Caterpillar 815B
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar 815B is a heavy-duty earthmoving soil compactor designed for high-speed compaction on large-scale earthworks projects. This machine class features a Caterpillar 3306 engine delivering approximately 216 hp (161.1 kW). It operates with an operating weight range of roughly 44,169 lb (19,995 kg) and is configured with four 39-inch-wide steel drums for effective soil stabilization. The 815B serves as a predecessor in the lineage of Caterpillar's specialized compaction technology.
Across generations, the 815 series has evolved from the mechanical focus of the 815B to the highly integrated, sensor-driven capabilities found in newer models like the 815K. In today's used equipment market, the 815B remains a significant asset due to its robust Caterpillar 3306 powertrain and availability of reliable aftermarket components. Its presence in the secondary market is driven by its proven durability in quarrying and roadwork applications where high-capacity compaction is required.
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 815B specifications
Engine
| Engine Model | 3306 |
| Gross Power | 216 hp (161.1 kW) |
| Displacement | 640.8 cu in (10.5 L) |
Weights
| Operating Weight | 44,169.7 lb (20,035 kg) |
Dimensions
| Length With Blade On Ground | 6800 mm (22.31 ft) |
| Width Over Wheels | 3240 mm (10.63 ft) |
| Height To Top Of Cab | 3530 mm (11.59 ft) |
| Wheelbase | 3350 mm (11 ft) |
| Ground Clearance | 203 mm (0.67 ft) |
Performance
| Number of Forward Gears | 4 |
| Number of Reverse Gears | 4 |
| Front Wheels Drum Diameter | 1030 mm (40.6 in) |
| Front Wheels Drum Width | 978 mm (38.6 in) |
| Rear Wheels Drum Diameter | 1030 mm (40.6 in) |
| Rear Wheels Drum Width | 978 mm (38.6 in) |
| Blade Height | 8600 mm (338.6 in) |
| Blade Width | 3760 mm (12.4 ft) |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel Capacity | 462 L (122.1 gal) |
| Coolant | ELC |
| Hydraulic System | HYDO Advanced |
| Engine Oil | DEO or DEO-ULS |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
815B fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crankcase (with filter) | Not specified | Cat DEO or Cat DEO-ULS; SAE 15W-40 or SAE 10W-30; DEO-ULS for ECF-3 / API CJ-4 requirements; 0W-40 for cold weather applications |
| Cooling system | Not specified | Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) |
| Hydraulic system and tank | Not specified | Cat HYDO Advanced; use bio-based hydraulic fluid to optimize drain intervals; avoid topping off with generic oils to prevent sludge and valve clogging |
| Grease | Not specified | Cat Multipurpose Grease (low-load/low-speed); Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease (medium-load/medium-speed); Cat Ultra 5Moly Grease (high-load/high-speed); Cat Desert Gold Grease (hot-weather); Cat Arctic Platinum Grease (cold-weather) |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar 815B maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 10 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
Servicing the 815B beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
Utilize Caterpillar S.O.S Services to monitor engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant. Analyze engine oil for wear metals like iron or copper and contaminants such as silicon from dirt ingestion. For the hydraulic system, track particle counts and viscosity changes to prevent pump failure. Regular coolant analysis is critical to detect pH shifts or SCA depletion before internal corrosion occurs.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Address common failures by monitoring hydraulic return filters; contamination causes the majority of hydraulic component damage. Inspect for air leaks in the intake system and check turbocharger integrity during mid-tier services. If engine oil appears milky, immediately investigate potential head gasket failure or coolant contamination. Ensure all hydraulic hoses are checked for abrasions to prevent high-pressure leaks.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
Plan major interventions during 2,000-hour intervals. Focus on a full transmission service and hydraulic oil replacement to maintain powertrain efficiency. Conduct comprehensive structural inspections of the chassis and blade attachments for fatigue cracks. Evaluate major components like the engine and final drives for wear that necessitates rebuild. Replacing worn undercarriage components prevents much more expensive structural damage.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
In high-dust or quarry environments, shorten air filter inspection intervals to daily checks and replace elements at 500 hours instead of the standard interval. Clean radiator and oil cooler fins daily to prevent overheating. For machines operating in extreme temperatures, utilize Caterpillar Arctic or Desert specialty greases to maintain lubrication integrity and protect pins and bushings from accelerated wear.
815B fault codes & troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110-0 | Engine Coolant Temperature — Above Normal | Low coolant level or thermostat failure | Inspect cooling system and refill coolant |
| 110-3 | Engine Coolant Temp Sensor — Voltage High | Open circuit or sensor failure | Check wiring and replace sensor if faulty |
| 174-3 | Engine Fuel Temperature — Voltage Above Normal | Open circuit in sensor wiring | Inspect harness and replace sensor if necessary |
| 190-8 | Engine Speed — Abnormal Frequency | Speed sensor air gap, sensor failure, or tone ring damage | Check sensor gap and test speed sensor/tone ring |
| 41-3 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Above Normal | Short to power on 8V reference circuit | Inspect sensors sharing the 8V supply and isolate fault |
| 41-4 | 8-Volt DC Supply — Voltage Below Normal | Short to ground on 8V reference circuit | Disconnect sensors one at a time to locate short |
| 2348-9 | SAE J1939 Data Link #2 — Abnormal Update Rate | CAN bus wiring damage or termination fault | Check CAN wiring and measure termination resistance |
Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.
815B attachments & work tools
Blades
Includes straight blade GP-straight and knockdown configurations. Typical width for this class is 12.4 ft (3.78 m).
Mounting & Conversion Systems
Machine supports conversion groups for use in specific regional configurations, such as machines exported without ROPS.
Hydraulic & Engine Support
Supports hydraulic pumping for blades. Engine uses 3306 model with 216 hp (161.1 kW) gross power. Optional aftertreatment catalyst mufflers are available for field installation.
Factory Configurations & Guarding
Available with dust ejector groups and sound suppression arrangements. Factory options include Cat Compact GPS mapping for visibility of compacted areas and cut/fill data.
All 815B assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 815B. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Basic Engine
9n-5760 Damper Gp
| 9N***60 | Damper Group | 1 |
Engine Arrangement
284-3288 Conversion Ar-Engine
| 28***88 | Conversion Ar-Engine | 1 |
Fuel System
7c-8993 Fastener Gp-Fuel Inj Pump
| 7C***93 | Fastener Group-Fuel Inj Pump | 1 |
111-5162 Control Gp-Fuel Ratio
| 11***62 | Control Group-Fuel Ratio (Basic) | 1 |
2w-2410 Governor Gp
| 2W***10 | Governor Group | 1 |
111-3769 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
| 11***69 | Pump Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
4p-9827 Pump Gp-Fuel Injection
| 4P***27 | Pump Group-Fuel Injection | 1 |
115-7536 Pump Gp-Gov & Fuel Inj
| 11***36 | Pump Group-Gov & Fuel Inj | 1 |
7c-8992 Seal Gp-Pump
| 7C***92 | Seal Group; -Fuel | 1 |
8n-7276 Torque Control Gp
| 8N***76 | Torque Control Group | 1 |
Service Equipment And Supplies
284-3300 Kit-Engine Parts
| 28***00 | Kit-Engine Parts | 1 |
284-7809 Kit-Engine Parts
| 28***09 | Kit-Hardware; (Emission Upgrade) | 1 |
815B serial number reference
The PIN plate is typically located on the machine outer frame. The prefix consists of the first three alphanumeric characters of the serial number, which identifies the specific model and manufacturing factory.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 17Z | 815B Soil Compactor | Serial prefix 17Z identifies the Caterpillar 815B Soil Compactor. Engine: CAT 3306, 10.5L, 6-cylinder turbocharged. Flywheel horsepower: 210 HP (156.6 kW). Transmission: Powershift 4F/4R. |
Frequently asked questions
What engine is used in the Caterpillar 815B?
The Caterpillar 815B is equipped with a Caterpillar 3306 engine providing 216 hp (161.1 kW) of gross power.
What is the operating weight of this machine?
The operating weight for the 815B is approximately 44,169 lb (19,995 kg).
What model replaced the 815B?
The 815B was succeeded by later iterations in the Caterpillar compactor lineup, including the 815K series.
What 815B owners discuss
What engine is used in the Caterpillar 815B compactor?
What are the common transmission and hydraulic failure symptoms for this model?
What are the known electrical issues to watch for on Caterpillar machines?
What maintenance is required for the 815B braking system?
What fluid specifications should be used for maintenance?
What should be checked when buying a used Caterpillar 815B?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
Need a specific 815B part?
Search live OEM part data, check fitment, and cross-reference alternatives with Heavy Parts AI.