203 Cylinder Block Cover Group
5C***03Cover Group-Cylinder Block; Cylinder Block Cover Group1
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4n7693 Crankshaft Assembly -- Field Installation
9s3057 Crankshaft Assembly--Field Installation
Crankshaft Bearing And Thrust Plate Replacement Groups
4S***81Bearing (.010 In. Undersize); Bearing (0.25 mm Undersize)7
4S***83Bearing (.020 Undersize); Bearing (.020 Undersize)7
4S***85Bearing (.030 In. Undersize); Bearing (0.76 mm Undersize)7
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2p6220 Crankshaft Group
5c3833 Crankshaft Group
5C***33Crankshaft Group; Crankshaft Group1
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2p7307 Crankshaft Seal Group
6a6670 Cylinder Block Assembly
6a6613 Cylinder Block Cover Group
5c1517 Cylinder Block Cover Group
6a7804 Cylinder Block Cover Group
6a6612 Cylinder Block Cover Group
6a3831 Cylinder Block Group
6A***31Cylinder Block Group; Cylinder Block Group1
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4n4028 Connecting Rod And Piston Group--6 Required
4N***28Piston & Rod Group; Connecting Rod And Piston Group1
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9s8912 Connecting Rod And Piston Group--6 Required
9S***12Piston & Rod Group; Connecting Rod And Piston Group1
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2p6225 Crankshaft Seal Group
2P***25Seal Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Seal Group1
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2p6223 Crankshaft Seal Group
2P***23Seal Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Seal Group1
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Cooling System
2p6215 Engine Oil Cooler Group
2P***15Cooler Group-Engine Oil; Oil Cooler Group Engine1
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2p6510 Transmission Oil Cooler Group
2P***10Cooler Group-Transmission Oil; Transmission Oil Cooler Group1
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2p6515 Transmission Oil Cooler Group
2P***15Cooler Group-Transmission Oil; Transmission Oil Cooler Group1
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2p6508 Transmission Oil Cooler Group
2P***08Cooler Group-Transmission Oil; Transmission Oil Cooler Group1
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2p8173 Housing And Regulator Group
2P***73Housing & Regulator Group; Regulator And Housing Group1
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2p8171 Housing And Regulator Group
2P***71Housing & Regulator Group; Housing And Regulator Group1
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3n3271 Housing And Regulator Group
3N***71Housing & Regulator Group; Housing And Regulator Group1
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2p8175 Housing And Regulator Group
2P***75Housing & Regulator Group; Regulator And Housing Group1
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2p8174 Housing And Regulator Group
2P***74Housing & Regulator Group; Housing And Regulator Group1
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2p7740 Water Lines Group--Elbow
2P***40Lines Group-Water; Water Lines Group--Elbow1
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2p7741 Water Lines Group--Pipe
2P***41Lines Group-Water; Water Lines Group-- Pipe1
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2p6188 Water Lines Group
2P***88Lines Group-Water; Water Lines Group1
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2p661 Water Pump Group
2P***61Pump Group-Water; Water Pump Group1
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2p662 Water Pump Group
2P***62Pump Group-Water; Water Pump Group1
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Front Structure
2p6528 Front Housing Cover Group--Timing Gear
2P***28Cover Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Cover Group1
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4n5162 Front Housing Cover Group--Timing Gear
4N***62Cover Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Cover Group1
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2p6529 Front Housing Cover Group--Timing Gear
2P***29Cover Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Cover Group1
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2p7838 Damper Group
2p2503 Damper Group
2P***03Damper Group-Pulley & Cshft; Crankshaft And Pulley Damper Group1
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4n8537 Fan Drive Group
4N***37Drive Group-Fan; Fan Drive Group1
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2p7831 Fan Drive Group
2P***31Drive Group-Fan; Fan Drive Group1
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4n3506 Support Group--Front
2p7744 Support Group--Front And Rear
2p6498 Front Housing Fastener Group--Timing Gear
2P***98Fastener Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Fastener Group1
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2p6498 Front Housing Fastener Group
2P***98Fastener Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Fastener Group1
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2p6211 Front Gear Group--Timing
2P***11Front Gear Group; Front Gear Group-Timing1
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2p6153 Front Housing Group--Timing Gear
2P***53Front Housing; Front Housing Group1
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2p9642 Front Gear Group--Timing
2p9641 Front Housing Group--Timing Gear
2P***41Housing Group-Front; Front Housing Group1
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2p8213 Pulley Group
2P***13Pulley Group; Pulley Group (Crankshaft & Fan Drive)1
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6a6606 Pulley Group
4n3879 Pulley Group
6a6607 Pulley Group
6a6605 Pulley Group
2p8158 Pulley Group
2P***58Pulley Group; Fan Drive Pulley Group1
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2p8601 Pulley Group
4n3562 Pulley Group
4N***62Pulley Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Pulley Group1
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2p7753 Support Group--Front
2P***53Support Group-Engine; Front Engine Support Group1
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2p6246 Trunnion Group
Fuel System And Governor
9n867 Fuel Ratio Control Group
6n3609 Torque Control Group
6n3630 Torque Control Group
4n9240 Torque Control Group
4n4510 Governor Cover Group
4N***10Cover Group-Governor; Governor Cover Group1
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4n7249 Tachometer Drive Group
1p2299 Fuel Filter Assembly
1P***99Filter As-Fuel; (Advanced Efficiency)(Secondary)1
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4n9882 Fuel Filter Group
4N***82Filter Group-Fuel; Fuel Filter Group1
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1p6835 Primary Fuel Filter Group
1P***35Filter Group-Primary Fuel; Primary Fuel Filter Group1
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5s9665 Fuel Filter Group
5s9666 Fuel Filter Group
8s9311 Fuel Filter Group
4n3599 Fuel Filter Group
2p7456 Fuel Injection Lines Group
2p7457 Fuel Injection Lines Group
4n8007 Fuel Injection Lines Group
2p7459 Fuel Injection Lines Group
4n3649 Fuel Injection Lines Group
5c3190 Fuel Injection Lines Group
2p7709 Fuel Priming Pump Group
7s1251 Fuel Priming Pump Group
5s9571 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
5s9075 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
7s9337 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
5s9076 Fuel Pump Housing Group
4n4900 Fuel Ratio Control
4n4873 Fuel Transfer Pump Group (7s5108 N/S)
7s4430 Fuel Transfer Pump Group
7s5445 Fuel Transfer Pump Group (7s5108 N/S)
5s8501 Glow Plug Group
5S***01Glow Plug Group; Glow Plug And Wiring Group1
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6n263 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 2
6n5355 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 1 Of 4
4n1836 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 2 Of 4
6n3472 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 1
4n1836 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 4 Of 4
6n7603 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6n299 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***99Gov & Fuel Inj Pump Group; Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n3472 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6n261 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6n2840 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***40Gov & Fuel Inj Pump Group; Governor & Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n5355 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 2 Of 4
6n7601 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***01Gov & Fuel Inj Pump Group; Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n5355 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 3 Of 4
6n5355 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 4 Of 4
6n294 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***94Gov & Fuel Inj Pump Group; Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n263 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 1
4n1836 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 1 Of 4
4n1836 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Part 3 Of 4
6n1241 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***41Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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5c3189 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 3
5C***89Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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7s6740 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
7S***40Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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5c3189 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 1
5C***89Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n300 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***00Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group; Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n308 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***08Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n304 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***04Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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5c3189 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group--Type 2
5C***89Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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6n298 Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
6N***98Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group1
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7s9333 Governor Group--Part 2 Of 2--Type 3
9s5740 Governor Group--Type 1
7s9332 Governor Group--Part 1 Of 2--Type 2
7s9333 Governor Group--Part 1 Of 2--Type 3
7s9332 Governor Group--Part 2 Of 2--Type 2
9s5740 Governor Group--Type 3
9s5740 Governor Group--Type 2
7s9333 Governor Group--Type 2
7s9333 Governor Group--Type 1
7s9332 Governor Group--Part 1 Of 2--Type 1
7s9332 Governor Group--Part 2 Of 2--Type 1
9s9028 Torque Control Group
8s5042 Torque Control Group
4n3650 Torque Control Group
8l8682 Governor Torque Spring Group
9s9345 Governor Torque Spring Group
2p8916 Fuel Injection Lines Group
2P***16Lines Group-Fuel Injection; Fuel Injection Lines Group1
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4n8054 Fuel Injection Lines Group
4N***54Lines Group-Fuel Injection; Fuel Injection Lines Group1
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4n3336 Service Meter Group
4N***36Meter Group-Service; Service Meter Group1
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9s8912 Service Meter Group
9S***12Piston & Rod Group; Connecting Rod And Piston Group1
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9h2256 Pump Assembly
4n9625 Fuel Priming Pump Group
4N***25Pump Group-Fuel Priming; Fuel Priming Pump Group1
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4n3287 Fuel Priming Pump Group
4N***87Pump Group-Fuel Priming; Pump Group-Fuel Priming1
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4n4314 Fuel Priming Pump Group
4N***14Pump Group-Fuel Priming; Fuel Priming Pump Group1
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4n4864 Fuel Transfer Pump Group--Type 2
7s4429 Fuel Transfer Pump Group
7S***29Pump Group-Fuel Transfer; Fuel Transfer Pump Group1
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4n4864 Fuel Transfer Pump Group
9s3312 Torque Control Group
8s3688 Service Meter Group
8S***88Service Meter; Service Meter Group1
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9s7993 Service Meter Group
9s5141 Service Meter Group
9s7127 Service Meter Drive Group
4n3554 Service Meter Drive Group
4n8064 Service Meter Group
4n4026 Service Meter Group
4N***26Service Meter Group; Service Meter Group1
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9s7128 Service Meter Group
4n4025 Service Meter Group
1p6474 Torque Control Group
6n3610 Torque Control Group
6n454 Torque Control Group
6n509 Torque Control Group
6n581 Torque Control Group
Gasket Kit
Gasket Kits
Intake And Exhaust System
2p7721 Accessory Drive Group
2p7801 Air Compressor Group
2P***01Air Compressor Group; Air Compressor Group1
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2p7800 Air Compressor Group
4n3616 Air Lines Group
2p6849 Air Lines Group
2P***49Air Lines Group; Air Lines Group1
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6a9358 Air Lines Group
6n39 Air Lines Group
5c4668 Air Lines Group
2p6846 Air Lines Group
2p6847 Air Lines Group
2p7352 Exhaust Pipe Group
4n9586 Exhaust Manifold Fastener Group
4N***86Fastener Group-Exhaust Manifold; Exhaust Manifold Fastener Group1
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2p6534 Exhaust Manifold Fastener Group
2P***34Fastener Group-Exhaust Manifold; Exhaust Manifold Fastener Group1
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2p6841 Air Lines Group
2P***41Lines Group-Air; Air Lines Group1
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4n9218 Air Lines Group
4N***18Lines Group-Air; Air Lines Group1
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6n158 Air Lines Group
6N***58Lines Group-Air; Air Lines Group1
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2p7802 Air Compressor Lines Group
2P***02Lines Group-Air Compressor; Air Compressor Lines Group1
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4n3333 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
4N***33Lines Group-Turbocharger Oil; Turbocharger Oil Lines Group1
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2p7315 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
6n25 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
4n4625 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
4N***25Lines Group-Turbocharger Oil; Turbocharger Oil Lines Group1
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6n443 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
6N***43Lines Group-Turbocharger Oil; Turbocharger Oil Lines Group1
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2p6573 Exhaust Manifold Group
6n164 Exhaust Manifold Group
2p6572 Exhaust Manifold Group
2P***72Manifold Group-Exhaust; Exhaust Manifold Group1
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8s9234 Turbocharger Assembly (5s9584 N/S)
8s9237 Turbocharger Assembly (7s1701 N/S)
5s9584 Turbocharger Group
7s1701 Turbocharger Group
4n9554 Turbocharger Group
4n9618 Turbocharger Group
4n9169 Turbocharger Group
4N***69Turbocharger Group; Turbocharger Group1
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4n8969 Turbocharger Group
6n1571 Basic Turbocharger Group
4n8970 Turbocharger Group
2p7316 Turbocharger Oil Lines Group
Lower Structure
2p6200 Oil Pan Fastener Group
2P***00Fastener Group-Oil Pan; Fastener Gp-Engine Oil Pan1
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2p6199 Oil Pan Fastener Group
2P***99Fastener Group-Oil Pan; Oil Pan Fastener Group1
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2p6206 Oil Pan Fastener Group
2P***06Fastener Group-Oil Pan; Oil Pan Fastener Group1
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2p6174 Oil Pan Group
2p6152 Oil Pan Group
Lubrication System
1p4244 Breather Group
4n4817 Oil Filler Group
4N***17Filler Group-Oil; Oil Filler Group1
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4n4791 Oil Filler Group
4N***91Filler Group-Oil; Oil Filler Group1
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2p6855 Oil Filler Group
4n5139 Oil Filler Group
2p6475 Oil Filter Group
2P***75Filter Group-Engine Oil; Oil Filter Group (10z1 ~ 10z7023)1
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2p6525 Oil Filter Group
4n3325 Fumes Disposal Group
4N***25Fumes Disposal Group; Fumes Disposal Group1
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2p7447 Fumes Disposal Group
6n4873 Fumes Disposal Group
6N***73Fumes Disposal Group; Fumes Disposal Group1
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2p9609 Oil Level Gauge Group
2P***09Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick)1
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6n4556 Oil Level Gauge Group
6N***56Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick)1
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2p6493 Oil Level Gauge Group
2P***93Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick); -Engine1
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2p6109 Oil Lines Group
2P***09Lines Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Lines Group1
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2p6105 Oil Lines Group
2P***05Lines Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Lines Group1
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4n5138 Oil Filler Group
2p1785 Gear Pump Group
2p1784 Oil Pump Group
2P***84Pump Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Pump Group1
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Rear Structure
2p8159 Rear Gear Group
2P***59Drive Group-Accessory; Rear Gear Group Accessory Drive1
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2p8161 Rear Gear Group
2P***61Drive Group-Accessory; Rear Gear Group-Accessory Drive1
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7s5471 Flywheel Group
7s7874 Flywheel Group
7s7877 Flywheel Group
2p1663 Flywheel Group
7s7878 Flywheel Group
7s7875 Flywheel Group
2p2702 Flywheel Group
7s7753 Flywheel Group
2p6814 Flywheel Housing Group
2p6131 Flywheel Housing Group
2P***31Housing Group-Flywheel; Flywheel Housing Group1
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2p6119 Flywheel Housing Group
2P***19Housing Group-Flywheel; Flywheel Housing Group1
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4n5825 Flywheel Housing Group
4N***25Housing Group-Flywheel; Flywheel Housing Group1
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2p6156 Flywheel Housing Group
2P***56Housing Group-Flywheel; Flywheel Housing Group1
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Upper Structure
2p6531 Cylinder Head Cover Group
2P***31Cover Group-Cylinder Head; Cylinder Head Cover Group1
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2p6530 Cylinder Head Cover Group
2P***30Cover Group-Cylinder Head; Cylinder Head Cover Group1
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2p6516 Valve Mechanism Cover Group
2P***16Cover Group-Valve Mechanism; Valve Mechanism Cover Group1
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4n7446 Cylinder Head Assembly
4N***46Cylinder Head As; Head Assembly-- Parts Service1
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5c707 Cylinder Head Fastener Group
2p6486 Cylinder Head Group
2P***86Cylinder Head Group; Cylinder Head Group1
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2p6476 Cylinder Head Group
2P***76Cylinder Head Group; Cylinder Head Group1
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2p6546 Cylinder Head Fastener Group
2P***46Fastener Group-Cylinder Head; Cylinder Head Fastener Group1
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1p3840 Lifting Eye Group
1P***40Lifting Group; Lifting Eye Group1
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2p6526 Valve Mechanism Group
2P***26Valve-Mechanism Group; Valve Mechanism Group1
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Vehicular Engine
Engine Arrangement
Engine Arrangements

815 serial number reference

The PIN plate is a riveted metal tag on the machine frame, typically near the operator's station or on the front frame/hood support; older 815 units also stamp the number on the frame itself. Read the first 2-3 characters as the prefix (model/series and plant code) and the following digits as the sequential unit number within that prefix.

PrefixIdentifies
91POriginal 815 soil compactor, first production run
15ROriginal 815 soil compactor, later production run

Frequently asked questions

What engine powers the Cat 815 Soil Compactor?

The current-production 815 runs a Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel, offered as a Tier 4 Final/Stage V package (about 212 kW / 284 hp gross) or a Tier 3/Stage IIIA-equivalent package (about 213 kW / 286 hp gross), with net power around 186 kW (249 hp) on the Tier 4 Final engine. The older, unrelated 1970s-2000s 815 generation used a mechanical Cat 3306 engine instead — verify which era you have from the data plate before ordering engine parts.

What is the operating weight of the Cat 815 Soil Compactor?

Operating weight runs about 22.1 to 22.4 t (48,740 to 49,353 lb), varying with the emissions package and attachments fitted. Check the data plate for your exact configuration.

What replaced the Cat 815 Soil Compactor?

The current 815, introduced in 2021, is itself the replacement for the 815K, continuing a line that runs 815F, 815F Series 2, 815K, and now 815. It remains Caterpillar's current-production model in this class, so no newer machine has replaced it yet.

What 815 owners discuss

What engine powers the Caterpillar 815, and how much power should I expect?
Parts records and owner references tie the original 815 to the Cat 3306 diesel, with reported ratings from roughly 127 kW (170 hp) and up depending on model year and configuration - treat any single horsepower figure as approximate and confirm against your machine's data plate rather than a general spec sheet. Current-production 815 units are a separate, much newer generation built around the Cat C7.1 engine instead, with emissions-tier engine packages offered by market. Don't mix data between the two: a rebuild spec or torque value for a 3306-powered unit won't apply to a C7.1 machine, and vice versa - always match parts and procedures to your serial prefix, not just the model name.
The compactor won't move, or creeps badly under load - where do owners and techs start looking?
Forum troubleshooting on 3306-era 815s starts with the powertrain rather than the engine. Check transmission oil level and cleanliness first, then pull the filters and suction screen and look for metal or clutch friction material in them - that's the tell for internal transmission damage that needs a teardown rather than a simple fix. If oil and screens look clean, move to the hydraulic side: check charge pressure, pump condition, and hoses/seals for leaks before condemning a clutch pack. One documented case that checked out clean on oil, pressure, and linkage still ended up needing the transmission pulled and opened up, so a normal dipstick reading doesn't rule out an internal failure. Have your dealer verify pressures against the correct spec for your serial range before replacing major components.
What's different about diagnostics and electronics on an older 815 compared to newer Cat machines?
Pre-electronic 815s (mid-1990s build and earlier) don't carry a programmable ECM - control is hard-wired, so there is no modern flash-code scan routine. The diagnostic connector sits behind the front dash panel next to the harness code plug, and pulling stored information requires an external code-reader box matched to that code plug. A dead hour meter on these machines is a gauge/sender fault, not a controller problem, and it doesn't stop stored fault codes from being retrievable - but once the meter itself fails, the accumulated hour total is gone for good. Later electronically-controlled 815-family machines use their own updated schematics and diagnostic connectors; don't apply 3306-era hard-wired logic to those.
What wear pattern shows up on the padfoot drums and tips over time?
The tamping tips wear as a system: chevron-pattern tips sit on a base assembly and are meant to be replaced without pulling the whole drum. Because the tip pattern is symmetrical, owners report fairly even wear whether the machine spends most of its time working forward or in reverse. The other commonly-watched wear item is the cleaner bars on each wheel, which keep carryover material from packing between the tips - bent or worn cleaner bars are an easy thing to miss and tend to show up first as a drop in compaction quality rather than an obvious mechanical failure.
Any wear points at the articulation joint that owners keep an eye on?
Grease points are centralized around the articulation hitch for quick daily access, and the general rule owners and mechanics apply is to grease every shift - roughly every 8 to 10 hours - tightening that to about every 4 hours in wet or sandy ground. Skipping greasing intervals in abrasive conditions is the most commonly cited cause of accelerated pin and bushing wear at the hitch. It's a cheap habit that heads off an expensive repair, and articulation play is one of the first things worth checking on any used unit.
What's the used-buying checklist the community applies to a Cat 815?
Consensus checklist: drum tip/pad condition and remaining wear life (often quoted by sellers as a percentage - treat a low number as a near-term cost), whether the engine has been rebuilt or is original, blade condition and function (straight vs. tilt), cab and control condition if enclosed, total hours, and maintenance records. The 3306 diesel used in earlier 815s is a genuinely long-lived design - owners commonly report 15,000-20,000-plus hours before a major overhaul with decent upkeep - so high hours alone isn't automatically a red flag on this engine if service records back it up. A high-hour machine with no paper trail is the bigger risk. Have your dealer run a full inspection and pressure-check the transmission and hydraulics before you commit, especially without documented history.
Is the 815 the right size compactor for placing large volumes of clay fill, or should you step up?
Operators who've run both describe the 815 struggling to keep pace on high-volume clay placement when the fill itself is marginal - high-plasticity material with many loads per hour arriving faster than it can be worked. For that kind of production, the consensus favors stepping up to an 825-class compactor, or supplementing with a towed sheepsfoot or impact roller behind a tractor in tight areas like keyways. The 815 is generally described as a better match for truck-fill work than for large scraper fills, where sustained volume can outrun it.

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

Serial-range & configuration variants

This page covers the Caterpillar 815. Related factory variants of the same model family:

815

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